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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/N508949/1
Title: Extending UK manufacturing capacity through the introduction of continuous processing unit operations
Principal Investigator: Evans, Professor S
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Engineering
Organisation: University of Cambridge
Scheme: Technology Programme
Starts: 01 October 2015 Ends: 31 December 2017 Value (£): 100,356
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Chemicals
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
A collaborative R&D project to design, build and trial a modular unit for the continuous production of a range of market

leading anionic surfactants, currently manufactured in the UK by Croda Europe Ltd. Based on patented Continuous

Oscillating Baffle Reactor (COBR) technology, the project will deliver a new process for the manufacture of existing

products, with significant improvements in operational and capital costs and process sustainability without impacting

product quality. Processes are specifically designed for integration with existing batch manufacturing assets to provide

increased capacity without the need for new supporting infrastructure and extended footprint.

The consortium believes that the 30% targeted reduction in operational costs, combined with reduced capital requirements

will make investment in UK manufacturing a competitive option in a global market. This industry led, four partner

consortium (Croda, CPI, University of Cambridge, Institute for Manufacturing and NiTech) will establish technical and

commercial viability of the concept; de-risking Croda future commercial investment in the proposed technology. The

impact of this strategy to create flexible manufacturing capacity on existing business models will be explored.
Key Findings
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Summary
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Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.cam.ac.uk