(492f) MAGIC (Modular, Agile, Intensified and Continuous) Processes and Plants for Specialty Chemicals

In recent years, process intensification based on micro-devices has been in vogue. Despite significant research and several efforts in commercializing these, the adoption of micro-devices based technologies by specialty chemicals industry is (at the most) slow. The hype surrounding micro-reactors was followed a period of disillusionment. This note highlights the need to look beyond micro-reactors and micro-devices for realizing process intensification in specialty chemicals industry. The note outlines a new effort based on MAGIC (modular, agile, intensified and continuous) processes and plants. It also highlights the need for involving industry as well as large number of students (chemical engineering and process chemistry) in this ambitious program of MAGICally transforming the way specialty chemicals are manufactured.