Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring


A different way to measure concentrations

February 2008 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

Measuring concentrations is a routine task in the process industry. There are currently various processes available for measuring the concentration of two-component mixtures of immiscible liquids. From the most common, taking a sample and analysing it in the laboratory, to measurement of density, refraction index, optical absorption, or online analysis.

Automated measurement of concentration in two-component mixtures
Automated measurement of concentration in two-component mixtures

Thanks to research carried out by Krohne, there is now another measurement method using the latest time domain reflectometry (TDR) level meters, which relies on the dielectric constant. Finding the dielectric constant of two-component mixtures makes it possible to calculate the proportion of each constituent.

According to Krohne the cost of a TDR level meter is considerably lower than that of the other processes, as much as 10 times lower in the case of online analysis devices, it is an economical and efficient alternative.

TDR level meters are maintenance free, have no moving parts and can also work with suspensions, such as Xylene and water. In this case the Optiflex can also be used for recognising separate layers, for example separations in the batch process.

Krohne carried out successful tests at a well-known chemical company in Italy for this method of concentration measuring for two-component mixtures using a TDR level meter. The technicians installed the meter at the outlet for a continuous Xylene distillation unit. A water washing tower is positioned before the distillation column, so that there is still water in the distilled Xylene. Until now the company had been taking a sample every 8 hours and calculating the water content in the laboratory using the Karl-Fischer process.

To save these costs, and to have a continuous analysis, the chemical company decided to measure the dielectric constant using a TDR level meter. First of all a calibration unit was set up, to create a calibration curve. After the concentration curve for water in Xylene was created, the meter was installed into the system. For a relatively small investment, the company has managed to make sampling and laboratory analysis for every shift redundant. Continuous measurement also has clear benefits for process control.

For more information contact Mahendra Rajcoomar, Krohne South Africa, +27 (0)11 314 1391, [email protected], www.krohne.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Supporting fast, safe helicopter service across Sweden
ATEQ South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In an environment with high risks and fierce competition, Storm Heliworks’ fleet of eight helicopters operates on assignments throughout Scandinavia. Maintenance is critical, and the company recently invested in a battery charger analyser from ATEQ Aviation.

Read more...
WearCheck introduces advanced Legionella testing to safeguard water quality
Wearcheck Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
WearCheck Water has expanded its expertise in water analysis with the introduction of Legionella pneumophila detection and enumeration. This positions the company at the forefront of water and surface safety monitoring, ensuring businesses, industries, and public institutions can proactively manage legionella contamination risks.

Read more...
Silo weighing made easy - new mounting kit for load cells
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The PR 6003 mounting kit features fast commissioning in demanding applications in industrial silo weighing. It combines maximum accuracy with maximum safety in a compact system.

Read more...
Inline beverage analyser leverages advanced multi-parameter technology
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] The Cobrix 7501/7601 inline beverage analyser leverages advanced multi-parameter technology to enhance quality control in carbonated soft drink production.

Read more...
Smart weighing boosts Bayer’s automation
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
he new supply centre of the agricultural chemical and pharmaceutical company Bayer in Hangzhou integrates weighing technology of Minebea Intec for precise mixing and homogenisation in Zone 2 hazardous areas.

Read more...
WearCheck Water wins accreditation for microbiological testing
Wearcheck Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
WearCheck Water’s Johannesburg laboratory was recently awarded ISO/IEC17025 accreditation for Total Coliforms and E.coli Testing after a rigorous audit process, adding to the company’s extensive list of certifications, and reinforcing the laboratory’s adherence to national and international work quality standards.

Read more...
Advancing process weighing and weighbridge automation
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Sasco Africa, a leader in industrial weighing solutions, is showcasing its latest innovations in process weighing and weighbridge automation.

Read more...
Analysis solutions for total organic carbon
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Prepare for the future of water quality monitoring with Hach’s industry-leading total organic carbon (TOC) analysis solutions.

Read more...
Liquid density analyser
Sensoquad Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The SensoTech LiquiSonic system measures the density or concentration of a liquid by calculating using the sonic velocity to give output in real-time.

Read more...
Oxygen measurement in beverages
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar offers a complete range of oxygen measurement instruments for total package oxygen (TPO) measurements, at-line quality control (QC), and in-process monitoring. These instruments help beverage manufacturers achieve accurate, reliable oxygen control at every stage of production.

Read more...