For nearly all production processes of plastics continuous analysis methods are used for optimization of the production, for fault detection and to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Examples for the production of plastics where SICK analyzers are successfully applied:
PVC is one of the most frequently used plastics and is required for the manufacturing of window frames, cables, etc. During production of polyvinyl chloride safety measurements and quality control are very important. Important intermediate products for the production of PVC are 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC) and vinyl chloride (VC). When humidity enters through leakages hydrochloric acid is formed which causes corrosion of the production facility. In the past the Karl Fischer titration was applied, which now is replaced by very safe and stable NDIR photometric measurement of water traces in EDC and VC. Our solution:
The colorless and transparent plastics polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is used as a substitute of glass. Safety measurements and process monitoring are very important in PMMA production. During the production hydrocyanic acid (HCN) and acetone are formed as intermediates. Their concentration time course in the process is continuously monitored by suitable analyzers. Doing so, complex laboratory analytics are no longer required. Our solution:
In polyurethane production plastics like construction foam and insulating material are produced. During the production process compounds such as benzene, phosgene, ethylene oxide and chlorine are formed. Their concentrations are continuously monitored for process control. Our solution:
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a plastic material used for versatile applications in industry and private households due to its surface properties (low friction, no adhesion). Continuous monitoring of fluoroethene and other fluorocarbons is used for process control. Our solution: