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PAH determination in sediment

PAH are persistent, ubiquitous and some of them have carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic properties. There are more than 100 different PAH, but usually the 16 PAH defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are analyzed. Benzo(a)pyrene is often used as a lead substance. This Application Note describes the extraction and determination of these EPA-PAHs in a dried sediment SETOC sample according to EPA 3541. The sample was extracted with the UniversalExtractor E-800 in the Soxhlet warm mode. 

Residual oil content in white flakes

Monitoring residual oil in soybean white flakes after the extraction step of soybean crushing process, is critical for maximizing oil yield. In addition, this ensures optimum quality of the soybean meal. Rapid and accurate determination of residual oil in white flakes is crucial to optimize the operating parameters of the extractor such as temperature, flake/solvent ratio or extraction time. With the installation of a BUCHI NIR-Online® process analyzer after the extractor parameters such as Resudual oil, moisture or hexane have been successfully analyzed with NIR in order to monitor and document the extraction process in a fast, simple, and reliable way.

Recycling and upgrading solvents at universities

Several solvents are used during the research and the laboratory courses at universities for the synthesis, purification and analysis of substances. Here is shown, how easily these solvents are recycled and/or upgraded in an automated process using an industrial rotary evaporator.

Pellets quality control in the feed industry

Pelletizing is a widely accepted way of preparing feed. Numerous input variables must be routinely monitored and adjusted to ensure maximum productivity and consistent product quality. During this step, control of moisture, as well as other critical product attributes (e.g., fat and protein) is considered as a requirement to maintain and increase product consistency. With the installation of a BUCHI NIR-Online® process analyzer after the pelletizing step, pelleted products composition is monitored and documented in a fast, simple, and reliable way. Within milli-seconds, several parameters such as protein, moisture, fat, starch, crude fiber, and ash are continuously, simultaneously, and accurately measured.

PCB determination in sediment

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of organic compounds based on biphenyl substituted with 1-10 chlorine atoms. They are toxic, persistent and bioaccumulate in terrestrial and aquatic biosystems and are ubiquitous in the environment. This Application Note describes the extraction and determination of PCBs in a dried sediment SETOC sample according to EPA 3541. The sample was extracted with the UniversalExtractor E-800 in the Soxhlet warm mode. 

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sludge samples

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds of hydrogen and carbon, composed of numerous aromatic rings. There are more than 150 such compounds containing two or more benzene rings, such as naphthalene (NAP) and anthracene (ANT). PAHs are nonpolar and lipophilic and primarily found in natural sources such as creosote. They are also produced through the incomplete combustion of organic matter. Nowadays, the main sources of PAH pollution, are caused by human activity and vary across the globe. Most PAHs enter the environment via the atmosphere through processes of combustion and pyrolysis. PAHs have been detected in a variety of foods due to the deposition of airborne PAHs, as well as in fish from contaminated waters. PAHs are also formed during certain methods of food preparation such as charbroiling, grilling, roasting and frying. The respiratory tract and the skin are the two organs most affected by PAHs in the human body. Common symptoms include solar dermatitis, acne dermatitis and epifolliculitis. Many countries and regions have regulations to prohibit and detect the compounds of PAHs.In 1982, the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced 16 representative PAHs as priority compounds for the monitoring of pollutants5. In 2016, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China published a new series of decrees and regulations regarding PAHs in environmental areas such as soil, sediment, sludge and air. The regulations clearly list the detection methods and value limits for PAH compounds in different applications. In the regulations HJ 783-2016 and HJ 805-2016, they recommend the extraction of a solid sample using the Pressurized Fluid Extraction method (PFE, also known as Pressurized Solvent Extraction PSE) of lyophilized samples prior to analysis by GC-MS.

Parallel evaporation after extraction of liquid dairy samples following the Mojonnier method (ISO 1211:2010) – gravimetric fat determination

The fat in liquid dairy samples is usually extracted with an organic solvent that is then evaporated to complete dryness prior to gravimetric analysis. In this short note, initial conditions and evaporation settings for the parallel evporation of milk fat dissolved in diethyl ether / light petroleum are presented. These settings have been optimized for fast and accurate results with simultaneously high solvent recoveries.

