15.0     DEFINITION OF CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

A chemical industry can be defined as an industry which uses chemical processes to convert raw materials into finished products. It can also be defined as one which uses chemistry to make chemicals from other chemical substances.

Chemical industries are vital to the global economy as they produce a wide range of chemicals that are used in virtually every sector. They are classified based on the products produced.

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            15.1     HEAVY AND FINE CHEMICALS

Heavy chemicals are chemicals used extensively in industries and are produced in very large quantities. Examples of heavy chemicals include H₂SO₄, NaOH, NH₃, CaCO₃, HNO₃, HCl, bleaching powder, metals etc.

Fine chemicals are chemicals that are produced in small quantities for specific purpose and to a very high degree of purity. Examples include laboratory/analytical reagents, drugs, dyes, perfumes, photographic reagents, additives etc.

            15.2     TYPES OF CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

• Heavy Chemical Industry
  • Involved in the production of heavy chemicals.
  • Raw materials used include limestone, salt, sulfur, ammonia, natural gas etc.
• Fine Chemical Industry
  • Involved in the production of fine chemicals.
  • Raw materials used include specialized organic and inorganic compounds, solvents etc.
• Agrochemical Industry
  • Produces fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides etc. for agricultural use.
  • Raw materials used include ammonia, sulfur, phosphorus, petroleum derivatives etc.
  • Ensures food security by providing fertilizers and pesticides that increase agricultural productivity.
• Petrochemical Industry
  • Involved in the production of petrochemical – plastics, synthetic rubber, fibre (e.g polyethylene, nylon) etc.
  • Raw materials used include coal, limestone, cellulose, molasses, crude oil, natural gas etc.
  • Products are widely used in construction, packaging, textiles etc.
• Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Produces drugs and medicinal chemicals used in healthcare.
  • Raw materials include fine chemicals, organic compounds, plant-based chemicals, minerals, biotechnology products etc.
  • Crucial for healthcare and the production of life-saving drugs and vaccines.
• Metallurgical Industry
  • Involved in metallurgical processes such as refining of metals, manufacturing of alloys etc.
  • Metals and other products produced by this industry are widely used around the world.
• Paint Industry
  • Involved in the production of paint (a fluid mixture which contains suspended colouring material).
  • Products are used in decoration, protection against weather and corrosion etc.
• Ceramics Industry
  • Involved in the production of ceramics.
  • Raw materials include silica, oxide of elements such as Mg, Al etc.
• Cement Industry
  • Involved in the production of cement.
  • Raw materials used include clay and powdered lime (calcium oxide).
  • Cement is used in the construction of buildings, bridges, highways, dams etc.

There are also industries that produce glass, soaps and detergents, foods and drinks etc.

            15.3     FACTORS CONSIDERED WHEN SITING A CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

• Availability of resources needed.
• Availability of labour.
• Availability of space.
• Nearness to the market and source of energy.
• Good climate conditions.
• Favourable transport system.
• Government policy etc.

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15.4     BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biotechnology can be defined as the use of biological processes / living organisms to make products for human use. Biotechnology applies biological systems and organisms to industrial processes thereby playing a significant role in the chemical industry.

   APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

• Production of drugs (medical).
• Waste management e.g. production of biogas from organic waste, bioremediation etc.
• Production of fertilizers.
• Involved in biocatalysis.
• Applied in fermentation processes.

15.5     IMPORTANCE OF CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

• Involved in the supply of products for domestic use.
• Provision of employment.
• Improvement on the standard of living.
• Provision of earnings from foreign trade