Could that expert please explain the similarities and differences between petrochemicals and fine chemicals?

This is a very complex issue, and few people are able to answer it accurately. I suggest separating the two questions. I am aware of the characteristics of the fine chemical industry: it is a technology-intensive sector, where everything from the analysis of processing theories to the selection of mechanical and automated control equipment is quite complex. We worked on a fine chemical project; in terms of costs, a similar project in China would require an investment of around 100 million to be completed, but the quality of the product would be poor and unstable. Our project was developed using foreign approaches, and it required an investment of 1.8 billion. Just for the simple mixing equipment alone, there were 8 different components involved, and it took a whole year to program the automation for the entire production process. The automatic control program for a simple ingredient tank in more complex systems consists of 2,000 pages of text. According to people from a well-known domestic design institute, this is the first time they have encountered such control difficulties. Anyway, everything is very unusual. Hope

As I understand it, the petrochemical industry focuses mainly on the products obtained from the cracking of petroleum, whereas the fine chemical industry is primarily involved in the production of daily necessities……

If I had to give a definition, I would say it’s a matter of inclusion – fine chemicals should be considered a branch of petrochemicals, as many of the raw materials used in fine chemicals come from petrochemical industries. Fine chemicals can be seen as an upgraded version of petrochemicals. Regarding the relationship between the primary and secondary industries, I think

Petrochemicals are basic chemical products, while fine chemicals are products that are produced and processed on the basis of petrochemical products.

To put it simply: The processes in the petrochemical industry are standardized; software simulation is combined with experience-based design. The raw materials and intermediates used are relatively simple, with reactors, heat exchangers, and towers being the main components. These facilities have large capacity, operate on a continuous basis, and their automated control systems are relatively straightforward. There are few changes needed when starting up such facilities, and waste treatment is easy. However, many processes involve high temperatures and pressures, and there are many special types of equipment. The piping layout is simple and orderly.

In contrast, the processes in the fine chemical industry are extremely complex and involve sophisticated equipment. These processes combine batch and continuous operations, with complex raw materials and intermediates. The facilities need to be modified frequently, and there are many different automated control methods as well as manual controls. The processes are constantly being optimized, and waste treatment is challenging. Various temperature and pressure conditions exist, making it impossible to carry out comprehensive software-based design; moreover, the piping layout is very complex

Let me say a few words. The petrochemical industry is a fundamental part of the chemical industry; many chemical products are derived from it. It can be said that the petrochemical industry forms the basis of production in human society. As for the fine chemical industry, in simpler terms, it relates to organic substances – organic intermediates, pharmaceutical intermediates, and finished products. In terms of reaction equipment, fine chemical production is usually carried out in reactors using batch processing, while the petrochemical industry relies on large-scale continuous production

Reply to 1# datangwei: It is recommended to use Baidu or Google; you will find the answer quickly!

Fine chemicals are characterized by small batch sizes, batch processing, complex manufacturing processes, and high added value of the products. 　China’s fine chemical products include 11 product categories: 1. Pesticides ； 2. Dyes ； 3. Coatings (including paints and inks) ； 4. Pigments ； 5. Reagents and high-purity substances ； 6. Information-related chemicals (including chemicals that can absorb electromagnetic waves such as photosensitive materials and magnetic materials) ； 7. Food and feed additives ； 8. Adhesive ； 9. Catalysts and various additives ； 10. Chemicals (active pharmaceutical ingredients) produced in chemical manufacturing systems and household chemicals ； 11. Functional polymer materials in polymeric polymers (including functional films, polarizing materials, etc.).