de Glossar
Automatization of  Synthesis Processes

Process control in the chemical industry is indispensable. Large chemical companies use measuring instruments for safe and cost-saving handling in synthesis processes. This increases efficiency and output while maintaining product quality. At the same time, expensive and time-consuming laboratory tests can be reduced. How exactly does the ColorPlus Ex from Sigrist monitor a chemical synthesis?

The reaction mixture is colored during the course of the reaction. The decolorization is measured to determine the completion of the reaction. The on-line process monitoring and control ensures reproducibility in the process. The measurement is carried out quickly and continuously in the process line, thus saving the costs of laboratory tests

Typical Application

The measurement of Hazen is used, for example, in the synthesis of propene acid (trivial name: acrylic acid, CAS number: 79-10-7). The colorless product is produced from the two-step oxidation of propene. An explosive mixture with oxygen occurs from concentrations of 3.8 vol%. The use of Ex-certified measuring devices is therefore an absolute must.

In the first stage, propenal (trivial name: acrolein) is produced, which has a slightly yellowish color. In the second stage, the propenal is converted by a molybdenum- vanadium catalyst at high temperatures.

The Hazen color number is suitable for determining yellowish colorations. The diagram shows schematically how it works. When the reaction is complete, the Hazen value is 0, this means that the mixture is colorless. An increased value indicates that starting material is still present.

AN_Schema_SynzthesisProdcessesChemicalIndustry_EN
Scheme of a chemical synthesis: When the reaction is complete, the Hazen value is 0, i.e. the mixture is colorless. The ColorPlus Ex measures the decolorization to determine the completion of the reaction.

The Solution

The ColorPlus Ex is available with a customer specific measuring cells. A version with flameproof encapsulation is offered for installations in areas requiring explosion.

The Customer Benefit

Initial situation at the customer: Production volume of 1.5 million tons at a market price for acrylic acid of CHF 1.5 - 2.5 /kg.

AN_SynthesisProcesses_CustomerBenefit

Technical Details

Measuring device can be fitted with up to three LEDs (fitted according to exact customer require ments)

  • Flexible selection of optical path lengths between 3 and 150 mm. This allows very small values (up to 10 mE) to be measured without any problems.
  • Designed for process conditions up to 195°C and 20 bar
  • Flexible measuring cells available. They can be connected to any process lines.

Further Practical Measuring Tasks

The ColorPlus Ex is also used worldwide in the synthesis of maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride or methacrylic acid. It is used in oil refineries around the world. There, after the distillation of crude oil, the quality of the products (petrol, diesel, naptha) is determined using color numbers such as Saybolt or ASTM. This is where the Sigrist photometer device scores with its high accuracy and reliability.

AN_SynthesisProcesses_FunFact_EN
ColorPlus Ex In-line
The ColorPlus is built to accommodate up to three different light sources (UV and visible range) for the measurement of color, DOC and concentrations. By use of the dichromatic measurement at separate wavelengths the turbidity can be compensated. Measurem
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Leonardo Pio
Responsible for the application: Water, Industrial Processes, Beverages & Food for the regions: AG, LU, NW, OW, VS, BS, BL, SO, BE, FR, NE, VD, GE and JU
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Ihr Businesspartner für Getränke & Lebensmittel:
Für Wasser, Industrielle Prozesse, Verkehr & Umwelt kontaktieren Sie unseren Hauptsitz.

Your distribution partner for beverages & food:
For water, industrial processes, traffic & environment please contact our headquarters

Contact headquarters

Felix Joller
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