Process ultrasonic spectroscopy
The chemical industry plays a crucial role in the European economy. Although specialty chemicals account for only 26 % of production, they are indispensable in numerous sectors, including the construction, cosmetics, automotive and food industries. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) in particular is an essential material whose properties are highly dependent on particle size. This is where the Ultrasound spectroscopy as an innovative method for process monitoring.
Titanium Dioxide and its Applications
Titanium dioxide is a widely used material, both as a main ingredient and as an additive in products such as paints, sun creams, toothpastes and food. In addition, around 1.5 million tons are produced worldwide every year, of which around 60 % are used in paints and coatings. This is precisely where ultrasound spectroscopy can come in.
The Particle size of TiO2 is a decisive factor for the properties of the end product. While sun creams require particle sizes of around 300 nm, transparent UV blockers require significantly smaller particles. The smaller the particles, the higher the production costs - these can be up to ten times higher.
TiO2 as a white pigment:
In order for TiO2 to be used as a white pigment, the particles must reflect visible light in the range from 440 nm to 700 nm. The optimum particle size for this reflection is around 300 nm. However, differences in particle size influence the color quality. If the majority of the particles are smaller than 300 nm, a blue tint is produced, which is desirable for detergents but reduces the opacity of wall paints. Larger particles, on the other hand, lead to a brown hue and a loss of gloss.
Challenges in process monitoring
The production of TiO2 requires precise process monitoring in order to achieve the optimum particle size of 300 nm. Since optical measurement techniques are unusable due to the low light transmission of TiO2 samples, samples have so far been taken, diluted and analyzed with UV spectrometers. However, this method is time-consuming, error-prone and highly dependent on the pH value of the samples, which means that ultrasound spectroscopy has to be used.
Ultrasound spectroscopy: an efficient solution
Ultrasonic spectroscopy therefore offers an innovative alternative for determining particle size in real time. In this method, a material is excited by high-frequency mechanical waves, the reaction of which in turn depends on the thermo-physical properties of the medium. Furthermore, this method is:
- Non-destructive and non-intrusive
- Suitable for solid, liquid and opaque substances
- Easy to handle without manual intervention
- Applicable over a wide frequency range
The ITS The U2S technology developed by the company records the particle size, distribution and concentration in highly concentrated suspensions by means of ultrasonic measurements and is an example of a sophisticated application of ultrasonic spectroscopy.
Possible applications of ultrasound spectroscopy
The U2S system allows the determination of the following material properties:
- Density and concentration of mixed liquids and suspensions
- Rheological properties such as flow behavior and deformation
- Changes in material composition due to particle size changes
- Relaxation phenomena in biological materials and soft solids
An example application is the Concentration dependence of titanium dioxide. The graph shows samples with different concentrations (1 %, 3 %, 5 %, 10 %, 30 %, 50 %, 70 %). The results show how particle size and concentration influence material properties, which illustrates why continuous monitoring by ultrasonic spectroscopy is necessary.
Summary
Ultrasonic spectroscopy is therefore revolutionizing process monitoring in the chemical industry. This method can also be used to determine particle size, distribution and concentration in real time - even in highly concentrated samples. Furthermore, this reduces production time, improves product quality and minimizes costs. Finally, U2S technology offers a reliable, efficient and versatile solution for the requirements of modern industrial processes.
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