Batch reactors feature a greater flexibility of operation and rapid response to changing market conditions. This results in frequent cycling and increased labor costs. Furthermore, batch processes are characterized by a short market window for the products which make development of detailed models unattractive. Most of the batch processes, particularly those related to the fine and specialty chemicals, are characterized by significant price differences between the reactants and the products. Unlike continuous processes, batch processes seldom operate at a steady state, resulting in a lack of reproducibility.
Most batch processes suffer from batch to batch variation in the quality of the product.
The process is in transition most of the time and the limited time cycle does not allow for many corrective actions. For more information on batch processing, visit the World Batch Forum page .