ATR-IR spectroscopy for process monitoring in microstructured reactors
Special Symposium - EPIC-1: European Process Intensification Conference - 1
EPIC-1: Poster Session (EPIC - Poster) - P1
Keywords: ATR infrared spectroscopy, fibre optics, reaction kinetics, microstructured reactors, process monitoring
The need for process analytical tools in chemical processes is obvious, and quite a number of analytical methods have been adapted to the requirements of automated process control systems. However, there is still a lack of appropriate inline or online tools in the emerging field of Micro Reaction Technology (µRT).
We report the adaptation of an ATR-IR spectroscopy setup to a modular micro reaction plant. Fibre optical sensors have been coupled to low volume flow cells and fit into a segmented tubular reactor setup. With up to six sensors, IR spectra have been recorded with a Bruker Matrix-MF FTIR spectrometer equipped with a multiplex fibre port. Quantification of the spectra with the implemented PLS algorithms or model-based evaluation tools allowed to record concentration profiles in dynamic and steady-state operation mode for kinetic studies and the characterisation of the reactor setup.
Thus, we have proceeded in the determination of reaction kinetics for the solvent-free syntheses of imidazolium-based Ionic Liquids and other process examples that may potentially benefit from being performed in microstructured reactors. For the IL synthesis, inline monitoring permitted the observation of an intermediate kinetic effect that has not been accessible with offline NMR analysis. The molecular characteristics of this effect have not been clarified yet.
Presented Wednesday 19, 13:30 to 14:40, in session EPIC-1 Poster Session (EPIC - Poster) - P1.
