1. Lesson Objectives25/11/13 Compare batch and continuous industrial processes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to……… Describe the differences between batch & continuous processes. Explain why batch processes are often used for the production of pharmaceutical drugs, but continuous processes are used to produce chemicals such as ammonia. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of batch and continuous manufacturing processes given relevant data and information.

2. Batch processing and continuous processing are two different ways of manufacturing chemicals. A chemical that is needed in a large amount is usually made by a continuous process. Production goes on all the time. Ammonia is made by a continuous process called the Haber process A chemical that is needed in a small amount or only as needed (a speciality chemical) is usually made by a batch process. Production does not go on all the time. Pharmaceutical drugs (medicines) are made one batch at a time because of time and cost considerations.

3. Main menu Back to C4f Batch Processes In this the reactants are put in a reaction vessel. The reaction happens and the product is removed. Medicinespharmaceutical Medicines and pharmaceutical drugs are often made in batches Batch processes: Make a product on demand Make a product on a small scale Can make a variety of products Are labour intensive because the reactor needs to be filled, emptied and cleaned Usually requires specialists to make the products Next page

4. Main menu Back to C4f Continuous Processes reactants product In this, reactants are continually being fed into a large reactor and the product is continually being produced and collected at the same time (like a conveyor belt) Continuous processes: Operate all the time Make a product on a large scale Are dedicated to making just one product Can run automatically so low labour costs Next page

5. FactorContinuousBatch Cost of factory equipment HighLow Rate of production HighLow Shut-down times RareOften WorkforceFew people neededMany people needed Ease of automation Relatively easyRelatively difficult