FTPA2000-260 FT-NIR Process Multi-Point Analyzer of Continuous and Batch Processes

Polyols are long-chain polymers containing alcohol functional groups. Surfactants are manufactured using polyol intermediates. Polyol characterization is typically performed by monitoring hydroxyl values (OHv) with the titration method. This laboratory method is time consuming, prone to operator variability and impossible to transfer to the online process. In this application note, ABB Analytical Measurements demonstrates the potential of FT-NIR spectroscopy for monitoring OHv in surfactant materials during a continuous process.

In this application note, ABB Analytical Measurements focuses on the measurement of MgCl₂ and total sulfates (%SO₄), which are linked to brine process control and optimization. They can be measured by ion chromatography (IC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Conventional laboratory reference methods for IC and ICP are expensive and time consuming. ABB Analytical Measurements demonstrates that FT-NIR spectroscopy provides a quicker, cheaper and simpler alternative for brine process control and optimization.

Polyurethane polymers are used in the manufacture of foams, inks, adhesives, synthetic fibers, and plastics are traditionally and most commonly formed by reacting an isocyanate with a polyol. The progress of the reaction can be followed by measuring the NCO%. FT-NIR is an attractive alternative as it allows users to perform rapid determination of NCO% in polyurethanes in a fast and non-destructive manner. In this application note, ABB Analytical Measurements illustrates the use of an ABB FT-NIR instrument for fast determination of NCO% in polyurethane polymer.