Process analysis applications
Metrohm offers titrators, ion chromatographs, near-infrared and Raman spectrometers, pH sensors, and XRF analyzers for online process analysis. Our application experts have compiled numerous documents on the application of our process analyzers in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, plating and galvanics.
Use the filters to search for process applications by analyte/parameter, sample matrix, norm, or industry.
- AN-PAN-1069Online zinc/nickel plating bath analysis with X-ray fluorescence
The 2060 XRF Process Analyzer continuously monitors elemental concentrations online within zinc-nickel electroplating baths to precisely guide chemical dosing.
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- AN-PAN-1068Online analysis of copper, tin, and zinc in white bronze baths by XRF
This Application Note explains how the 2060 XRF Process Analyzer enables real-time chemical monitoring of copper, tin, and zinc concentrations in white bronze plating baths.
- EB-004Near-infrared and Raman spectroscopy for polymer analysis: An introduction
This e-book explains how Raman and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy enable rapid, nondestructive polymer analysis, ensuring high quality while reducing costs and waste.
- AN-PAN-1066Online analysis of cadmium in incineration plant wet gas scrubbers
Incineration flue gas requires treatment such as wet scrubbing. The 2060 VA Process Analyzer monitors heavy metals in the scrubbing water, ensuring compliance.
- AN-PAN-1067Online analysis of organic additives in copper plating process
Monitoring organic additives in copper plating baths is crucial. The 2060 CVS Process Analyzer optimizes copper electroplating by providing precise bath control.
- AN-PAN-1064Monitoring complexing agents in galvanic baths inline with Raman spectroscopy
Accurate analysis of complexing agents in galvanic baths is possible with inline Raman spectroscopy. This Application Note shows an example using a 2060 Raman Analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1065Inline monitoring of cell cultures with Raman spectroscopy
This Process Application Note presents a method to accurately monitor lactic acid and glucose inside a bioreactor in «real-time» with the 2060 Raman Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics.
- WP-093Significant cost savings through dynamic ventilation during nitrification in wastewater treatment
This White Paper gives an overview of the energy-intensive nitrification process that converts ammonia into less harmful nitrogen compounds at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). It displays the results from a field test at a WWTP, showcasing the positive influence of single-method process analyzers on the efficiency of the nitrification process.
- AN-PAN-1063Inline analysis of borate and sulfate solutions with Raman spectroscopy
Boric acid is growing in demand for various industrial applications, but requires a more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly production process. This Application Note describes the performance of a Raman process analyzer (PTRam) when measuring low-concentration boric acid and sodium sulfate solutions (<100 mg/L) during boric acid production.
- AN-PAN-1062Online monitoring of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide using Raman spectroscopy
Etching is a vital process in semiconductor fabrication, involving the chemical removal of layers from the wafer substrate. Strict quality control measures are necessary to determine acid etchant concentrations in mixed acid solutions (e.g., SPM, DSP, or DSP+), critical for optimizing etch rate, selectivity, and uniformity during multiple wafer etching steps. This application presents a method to measure sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide in etching baths simultaneously using Raman spectroscopy with the PTRam Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics.
- AN-PAN-1061Inline detection of wheat flour adulteration by NIR spectroscopy
Adulteration in the food industry is a significant concern due to potential health risks and changes in product quality and nutrition. Detecting such adulteration is challenging, however, to ensure high-quality products, precise measurements during the manufacturing process are essential for identifying any contamination in raw materials and final products. This Process Application Note details the inline analysis of potato starch in the wheat flour manufacturing process with a 2060 The NIR Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics.
- AN-PAN-1060Inline process monitoring of moisture content in tetrahydrofuran
This Process Application Note presents a method to accurately monitor low levels of moisture in tetrahydrofuran (THF) in «real-time» safely, reliably, and optimally with a 2060 The NIR Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics. Due to the hazardous and hygroscopic nature of THF, a single explosion-proof inline process analyzer is the preferred solution for industries to reduce chemical treatment, improve product quality, and increase profits.
