Interview on the F3 Factory Project: Modular Production Concepts Boost Competitiveness

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PROCESS: Standardization does mean that you have less freedom.

Bott: That is correct. But take the example of shell and tube heat exchangers which are normally designed and produced specifically for the application. That approach makes sense for a world-scale plant. However you have to question whether the same amount of cost and effort is justified for a smart scale plant which anyhow has the flexibility to be modified at a later date to accommodate a slightly different product. Off-the-shelf equipment which can be delivered sooner might serve the same purpose.

PROCESS: Do you think that the current generation of process engineers will be receptive to this new approach?

Bott: There is still lots of work to do for the chemical companies, for engineering companies, equipment suppliers and universities to make this ideas more common practice. Already in university education we have to start familiarizing students with the new continuous reaction concepts and the respective equipment. And chemical and process engineer candidates need to recognize and understand the importance of the economic aspects of ideas and innovation.

Mr. Bott, thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

* The interview was conducted by PROCESS editor Anke Geipel-Kern.

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