Industrial Chemicals

Industrial chemicals are substances produced and used in industrial processes. This broad category includes inorganic chemicals (acids, bases, salts), organic chemicals (solvents, polymers, petrochemicals), and specialty chemicals (additives, dyes, catalysts). They serve as raw materials, intermediates, or reagents in manufacturing.

Type of Product

• Bulk Chemicals: Large-volume products such as sulfuric acid, ammonia, caustic soda, methanol, and ethylene. These often come in drums, IBCs, or bulk tankers.
• Intermediates: Chemicals like formaldehyde, phenol, and styrene used to make plastics, resins, and other materials.
• Specialty Chemicals: Smaller-volume, higher-value items like pharmaceutical reagents, detergent surfactants, food additives, pigments, adhesives, and lab chemicals.
• Form & Packaging: Sold as liquids, powders, granules, or gases. Packaged in drums, bags, cylinders, or as bulk loads, depending on form and hazard class.

Applications in Various Industries
Industrial chemicals are foundational to virtually all manufacturing. In chemical plants, they become products like detergents, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. In food processing, ingredients like acids (vinegar, citric acid) and gases (CO2 for carbonation) are used. Water treatment uses chlorine, alum, and polymers. Oil refineries use catalysts and additives. Electronics manufacturing uses ultra-pure chemicals for semiconductors. Agriculture uses fertilizers and pesticides. Construction uses concrete additives and sealers. In each case, the chemical either reacts to form another product, serves as a processing aid (e.g. solvents, pH adjusters), or is an end product.

Material Selection Considerations
The chemicals’ own properties drive material needs for storage and equipment. Corrosive liquids (acids, alkalis) require steel alloys like 316L stainless or plastic-lined vessels. Organic solvents need flame-proof electrical components and possibly anti-spark design. Highly reactive chemicals (e.g. strong oxidizers) may need specialized alloys (Hastelloy, nickel) or glass lining. Materials must resist corrosion (pitting, stress cracking). Temperature and pressure of processes determine whether materials need high-temperature strength or pressure resistance (e.g. chromium-molybdenum steels for heat). Container and piping materials are selected from compatibility charts (e.g., PTFE hoses for acids, HDPE tanks for bases). Additionally, purity requirements (food or pharma grade) may require smooth, inert materials. Finally, handling safety (compatibility with personnel and environment) also influences material choice (e.g. double-walled containment for toxic chemicals).