- AN-PAN-1059Online analysis of strontium and barium in high purity brine
This Process Application Note describes a method to determine the strontium and barium concentration in brine as early detectors ofmembrane fouling via online process ion chromatography. Using this multiparameter analytical technique can help reduce the risk of premature membrane fouling and avoid unexpected maintenance and high utility costs with 24/7 automated analysis.
- WP-076Process analyzers as proactive solutions for online corrosion monitoring
White paper on monitoring corrosion and the benefits of online or inline chemical analysis over manual sampling and offline laboratory methods for corrosion monitoring. Online and inline process application solutions for corrosion prevention with related application notes for further information are presented.
- AN-PAN-1058Online determination of lithium in brine streams with ion chromatography
Lithium is a soft alkali metal that is typically obtained from salt lake brines. Lithium is used for many applications, but especially for production of lithium-ion batteries in electric cars, mobile phones, and more. This Process Application Note presents a method to monitor lithium as well as other cations in brines by online process ion chromatography (IC), a multiparameter analytical technique that can measure ionic analytes in a wide range of concentrations.
- AN-PAN-1052Online process monitoring of octane number during catalytic reforming
In refineries, high octane products are desired since they are used to produce premium gasoline. Catalytic reforming converts heavy naphtha into a high octane liquid product called reformate (a mixture of aromatics and iso-paraffins C7 to C10). The reformate must be constantly monitored to ensure high throughput along the refining process. Traditionally, the octane numbers can be measured by two different methodologies: Inferred Octane Models (IOM) and laboratory octane engine analysis. However, these do not provide «real-time» results and require constant maintenance and human intervention to adapt to current operation conditions. «Real-time» analysis of the octane number in fuels can be performed online via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology, which fits well within the international standards (ASTM). Utilization of a Metrohm Process Analytics NIRS XDS Process Analyzer (ATEX version) in conjunction with a sample preconditioning system makes analysis of the octane number simple, fast, and reliable, allowing quick adjustments to the process for a better quality product and higher profitability.
- AN-PAN-1036Online determination of alkalinity and hardness in process and make up water for beer production
Beer is a popular beverage consumed by millions of people for enjoyment, despite its humble beginnings as a water purification technique in pre-modern times. Brewing beer requires large amounts of water which must adhere to strict alkalinity, hardness, and pH parameters to ensure uniformity in flavor and appearance between each batch. Alkalinity is introduced by carbonates and hydroxides in water which raise and buffer the pH. Hardness, balanced to a large degree by the alkalinity, comes from Ca and Mg ions, mainly present as hydrogen carbonates. Depending on the concentration ranges, the 2035 Process Analyzer or the 2060 Process Analyzer are ideally suited for the fully automatic execution of these important analyses, as well as additional parameters like pH or conductivity. These process analyzers can signal the plant’s distribution system to correct the water chemistry, ensuring consistent product quality. In addition to alkalinity and water hardness, numerous other parameters can also be determined (pH, conductivity, etc.).
- AN-PAN-1005Analysis of calcium, magnesium in brine
In this Process Application Note, the analysis of low concentrations of calcium and magnesium (0–20 µg/L) in brine is addressed. The presence of calcium and magnesium can shorten the performance and lifetime of the membranes used in the chlor-alkali industry for the production of chlorine. Accurate online monitoring of the hardness is needed in several stages of the process. Other parameters such as acidity, carbonate, hydroxide, silica, alumina, ammonia, iodate and chlorine can also be analyzed online.
- AN-PAN-1027Online monitoring of TBC in styrene storage tanks according to ASTM D4590
Reliable monitoring of TBC in styrene according to ASTM D4590 requires an explosion-proof solution like the 2060 TI Ex Proof Analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1013Online analysis of boric acid in the cooling water of pressurized water reactors
Boric acid requires precise monitoring in the primary circuit to control nuclear reactor reactivity. The 2060 TI Process Analyzer monitors boric acid online in near-real time.
