Applications

Determination of the diethylene glycol content, isophthalic acid content, intrinsic viscosity (ASTM D4603), and the acid number (AN) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a lengthy and challenging process due to the sample’s limited solubility and the need to use different analytical methods. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination of these parameters in PET. Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of PET in less than one minute without sample preparation or using any chemical reagents.

Pyrolysis gasoline (Pygas) is a by-product of ethylene production, which contains unwanted conjugated diolefins making it unsuitable as a motor fuel. To overcome this limitation, the olefin content needs to be reduced below 2 mg/g pygas in a selective hydrogenation unit (SHU). The diene value, or maleic anhydride value (MAV), is usually determined by the lengthy Diels-Alder wet chemical method (UOP326-17), requiring highly trained analysts. In contrast to the primary method, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a cost-efficient and fast analytic solution for the determination of diene value in pyrolysis gasoline.

For lubricant analysis, determination of the Acid Number (ASTM D664), viscosity (ASTM D445), moisture content (ASTM D6304), and color number (ASTM D1500) require the use of multiple analytical technologies and, in part, large volumes of chemicals. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a fast and cost-efficient alternative for the determination of the AN, viscosity, moisture content, and color number of lubricants. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for multi parameter analysis of lubricants in less than one minute.

Determination of key quality parameters of palm oil, namely free fatty acids (FFA), iodine value (IV), moisture content, deterioration of bleachability index (DOBI), and carotene require the use of several different analytical methods, which are laborious and can lack in accuracy. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for the determination of these quality control parameters in palm oil. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of palm oil in less than a minute and can be used by anyone.

Determination of sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), cocamidopropyl betaine (CABP), cocamidopropylamine oxide (CAW), cocamide diethanolamine (DEA), and carbopol in shampoo is a cost- and time-intensive process due to the use of large volumes of chemicals per analysis. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination these parameters in shampoo. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the complete analysis in less than a minute.

Functional group and viscosity analysis (ASTM D789) of polyamides can be a lengthy and challenging process due to the sample’s limited solubility. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination of the intrinsic viscosity as well as the amine, carboxylic, and moisture content in polyamides. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of polyamides in less than a minute.

Uniformity of dosage units must be tested for QC purposes in the pharma industry. NIRS gives results in seconds along with the quantification of APIs and excipients.

Specialty chemicals have to fulfill multiple quality requirements. One of these quality parameters, which can be found in almost all certificates of analysis and specifications, is the moisture content. The standard method for the determination of moisture content is Karl Fischer titration.This method requires reproducible sample preparation, chemicals, and waste disposal. Alternatively, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) can be used for the determination of moisture content. With this technique, samples can be analyzed without any preparation and without using any chemicals.

Acid Number (AN) analysis of lubricants (ASTM D664) can be a lengthy and costly process due to usage of large amounts of chemicals and required cleaning steps of the analytical equipment between each measurement. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient, fast alternative for the determination of the acid number of lubricants. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of AN in less than a minute.

Water activity is an important parameter to measure for non-sterile pharmaceutical quality and stability. The OMNIS NIR Analyzer provides this data within seconds.

This Application Note shows how NIRS is used for the multiparameter analysis of dry matter, pH value, viscosity, and surfactant content in liquid laundry detergent.

The cetane index (ASTM D613), flash point (ASTM D56), cold filter plug point (CFPP) (ASTM D6371), D95 (ISO 3405), and viscosity at 40°C (ISO 3104) are key parameters to determine for diesel quality. The primary test methods are labor intensive and challenging due to the need to use different analytical methods. This application note demonstrates that the NIRS XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer provides a cost-efficient and fast solution (under 1 minute) for the simultaneous determination of these key parameters in diesel.

Determination of the density of polyethylene (PE) (ASTM D792) is normally a challenging procedure due to reproducibility difficulties. Measurement via FT-IR can be problematic when larger sample sizes must be analyzed due to sample inhomogeneity. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a reliable and fast solution for determination of the density of PE. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows the analysis of larger, inhomogeneous sample sizes of PE in less than a minute.