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil

An easy and reliable method for the determination of the Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil samples is introduced. A (fortified) soil sample is extracted and concentrated with the SyncorePlus Polyvap. After solid phase extraction (SPE) and clean-up of the concentrate, it is analyzed using LC-MS/MS. The results correspond well to the expected concentration in the fortified samples.

Labor free, eco-friendly concentrations – comply with US EPA regulations

Environmental waste, soil, water and air samples are usually concentrated before analysis. During the concentration step, traditionally performed by Kuderna-Danish (KD) or nitrogen blowdown devices, organic solvent fumes could escape to the environment. Thus, condensation of solvent vapors is inefficient, if possible at all. These solvent vapors are harmful to exposed operators and persist in the atmosphere where they may accelerate global warming. Obviously, environmental laboratories play a pioneering role in benign use and recycling of organic solvents. Therefore, environmental laboratories are strictly controlled. Special attention is paid on chlorinated solvent emission monitoring. Methylene chloride, for example, has a high global warming potential and is considered a probable human carcinogen. High solvent emissions and noncompliance with US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) regulations could lead to severe monetary fines. We present the Syncore® technology applied in automated parallel concentration of samples and recuperation of organic solvents. Selected US EPA applications are listed where the Syncore® Analyst has been proven to be a “working horse” for the environmental chemist.

Monitoring the Milling Step in the Flour Industry

The task of flour producers is to deliver and guarantee that customers receive flour according to their specific requirements.

Monitoring the milling process in the flour industry is vital to achieving high-quality flour production while maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. Real-time quality control of key parameters such as moisture, protein, and ash as well as the detction of specks are of critical importance to ensure consistent product quality.

Find out, how NIR sensors with CCD cameras can be applied to monitor the milling of flour in this application note.

Fat determination in Food and Feed Products using SpeedExtractor E-916 after Acid Hydrolysis

Fat determination is one of the key analyses performed in the food industry. Complex matrices such as food typically require acid hydrolysis prior to solvent extraction, to free bound lipids and to facilitate the extraction. An easy and reliable procedure to determine the fat content in different food and feed matrices is presented below.

Monitoring Coffee Roasting with NIR

Coffee is one of the most famous drinks worldwide. Beyond variety and geographical origin of the coffee beans, the key factor for its taste is the roasting of the beans themselves. Roasting not only extends the shelf life by reducing the moisture of the coffee beans, it is also crucial for developing and highlighting typical flavors.

Real-time control of the roasting process ensures a consistent high-quality of the final product and that customer expectations are met. Applying NIR spectroscopy during the coffee roasting process reduces operating costs and helps to increase the margin by optimizing roasting results and moisture content.

Find out how NIR can optimize the coffee roasting process in this application note.

Monitoring the Degumming Step of Crude Oils

Composition of degummed oils in terms of residual phosphorus as well as other parameters are of critical importance for the optimization of the subsequent refining steps in order to obtain high quality edible oil as final product. With the installation of a BUCHI NIR-Online® process analyzer after the degumming step, the composition of the degummed oil is monitored and documented in a fast, simple, and reliable way. This results in precise and accurate measurements of relevant process parameters such as phosphorus, moisure, free fatty acids, peroxide value and acid value.

Fat extraction of milk powder and infant formula samples

In the dairy industry, the fat determination and extraction is not only a routine procedure in quality assurance and labelling also it is very important for contaminant determination, as e.g. PCBs, dioxins or pesticides. A procedure for fat determination in milk powder and infant formula samples is introduced. The samples are extracted by applying elevated pressure and temperature with the SpeedExtractor E-916. After drying the extract to a constant weight, the total fat content is determined gravimetrically. The samples are not hydrolyzed prior to the extraction - hence, the process time is reduced and chemicals saved. To validate this approach, fat determination was performed with a prior hydrolysis step.

