Process Optimization of Amine Reactions

Abstract

Ospira is an inhalation anesthesia manufacturing facility. The main products are Deramine and Dexoflurane. To produce these anesthetics, chemical reactions and distillation processes are required. For Deramine it is necessary to do an Amine Reaction. The importance of this study is to avoid the loss of product during the reaction process. When the product does not recover, it affects the efficiency of the reaction and the company performance. The study goes to the effort in the progress for the manufacture of Deramine. The reaction process must be improved to obtain a better percentage of recovery and avoid product losses. Some customers could benefit if the process is improved, the company in general has a direct impact because it will have a positive cash flow and will not lose. Increasing 2% of the amine recovery percentage will represent a reduction of approximately $20,000 per month. In order to reduce the process variability, to align customer's expectations, and to provide high financial returns; a Six sigma methodology is appropriate. DMAIC (definemeasure-analyze-improve-control) has been widely used as the method for six sigma implementations in manufacturing processes. Key Terms - DMAIC, Financial Performance, Reactions, Recovery Percent, Yield.