Carolyn Ribes
Business Analytical Leader
Performance Plastics
Analytical Technology Center
Dow Benelux, B.V.
Terneuzen, The Netherlands
Carolyn, why a tutorial on process GC in HTC11?
The world of process GC is quite unknown to most chromatographers and that is a pity. The image of process GC is an anonymous explosion-safe box embedded in a gigantic plant. People do not expect an advanced instrument in this square box. The reality is different. To make such an analysis in the box is quite a challenge, it requires the input and cooperation of many high level scientists. A process GC needs to be able to tell us what’s happening in an often very complex process with just a few parameters. At DOW we have an enormous variety of processes, that need to be monitored and controlled for 24 hours a day, in all kinds of different circumstances, temperature; controlled, reliable and rugged for a very long period. So the tutorial should provide some insight in a demanding, interesting and complex world of developing analytical solutions.
What attracts you personally in this specialism?
It is rewarding since I can immediately see the result of what I am doing. I am a person that likes to think in terms of challenges rather then problems, I like to make things right and see the result. Good process control results in good processes in terms of efficiency, environmental effects, costs and process safety So in contrast to pure research, in this type of job you can immediately see the effect of what you do in the real world.
So what can your audience learn?
This tutorial covers the lifecycle of a PGC project, from selection through development, calibration and implementation and explains the key factors for the long-term viability of the analysis. Listeners will get insight in how a team of technicians and scientists work together to come to an extremely simple solution for a very complex analytical problem. It is a challenge to develop a system that gives the same reliable result at very different circumstances, climates, temperatures, instrument parts, over a long period of time. The stakes are high, since every error in system or instrument immediately has a huge effect on the result in terms of costs and environmental issues. And the audience can also see the impact that a chromatographer has on the end result.
So who should attend?
The target audience includes members of the pharmaceutical industry that wish to implement PAT (process analytical technology), industrial chemists that wish to improve process efficiency, and researchers interested in automating analyses for catalyst development, high throughput research, or optimization projects. And for students who want to gain insight in the fascinating world of process analysis.
Carolyn, what do they miss if they do not attend?
They’ll miss an opportunity to learn about the application of GC to real world challenges and some technology development needs.
What is Process GC?
Process gas chromatography (PGC) is a term used to describe the automatic, autonomous, and unattended application of GC to chemical processes. The instruments are typically used to provide real-time data that are used to control the production process, ensure raw material or final product quality, or ensure the safe and environmentally sound operation of the facility.
The chromatographs are generally designed for a single dedicated application, with one or more streams, for 15-20 years. The PGC analyzers are typically installed in an external analyzer shelter rather than in a laboratory and should require no more than 1 hour of support per week. A sample transport and conditioning system is designed and implemented to bring a fresh and representative sample to the analyzer.
The analytical method is developed to meet the measurement needs (range, accuracy, composition) as well as total analysis time and overall system reliability requirements. Valves are used for sample injection and column switching. Typically, a single temperature zone is used and isothermal separation is applied. This may require the use of multiple columns and back/fore flushes, heart cuts, or other techniques to achieve the required separation in the desired time frame. In most cases, thermal conductivity or flame ionization detectors are the detectors of choice.
The development, implementation, and support of these systems require a multi-functional team. Analyzer engineers, process control experts, maintenance technicians, reliability engineers, and process engineers must all collaborate with the chromatographer to ensure the success of the analysis.
