Some of the analytical applications of EPAS include:

Peroxide (Active Oxygen) in Organic Process Streams

Peroxides are used as initiators in many chemical processes. Continuous analysis of the peroxide feedstock permits adjustments to the peroxide concentration before entry into the process stream. The result is significantly reduced processing costs (less scrap, higher yields) and improved quality control.

Downstream the peroxide concentration causes a safety problem. The peroxide decomposes in the process due to heating or other parameters. Oxygen, released during decomposition, can reach explosive levels if the peroxide concentration is not monitored.

The amount of peroxide formed during processing can be indicative of process efficiency. Constant monitoring results in tighter product specifications and increased yield.

Producers of peroxides can monitor the final product on-line to ensure good quality control.

Free Fatty Acid Analysis in Edible Oils

Crude oils contain free fatty acids as well as other contaminants, which must be removed. Based on the free fatty acid content of the feedstock, caustic is added to the process. Continuous analysis of the feedstock permits adjustments in caustic addition. The result is significantly reduced chemical costs.

The caustic refined oil should have less than 0.05% free fatty acids. However, a target value range from 0.02 to 0.03% is typical (other ranges are available). Constant monitoring of the processed oil results in tighter product specifications and increased yield as well as increasing the effectiveness of the subsequent bleaching step (1).

If the free fatty acid content is not monitored in fryers, the concentration can build. The fried food, e.g. potato chips, develops off flavours and the oil tends to saturate the food. In addition, smoking can occur. Continuous analysis ensures a consistent product, significantly reduces oil costs and prevents damage due to smoking oil.

(1) Handbook of Soy Oil Processing and Utilization, Third Printing, American Soybean Assoc. ad AOCS, 1985.

Copper in Effluent Streams

Effluents from chemical processes, where copper is used as a catalyst, need to be monitored for spills. Continuous analysis of the ditch water permits early recognition of spills or leaks so that bioponds or waste treatment plants don’t become poisoned or overloaded.

Effluents from copper electroplating processes also require monitoring. Early detection of spills or leaks allows time for proper effluent treatment.

Using Standard Methods For the Examination of Water and Wastewater, Method 313 C (15th Edition, 1980, APHA-AWWA-WPCF), Eppendorf’s process analytical system can pinpoint the spill’s source quickly and reliably.

Multi-stream sampling is a cost-effective method for effluent monitoring. Eppendorf’s process analyzer system (EPAS) can multiplex up to 6 plant site wastelines.

Total Alkalinity Analysis for Multiple Process Streams

In the textile/fiber industry, where several different products are produced at a plant, tight control over caustic addition is needed to ensure good quality products.

A wide range (0.01-1.00%) can be achieved for total alkalinity analysis. This means several different processes can be controlled using only one analyzer coupled to a multistream sampler.

Multi-stream sampling is a cost-effective method for caustic control. Eppendorf’s process analyzer can multiplex up to 6 process streams.

Ammonia Determination in Volatile Organic Solvents

The monitoring and control of ammonia levels in organic solvents is important in the manufacturing of many chemical intermediates.

Typically, the EPAS is configured for the on-line determination of ammonia (0.01% to 0.10%) in kerosene. However, with minor modifications, the same automated method can be used for ammonia determination in other organic solvents.

In this automated process method, a bromocresol green indicator is added to a n-butanol/water carrier solution. The Absorbance of the carrier is adjusted to 0.35 AU. The bromocresol green indicator reacts with ammonia allowing a colorimetric determination.

Sulfuric Acid Determinations in Organic Process Streams

The on-line monitoring and control of sulfuric acid levels in organic process streams is important in the manufacturing of many chemical intermediates.

Typically, the EPAS is configured for the on-line determination of sulfuric acid (20-100 ppm) in a phenol/acetone process matrix. However, with minor modifications, the same automated method can be used for sulfuric acid determinations of other organic process streams.

On-Line Ammonia Monitoring of Industrial Effluent Streams

Eppendorf’s Environmental Ammonia Analyzer, EAA-100, is a complete analysis system designed to measure environmental ammonia concentrations (5 ppm to 10,000 ppm) in industrial effluent streams. Continuous monitoring of industrial effluent (i.e. plant ditch water) permits early recognition of spills or leaks, thereby avoiding poisoning or overloading of bio-ponds and/or waste treatment plants.

Eppendorf’s Environmental Ammonia Analyzer can be used for aqueous as well as non-aqueous (i.e. organic) or mixed effluent streams. The analyzer response is unaffected by pH, colour, turbidity, temperature or effluent matrix composition.

Acetic Acid Determination in Organic (Acetone) Process Stream

The on-line monitoring and control of acetic acid levels in organic process streams is important in the manufacture of many chemical intermediates.