- AN-PAN-1054Online monitoring of hydrogen peroxide during the CMP process
The planarity and smoothness of silicon wafers are fundamental to manufacture optimal semiconductor devices, and Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) is the most common technology used to achieve ultra-flat surfaces. A slurry is used for this purpose, composed of deionized water, a colloidal silicon or alumina liquid dispersion, and hydrogen peroxide, which has to be constantly monitored at all times.Online monitoring of the CMP process is necessary to avoid chemical waste and enhance wafer production yields. Metrohm Process Analytics can measure not only the H2O2 concentration, but also pH, conductivity, and temperature using the multipurpose 2060 Process Analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1056Online monitoring of sodium in industrial power plants
In power plants, corrosion is the greatest enemy. If corrosive impurities are present in the circuit streams (e.g., chlorides and hydroxides), deposition of an insulating layer of scale on the heat transfer surfaces occurs, resulting in costly and critical downtimes. To ensure high throughput of power plants, online analysis of critical parameters such as sodium is highly advantageous for safety, protection, and process optimization. With the 2035 Process Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics, operators gain the information they need to accurately identify trends, reduce downtimes, and address operational issues before costly problems arise.
- AN-PAN-1042Online trace analysis of anions in the primary circuit of nuclear power plants
Measures to monitor or prevent corrosion are crucial in nuclear power plants, where significant risks to health and safety can occur if corrosion is left unchecked. Anions corrode metals under high temperature and pressure, therefore their concentrations must be monitored at all times. The analytical challenge in the primary circuit is detection of anions in the μg/L range alongside gram quantities of boric acid and lithium hydroxide. Precise, reliable trace analysis requires the method to be automated as much as possible. The 2060 IC Process Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics can measure several anions from a single injection, with combined Inline Preconcentration and Inline Matrix Elimination to measure low anion concentrations precisely and reliably time after time.
- AN-PAN-1045Online monitoring of copper corrosion inhibitors in cooling water
Copper is used widely in industrial cooling water systems for its heat transfer properties, although it is susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion can cause a loss of efficiency and eventually a failure of equipment, leading to costly maintenance, replacement, and downtime. Corrosion inhibitors (triazoles) can be added to the water chemistry, which form sparingly soluble protective layers on the surface of the metal. Triazole concentrations must be maintained to protect the copper, which necessitates regular concentration determinations in cooling water. The 2060 IC Process Analyzer with UV/VIS detection is well-suited for this application, able to precisely and reliably measure multiple ionic and UV-active compounds simultaneously in cooling water.
- AN-PAN-1043Online trace analysis of cations in the primary circuit of nuclear power plants
In power plants, corrosion is the primary factor leading to costly and critical downtimes. In a nuclear power plant, a separate water circuit known as the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) ensures radioactive material stays contained while still transferring heat and energy to the other circuits. Boric acid and lithium hydroxide are added specially to the PWR circuit in amounts which can complicate other analytical measurements. Lithium prevents corrosion and must be monitored, along with other cations such as zinc, nickel, and ammonium. In order to measure these cations online at sub-µg/L range in a single analysis, the 2060 IC Process Analyzer is offered with combined Inline Preconcentration and Inline Matrix Elimination. Several cations can be analyzed in a single injection, with automated sample preparation making precise and reliable measurements easier.
- AN-PAN-1044Online trace analysis of amines in the alkaline water-steam circuit of power plants
Neutralizing amines are added to adjust pH levels within the water-steam circuit of power plants to avoid corrosion-inducing conditions. This preventive maintenance can reduce costly and critical downtimes due to corrosion, however frequent monitoring of the amine chemistry is necessary to ensure conditions stay optimal. The 2060 IC Process Analyzer featuring the Metrohm intelligent Partial Loop Technique (MiPT) option is ideal for this application, with the ability to measure trace amounts of the analytes precisely and reliably through an automated method. The benefit of using IC is that multiple analytes can be monitored simultaneously, and here the ability to measure the presence of sodium next to the high ammonium or amine concentrations could indicate that cooling water is seeping into the circuit, indicating a problem upstream.
