Interested in a little light reading?

Chemical analysis is an intricate part of our everyday lives. From the water we drink to the food we eat to the fuel we put into our car, nearly everything we consume has undergone some form of chemical analysis before use. Although it’s likely not something we consider as we go about our daily activities, it’s a vital aspect of the production process for many things and something we all rely upon for quality assurance.

Petrochemical manufacturers know that chemical analysis is one of the most important steps in the monitoring of chemical compounds in the petroleum refining process. It is also one of the most unique and difficult processes to quantify and analyze. The ability to detect color changes is an important step in the process for identifying contaminants and impurities. With the right technology, the challenges of chemical analysis can be met.

Clear liquids are classified based on visual comparison.

Applications of Color Measurement in Petrochemicals

Petrochemical production results in a number of goods and materials that are dependent on accurate chemical analysis. From crude oil to the most refined petrochemical products, the manufacturing process relies on color technology to help with interpreting data, differentiation, and classifying petrochemical compounds. Petrochemical materials cover a wide range of products such as solvents, adhesives, plastics, resins, fibers, elastomers, lubricants, and gels. Each compound can vary from transparent to translucent to opaque, and accurate measurement is contingent upon the highest quality of instrumentation to measure transmittance or reflective materials.

The products that result from petrochemicals are numerous and varied. Image Source: Flickr user snowlepard

The petrochemical industry has greatly benefited from the use of color technology and spectrophotometers, and the ability to detect color changes throughout the refining process is an important step in identifying possible contamination. The ability to recognize even the slightest changes throughout processing helps to alleviate any impurities that may affect the quality of the final product. Detecting changes is crucial in monitoring and identifying any needs for re-distillation throughout the refining process.

On the moon, even the dirt is deadly. Astronauts returning from the Apollo missions were quick to point out the long list of problems the Lunar regolith caused. In the absence of any atmosphere, the lunar surface has been bombarded by meteorites large and small for millennia, resulting in an extremely finely ground particulate material. The vacuum also exposes the soil directly to the solar wind and unfiltered UV rays, which supercharge the fine particulate with incredible static electric properties. Astronauts reported that the fine, abrasive particulate gummed up their spacesuit joints, wore through layers of kevlar on their boots, swirled around inside the lander and irritated their eyes, nostrils, and lungs, and could not be removed with wet wipes due to their static properties. Long before any construction or other usages can be attempted on the Moon, the dirt has to be taken into consideration. It may seem terrestrial in comparison, but the same is true of land use projects back on Earth.

Constant meteoric bombardment due to lack of atmosphere is responsible for the Lunar regolith’s unique properties. Image Credit: Flickr User Marion Doss (CC BY 2.0)

The determination of fatty acids through spectrophotometric analysis has many applications in foods, dietary supplements, lubricating products, and detergents and soaps. Image Source: Flickr user Sam-Cat

Chemistry was never my best subject, but the truth is that chemical compounds and scientific formulations are just a part of everyday life. Take, for example, the importance of fatty acids. These little chemical compounds are bound together in groups of threes to form a variety of oils and products that we use regularly. These trios of derived chemicals make up many of the fatty acids we depend on for a healthy eating, lubricating needs, and many of the soaps and detergents we use daily.

Humans and animals alike require fatty acids, such as Omega -3s, as part of a healthy diet. Spectrophotometric determination of components such as these are needed for proper derivation, processing, and storage. Other fatty acids that are derived from both animal and plant-based sources also require the determination of acid value before meeting the quality standards needed for industrial use. Spectrophotometric technology offers a safe and easy alternative method of analysis for the determination of fatty acid in products, without the use of harsh chemicals and solvents. Using color technology the determination of fatty acids can be conducted safely, rapidly, and effectively.

Chlorophyll pigments are measured according to the color saturation of the sample. A deeper green color indicates a higher level of these essential nutrients. Image Source: Flickr user Georgios Liakopoulos

Another New Year is underway and once again I have resolved to eat healthier. Green vegetables still take center stage when it comes to high levels of chlorophyll pigments, which boast many health benefits, and I continue to look for new ways to add these healthy nutrients to my diet. However, I can only eat so much raw spinach and kale before I feel my inner rabbit start to retreat. The good news is that chlorophyll pigments are now available in supplement form and can be easily quantified for potency and quality purposes using a simple spectrophotometric method of evaluation.

