Stratophase has announced that, as part of a consortium, it is developing a cost-effective, multi-parametric, multi-point, in-line sensor system for high-value liquid production processes.
Utilising Stratophase's advanced Spectrosens optical microchip technology, the GBP1.2m project will initially tackle complex production processes, such as those associated with active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and butanol-based biofuels.
Accurate, real-time and data-rich 'fingerprints' of the various manufacturing stages will be produced to enable tighter and more timely control, which will minimise waste and increase yields.
Spectrosens technology provides an intrinsically safe, passive and spark-free system for the in-line monitoring of liquids throughout the complete manufacturing process.
At present, the technology monitors liquids based on measurements associated with temperature and refractive index.
This project aims to expand the Spectrosens technology, by focusing on developing additional measurement parameters such as spectroscopic information, particle content, pressure and viscosity, to provide multiple measurements at each point of the process.
This will enable real-time monitoring of key criteria, and employ Quality by Design principles to fulfil Process Analytical Technology requirements.
The data will be available at each stage of a process, making it simple to identify any potential problems as they occur, for more cost-effective production.