Polypropylene (PP) is a general purpose resin widely used in industries such as electronic manufacturing and construction, as well as in packaging materials. PP resins must be melted first in order to be formed into the intended shape, and therefore flow properties are important characteristics which affect the production process. The standard procedure to analyze melt flow rate (MFR) requires a significant amount of work with packing the sample, preheating, and cleaning. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows the analysis of MFR in less than a minute.

Determination of the vinyl content of silicone rubber is a lengthy and challenging process. First, the vinyl groups must be converted to ethylene by reacting with an acid, followed by the determination of the produced ethylene with gas chromatography (GC).This application note demonstrates that Vis-NIR (visible near-infrared) spectroscopy provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for the determination of vinyl content in silicone rubbers. With the DS2500 Solid Analyzer it is possible to obtain results in less than a minute without sample preparation or any chemical reagents.

The quality control of diesel exhaust fluids (DEF) is key to ensure the optimal catalytic performance and prevent damage to the exhaust system in diesel vehicles. The standard method to determine urea content is measuring the refractive index (ISO 22241-2:2019). The issue is that although this method is fast, it is not as accurate as other methods (e.g., HPLC). This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Liquid Analyzer provides a fast solution with high accuracy for the determination of urea in DEF. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, visible near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy allows for the analysis of diesel exhaust fluids in less than a minute.

Safe and fast ethanol determination in hand sanitizers is possible with reagent-free near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS provides reliable results in a few seconds, quickly indicating when adjustments in formulation are necessary.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a popular natural remedy from the cannabis plant used in many pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic products. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive, making it an appealing option for those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without mind-altering effects. CBD oil is made by extracting the cannabinoid from the plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil (e.g., coconut or hemp seed oil). The standard HPLC method requires 45 minutes to perform by highly trained analysts. In contrast to the primary method, Vis-NIR spectroscopy is a cost-efficient and fast analytical solution for the determination of cannabinoid content in edible oils.

In the semiconductor industry, thermoset resins combined with fabric or paper are used as an intermediate layer between substrates of printed circuit boards (PCB). These polymer-based sheets (laminates) are chosen depending on thickness and their thermomechanical and electrical characteristics. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, non-destructive and easy-to-use analytical method which allows the measurement of multiple key quality parameters in less than a minute. The following Application Note describes the determination of the transition time of PCB laminates by NIRS, a parameter correlating with the thickness, glass transition temperature, and tensile strength of the material.

Fast and reliable detection of phosphoric, sulfuric, nitric, and hydrofluoric acids with near-infrared spectroscopy in under one minute.

This application note discusses an alternative near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy method that can reliably determine all parameters within a minute, even in complex acid mixtures.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) foils with a PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) coating are often used for high performance packaging films like pharmaceutical blister packs or in food packaging. In multi-layer blister films, the PVC serves as the thermoformable backbone structure, whereas the PVDC coating acts as a barrier against moisture and oxygen. The Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) and Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) are influenced by the composition and the thickness of the coating. A fast way to monitor PVDC coating thickness is with near-infrared spectroscopy. Results are provided in a few seconds, indicating when adjustments in the polymer production process are necessary.

The production of biofuels from renewable feedstock has grown immensely in the past several years. Bioethanol is one of the most interesting alternatives for fossil fuels, since it can be produced from raw materials rich in sugars and starch. Ethanol fermentation is one of the oldest and most important fermentation processes used in the biotechnology industry. Although the process is well-known, there is a great potential for its improvement and a proportional reduction in production costs. Due to the seasonal variation of feedstock quality, ethanol producers to need to monitor the fermentation process to ensure the same quality product is achieved. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers rapid and reliable prediction of ethanol content, sugars, Brix, lactic acid, pH, and total solids at any stage of the fermentation process.

This application note presents near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the rapid and reliable simultaneous quantification of ethanol, glycerol, hydrogen peroxide, and water content in hand sanitizer formulations.

This Application Note highlights near-infrared spectroscopy as a faster, cost-effective alternative to KF titration for predicting water content in diesel fuel.

Alkaline additives in engine lubricants are used to prevent the build-up of acids and as a result, they inhibit corrosion. The total base number (TBN) indicates the amount of basic additives present in samples and thus can be used as a measure for the degradation of the lubricant. The standard test method for TBN in lubricants is potentiometric titration according to ASTM D2896. This method requires the use of toxic reagents involves a labor-intensive cleaning procedure. In contrast to the primary method, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast analytical technique which does not produce any chemical waste and completes the TBN analysis in less than one minute.

