The chemical industry is central to the modern world economy
The chemical industry consists of companies that produce industrial chemicals. The industry uses chemical processes such as chemical reactions and refining methods to convert raw materials such as oil, gas, air, water, metals and minerals into more than 70000 different products. These products include petrochemicals, agrochemicals, ceramics, polymers and rubber (elastomers), oil and chemical products (oils, fats and waxes), explosives, spices and flavors. Therefore, chemical industry is the center of modern world economy.
Most of the products produced are used for the production of other products, but a small part is directly used by consumers. Solvents, pesticides, lyes, washing alkali and Portland cement are several examples of products used by consumers.
Although the pharmaceutical industry is generally considered a chemical industry, it has many different characteristics that make it a separate category. Other closely related industries include oil, glass, paint, ink, sealants, adhesives and food processing manufacturers.
Chemical processes such as chemical reactions are used in chemical plants to form new substances in various types of reaction vessels. In many cases, these reactions are carried out in special corrosion resistant equipment using catalysts at high temperature and pressure. The products of these reactions are separated by various techniques, including distillation, especially fractionation, precipitation, crystallization, adsorption, filtration, sublimation and drying. Processes and products are usually tested by special instruments and on-site quality control laboratories during and after manufacturing to ensure safe operation and to ensure that the products meet the required specifications. Products are packaged and delivered in a variety of ways, including pipelines, tank trucks and tankers (solid and liquid), cylinders, barrels, cylinders and boxes. Chemical companies usually have a research and development laboratory for the development and testing of products and processes. These facilities may include pilot plants and these research facilities may be located separately from the production plant.
Polymers and plastics - especially polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene and polycarbonate - account for about 80% of global industrial production. Chemicals are used to make a variety of consumer goods, as well as inputs to agriculture, manufacturing, construction and services. Major industrial customers include those using rubber and plastic products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining, pulp and paper, and primary metals. Chemicals is a global enterprise with nearly 2 trillion US dollars. Chemical companies in the European Union and the United States are the world's largest producers.
