Online Monitoring of Catalytic Processes by Fiber-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Real-time monitoring of chemical reactions in confined spaces is crucial for process optimization and safety.
• Existing methods may lack the compactness, cost-effectiveness, or adaptability required for industrial applications.
• Raman spectroscopy offers potential for non-invasive chemical analysis but requires optimized sampling interfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an innovative, compact flow cell for in-situ Raman spectroscopy.
• To enable real-time monitoring of catalytic reactions within process streams.
• To demonstrate the system's robustness, modularity, and cost-effectiveness for industrial implementation.

Main Methods:

• A hollow-core waveguide was configured as a flow cell, integrated into the effluent of a cracking catalytic reactor.
• Raman spectroscopy was employed for excitation and scattering detection.
• Chemometric data processing was utilized to analyze spectral data and identify reaction components.
• The system's performance was validated by monitoring CO2 methanation and ammonia cracking reactions, with results compared to mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

• The developed flow cell successfully integrated into the reactor effluent stream.
• Real-time monitoring of CO2 methanation and ammonia cracking was achieved with high accuracy.
• Spectral signatures of individual components were effectively disentangled using chemometric analysis.
• The system demonstrated robustness, compactness, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The hollow-core waveguide flow cell is a versatile and reliable solution for real-time Raman spectroscopic monitoring of catalytic reactions.
• This modular approach offers customizable gas monitoring capabilities for diverse industrial sensing scenarios.
• The technology provides a cost-effective and robust alternative for process analytical technology (PAT) in chemical facilities.