Monitoring methods, automated

Spielman A, Garn M B, Aellen T, Haemmerlil S and Widmer H M 1992 Flow injection analysis methods for on-line bioprocess monitoring the automated measurement of some basic medium components and an enzymic product Microbial Principles in Bioprocesses Cell Culture Technology, Downstream Processing and Recovery (DECHEMA Biotechnology Conf. 5, Pt A) pp 367-70... 

Automated analyzers may be used for continuous monitoring of ambient poUutants and EPA has developed continuous procedures (23) as alternatives to the referenced methods. Eor source sampling, EPA has specified extractive sampling trains and analytical methods for poUutants such as SO2 and SO [7446-11-9] sulfuric acid [7664-93-9] mists, NO, mercury [7439-97-6], beryUium [7440-41-7], vinyl chloride, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Some EPA New Source Performance Standards requite continuous monitors on specified sources. 

All these methods will require careful monitoring initially to set up and determine the correct rate of blowdown once the plant is operating. In order to take the necessary sample from the boiler the boiler(s) should be fitted with a sample cooler. To automate the continuous blowdown a conductivity-controlled system may be installed. Here a controller continuously compares the boiler water electrical conductivity with a value set in the controller. Depending on whether this is above or below the set rate, it will automatically adjust the blowdown flow rate. 

The purpose for which the analytical data are required may perhaps be related to process control and quality control. In such circumstances the objective is checking that raw materials and finished products conform to specification, and it may also be concerned with monitoring various stages in a manufacturing process. For this kind of determination methods must be employed which are quick and which can be readily adapted for routine work in this area instrumental methods have an important role to play, and in certain cases may lend themselves to automation. On the other hand, the problem may be one which requires detailed consideration and which may be regarded as being more in the nature of a research topic. 

Integrating chemical analysis methods and physical sensors with microreactors enables monitoring of reaction conditions and composition. This ability renders instrumented microreactors powerful tools for determining chemical kinetics and identifying optimal conditions for chemical reactions. The latter can be achieved by automated feedback-controlled optimization of reaction conditions, which greatly reduces time and materials costs associated with the development of chemical synthesis procedures. 

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