- AN-PAN-1004ABC Titration: Analysis of alkali, carbonate, hydroxide, and sulfide in pulping liquors
The Kraft process is the dominant pulping process in the pulp and paper industry with the highest chemical recovery efficiency. In order to run each part of the papermaking process optimally, constant quality checks and analyses should be performed. This Process Application Note illustrates the straightforward online analysis of alkali (active, effective, total titratable alkali (TTA)), carbonate, hydroxide, sulfide and the causticizing degree (CE%) in pulping liquors using a 2060 Process Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics.
- AN-PAN-1055Monitoring quality parameters in standard cleaning baths
Rapid inline monitoring of the major SC1/SC2 bath constituents is possible with reagent-free near-infrared spectroscopy, e.g., the 2060 The NIR-R Analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1057Inline monitoring of fermentation processes
Many fermentation quality parameters can be monitored simultaneously directly in the tank with inline near-infrared spectroscopy, such as the 2060 The NIR Analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1049Online determination of bromate and other disinfection byproducts in drinking & bottled water with IC
Drinking water which has been disinfected via the ozonation process can contain undesirable levels of bromate, a carcinogen, via oxidation of bromide in the raw water. Already several agencies including the World Health Organization have recommended concentration limits for bromate set in place to limit its risks to our health. Ion chromatography is mentioned in several analytical standards for the determination of disinfection byproducts (DBP) including bromate, such as EPA 300.1, 317.0, 321.8, 326.0, ASTM D6581, ISO 11206, and ISO 15061. Monitoring trace levels of bromate online means higher throughput and less time spent performing manual laboratory tests, and ensures quality drinking water is produced.
- AN-C-193Alkyl amines in scrubber solutions
Harmful industrial flue gases like H2S and CO2 cause corrosion of pipes and damage the environment. Adding the correct amount of amines in scrubber solutions, e.g. ethanolamines and methylamines, will neutralize these gases («gas sweetening»). Non-suppressed cation analysis with direct conductivity detection is a straightforward and robust technique for the quantification of monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA), and trimethylamine (TMA) via ion chromatography. Thanks to the high capacity of the Metrosep C 6 column, large volumes can be injected without compromising the peak shapes. The analytical technique can be used at laboratory scale but also for process analysis.
- AN-PAN-1040Ammonia in cooling water of thermal power plants
Thermal power plants require enormous amounts of water, using high purity steam at high pressure to rotate turbines. A separate cooling water circuit is implemented, which helps to form a vacuum when the steam condenses after the turbines. Maintaining this vacuum with optimal condensation parameters is critical for the power plant efficiency. The copper condensers are susceptible to corrosion by ammonia, leading to an upper limit of 2 mg/L NH3 set by EPRI in cooling water. Small cracks in the condenser combined with the large pressure differential between the steam circuit and the cooling water circuit will contaminate the high purity water in the boiler, causing major problems and necessitating a shutdown for plant maintenance. Monitoring NH3 online in cooling water with a process analyzer can signal early problems in a plant before significant intermediation is necessary.
- AN-PAN-1031Effectively monitoring hydrogen peroxide online in salmon farms
Salmon farms are becoming ever more popular. Strong population growth increases the demand for salmon which has an effect on their cultivation. Ever more fish live in limited space in open net cages. Parasites such as salmon lice can multiply quickly due to the high density of fish. One possibility of fighting the lice is to use baths with weak concentrations of H2O2. The salmon are treated in these concentrations for up to 20 minutes until the lice fall away and die. While it is true that hydrogen peroxide decomposes relatively quickly, it is nonetheless deadly for salmon in higher concentrations. The concentration must therefore always lie within the specifications during treatment. Our process analyzer requires less than two minutes per titration. This means that it permits more concentration determinations per treatment and always guarantees the correct dosage.
- AN-PAN-1009Online analysis of ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite in wastewater
This Process Application Note deals with online measurements of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in wastewater treatment plants. These nitrogen compounds are analyzed simultaneously using a drift-free colorimetric measurement in a multi-parameter process analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics.
- AN-PAN-1001Online analysis of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia in sour water stripper
This Process Application Note details the simultaneous online analysis of H2S and NH3 in sour water which was previously treated in the sour water stripper (SWS). The method includes automatic cleaning and calibration. Fast and accurate results are continuously supplied for process control.
