Chemistry - Product identification
Chemicals and raw materials are delivered in tankers, trains or (inland) ships. Storage tanks are then filled. It is, of course, of the utmost importance that the right product gets into the right tank, which is why inline product identification isn’t an unnecessary luxury.
Depending on the product, different measurement and analysis techniques are possible.
Below is a brief summary:
pH/ORP measurement
To distinguish between acids and bases or oxidising and reducing products. This is still the easiest technique to differentiate between these products, provided they are diluted solutions.
Colour measurement
Product identification on the basis of colour. Colour is measured on the basis of light absorption in the visual area (VIS, 40-700nm).
Refractometry
Selection based on concentration of dissolved substances. An inline refractometer, or measurement of the refractive index, is the only method that directly measures the concentration of dissolved substances. Each product has its own specific refractive index.
Conductivity
Difference between organic and mineral products or ionic and non-ionic substances. Measuring conductivity is a simple method that’s also low maintenance. The presence or absence of conducting substances can be easily determined.
Photometry
Determination of the correct product based on light absorption. This can be done under both IR and UV. The choice is determined by the products to be measured.
Gas analysis
Inline gas analysis with Tunable Diode Laser spectroscopy. This technology is used less for product identification, but rather as oxygen detection in the context of explosion protection or product quality.
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