To monitor the quality of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), it is important to measure the molecular weight during the production process, as this parameter has a significant influence on chemical and mechanical stability as well as fire retardant properties. The standard method to determine PVC molecular weight, defined here as the average weight of the molecules that make up the polymer, is by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). This analytical method is time-intensive and requires trained personnel to perform. Determining the molecular weight of PVC is easier with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS provides results in just a few seconds and can quickly indicate when adjustments to the production process are necessary.are necessary.

Cell fermentation processes are a reliable production method for small molecules and protein-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The fermentation process requires monitoring of many different parameters to ensure optimal production. These quality parameters include pH, bacterial content, potency, glucose, and concentration of reducing sugars. Traditional laboratory analysis takes a significant amount of time and requires different analytical techniques to monitor these different quality parameters. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a faster and more cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods for the determination of critical parameters in fermentation broths at any stage of the fermentation process.

The standard test method for ash content analysis is thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Although TGA is easy to perform, it is time-intensive and requires the use of nitrogen gas. In contrast to the primary method, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast analytical technique which can measure multiple parameters including ash content in polymers within one minute.

Typically, cannabis potency testing is performed by HPLC, but the drawback is that it requires chemicals and it is time-consuming. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a preferred method for quantification of THC, CBD and CBG in dried cannabis because it provides results in less than a minute and does not require any chemicals.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, chemical-free analysis method for various quality parameters of chocolate bars without sample preparation. The NIRS solution is easy to use and can be used atline or in a quality control lab.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, chemical-free analytical method for the simultaneous analysis of density, water activity, and moisture of green coffee beans.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, chemical-free alternative analytical technology for caffeine and moisture analysis in roasted coffee beans and grounds.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows the simultaneous determination of sweeteners such as Stevia and sucralose in blends in less than one minute without any chemicals or sample preparation.

The synthetic rubber known as Bromobutyl (BIIR) has many of the attributes of butyl rubber, but has better adhesion to other rubbers and metals, resulting in substantially faster cure rates. The simultaneous quantification of the bromine content, Mooney viscosity, volatile content, calcium stearate content, and functional bromide in BIIR can be easily performed with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) without the use of chemicals.

NIRS enables rapid, chemical-free analysis of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and Brix in fruit juices without sample prep, offering a fast alternative to traditional methods.

Key quality parameters in the food industry include sucrose, glucose, and fructose, and Brix (dissolved sugar content). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows fast simultaneous determination of multiple sugars without chemicals or any sample preparation.

Brix, Pol, juice purity, reducing sugars, and total recoverable sugars are some of the many quality control (QC) parameters that must be analyzed in sugarcane juice. An alternative to other analytical methods is near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS allows the fast, simultaneous determination of several QC constituents without chemicals or sample preparation.

Near-infrared spectroscopy can quickly determine multiple edible oil quality parameters simultaneously without sample preparation as shown in this Application Note.

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is able to determine the intrinsic viscosity of rPET in less than one minute without any sample preparation. This Application Note demonstrates that the Metrohm DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) offers users an easier way to perform this analysis without the use of toxic chemicals.

The standard method to determine RON in isomerate is with expensive and maintenance-intensive engines. In contrast to this, the research octane number can also be analyzed by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS provides accurate results within one minute without the need for any sample preparation or chemicals.

The determination of key quality parameters of reformate—namely research octane number (RON, ASTM D2699-19), aromatic content (ASTM D5769-15), benzene content, olefin content, and density—requires time-consuming and laborious conventional methods. In contrast, the Metrohm DS2500 Liquid Analyzer can measure all of these parameters, providing results within one minute without any sample preparation.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) quickly assesses key quality parameters in palm oil such as iodine value and fatty acid profile without sample preparation.

Monitoring the iodine value in edible oil blends is crucial to produce vegetable oils with the desired properties. This Application Note displays the benefit of using the Metrohm NIRS DS2500 Liquid Analyzer for quality control in food laboratories.