- AN-PAN-1050Inline moisture analysis in fluid bed dryers by near-infrared spectroscopy
In the pharmaceutical industry, the fluid bed granulator/dryer is an integral point in the manufacture of powdered materials. Residual moisture must be kept within certain specifications to avoid fracturing of particles or caking (stickiness) of the bulk material. Current methods are slow and cumbersome, which can lead to damaged or degraded product. The ability to monitor the residual moisture content inline after drying is possible with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The 2060 The NIR Analyzer offers fast, reagent-free, nondestructive analysis of residual moisture of powders with a fluid bed probe specifically designed for these applications.
- AN-PAN-1046Online Determination of Anions in 50% NaOH and 50% KOH by IC (ASTM E1787-16)
The basic chemicals industry is responsible for producing thousands of raw materials at very large scales. The industries downstream rely upon a certain level of chemical purity to manufacture their own goods, as certain impurities can cause major issues in various processes. During the production of the basic chemicals NaOH and KOH, electrolysis of saturated brine solutions with membrane-cells yield the product which is further concentrated by evaporation. Impurities from the salts used in the brine will also be concentrated. Typically, this impurity analysis is performed offline with various hazardous chemicals with varying shelf-lives. The Process Ion Chromatograph is able to perform the measurement described in ASTM E1787-16 online, ensuring quality product without the need for time-consuming, hazardous laboratory experiments.
- AN-PAN-1038Power generation: Analysis of the m value (Alkalinity) in cooling water
One way to maximize heat transfer efficiency and reduce costs in a power plant is by controlling the water chemistry in the cooling circuit. This cooling water is kept alkaline to maintain the protective oxide layer on the metal piping throughout the water circuit. However alkalinity above the recommended range increases the probability of scale formation (deposition), so it is buffered with carbonate (CO32-) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). Titration of the cooling water to pH 4.5 gives the so-called "M-Alkalinity" (methyl orange alkalinity), a measure of total alkalinity. Below this pH, there is no more alkalinity present, only free acid (H+), carbonic acid (H2CO3), and CO2.
- AN-PAN-1034Analysis of Bayer aluminate liquors using thermometric titration
The Bayer Process is the method used to refine alumina from bauxite ore, as smelting aluminum directly from alumina is much more cost- and energy-effective. In this process, "aluminate liquors" are created by digesting the crushed bauxite with CaO and NaOH at high temperatures. Additionally, the CaO causticizes carbonate which forms in the alkaline solution from organic degradation and CO2 absorption from the atmosphere. Contaminations are removed at various steps in the process, and the liquor is filtered from the alumina crystals before it is recycled back to the digestion step. Before the spent liquor can be reused, a determination of the concentrations of the total hydroxyl (“caustic”), carbonate, and alumina values is required. These parameters can be determined quickly via thermometric titration with the 2035 Process Analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1025Online analysis of ammonia in ammonia-saturated brine
In the Solvay process, ammonium hydrogen carbonate and table salt are converted to sodium hydrogen carbonate and ammonium chloride. Heating the former yields sodium carbonate (soda), an important raw material for the soap and glass industries. Ammonia is an incipient and is regenerated almost completely through conversion of the ammonium chloride with lime milk (Ca(OH)2).A Metrohm process analyzer monitors the ammonia content in the saturated table salt solution after absorption tower, thus guaranteeing a good product yield in the carbonization tower. Additional parameters which can be determined with the analyzer in the Solvay process include: alkalinity, carbonate, chloride, calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
- AN-PAN-1015Calcium and sulfate in flue-gas desulfuration
This Process Application Note deals with the online monitoring of calcium and sulfate in flue gas scrubbing solutions using titration. Other contaminants that can be measured are sulfite, chloride, and chlorine. Low concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, zinc, copper, and lead can be measured in the ppb/ppm range with the ADI 2045VA Process Analyzer using voltammetry.
