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Kemtrak DCP007 Absorbance Photometer for Color, Concentration & Detection Applications

The DCP007 photometer platform is a fiber-optic based absorbance measurement system ideally suited for real time online color, concentration and detection applications.

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The Kemtrak DCP007 delivers highly accurate optical measurements with minimal maintenance and low cost of ownership.

With each DCP007 equipped with two application specific wavelengths, the DCP007 can be configured for single, dual or referenced wavelength measurement.  Referenced wavelength measurement can be weighted to correct for disproportionate absorbance at the primary and reference wavelengths. Strong correlation and agreement exists between offline laboratory sample tests and online DCP007 measurements to give users high confidence in the process values reported while contributing to process quality and efficiency.

Read More About the DCP007 Photometer

Four variants of the DCP007 are available – UV, VIS, NIR(L) and NIR(H).  The UV, VIS and NIR(L) variants all utilize long life LED light sources.  UV light sources are rated for >20,000 hours, while VIS and NIR(L) light sources are guaranteed for life.  The NIR(H) unit uses a Peltier thermopile to generate the wavelengths needed for operation. The DCP007 automatically controls light energy output from its light sources at the optimum level for maximum measurement performance.  Constant checking of the light output and the dark current through the photodetector components ensures drift free measurement over long periods of time without compromising sensitivity.

Cleverly designed amplification stages around the photometric detection circuitry of the DCP007 allows for linear absorbance performance up to 3A and an overall measurement range of up to 5A. This impressive measurement range allows for application in high absorbance applications without compromising process flow rates.  Where differential measurements are made, the depth of absorbance available improves and extends measurement capability.

When used in reference mode, the DCP007 compensates for both optical window buildup and the presence of solids/turbidity in the measurement stream.

Each photometer consists of a DCP007 electronics unit configured for wavelength, an inline flow cell or probe with the optimum optical pathlength for the application and a pair of high quality fiber optic cables.

High reliability ensures that maintenance requirements are very low and cost of ownership is one of the most attractive amongst inline optical instruments in the marketplace today.  Furthermore, while each instrument is carefully configured to suit each and every application, change to repurpose the instrument to another application in the field is a quick and simple task.

Learn how color and concentration photometers work and how easy they can be to calibrate:

Learn more about how photometers work
Southform PDF

Learn more about the impact of photometer design on photometer validation methods and the pros and cons of various verification methods.

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SOUTH FORK INSTRUMENTS IS AN INDUSTRY LEADER IN DEVELOPING PHOTOMETRIC ABSORBANCE AND ANALYSIS SOLUTIONS ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES.

For applications ranging from manufacturing and water analysis to groundbreaking scientific research, South Fork Instruments can assist you in developing cost-effective photometric measurement systems specially tailored to your needs.

KEMTRAK DELIVERS ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS OF COLOR & CONCENTRATION, EVEN IN CHALLENGING PROCESS FLUIDS

Do you have any of these concerns?:

ACCURACY

"We frequently see measurement errors due to window fouling."

Read More

Window fouling is a problem in many absorbance measurement applications and leads to measurement drift. In referenced measurement mode, Kemtrak absorbance photometers constantly check the reference wavelength signal. Increasing absorbance measurement in the reference channel due to window fouling is used to correct the primary wavelength measurement by an equivalent amount, keeping the measurement accurate and drift free.

"We are seeing measurement drift in our photometer due to changes in the light source intensity."

Read More

A common problem with light from standard filament lamps and gas arc lamps is that it will change over time as the lamps age. As the light output goes down, the measurement in an absorbance photometer will increase because less light looks like more absorbance to the instrument. Kemtrak DCP007 absorbance photometers control light energy output from their internal light sources at a fixed level for drift free measurement performance. In addition to the constant checking of the light output, Kemtrak instruments also measure dark current levels through photodetector components to remove instrument baseline drift due to ambient temperature change effects. The net result is drift free absorbance measurement over exceptionally long periods of time.

Measurement Noise

"We get a lot of noise in our measurements due to air entrained in our process fluids."

Read More

Aeration is the number one interfering factor in absorbance photometer performance. In absorbance systems, it can measurement noisy and creates errors. Extreme aeration can create scattering of the incident light signals and caue measurement failure.  Sometimes the issue is other equipment in the line and sometimes it is the process itself. There are several strategies that can be used to improve measurements being disturbed by aeration, things like:

  • Suppressing aeration in the flow stream by increasing line pressure
  • Remounting the optical cell away from cavitation generators such as valves and other pipeline components
  • Repairing pump seals

Other strategies can involve sample and hold systems where a representative sample is drawn into the sample cell and held for a period while it settles before measurement.

