Batch processes

Batch processes involve finite quantities of the final product, which are obtained from finite quantities of raw materials and then processed according to an ordered set of activities in a finite time interval. Batch processes can be applied to the following:

• Products that are not processed in a fixed, predetermined quantity.
• The quantity of the final product, which depends on the recipe.
• Production processes that are interrupted after a lot of processing has been done, before resuming again. In this case, there are no parts that can be easily separated and identified.
• Equipment used for different products, but with an intermediate cleaning phase needed.

Typical examples of batch processes include the following:

• Products made according to different formulas, but in small or medium quantities, such as pharmaceuticals, detergents, or plastics
• Expensive products with a restricted market or reduced life cycle, such as perfumes
• Products that require maturation, fermentation, or mixing times in regulated conditions, such as wine, beer, other alcoholic beverages, or oil