25 Nov 2014
How are chemical reactions which are discovered and researched in a laboratory setting translated into industrial-scale manufacturing processes? Starting as a laboratory process every novel synthetic methodology and synthesis, however efficient on a small scale, requires a significant amount of development to end up as an established procedure in a production plant. Industries are faced with the challenging task of exploiting existing laboratory reactions to create and implement new production routines, while taking into consideration economical, ecological and safety requirements. Expertise in chemical engineering, synthetic chemistry and process technology is needed for the successful extrapolation of a laboratory procedure from a mini- to a pilot plant to a full-sized industrial process.
The 32nd SCI Process Development Symposium will explore this highly interdisciplinary field by bringing together a broad range of experts from various backgrounds. Organised by SCI’s Fine Chemicals Group, this established and well-attended meeting offers a discussion platform for process scientists from across the entire spectrum of the discipline.
Here are some comments from two of last year’s speakers:
'The conference provides a great opportunity for academics to find out about real, industrial problems. Many of the chemical giants are present and there is lots of opportunity for informal discussions.' Frans Muller, University of Leeds
'Don't forget there are always possibilities to meet old friends and find new ones. The opportunity to meet delegates of diverse expertise provided an ideal place to garner ideas for future directions.' Jianliang Xiao, University of Liverpool
During the course of three days speakers from industry and academia will provide insight into their research and latest findings. Regular refreshment breaks, discussions and drinks receptions will provide plenty of opportunity to engage with fellow researchers or to view offers by companies and organisations related to process development.
Several speakers will focus on the highly topical area of industrial chemistry, with several discussions on industrial pharmaceutical production. Process R&D is a key step in providing economical and scaleable chemistry which can be operated at large scale, with increasing focus on shorter or telescoped routes, and sustainable chemistry. Highly advanced industrial chemistry using sustainable approaches such as continuous chemistry, better catalysts and advanced process control will be discussed in detail. There will also be several discussions on the growing area of interest of process analytics, including using these techniques as a form of process control.
There are a wide variety of speakers from the chemical processing industry and academia. Several case histories will illustrate how problems are addressed in various companies. Emerging areas such as synthetic biology will be highlighted as well as new approaches to process modelling and process analytics. Other aspects of sustainability such as solvent recycling and the use of bio-renewables will be discussed. New synthetic methodology offering the promise of shorter manufacturing sequences will be outlined along work from the food and biological sectors.
Attendees who might be less familiar with the history of process development will find the broad range of topics discussed of great use and interest.
The meeting will also feature the awarding of the Syngenta, AstraZeneca and Pfizer prize for process chemistry research 2014.
Process scientists of all levels of experience and from all areas of the chemical and pharmaceutical sciences are welcome to take advantage of the 2015 Process Development Symposium as an excellent networking opportunity to discuss and learn about state of the art process development.
The symposium will be held in Churchill College in Cambridge from Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 March 2015. College accommodation for delegates is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can book your place, using the link below.
Dr Dave Lathbury
SCI Fine Chemicals Group
Related Links
- 32nd Process Development Symposium - 25-27 March 2015
- Fine Chemicals Group
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