Whatever the problem, South Fork Instruments can work with you to devise a solution that delivers accurate and reliable photometer performance.

CHALLENGING APPLICATIONS

"We've been exploring different concentration measurement techniques, including photometers, but we're not sure they're the right fit for our application."

Read More

Kemtrak DCP007 absorbance photometers are specifically designed for measuring process color and concentration inline and in real time. Some absorbance process photometer brands are limited by temperature, pressure and cable length constraints and this can limit use in some applications. Not so with Kemtrak instruments. Kemtrak units are fiber optic based with no sensitive electronic or electrical parts mounted at line that can be damaged by high temperatures. A wide range of measurement cells offers many solutions for high pressure while the inherent low loss of the rugged fiber optic cables used means long lengths can be used to connect cell to electronics. Each DCP007 consists of an advanced electronic unit, with a light bench constructed using high-performance light source technology, a pair of rugged industrialized fiber optic cables, and an in-line flow cell wear-resistant sapphire windows. For applications where an in line flow cell is not practical, we can offer third party insertion probes as an alternative. Kemtrak absorbance photometers are a definite fit for your application.

DCP007 photometers are used in many industries, including chemical, oil and gas, food and beverage, biotech, pharmaceutical and water.

FLEXIBILITY

"We need a photometer that can be configured to measure process fluids with significant variations in concentration."

Read More

With cleverly designed measurement circuitry, the Kemtrak DCP007 has one of the widest measurement ranges with the best resolution and sensitivity available. Kemtrak absorbance photometers can be configured for ppm to percent concentrations by mixing and matching wavelengths and optical pathlengths. Kemtrak DCP007 absorbance photometers are highly adaptable and have light sources with broadband VIS, broadband NIR, or discrete  UV, VIS, or NIR wavelength output to suit a wide variety of applications.

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Take a quick moment to get in touch with our expert sales engineers and technologists and we'll guide you to a solution.

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Kemtrak DCP007 Photometer Models & Accessories

Photometers | Inline Flow Cells | Single Use Cell System | Traceable Validation Accessory

DCP007 Photometer

Features of the DCP007 include a user-configurable data logger with a >17,000 record capacity, event logger can log more than 16,000 entries related to all system events, PID controller with an analog or pulse-width modulated relay output, and time-based automatic cell cleaning that triggers external valves as necessary to clean cell windows.

All units accommodate up to two 0/4 - 20mA analog outputs. Relays (1A load) include 1 failsafe, 2 user configurable, and 1 automatic cleaning. Digital inputs include product/range selection, remote zero, clean cell, hold (freeze output), data log control, and light source control. Communications are achieved by 1 x 10/100Base-T Ethernet for HTML/Java Web access or modbus over TCP/IP.

  • VIS

  • UV

  • NIR (Low Range)

  • NIR (High Range)

VIS

Kemtrak DCP007-VIS Photometer

VIS

Wavelength Range 350 – 1050 nm
FWHM 10nm
CWL +/- 1nm
Photometric Range 0 – 5 AU @ 500nm, 10mm OPL
Photometric Accuracy +/- 0.001 AU @ 1 AU

Typical Applications: Color Scales (PtCo/APHA/Hazen, Saybolt, ASTM, EBC, Lovibond, Klett, ICUMSA, etc.), Dye Detection, Leak/Contaminant Detection, Product Color Depth, Mixture/Dosing Concentration and Control, Cl/ClO2 Concentration, Trace Metals, Reaction Control, Catalyst Carryover, Water Purity, NaOCl Concentration, Ink Color Depth, Ion Exchange Column Monitoring, Interface detection, and more.

UV

Kemtrak DCP007 UV

UV

Wavelength Range 250 – 1050 nm
FWHM 10nm
CWL +/- 1nm
Photometric Range
0 – 4.5 AU @ 280nm, 10mm OPL
0 – 5 AU @ 500nm, 10mm OPL
Photometric Accuracy +/- 0.001 AU @ 1 AU

Typical Applications: Protein Detection/Fractionation/Chromatography Control, Aromatics Concentration, Trace to 100% H2O2, Ozone Concentration, Filtration Breakthrough, and more.

