Determination of hydroxyl value in surfactant process by FT-NIR spectroscopy

Polyols are long-chain polymers containing alcohol functional groups. Surfactants are manufactured using polyol intermediates. Polyol characterization is typically performed by monitoring hydroxyl values (OHv) with the titration method. This laboratory method is time consuming, prone to operator variability and impossible to transfer to the online process. In this application note, ABB Analytical Measurements demonstrates the potential of FT-NIR spectroscopy for monitoring OHv in surfactant materials during a continuous process.