- AN-PAN-1041Inline monitoring of free isocyanate (%NCO) content in polyurethane
Polyurethanes are a class of synthetic polymers formed by reacting liquid di/polyisocyanates and polyols with a catalyst and various additives in a reactor. Polymer properties are modified with stepwise additions of these chemicals at different points in time depending on whether the process has reached an equilibrium. NCO functional groups from unreacted isocyanates must be quenched at the end for a finished product, and this parameter must be known to determine the proper chemical mixing ratio. A fast, non-destructive real-time measurement of %NCO can be obtained by using NIR spectroscopy with a probe seated directly in the reactor.
- AN-PAN-1039Ortho- and total phosphate phosphorus analysis online according to EN ISO 6878
Phosphorus removal is essential in waste water treatment plants to ensure the environmental balance is not upset by discharged effluent. In the treatment facility it is important to know the bioavailable o-phosphate phosphorus (o-PO4-P) concentration in the influent stream either to feed bacteria or to calculate the amount of reagents needed for chemical treatment. For environmental compliance monitoring purposes, treated effluent is monitored for TP – the sum of all insoluble and dissolved phosphates present. With the Metrohm Process Analytics 2035 TP Analyzer (complete with integrated compact digestion cuvette photometer module), you can keep track of both o-PO4-P and TP according to DIN EN ISO 6878:2004-09 around the clock.
- AN-PAN-1035Online analysis of indigo, hydrosulfite, and other parameters in textile dye baths
The size of the indigo molecule makes it difficult to dye synthetic fibers, but the large pores of cellulose (such as in cotton) accept it readily. Indigo is insoluble in water, so it must first be reduced to the water-soluble leuco-indigo form by sodium hydrosulfite in a strong alkaline bath. Good circulation within the bath is imperative for consistent dye coverage, but care must be taken not to introduce any oxygen. Fabrics must be oxidized between dips in the dye bath in order to set the indigo within the pores of the fibers, but multiple dips are necessary for darker, uniform coverage. Many parameters need to be monitored and controlled to ensure high quality of the end product: the pH value for proper NaOH (alkali) dosage, the concentrations of both hydrosulfite and indigo, as well as the temperature of the bath and even the redox potential.
- AN-PAN-1032Monitoring corrosion in power plants with online process analysis
Corrosion in the water-steam circuit of power plants leads to shorter lifetimes of most metal components and potentially dangerous situations. Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) is a specific case, leading to thinned pipes and elevated Fe concentrations in the circuit. Additionally, metal transport issues such as with Cu from copper heat exchangers can lead to deposition on the high pressure turbine blades, decreasing their efficiency. Current methods can monitor but not prevent these issues, and analysis times are extremely long (up to three weeks). In combination with the power plant’s Distributed Control System (DCS), online monitoring of Fe and Cu with the 2060 Process Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics ensures that corrosion can be controlled before it affects the power plant efficiency, ultimately decreasing downtime and lowering maintenance costs. Results are offered within 20 minutes, allowing fast adjustments to the water-steam circuit to protect company assets.
- AN-PAN-1030Monitoring of chromate in wastewater streams
Chromium is extracted from chromite ore and is an important part in the production of stainless steel. Chromium is mainly divalent, trivalent and hexavalent in its compounds. In contrast to chromium(III), which is an important trace element and one that is only sparingly soluble in water, hexavalent chromium is extremely toxic and very water-soluble. Cr(VI) is furthermore an important raw material for industry. It must be determined rapidly and precisely in the lower µg/L range in wastewater. Metrohm Applikon offers an array of process analyzers for the analysis of wastewater streams which determine chromium precisely and reproducibly using photometry.
- AN-PAN-1028Monitoring tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) in developer online
The chemicals used in the manufacture of semiconductors must exhibit an exceptional purity, because even traces of contaminants have a negative effect on electrical properties. For the manufacture of printed circuit boards, the light-sensitive photoresist applied to the substrate (wafer) is exposed to light at defined areas with the aid of a photo template and then developed in a chemical reaction. The developer contains 2.38 to 2.62% tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and ensures that the exposed areas can be readily separated from the substrate. The monitoring of the TMAH concentration in the developer solution takes place with a process analyzer from Metrohm Applikon that is configured specially for titration. In addition to this, the analyzer helps with the mixing of the TMAH solutions.
