Recent Advances in Real Time Spectroscopy and Calorimetry for Monitoring Flow Chemistry Processes
Stefan Lobbecke, Head of Department, Energetic Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology
In the past decade, microfluidic processes have gained considerable
importance in the optimisation and intensification of chemical
reactions. Most of this gain is due to significant improvements in heat
and mass transport achievable in microstructured reactors. Moreover,
many chemical processes offer significant scope for improvement through
detailed analysis of the physical-chemical processes on which they are
based. The data gained through this analysis can be used to target and
optimise specific reaction steps, achieve consistent product quality and
finally reduce process costs. However, in industrial practice it is
often difficult or even impossible to install and implement process
analysis on-site, for technical, economic or safety reasons.
Continuously operated microreaction technology and corresponding
microfluidic processes offer a solution, replicating technical processes
on a small scale and monitoring them in high temporal and spatial
resolution with the help of adapted process analysis. Here,
we report on the development of spectroscopic and calorimetric process
analytical tools for the realtime monitoring of chemical reactions in
microfluidic processes. For example, fast and miniaturized spectroscopy
is adapted as inline or online process analysis to allow simultaneous
investigations in different spectral regions (Infrared, Raman,
UV/Vis/NIR). Moreover, modern imaging techniques make it possible to
monitor chemical processes at various measuring points simultaneously.
At the heart of our calorimetric measurement systems are miniaturised
thermoelectric sensor arrays for the localised, quantitative
characterization of heat flows and reaction enthalpies. These data are
used to obtain thermokinetic and safety information on the observed
chemical process.
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