Process industry

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The process industry is a branch of industry that includes chemical , petrochemical , gas processing, pharmaceutical , food, sugar , pulp, paper , glass, steel and cement manufacturing companies and their suppliers. Process industries are often spoken of in order to do justice to the diversity of the various areas.

Naming

The process industry processes substances and materials in chemical, physical, biological or other technical processes and procedures . Substances and materials are, for example, converted, shaped, mixed or separated, poured , pressed, etc. Some typical processes are chemical reactions and the processing of the reaction products through distillation or crystallization , crude oil processing through rectification , the melting of glass , however and the baking of bread (at least on an industrial scale).

Innovations

The process industry is a technologically demanding industry that is dependent on innovation , as new developments are forced by external constraints. These include in particular legal regulations, for example in the environmental sector, but also the price development and availability of raw materials and technical developments that require new materials and substances. The process industry therefore employs many scientists and engineers from the technical fields.

Procedures and Techniques

The processes and techniques used in the process industry include laboratory and general analysis techniques, thermal (such as distilling ) and mechanical (such as sieving ) processes, control, measurement and control technology , material transport techniques (such as pumps and conveyor belts), Material development, but also safety technology. Occupational safety is of great importance. Plant engineering is an important part of the process industry .

Customers

The products produced by the process industry are further processed in the processing industry and are mostly not intended for the end consumer.

See also

  • ACHEMA : Triennial trade fair for the process industry (focus is on chemistry)