90+ Production Chemist Interview Questions and Answers

Caps and change control are processes used in production to ensure quality and consistency.

• Caps refers to the specifications and limitations placed on a product or process.

• Change control is a system for managing and documenting changes to a product or process.

• Caps and change control help maintain quality, regulatory compliance, and consistency in production.

• Examples of caps include maximum allowable impurity levels in a pharmaceutical product.

• Examples of change control includ...read more

The interview question covers topics such as Lewis acid, pH, acid and base, organic chemistry, periodic table, chemical formulas, and pH measurement without a pH meter.

• Lewis acid is an electron acceptor, examples include AlCl3 and FeCl3

• pH is a measure of acidity or basicity, with a range of 0-14

• Acids donate H+ ions, bases accept H+ ions

• Organic chemistry deals with carbon-based compounds, examples include ethanol and glucose

• The periodic table organizes elements by atomic numbe...read more

Vacuum distillation is a process used in distillation columns to lower the boiling point of substances and separate them based on their volatility.

• Vacuum distillation is a type of distillation that operates under reduced pressure.

• It is used to separate substances with high boiling points or heat-sensitive compounds.

• By lowering the pressure, the boiling point of the substances is reduced, allowing for separation at lower temperatures.

• Vacuum distillation is commonly used in the...read more

Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction that adds hydrogen to a molecule. Catalysts like nickel, palladium, and platinum are commonly used. Hydrogen gas is vented through a pressure relief valve (PRV). Vacuum distillation is a process that separates components based on their boiling points under reduced pressure. Cooling tower and chilling plant capacity depends on the specific application.

• Hydrogenation adds hydrogen to a molecule

• Nickel, palladium, and platinum are common cataly...read more

To handle increased pressure of chlorine gas, follow safety protocols, use appropriate equipment, and ensure proper ventilation.

• Follow safety protocols and guidelines for handling chlorine gas

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator

• Ensure proper ventilation in the area to prevent the accumulation of chlorine gas

• If pressure increases, avoid sudden release and slowly release the pressure using a controlled method

• Consider usin...read more

The washing area door should open towards the outside to prevent contamination and improve air circulation.

• Opening the door towards the outside prevents contamination from entering the washing area.

• It also improves air circulation and reduces humidity levels, which can be critical parameters for some processes.

• Universal solute is not relevant to the washing area door orientation.

BMS stands for Batch Manufacturing Record and BPR stands for Batch Production Record.

• BMS is a document that contains detailed instructions for the production of a specific batch of a product.

• It includes information about the raw materials, equipment, manufacturing steps, and quality control tests.

• BPR is a record that documents the actual production data and results obtained during the manufacturing process.

• It provides a detailed account of the batch production, including devi...read more

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice, which ensures that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.

• GMP is a set of guidelines and regulations that ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical and healthcare products.

• GMP covers various aspects of production, including facilities, equipment, personnel, documentation, and processes.

• GMP emphasizes the importance of quality control, traceability, and risk management.

• CGMP specifically...read more

Yes, I know how to prepare BMR & BCR.

• BMR stands for Batch Manufacturing Record, which is a document that provides detailed instructions for the production of a specific batch of a product.

• BCR stands for Batch Control Record, which is a document that records the actual production data and results obtained during the manufacturing process.

• Preparing BMR involves gathering all the necessary information and instructions for the production process, including formulation, equipment,...read more

Production refers to the process of creating goods or services through various stages of manufacturing or assembly.

• Production involves transforming raw materials or components into finished products.

• It includes activities such as planning, sourcing, manufacturing, quality control, and distribution.

• Production chemists play a crucial role in developing and optimizing chemical processes for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or other products.

• They ensure the production pr...read more

Acid is stored in glass containers instead of iron containers to prevent chemical reactions that could contaminate the acid or cause dangerous reactions.

• Glass is non-reactive with most acids, preventing contamination of the acid.

• Iron containers can react with acids, leading to the formation of potentially dangerous byproducts.

• Glass containers are more chemically inert and do not corrode when in contact with acids.

• Using glass containers helps maintain the purity and stability ...read more

There are several types of reactors used in production chemistry.

• Batch reactors

• Continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR)

• Plug flow reactors (PFR)

• Fixed-bed reactors

• Fluidized-bed reactors

• Membrane reactors

• Photochemical reactors

• Electrochemical reactors

I would thoroughly review the production process, identify the root cause of the errors, and implement corrective actions to ensure correct product preparation in the future.

• Conduct a detailed review of the production procedures and protocols

• Identify any deviations or mistakes in the preparation process

• Investigate the root cause of the errors, such as equipment malfunction or human error

• Implement corrective actions to prevent similar mistakes in the future, such as additional...read more

DT stands for Dissolution Test, which is a method used to determine the rate at which a drug substance dissolves in a specific medium.

• DT is an abbreviation for Dissolution Test.

• It is a standard method used in the pharmaceutical industry to evaluate the release of active pharmaceutical ingredients from solid dosage forms.

• The test involves placing a dosage form in a dissolution medium and measuring the amount of drug substance that dissolves over time.

• The results of the test he...read more

Sterilization is the process of killing or eliminating all forms of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

• Sterilization is essential in various industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and food production.

• There are different types of sterilization methods, such as heat sterilization, chemical sterilization, and radiation sterilization.

• Heat sterilization involves using high temperatures to kill microorganisms. Autoclaving is a common heat sterilizati...read more

Disintegration test measures the time it takes for a tablet to break down, while dissolution test measures the rate at which the drug is released from the tablet.

• Disintegration test evaluates the physical breakdown of a tablet into smaller particles.

• Dissolution test evaluates the release of the drug substance from the tablet.

• Disintegration test is a measure of tablet disintegration time, while dissolution test is a measure of drug release rate.

• Disintegration test is performed...read more

Yes, I have experience in formulating new ayurvedic medicines.

• I have a deep understanding of Ayurvedic principles and herbs

• I have formulated several ayurvedic medicines in my previous roles

• I keep myself updated with the latest research and developments in Ayurveda

The question is unclear and lacks context.

• The interviewer needs to provide more information or rephrase the question.

• It is unclear what is meant by 'grader' and what specific product or material is being referred to.

• Without more information, it is difficult to provide a meaningful answer.

Strong acids and bases are substances that completely dissociate in water to release H+ or OH- ions.

• Strong acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3)

• Strong bases include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. SOP stands for Standard Operating Procedure.

• GMP is a set of guidelines that ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

• SOP is a document that outlines the steps to be followed in a particular process to ensure consistency and quality.

• GMP and SOP are both important in the pharmaceutical industry to maintain quality and safety standards.

• Examples of SOPs include procedures for cleaning equipment, handling raw materials, a...read more

I have experience working in the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on drug production and quality control.

• Worked in pharmaceutical companies producing a range of drugs for various medical conditions

• Experience in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards such as FDA guidelines

• Involved in the production and testing of pharmaceutical products to ensure quality and efficacy

Water has a boiling point of 100°C and a melting point of 0°C. Other solvents have varying boiling and melting points.

• Water has a high boiling point due to its strong hydrogen bonding

• Solvents like ethanol have lower boiling points than water

• Melting points of solvents depend on their molecular structure

• Some solvents like mercury are liquid at room temperature

• Boiling and melting points are important in chemical reactions and purification processes

I am currently earning X amount and my expected CTC is Y amount.

• Mention your current salary and expected CTC separately

• Be honest and realistic about your expectations

• Research the industry standards and salary range for the position

• Consider other benefits and perks besides salary

• Example: My current CTC is 5 lakhs per annum and I am expecting a hike of 15-20% in my next role.

• Example: I am currently earning 8 lakhs per annum and after researching the industry standards, I am exp...read more

A pump is a device that moves fluids (liquids or gases) by mechanical action. The principal working involves creating a pressure difference to push the fluid through a system.

• Pump parts include impeller, casing, shaft, bearings, and seals

• Examples of pumps include centrifugal pumps, diaphragm pumps, and gear pumps

• The principal working of a pump involves converting mechanical energy into fluid flow

The vacuum build in Hyderabad varies depending on the location and time of measurement.

• Vacuum levels in Hyderabad can range from 700 to 760 mmHg

• Factors such as altitude, weather conditions, and equipment used can affect vacuum levels

• For example, in a laboratory setting, a vacuum pump may be used to create a vacuum for experiments

A narcotic is a drug that induces sleep or dulls the senses, while a non-analgesic substance does not provide pain relief.

• Narcotics are often used as painkillers or sedatives.

• Examples of narcotics include morphine, codeine, and heroin.

• Non-analgesic substances do not have pain-relieving properties.

• Examples of non-analgesic substances include antibiotics, antacids, and vitamins.

Handling all queries requires effective communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

• Develop good communication skills to understand and address queries effectively.

• Stay organized by keeping track of queries and prioritizing them based on urgency.

• Utilize problem-solving skills to find solutions and provide accurate information.

• Be proactive in seeking help or guidance when needed.

• Maintain a positive and professional attitude while handling queries.

• Examples: Respondi...read more

To handle safety in production, it is important to follow safety protocols, conduct regular inspections, provide proper training, and maintain a clean and organized work environment.

• Follow safety protocols and guidelines provided by the company and regulatory bodies.

• Conduct regular inspections to identify and address any potential safety hazards.

• Provide proper training to all employees on safety procedures and protocols.

• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to minim...read more

Acids have a pH less than 7 and can donate protons, while bases have a pH greater than 7 and can accept protons.

• Acids have a pH less than 7, while bases have a pH greater than 7

• Acids can donate protons, while bases can accept protons

• Acids taste sour, while bases taste bitter

• Examples of acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4)

• Examples of bases include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ammonia (NH3)

Manpower utility is used to effectively manage and utilize the workforce in production operations.

• Identify the required manpower for each task or operation

• Allocate the manpower based on their skills and availability

• Monitor and track the performance and productivity of the workforce

• Optimize the utilization of manpower by adjusting schedules and workload

• Ensure proper training and development of the workforce

• Implement strategies to motivate and engage the workforce

• Regularly revi...read more

Safety equipment used includes gloves, goggles, lab coat, and closed-toe shoes.

• Gloves are used to protect hands from chemicals and other hazards.

• Goggles are worn to protect eyes from splashes and fumes.

• Lab coat is worn to protect clothing from spills and splashes.

• Closed-toe shoes are important to protect feet from spills and falling objects.

To open a vacuum tray dryer, follow these steps carefully.

• Ensure the vacuum tray dryer is turned off and disconnected from power source.

• Release any pressure inside the dryer by slowly opening the vent valve.

• Unlock and open the door of the vacuum tray dryer.

• Carefully remove the trays one by one, starting from the top.

• Inspect the trays for any residue or product buildup and clean if necessary.

• Close the door securely after removing or loading trays.

• Reconnect the power source and...read more

Chyawanprash is prepared by mixing various herbs and spices with a base of amla fruit pulp and honey.

• Chyawanprash is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal jam

• Ingredients include amla fruit pulp, ghee, honey, and a variety of herbs and spices

• The mixture is cooked over low heat for several hours

• Tablet hardness is determined by the compression force applied during manufacturing

• Composition of products may vary depending on the manufacturer

A reactor is a vessel used for chemical reactions, where reactants are converted into products under controlled conditions.

• Reactor is used in chemical and pharmaceutical industries for various processes such as synthesis, fermentation, and polymerization.

• It can be of different types such as batch, continuous, and semi-batch reactors.

• The function of a reactor is to provide a controlled environment for the chemical reaction to take place, such as temperature, pressure, and mixi...read more

Work permit system includes hot work, confined space, electrical, excavation, and others.

