Although not nearly as famous, continuous processes have revolutionized manufacturing in the same way that assembly lines did. These processes provide companies with a wide variety of advantages: increased production volume, higher quality control, decreased production costs, and lower energy usage. However, for companies to reap these advantages, everything must run smoothly. One unexpected shutdown not only halts production, it can prove to be very expensive – vessels left full mid-process may be subject to unwanted settling of components or chemical reactions, and temperature changes associated with shut-downs and start-ups may cause machines to wear or fatigue.

This is where continuous process chemicals come into play. They influence the numerous factors that can determine the success or failure of these enterprises: managing flow rates, heating and cooling rates, catalysts, yield maximization, feedstock, and emissions. Continuous process chemicals work to ensure that production machines are running efficiently and that the only shut-downs are planned and infrequent – those which maintain and upgrade equipment.