Chlorophyll pigments are found in a variety of green leafy vegetable and chlorophyll supplements are also beginning to take precedence as another way to increase the intake of these healthy antioxidants. Image Source: Flickr user Aaron Stidwell

Agricultural sustainability relies on fertilizer quality and safety to maintain higher crop yields to meet the growing nutritional demands of an increasing population. Image Source: Flickr User Walmart

Fertilizer is important to the agricultural industry and to meeting the nutritional demands of a growing population. The composition of chemical and organic matters in fertilizers can vary significantly requiring analysis to maintain consistency and quality. Color technology plays an important part in the analysis of both mineral and organic fertilizer blends. Spectrophotometric determination of the many elements necessary for functionality, safety, and quality in fertilizers can be quantified according to both physical and chemical properties. The data this method offers is a valuable resource for the agricultural industry and aids in the overall effort towards a more sustainable farming market.

The color and clarity of transformer oil can tell electrical engineers a great deal about the oil’s age and quality. Image Source: Shutterstock user ifong

An engineer working for a power utility company is asked to check whether the electrical transformers in the field are working properly. Rather than looking closely at the transformers’ hardware or performing a test run of the machine, the engineer first looks at the color and clarity of the transformer oil being used. Why? Because the color of the transformer oil can tell the engineer a great deal about how well the transformer is currently operating and detect even the smallest signs of trouble before the device is powered on. Oil tests are a fast, simple, and inexpensive method for detecting operational problems in a transformer; it’s similar to checking a car engine’s oil every month or so to ensure that the engine is working properly.

Many power utility companies frequently test the color and quality of the transformer oils they use because high-quality oils can protect their transformers from damage. In fact, transformer oil tests detect an estimated 70% of incipient failures in transformers.1 Using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, engineers and on-site operations managers can quickly test the color of transformer oil to ensure that it meets exacting standards. By performing these tests periodically, either on-site or under lab conditions, power utility companies and other industries that rely on transformers can ensure that all of their equipment is operating at peak efficiency.

Certain types of transformer oils precipitate sediment in the bottom of the transformer as the oil ages. This is why some utility companies have on-site oil filters to remove impurities in the oil. Image Source: Pexels user Scott Webb

Liquid chlorine presents unique challenges to the color measurement process due to its caustic nature. Image Source: Shutterstock user StacieStauffSmith Photos

Caustic liquids play many critical roles in our lives, whether in the form of pharmaceuticals, automotive chemicals, or everyday cleaning products.1 For example, many swimming pools are disinfected with liquid chlorine, even though this substance is highly caustic and corrosive when handled on its own. How do manufacturers ensure that a highly acidic gas like chlorine is safe to use in a public pool? By testing it thoroughly during the manufacturing process. Liquid chlorine manufacturers add a strong base (like caustic soda) to their products to counteract the high acidity of natural chlorine gas.2 From here, they also thoroughly test the final liquid product for pH balance, color consistency, and purity, ensuring that each batch of liquid chlorine is the same exact shade of translucent yellow.

However, performing color quality control tests on chlorine and other caustic chemicals can be a challenge for liquid chemical manufacturers. That’s because these materials need to be handled and tested with extreme care; if a caustic substance comes into contact with your skin, it could cause a painful chemical burn. Substances like chlorine also have corrosive properties, meaning that the chemical has to be stored in a nonreactive container (like glass or anodized metal) when you perform color quality control tests on the sample.

Yet despite these challenges, there is a simple way to test the color of these caustic liquid chemicals without putting your equipment or your staff at risk. By refining your testing procedures and using a durable spectrophotometer that is designed to handle harsh chemical samples, you can safely test the color of your products.

A durable spectrophotometer can help you safely test the color of caustic or corrosive liquid samples. Image Source: Shutterstock user Live and Learn