Monitoring Soapstock Composition

Soapstock is obtained from the chemical refining process of crude vegetable oil. Rapid and accurate determination of soapstock composition is of critical importance to reduce neutral oil loss and thus to optimize the refining conditions and to improve the yield of the final product (edible oil). With the installation of a BUCHI NIR-Online® process analyzer after the alkali neutralisation step, the composition of soapstock is monitored and documented in a fast, simple, and reliable way. Within milli-seconds, several parameters such as FFA, oil content, moisture, Phospholipids, total fatty matter (TFM), acetone, insoluble material (AI), Loss of TFM from AI, OILTFM or AITFM are continuously, simultaneously, and accurately measured with NIR.

Monitoring Cheese Blending

Cheese blending is the critical step when manufacturing processed cheese products (PCP) like fondue, analogue cheese, cheese spreads, or related products. Monitoring this process step not only ensures a consistent high quality final product, it also reduces the operating costs and increases the margin. Product parameters like total solids content, fat, protein, lactose, pH, salt or homogeneity need to comply both with legal limits and with strict recipe specifications. The installation of a BUCHI NIR-Online® process sensor at the bottom of the blending chamber or along the piping via Varinline adapter enables monitoring these target parameters and making timely adjustments in order to meet specified final product quality.

Monitoring crude oil composition with NIR

Monitoring crude oil composition is an important process in the oil industry to ensure product quality, optimize refinery operations, and comply with regulatory standards. Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and various impurities, and its composition can significantly impact its market value and suitability for refining into various products.

Continuous monitoring ensures that the crude oil meets the desired specifications and reduces the risk of processing issues. It enables quick adjustments to processing parameters in response to changes in crude oil quality or incoming feedstocks.

Find out how NIR supports the analysis of crude oil prior to degumming in this application note No. 257/2023.

Monitoring Sugar Cane at Reception with NIR

Quality control of sugar cane is a crucial process in the sugar production industry, aimed at ensuring the consistent and high-quality output of sugar and its by-products.

Upon harvest, the sugar cane is transported to the mill for processing. Here, rigorous quality control measures are enforced at every stage. The cane is cleaned, shredded, and pressed to extract the sugary juice, which undergoes multiple purification steps before crystallization. Various quality parameters like fiber, sucrose, mositure content, or color are analyzed during the refining process.

Any deviations from the set quality parameters trigger corrective actions to prevent compromising the final product. Adhering to strict quality control protocols ensures that the sugar and its derivatives meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.

Find out how NIR can speed up analysis of incoming sugar cane and payment of the farmers in this application note.

Monitoring Lecithin Composition with NIR

NIR spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique widely used in the quality control of lecithin, a common phospholipid-based emulsifier used in various food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.

In the context of lecithin quality control, NIR spectroscopy can accurately determine key parameters like moisture, oil content, or acid value as well as other critical quality attributes. The technique is advantageous due to its speed, simplicity, and ability to analyze multiple parameters simultaneously, reducing the need for extensive sample preparation and minimizing wastage.

NIR spectroscopy can be employed as a reliable tool to assess the quality and authenticity of lecithin batches, ensuring consistent product performance and meeting regulatory standards. Its application in the industry enhances process efficiency, reduces costs, and ultimately improves the overall product quality.

Find out how NIR-Online sensors can be used to adjust process parameters in this application note.

Monitoring Quality of Sugar Confectionery with NIR

Quality control of sugar confectionery is a critical process that ensures the consistency and safety of these sweet treats.

Manufacturers implement stringent measures at various stages of production to meet industry standards and consumer expectations. Beginning with raw material inspection, the process involves precise mixing, cooking, and molding to achieve uniformity in taste, texture, and appearance. Regular testing for moisture content or pH levels is conducted throughout production. Effective quality control in sugar confectionery not only guarantees customer satisfaction but also upholds the brand's reputation and adherence to health regulations.

Find out how to monitor ciritical points of chewy candy production with NIR in this application note.