Presentation Profile
Critical Considerations for Successful In Situ Liquid Process Sampling for Spectroscopy
Currently Scheduled: 10/15/2025 - 9:05 AM - 9:30 AM
Room: Iris
Main Author
Ryan Lerud - Process Insights
- Chuck DeCarlo - Process Insights
Abstract:
A sample interface that fouls or otherwise provides inconsistent or inaccurate measurements provides little benefit for process quality applications in oil refineries and downstream chemical manufacturing. The selection of the sampling interface needs careful attention to ensure the proper function of the analyzer. Considerations include material compatibility of wetted parts, temperature and pressure ratings, serviceability, flow requirements (Reynolds number and density), and direction of flow relative to the optical path. Discussion will focus on the fiber optic-based process spectroscopy of semitransparent liquids suitable for transmission measurements, with specific examples from a diesel fuel blending process, and from a synthetic fiber manufacturing facility. When considering a fit-for-purpose NIR or UV/VIS sample interface, care must be taken to ensure the vendor design constraints match your requirements. Differences between the sample interface in the lab and the in situ probe can cause the disagreement between the lab and the process.
