The control of fractionation processes in chromatography plants often requires a wide variety of spectral information from the target products. Mainly photometric systems have been used so far. Often, only the measurement of a narrow absorption range is not sufficient enough. Moreover, depending on the product and especially in batch process operation, a multitude of absorption bands has to be evaluated for the complete UV-VIS-NIR range.
The tec5
CompactSpec® EMB embedded spectrometer can measure several absorption bands simultaneously over a wide spectral range and determines process-relevant results. A single system replaces the corresponding number of photometric systems, which considerably reduces the acquisition and maintenance costs for process analysis technology [PAT]. Furthermore, the CompactSpec® EMB also opens up areas in the UV [up to approx. 190 nm] which are not accessible by commercially available photometric systems [typ. starting from 254 nm].
The CompactSpec® EMB does not require a PC, which also reduces IT support costs. By embedding the complete processing and evaluation functions in the included tecSaaS®device unit, measurement results [e.g. several absorption values] can now be transferred directly to the process control system [via Modbus TCP, 4-20 mA analog interface, and many more].
One of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies is now also using the CompactSpec® EMB for the production of proteins and enzymes in its biotechnology sector. This smart multi-sensor combines the production-specific requirements in one compact device. It enables a reliable control of the chromatography system and is failure-free for over a long period of time. The flexibility and adaptability of the system configuration and the concept of the smart embedded sensor
tecSaaS® [Spectrometer as a Sensor] without additional PC convinced the customer.
For the customized system, a broadband MMS UV-VIS SB spectral sensor [measuring range 195 - 720 nm] is used in combination with a xenon mini flash lamp. A fibre-coupled flow cell meets the process requirements of the products to be measured. As optical material in contact with the medium, thin sapphire glass is resistant to regular cleaning processes with sodium hydroxide solution. In combination with quartz collimation optics, even a spectral range below 215 nm can be measured. From the low UV range to the VIS range, for example, four characteristic absorption ranges are integrated, and the obtained values are transmitted to the process control system via an analogue interface. In addition, due to the adjustable optical path length [OPL], the measuring cell can be easily adapted to various product streams originating from fraction processes of the chromatography plant.
A very satisfied customer who does not have to worry about his process analysis technology and who already plans the integration of further systems for his plants. What more could you ask for?
Outstanding customer satisfaction is the result of this project, from which further plant designs including tec5 spectrometer systems will emerge.
