Chemistry | Chemical Analysis | Reaction Monitoring in the Production of Oleochemical Products

Natural raw materials are becoming increasingly important in many areas of our daily life

Renewable raw materials are playing a key role as an alternative to fossil raw materials, for which resources are becoming scarcer worldwide. The positive assessment of these materials is based on their balanced CO₂ footprint and a growing sustainability awareness among consumers. Oils and fats account for almost half of the most important natural raw materials. Primary products based on animal and vegetable fats, so-called oleochemicals, form the basis for a wide range of applications in food production, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, the manufacture of industrial basic chemicals and in the energy sector in the production of biodiesel.

Having knowledge of the exact state of the reaction is necessary to produce in compliance with the rules but also cost-efficiently

The processing of products in the food and pharmaceutical sectors is subject to strict EU guidelines to exclude health risks for the consumer. Contamination of the end product with chemical residues, allergens or other substances must be excluded. At the same time, production must remain cost-efficient. Very precise and close-meshed measurements in real time as well as accurate reaction endpoint determinations help to optimize the process.

The measurement must be made directly in the reaction vessel, as atmospheric oxygen can attack the fatty acids and cause the product to spoil.The measuring technology used here is exposed to very high temperatures of > 180°C, mechanical vibrations caused by an agitator and pressure fluctuations. They must also comply with various regulations for safe operation.

A more detailed description on how this application was realized using online measurement technology can be found in our detailed application report, which you can download from the info column at the top of the page.