Continuous production is a method used to produce or process any product without interruption. There is no discrete rate at which goods are produced, as opposed to a batch production process, or a one-time production. Examples of continuous production are those used to make pens, paper, cars and computers.

This process is followed in most of the Float Glass Industries where glass of different thickness is processed in a continuous manner. Once the molten glass flows out of the furnace (usually rectangular in shape), machines work on the glass from either sides and either compress or expand the glass. By controlling the speed of rotation of those machines and varying them in numbers, we can get a glass ribbon of varying width and thickness.

The most important difference is any changes in color, dimensions, quality etc needs to be done online. And whenever it is effected, the results can be seen only after a fixed period which can extend from a few hours to days. Machinery maintenance in case of continuous process plants calls for online maintenance which requires very high alertness and quick response times from dedicated technicians.

The other advantage that this industry possess is the scope it presents for automation. By employing PLCs and other automated controls, we can reduce chances of error (thereby delays/ downtime) due to human intervention. This is due to the fact that most of the jobs are routine enough and can be easily automated. So there is a lot of scope for conveyors, elevators, feeders, etc for transporting raw materials, inprocess materials etc in continuous process industries.

See also

• biodiesel

Manufacturing