- AN-PAN-1016Online analysis of silica in boiler feed water of power plants
Excessive silica concentrations in the boiler feed water can lead to deposits on turbine blades and must therefore be avoided. Silica analysis is carried out via differential photometry using a leading-edge technology thermostatic cuvette module for non-sample contact at the detector. Typical concentration ranges for silica are 0–50 ppb and 0–1 ppm or higher.
- AN-PAN-1008Determination of sulfuric acid in acetone and phenol
In the cumene process, phenol and acetone are produced from benzene and propylene. For a successful process control, it is crucial to monitor the sulfuric acid concentration, which impacts the acid-catalyzed cleavage of cumene hydroperoxide to yield phenol and acetone. This Process Application Note describes the online analysis of sulfuric acid using titration. In such hazardous environments, the analyzer can be ex-proof or located in an ex-proof shelter.
- AN-PAN-1006Online analysis of zinc, sulfuric acid, and iron during zinc refining
This Process Application Note is dedicated to the online analysis of zinc, iron and sulfuric acid in several stages of the zinc production process. Additionally, traces of germanium, antimony, as well as several transition metals (e.g., Ni, Co, Cu, Cd) can be precisely determined (<50 µg/L) in the purification filtrates and reactor trains.
- AN-NIR-008Determination of lignin in wood pulp
This Application Note describes how NIR spectroscopy can be used to determine residual lignin content in wood pulp. Using the major absorbance peaks of both lignin and cellulose in the second derivative spectra, the residual lignin content in wood pulp can be monitored during paper production.
- AN-NIR-014Following the progress of pharmaceutical mixing studies using near-infrared spectroscopy
Well-mixed active substances for medications are indispensable in the pharmaceutical industry. This applies not only to the pharmaceutical active ingredient but also for lubricants, binding agents, explosives, oxidants and dyes. Analysis of these active ingredients is expensive; they are also only rarely analyzed as a rule. The progress of the mixing procedures can be followed conveniently with NIR spectroscopy, on the one hand using visual comparisons and on the other by means of spectral algorithms. The progress of mixing processes can be predicted in real time with the help of the spectrum when the latter is used.
- AN-NIR-010Process monitoring in a butyl acetate production stream using near-infrared spectroscopy
This Application Note describes an NIR method for monitoring the esterification process in butyl acetate production. The developed NIR method shows excellent analytical performance equivalent to that obtainable with more time-consuming GC methods.
- AN-NIR-016Near-infrared spectroscopy for monitoring a single-pot granulator
This Application Note describes the utilization possibilities of a new sensor design that permits, in combination with an NIRS XDS Process Analyzer, the determination of solvent residues in a High-Shear Granulator during the drying phase. This system configuration reduces the scattering of the density distribution of the powder samples so that it is possible, directly in the process, to model the water and solvent content precisely.
- TA-054Online monitoring of atmospheric inorganic gases and aerosols in the Southeast and Northwest of the United States
This article describes the composition of atmospheric inorganic gases and aerosols in the Southeast and Northwest of the United States during a time period of several weeks. The semicontinuous sampling in hourly cycles takes place using the MARGA system from Metrohm Applikon. The temporal resolution of the aerosol and gas composition makes it possible to generate statements regarding the chemical origin and hygroscopicity of the particles. These are fundamental for rating the influence of aerosols on the climate.
- WP-048Utilizing online chemical analysis to optimize propylene oxide production
Propylene oxide (PO) is a major industrial product used in assorted industrial applications, mainly for the production of polyols (the building blocks for polyurethane plastics). Several production methods exist, with and without co-products. This white paper lays out opportunities to optimize PO production for safer and more efficient processes, higher quality products, and substantial time savings by using online process analysis instead of laboratory measurements.
- AN-PAN-1002Online monitoring of cyanide and gold in gold leaching solution
Gold leaching by cyanidation requires precise monitoring of cyanide and gold. Online process analyzers perform such measurements, improving safety and compliance.
