Spectroscopy And A More Sustainable Future

Spectroscopy, the broad scientific technique used to study the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation, is one of the most technologically advanced innovations of our time, taking precision and efficiency to the next level. Spectroscopy is a technique used to monitor and analyze the chemical composition of substances in real time during manufacturing or industrial processes. Spectroscopic methods enhance our collective ability to ensure quality control and optimize processes by helping us attain information about the properties of the materials involved. This type of technology can be used across multiple industries, including semiconductor manufacturing equipment, oil and gas, chemistry, food and beverages, and pharma and biotech. From molecular composition to concentration, spectroscopic methods are aligning us for a far more sustainable future.

tec5USA specializes in the process of driving innovation. Its CEO, Sebastian Huelck, is highly qualified for his position based on his experience in the last 24 years in semiconductors combined with extensive studies in electrical, electronics, and communications engineering qualifications at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, is relentlessly committed to innovation and a high-quality caliber of customer service. The company strives to sit amongst industry leaders, and it’s well on its way to the top of the field because of spectroscopy. 

According to Huelck, “we can measure various constituents in a complex sample matrix concurrently enabling closed-loop sensor-actuator controls resulting in waste minimization, yield optimization, end-to-end supply chain optimization and overall better decision making. This helps save factories in semiconductor manufacturing, oil and gas, chemistry, food, feed and beverages as well as pharma and biotech significant amounts per year.” 

For example, one of its clients is a prominent North Carolina-based food manufacturing company that used the Clean-in-Place (CIP) rinse water procedure to cleanse its whipped cream production pipelines between batches. Before recommencing the operation of the filler machine, the pipes are systematically flushed with product until they are replenished with cream. This precautionary measure is taken to prevent the inadvertent filling of cans with diluted product. Historically, this process has been time-consuming, leading to substantial annual financial losses. The integration of spectroscopy technology now enables precise measurement of the water level, ensuring it reaches zero while concurrently monitoring the fat content to ascertain that it attains the anticipated level of cream. This real-time monitoring enables the prompt initiation of new batch production, enhancing operational efficiency. The implementation of spectroscopy has proven to be a strategic solution, resulting in noteworthy cost savings.

The continuous, live monitoring of the composition of raw materials in real time allows for unprecedented precision and control over ingredient proportions. This aids in the minimization of waste and ensures increased efficiency in resources. In real-time, these processes enable adjustment parameters, including temperature and reaction time. 

Fine-tuning these variables with the use of spectroscopic data can result in energy savings, reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing processes overall.

The ability to simultaneously measure diverse constituents within a complex sample matrix empowers closed-loop sensor-actuator controls, leading to the minimization of waste, optimization of yield, comprehensive supply chain efficiency, and improved overall decision-making. This technological advancement proves particularly advantageous for factories in semiconductor manufacturing, oil and gas, chemistry, food and beverage, as well as pharma and biotech, resulting in substantial annual savings.

As water is a critical component for multiple industries, optimizing water usage and monitoring concentrations for the most efficient possible use of water resources is beneficial. Continuous monitoring of this kind allows for real-time adjustments to production parameters, preventing the generation of off-spec or lackluster products. Waste is reduced significantly, and processes can be completed in record time.

This type of technology has applications that aren’t necessarily common knowledge. For example, it can act as an ‘electronic nose,’ analyzing the aroma and even flavor composition of food, beverages, perfumes, and more. Breath analysis capabilities can easily aid in medical diagnoses, detecting biomarkers associated with a plethora of sicknesses. These exciting functions in the realms of environmental monitoring and analysis are helping companies assess the impact of certain industrial actions on environments, measuring air and water quality while analyzing soil health, monitoring pollutant levels, and adding valuable data for the use of sustainability assessments. 

Green chemistry and spectroscopy go hand-in-hand, championing environmentally friendly chemical processes. Optimizing reaction conditions and taking as many hazardous materials out of the equation as possible is a purposeful development that can have significant positive effects on our ecosystem. It can also help with disease detection and prevention, stopping food insecurity in its track if developed with continuous innovation in mind. 

With the pure potential provided by the innovations in the industry, there’s simply no telling where we’re collectively going to go next. Numerous industries are looking forward to the increases in efficiency and profitability that are now operational through spectroscopy.

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