Process Spectroscopy: Unlocking Insights for Industrial Operations through Optical Analysis
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| Process Spectroscopy |
Process
spectroscopy refers to the use of spectroscopic techniques for analyzing
industrial processes and their components in real-time. Spectroscopy utilizes
the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation to identify molecular
structures and compositions without damaging the sample. In process
applications, it provides non-contact, non-destructive monitoring capabilities.
Types of Process Spectroscopy
Several spectroscopic methods have been developed for analyzing industrial
processes:
Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) uses radiation in the near infrared region
from 750-2500 nm. NIR spectroscopy works by detecting the characteristic
overtones and combinations of fundamental vibrations of C-H, O-H, and N-H
bonds. In process applications, NIR is used for analyzing properties like
moisture content, chemical composition, and purity levels. Its key advantages
are low cost and suitability for real-time or inline monitoring.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyzes infrared radiation from
4000-400 cm-1. It gives detailed information about molecular structure by
identifying chemical bonds and functional groups present in a sample. FTIR is a
popular laboratory technique that has found increasing application in process
analytical technology through use of fiber optics and attenuated total
reflection modules. It provides a detailed "fingerprint" spectrum for
qualitative or quantitative analysis.
Raman Spectroscopy
Raman spectroscopy detects inelastic scattering or Raman scattering of
monochromatic light by molecules. Process
Spectroscopy
provides vibrational, rotational, and
low-frequency molecular information. Process Raman spectroscopy is used for applications
like reaction monitoring, phase analysis, and polymorph screening. Benefits
include minimal or no sample preparation needs. Advancements in fiber optic
probes have enabled use of Raman spectroscopy for in-line and real-time
measurements under process conditions.
Applications in Process Industries
Process spectroscopy techniques find widespread use across bulk chemical,
petrochemical, food, pharmaceutical and other process industries. Here are some
key applications:
Polymer Analysis
NIR spectroscopy is commonly used in the plastics and polymer industry for
measuring properties like molecular weight, additives concentration, melt flow
index and defects detection. It enables real-time quality control and process
optimization. FTIR aids in polymer identification, detection of impurities and
changes during processing.
Petrochemical Industry
Process Raman and NIR spectroscopic tools help characterize refined petroleum
products and monitor blending operations. Properties like octane number,
distillation characteristics, aromatic content and phase changes are analyzed
on-line. FTIR plays an important role in analyzing raw materials, intermediates
and troubleshooting refining units.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Process analytical technologies like NIR, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy are
increasingly implemented by pharmaceutical manufacturers for applications like
blending validation, reactions monitoring and crystallization control. This
enables quality-by-design approaches and facilitates regulatory compliance.
Food Processing
NIR spectroscopy aids in measuring attributes like fat content, moisture
levels, protein concentration and detection of adulteration in various foods
including dairy, grain, meat and juices. This helps in process monitoring,
shelf-life determination and assuring consistency in quality.
Benefits of Process Spectroscopy
The non-invasive, non-destructive nature and ability to provide real-time
measurements under process environments make spectroscopic techniques highly
valuable for industrial applications. Some key advantages include:
- Continuous real-time monitoring enables improved process understanding,
quality control and increased productivity.
- Helps satisfy stringent regulatory requirements by facilitating
quality-by-design approaches and assuring end-product consistency.
- Provides immediate response without any sample preparation, enabling fast
sampling rates suitable for process control.
- Quantitative analysis capabilities for measuring multiple properties
simultaneously with a single, compact instrument.
- Improved safety as no manual sampling is required and operatives are isolated
from hazardous process streams and conditions.
- Lower lifetime costs compared to offline analytical techniques due to reduced
labor needs and more efficient processes.
The adoption of spectroscopic methods is continuously growing across industry
verticals as they help optimize operations, assure product quality and meet
evolving regulatory standards through process analytical technologies. Advances
in fiber optic probes, data analysis methods and process-configured instruments
will further expand their application scope in the coming years.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research
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