- AN-PAN-1019Online analysis of acids and iron in pickling baths
Pickling baths are used in the galvanic industry to clean steel surfaces and prevent corrosion through passivation. Maintaining specific Fe2+/Fe3+ and free acid/total acid ratios is vital to ensure the baths' optimal performance, which directly impacts the final product quality and reduces production costs by minimizing reagent consumption. This application presents a method to regularly monitor the acid and iron composition in pickling baths online by using a process analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics.
- AN-PAN-1026Mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide in raw oil in accordance with ASTM D3227 and UOP163
Online mercaptan and H₂S monitoring with the 2060 TI Ex Proof Analyzer certified for Zone-1 and Zone-2 areas.
- AN-PAN-1047Monitoring water content in refined products inline with NIR spectroscopy
A safer way to monitor moisture content in crude distillation unit overhead fractions is with inline near-infrared spectroscopy using the 2060 The NIR-Ex Analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1053Monitoring of DOTP production via esterification with inline analysis
This Process Application Note presents a way to closely monitor multiple parameters simultaneously during the dioctyl terephthalate production process with near-infrared spectroscopy.
- AN-PAN-1003Online analysis of amines concentration in carbon capture plants
Carbon capture systems strip carbon dioxide from flue gases. Online analysis of amines and carbon dioxide enhances amine usage efficiency and reduces operational costs.
- AN-PAN-1029Monitoring peracetic acid (PAA) in a beverage bottling facility
Precise online monitoring of peracetic acid (PPA) for beverage bottling requires a reliable stainless steel process analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1051Inline process monitoring of the moisture content in propylene oxide
This Process Application Note presents a method to closely monitor low levels of moisture in propylene oxide safely and reliably by using a single explosion-proof inline process analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1007Online analysis of peroxide in the HP-PO process
Monitoring hydrogen peroxide content online in the HP-PO production process requires a rugged explosion-proof solution like the 2060 TI Ex Proof Process Analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1018Online analysis of acids, bases, and aluminum in anodizing baths
Anodizing metal surfaces improves resistance against corrosion and wear. Etching baths can be monitored precisely online with the 2060 TI Process Analyzer or 2026 HD Titrolyzer.
- AN-PAN-1048Inline moisture analysis in a pilot scale granulation process by NIRS
This Process Application Note provides a detailed account of the inline assessment of moisture during a pilot scale granulation process using a 2060 The NIR Analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1014Automated online determination of salt in crude oil according to ASTM D3230
Automated online analysis with the 2060 TI Ex Proof Process Analyzer facilitates constant monitoring of the crude oil desalting process according to ASTM D3230.
- AN-PAN-1037Online measurement of the acid number (AN) in oils with thermometric titration (ASTM D8045)
Online acid number analysis in various oil products is possible with thermometric catalytic titration according to ASTM D8045 using the 2060 TI Ex Proof Process Analyzer.
- AN-PAN-1011Online analysis of permanganate absorption number (PAN)
Permanganate absorption number (PAN) analysis per ISO 8660 ensures caprolactam purity, a precursor of Nylon 6. This application describes real-time, continuous PAN monitoring.
- WP-047Optimizing the chlor-alkali process through online chemical analysis
This White Paper explores the critical role of advanced online and inline process analysis in brine chlorine operations, emphasizing their advantages over traditional methods.
- AN-PAN-1010Online analysis of sulfuric acid and zinc sulfate in the viscose process
Monitoring sulfuric acid and zinc sulfate in the viscose wet-spinning process is essential. Online potentiometric titration and colorimetric analysis are recommended for this purpose.
- AN-PAN-1012Online analysis of nickel ion & hypophosphite content
In an electroless plating bath, the consumed ingredients have to be regularly replenished to ensure an even layer of nickel-phosphorus alloy. This requires online monitoring of the active bath constituents. Parameters to be controlled are pH value (4.5–5.0) as well as nickel (NiSO4 < 10 g/L) and hypophosphite concentration (NaH2PO2: 1–12%). Other measurement options include sulfate, alkalinity, and organic additives (via CVS).