• Hot work permit is required for any work involving open flames or sparks

• Confined space permit is required for work in enclosed spaces with limited entry and exit points

• Electrical permit is required for work on electrical systems or equipment

• Excavation permit is required for any work involving digging or excavation

• Other types of permits may include working at heights, hazardous materials, ...read more

Reactors are operated by following standard operating procedures, monitoring key parameters, adjusting conditions as needed, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.

• Follow standard operating procedures provided by the manufacturer or company

• Monitor key parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and pH regularly

• Adjust conditions as needed to maintain desired reaction conditions

• Ensure safety protocols are followed at all times to prevent accidents

• Keep detailed reco...read more

An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat.

• Exothermic reactions release heat to the surroundings

• They have a negative change in enthalpy (ΔH)

• Examples include combustion reactions, neutralization reactions, and some oxidation reactions

DT time refers to the disintegration time of tablets and capsules.

• DT time is the time it takes for a tablet or capsule to disintegrate in the body.

• It is an important parameter in pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure proper drug release.

• Different tablets and capsules may have different DT times depending on their formulation and design.

• DT time can be influenced by factors such as the type of excipients used, the compression force during tablet manufacturing, and the coating ...read more

The number of batch changes in a reactor can vary depending on the production schedule and process requirements.

• The number of batch changes in a reactor is typically determined by the production plan and the capacity of the reactor.

• Factors such as reaction time, temperature, pressure, and product yield can also influence the frequency of batch changes.

• For example, a reactor used for continuous production may have fewer batch changes compared to a reactor used for batch produc...read more

There are two main types of vacuum pumps: gas transfer pumps and entrapment pumps.

• Gas transfer pumps: move gas molecules through the pump using positive displacement or momentum transfer (e.g. rotary vane pump, diaphragm pump)

• Entrapment pumps: capture gas molecules by adsorption or condensation on a solid surface (e.g. cryopump, ion pump)

To convert 750 ml of water into kg, you need to know the density of water.

• 1 ml of water weighs approximately 1 gram

• 1 kg is equal to 1000 grams

• Therefore, 750 ml of water is equal to 0.75 kg

Specific gravity of water is 1.0, indicating that it is denser than air and most other liquids.

• Specific gravity of water is always 1.0 at standard conditions

• It is a unitless quantity that compares the density of water to the density of a reference substance

• Specific gravity of water is used in various industries including chemistry, engineering, and brewing

Poor solvents are those that cannot dissolve a wide range of solutes.

• Poor solvents have low polarity and weak intermolecular forces.

• Examples of poor solvents include hexane, benzene, and toluene.

• Poor solvents are often used in chromatography to separate compounds based on their polarity.

• They are also used in polymerization reactions to control the size and shape of the resulting polymer.

• Poor solvents can be contrasted with good solvents, which have high polarity and strong in...read more

ALCOA is an acronym that stands for Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, and Accurate.

• ALCOA is a set of principles used in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure data integrity.

• Attributable means that all data should be traceable to the person who generated it.

• Legible means that the data should be clear and easy to read.

• Contemporaneous means that the data should be recorded at the time of the activity.

• Original means that the data should be the first recording of t...read more

The question is unclear and seems to contain a typo.

• The question is not clear and may contain a typo.

• It is difficult to provide a descriptive answer without understanding the question properly.

• Please clarify the question or provide more context.

API plant is where active pharmaceutical ingredients are manufactured, while formulation plant is where these ingredients are formulated into final products.

• API plant focuses on manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients

• Formulation plant focuses on formulating these ingredients into final products

• API plant requires specialized equipment and processes for synthesis

• Formulation plant requires equipment for blending, granulation, and tableting

• Example: API plant may produce p...read more

Equipment standard operating procedure is a set of instructions for safe and efficient use of equipment.

• Equipment SOP should include step-by-step instructions for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

• It should also include safety precautions and emergency procedures.

• Regular training and updates should be provided to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

• Examples of equipment SOPs include those for laboratory instruments, manufacturing machinery, and medical devices.