Conventional methods used to analyze moisture, ash, fixed carbon, and volatile content in coal samples, are time consuming and costly. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is excellently suited to determine all parameters simultaneously in less than one minute without any sample preparation.

This Application Note demonstrates how the OMNIS NIR Analyzer Solid quickly determines the cotton content in various textile products within just 30 seconds.

Near-infrared spectroscopy streamlines ethylene tetrafluoroethylene production by offering rapid, chemical-free analysis of melt flow rate and moisture content.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can determine water content in PGME (propylene glycol monomethyl ether) within seconds as shown in this Application Note.

This Application Note shows how easy it is to determine water content in the pharmaceutical excipient lactose with reagent-free near-infrared spectroscopy.

Polypropylene and polyethylene can pose recycling challenges. With near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), users receive polyolefin composition results in seconds.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a fast, solvent-free alternative to traditional methods for assessing olive oil quality and detecting potential food fraud.

NIR spectroscopy enables fast, reagent-free analysis of fat, moisture, protein, fiber, ash, and starch in animal feed, streamlining quality control with no sample prep.

NIR spectroscopy enables fast, reliable analysis of key quality parameters in alfalfa forage (e.g., protein, fiber, and moisture) without any sample preparation.

This Application Note shows how NIR spectroscopy is used to determine the water content (moisture content), protein content, and fat content in whole and ground almonds.

The content of organic matter, limestone, silt, clay, and sand, along with pH value and exchangeable calcium and magnesium in soil can be determined in seconds with NIRS.

This study shows how NIR spectroscopy simultaneously measures capsaicin content, Scoville Heat Units, water activity, ASTA color, and ash content in paprika powder samples.

NIR spectroscopy can measure several honey quality parameters simultaneously in just a few seconds without any sample preparation as shown in this Application Note.

This Application Note shows how near-infrared spectroscopy is used for fast, chemical-free multiparameter quality control of fabric softeners and laundry perfumes.

NIR spectroscopy is an alternative method for olive pomace fat analysis. Unlike other conventional methods, NIRS requires no sample preparation nor chemical solvents.

NIR spectroscopy measures ice cream quality parameters like total solids, fat content, lactose, protein percentage, sucrose content, and calories in seconds.

NIRS simultaneously measures important quality parameters in whey permeate (i.e., ash, phosphate, lactose, protein, pH, and moisture) without any sample preparation.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can simultaneously determine different quality parameters in deodorants like viscosity, pH, density, and aluminum content.

Ethanol content can be quickly and easily determined in different wines during fermentation and afterwards for quality control using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) enables rapid, nondestructive quality control of intact olives, supporting optimal harvest timing and improved oil yield estimation. NIRS provides fast, reagent-free determination of oil content, moisture, and maturity index without sample preparation. Its analytical performance is comparable to established methods such as NMR and Soxhlet extraction, while being significantly faster and easier to implement in mills or quality control laboratories.

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.

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.

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.

This Process Application Note presents a way to closely monitor multiple parameters simultaneously during the dioctyl terephthalate production process with near-infrared 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.

Improve petrochemical quality control with NIRS. Fast, cost-effective, and no sample prep needed. Learn more in our eBook.

Enhance quality control in material and chemical production with NIRS. Fast, cost-effective, and no sample prep needed. Learn more in our eBook.

This e-book explains how Raman and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy enable rapid, nondestructive polymer analysis, ensuring high quality while reducing costs and waste.

Near-Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a widely used analytical technique for quantitative analysis of various products in research and industrial applications. This white paper summarizes the workflow of the development of quantitative methods according to ASTM E1655.

The demand for microelectronics and printed circuit boards (PCBs) has steadily increased as more flat panel displays, LEDs, photovoltaics, and other essential intermediates are required to create modern consumer devices. This is favorable for the semiconductor industry, though challenges may arise to deliver on time while upholding high quality standards. To be successful, several processes must be optimized in order to increase production efficiency. This White Paper describes the capabilities of the modern analytical method near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for assessing the quality of acid baths for etching of microelectronics and printed electronics. Not only are analysis times sharply reduced to less than a minute, the related running costs are also significantly lower – certainly a boost in efficiency that should not be overlooked!