As the global chemicals market accelerates toward a projected value of $4.95 trillion by 2031,1 with a CAGR of approximately 6.0%, manufacturers face increasing pressure to optimize their operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Underneath a seemingly calm exterior, evolving marketplace needs are shifting the focus of the types of chemicals in highest demand. This factor, alongside a churning geopolitical landscape, reemphasizes the importance of preserving capital equipment to extend its lifespan, avoiding costly repairs or replacements complicated by supply chain uncertainty. Technological innovation and Industry 4.0 rely on the chemical industry to continue fueling its growth. This article examines three major trends that will enable the chemical processing industry to maintain production and optimize efficiency, capitalizing on these market opportunities.
The chemical processing industry is experiencing significant growth in several key sectors, particularly high-value markets. The semiconductor industry has seen accelerated growth, spurred by initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act. Meanwhile, clean energy solutions, especially electric vehicle (EV) production, are driving demand. According to a report from Deloitte, “EVs require 85% more chemistry than internal combustion engines.”2
Other key growth segments include:
As the industry evolves, traditional approaches to corrosion protection are proving insufficient for modern demands. The progression of protection solutions has seen several iterations:
Geographic diversity in chemical processing remains strong, with major processing clusters spread across the U.S. While the Gulf Coast maintains its position as a crucial hub, significant operations exist in:
This geographic diversity highlights the widespread need for effective corrosion protection solutions across various climates and operating conditions, which can impact the effectiveness of the corrosion protection system selected.
The chemical processing industry serves as the foundation for modern manufacturing, extending far beyond traditional applications. Even segments previously considered low-risk now require specialized corrosion-resistant equipment during production phases.
Modern chemical processing facilities must adapt to meet the needs of diverse industries, including:
Chemical processing is the backbone of modern manufacturing for industries beyond semiconductors and clean energy. For example, paper and plastics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and water treatment solutions rely on chemical processing and thus require robust corrosion protection to safeguard their personnel, equipment, and facilities.
Recent industry insights reveal that even segments previously considered low-risk, such as flavors, fragrances, and food ingredients, require specialized corrosion-resistant equipment during their production phases.
What many may not realize is that the manufacturing of dyes, pigments, and specialty chemicals that might be utilized in these relatively low-risk segments all involve corrosive processes. These materials, even those considered natural and sustainable, might require solvents during production or undergo purification steps that can be highly corrosive to standard processing equipment and benefit from protective measures.
For the food industry, modern chemical processing facilities must navigate increasingly complex regulatory requirements. FDA-approved resins are essential to ensuring compliance in food and flavor ingredients while ensuring product purity. The ability to provide food-grade solutions without compromising corrosion resistance has become a crucial differentiator in the market.
Success in these growing markets demands increasingly sophisticated solutions:
The financial impact of corrosion in chemical processing facilities extends well beyond the immediate expense of equipment replacement. As supply chain challenges and potential tariffs threaten to increase material costs, particularly for steel-based components, the industry can no longer sustain traditional "replace as needed" approaches to corrosion management.
Quality control presents another significant challenge, as corroded equipment can lead to product contamination and batch rejections. Even before catastrophic failure, corroding equipment typically experiences degraded performance, leading to efficiency losses that manifest in higher energy consumption and increased maintenance requirements. These issues can damage customer relationships and erode competitive advantage.
When evaluating corrosion protection strategies, manufacturers must consider the total cost of ownership, comparing initial investments against replacement frequency, maintenance requirements, and operational reliability. While advanced corrosion protection solutions may require higher upfront investments, they often deliver superior returns through extended equipment life and improved operational efficiency.
Rotational lining represents the latest advancement in corrosion protection technology. This innovative process involves applying thermoplastic materials to the interior of metal equipment through a controlled heating and cooling process while the equipment rotates along multiple axes. This technique ensures uniform coverage and superior bonding, even in complex geometries.
Key advantages of rotational lining include:
A leading rotational lining provider like RMB Products can serve as an innovation partner to:
As the chemical processing industry continues its expansion through 2031, the importance of reliable corrosion protection cannot be overstated. Manufacturers who take the long view by investing in superior protection solutions like rotational lining position themselves for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Take into consideration key factors that are expected to drive increased demand for superior corrosion protection, such as:
The future belongs to those who maximize operational efficiency while minimizing risk — and RMB provides rotational lining technology and advanced materials expertise to support this evolution. Contact RMB to learn more.