Analysis of chemicals using near-infrared spectroscopy

Significance of the topic

Near infrared spectroscopy provides rapid non destructive analysis of chemical systems through its sensitivity to fundamental bond vibrations. It addresses the growing demand for real time process control quality assurance and efficient research workflows in chemical manufacturing and analysis.

Objectives and study overview

This bulletin presents over sixty feasibility studies demonstrating qualitative and quantitative NIR applications. The goal is to illustrate the ability of NIR to monitor water and moisture trace organics acid and base concentrations reaction endpoints polymer and resin levels emulsions coatings and a variety of key chemical parameters under laboratory at line in line and online conditions.

Methodology and instrumentation

Studies employed bench top NIRSystems monochromators and NIRS XDS SmartProbe RapidLiquid and RapidContent analyzers configured for transmission reflectance and interactance modes. Liquid samples were analyzed in quartz cuvettes or with immersion probes. Solid powders coatings and pellets used spinning cells or remote reflectance probes. Fiber optic bundles enabled inline and online sampling. Calibration approaches range from single wavelength regression to multivariate techniques including partial least squares.

Main results and discussion

Results confirm NIR can detect water and moisture at ppm to percent levels in diverse matrices including solvents acids and process streams. Organic compounds such as surfactants glycols amines esters resins hydrocarbons and polymers were quantified with standard errors typically below one percent. Reaction monitoring examples include alkylation peroxide and polymer processes. Solid phase studies cover moisture in ores coatings on pigments silica and wax fragrances.

Benefits and practical applications

NIR delivers fast chemical insight with minimal sample preparation no reagents and potential for fully automated control. It supports improved product consistency lower analytical costs and real time decision making. Applications span raw material screening in the lab to continuous feed monitoring in industrial reactors and packaging lines.

Future trends and potential uses

Emerging compact spectrometers advanced fiber optics and powerful chemometric software will enable broader deployment in harsh industrial environments and remote sites. Integration with machine learning digital twins and process automation promises enhanced predictive control. New fields such as bio based chemicals polymer recycling and precision blending stand to benefit from NIR innovations.

Conclusion

The breadth of successful applications in this bulletin highlights near infrared spectroscopy as a robust versatile tool for modern chemical analysis. Its rapid non invasive measurements support quality management research development and efficient production across diverse chemical sectors.

Reference

- Application Bulletin 409 Analysis of chemicals using near infrared spectroscopy