Organic chemistry emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century due to the expansion of the classical chemical industry. Above all, the second half of the 20th century saw the plant engineering of organic chemistry grow in importance. Especially in relation to oil derivatives and plastic materials.
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Between the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the third millennium, important new developments in organic chemistry emerged. The development of knowledge about the effect of microorganisms in certain organic transformation processes highlighted the importance of biotechnology. This represents a means to better manage related transformation processes. This has also led to the development of related automated production lines.
Organic Chemistry in Substance Transformation
In nature, different types of microorganisms may be present simultaneously in the course of organic substance transformations.
These have different ways of interacting with each other. Environmental conditions often have the potential to favour the proliferation of some strains over others. This has the consequence of favouring some transformation processes while penalising others in the course of antagonistic competition. This is one of the rules of organic chemistry.
Waste organic chemistry
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For example, in the field of accelerated composting, the odour emitted by the waste is the most obvious aspect. The odour is basically related to the gaseous effluent that occurs during the anaerobic process of converting their organic fraction. In contrast, the aerobic transformation, which is the one that is of most interest for a quality product. It is not malodorous.
The process was started in a biological reactor. This refers to an experimental prototype, built to encourage the development of microorganisms to be selected for later distribution in the mass to be processed. The purpose of this is to maintain optimal conditions for their rapid proliferation, as opposed to others.
If the same conditions are maintained during subsequent handling, an overall automatic transformation cycle can be achieved in a controlled sequence. This is also due to the simultaneous control of the most important variables.
Organic chemistry in food
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Alikewise, in the food industry, leavening tunnels can be developed in a programmed form. This can be done by means of prior selection of strains of microorganisms (liquid yeasts). Subsequently, the organoleptic characteristics of the final product can be improved and differentiated. It also simplifies the normal production cycle.
More and more accuracy is required. A certain delicacy specific to the processing of biotechnology-related products is also required. In an automatic tunnel, one must adapt the space transient, linked to the movement and its speed, to the time transient necessary for the process underway. And this for each individual process in the chain. Although the requirements are different. They are often of filtration, environmental pressurisation, thermo-hygrometric control, mechanical transport, type of automation, etc.. These must always be carefully chosen according to the specific requirements of the production line.
Some examples of cells and tunnels
For an automatic production line with thermo-hygrometric control, the operational integration of different skills is important. It took us a long time to gain experience. This now makes it possible to simplify the construction of the prefabricated units.
The following examples refer to some of the types of cells and tunnels constructed. It is necessary to combine the mechanical transport with the conditioning system appropriately.
The walls of the chambers can be made of a wide variety of materials, according to convenience. The current trend is to use completely prefabricated cells. In this way it is possible to integrate the ducting, treatment conditioning, mechanical handling, automation and control system.
Particular care must be taken in the choice of materials. Especially with regard to ease of fabrication, mechanical strength, degree of insulation, and resistance to rust. Sometimes even to the chemical agents present in certain workings and processes.
One example refers to the most common type of hot chamber, in which air is distributed with ducts and vents at the most suitable speed to obtain a uniform updraft.
The hot chamber is a type of hot chamber in which the air is distributed with ducts and vents at the most suitable speed to obtain a uniform updraft.
Another example can be given that differs from the previous one. A system can be designed in such a way that a by-pass is used on the intake to allow a strong movement of air masses. The same happens in certain drying processes or in maintaining the sterility of environments.
Here one contemplates a transverse movement of air. This is treated with reverse-cycle induction and is used in drying processes. It serves to exasperate the treatment, avoiding preferential zones.
Another scheme is typical of a cooling chamber. Air is fed into the chamber through high-efficiency or even absolute filters, as required.
This chamber is normally pressurised. But it is used not only for cooling the product, but also for further processing. These include packaging to prevent the spread of spores at critical stages in a controlled environment.
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Another type could be a hot tunnel for continuous processing. It has to be equipped with a conveyor with a balance conveyor, which can be quite large. It is normally used for baking and drying.
Or a tunnel similar to the previous one, but with several treatments in sequence. It is usually used for normalising and cooling the product.
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New operating criteria
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Several companies took steps to find a new criterion to run their old business. This was in order to better respond to new market requirements.
They used the strengths they had in their business as a reference. One value was the high importance of their archives for the many practical searches they had done on behalf of third parties. Their external consultants were also highly experienced. In addition, there was the not inconsiderable possibility of still being able to call on their old supply chain, which remained active.
In order to keep costs down when manufacturing, they abandoned the concept of pyramid management and replaced it with that of an established fiduciary relationship, based on consultative supervision, centred on the specific know-how they possessed, supplemented by a brokerage role for purchases, to supplement the criteria normally followed by customers.
The new organisation was based on the idea of a "brokerage", which was the basis for the new organisation.
The new organisation, in addition to consultative supervision, is able to procure customised projects for customers, drawn up by qualified consultants who have access to the old archives, and has a factory equipped for the assembly of prefabricated products complete with every accessory, and their testing.
In addition, it is possible to disassemble and subsequently reassemble them in the areas of use, without depending on local companies, which are very often inadequate to provide quality services.
The old supply industry is made up of complementary companies, normally selected on a job-by-job basis, and is also able to offer the customer the subsequent maintenance and spare parts required.
Flexible organic know-how
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The system's streamlined operation allows it to be adapted to specific customer requirements on a case-by-case basis.
For example, it is common for end users who, already having their own production facilities with their own know-how, wish to improve, modify, expand their production lines and storage criteria or set up new production centres, perhaps abroad, in order to better consolidate their position.