NIR (Low Range)

Kemtrak DCP007 Low NIR

Low NIR (Low Range)

Wavelength Range 850 – 1550 nm
FWHM 15nm
CWL +/- 1nm
Photometric Range 0 – 5 AU @ 1450nm, 10mm OPL
Photometric Accuracy +/- 0.001 AU @ 1 AU

Typical Applications: Water/Alcohol Concentration, HCl concentration, Heat Exchanger Leaks, Solvent Recovery, Alcoholic Beverage Content and Control, and more.

NIR (High Range)

Kemtrak DCP007 High NIR

NIR (High Range)

Wavelength Range 850 – 1900 nm
FWHM 15nm
CWL +/- 1nm
Photometric Range 0 – 4 AU @ 1900nm, 10mm OPL
Photometric Accuracy +/- 0.001 AU @ 1 AU

Typical Applications: Trace Water Detection and Measurement (Solvents, Gasoline, etc.), Residual Moisture, Replace Karl-Fischer Titration, and more.

Inline Flow Cells

A wide range of inline flow cells are available for use with DCP007 UV-VIS-NIR photometers and TC007 turbidity analyzers.  Flow cells are factory built to suit the application they are to be used on from a wide selection of process fitting types and sizes, material types and optical path lengths.

Kemtrak cells do not have any electrical or electronic components mounted directly to them, so have a very small footprint, making them ideal for installation in the tight spaces often found on skids.  Additionally, they can be fitted in hazardous areas without the need for the additional electrical installation burden required in such areas.

All cells are supplied with mill certificates as standard.  Aside from the material of the cell itself, a range of elastomers is available to suit process conditions and requirements, including options in FDA/USP VI approved materials with certificates.  Optical windows are scratch resistant, high clarity sapphire as standard but there are also variants for deep UV applications to improve signal strength and instrument range.  Fiber optic connections are a standard SMA905 type and fittings are provided to firmly seal and hold them in place once selected. As part of a comprehensive quality control system, once assembled, all flow cells are pressure tested before shipment.

 

  • Wafer Flange Style

  • Spool Piece Style Flange

  • Sanitary Clamp Cells

  • Threaded Pipe Cells

  • Long Pass "Z" Style Cells

Wafer Flange Style

Kemtrak Wafer Flange Style Measurement Cell

Wafer Flange Style

Kemtrak flanged flow cells are available in two basic formats as standard: wafer style and spool piece style.  Wafer Style flanges are very convenient and take up little space in a pipe system.  Wafer style cells are available for smaller line sizes with lower pressure ratings.  Spool piece style cells encompass higher pressure offerings and larger cells.  All flow cells are available with a range of optical pathlengths to suit application requirements.

Sizes
1" (150# - 600#)
1½" (150# - 600#)
2" (150#)
3" (150#)
Available Materials
316 Stainless Steel
Titanium Gr2
Super Duplex
Alloy C-22
PTFE C25 (Carbon Filled Teflon®)
Options
Window Cleaning Nozzles (max 20mm OPL)
90° Scattered Light Turbidity Port (for use with TC007)
Traceable Filter Validation Accessory

Spool Piece Style Flange

Inline Flow Cell - Spool Flange Style

Spool Piece Style Flange

Kemtrak flanged flow cells are available in two basic formats as standard: wafer style and spool piece style.  Wafer Style flanges are very convenient and take up little space in a pipe system.  Wafer style cells are available for smaller line sizes with lower pressure ratings.  Spool piece style cells encompass higher pressure offerings and larger cells.  All flow cells are available with a range of optical pathlengths to suit application requirements.

Sizes
1" (900# - 1500#)
1.5" (900# - 1500#)
2" (300# - 1500#)
3" (300# - 1500#)
4" (150# - 1500#)
6" (150# - 1500#)
8" (150# - 900#)
Available Materials
316 Stainless Steel
Titanium Gr2
Super Duplex
Alloy C-22
Options
Window Cleaning Nozzles (max 20mm OPL)
90° Scattered Light Turbidity Port (for use with TC007)
Traceable Filter Validation Accessory

Sanitary Clamp Cells

Inline Flow Cell - Sanitary Flange Style
Datasheet Download

Sanitary Clamp Flow Cells

For use in pharmaceutical and/or food applications, Kemtrak sanitary clamp cells are manufactured to the ISO 2852 standard and are fully compatible with Triclamp® brand pipe fittings.  Sanitary cells are available in sizes from ¼” to 4” and can be fitted with a NIST traceable hard media calibration and operation validation accessory utilizing standard 1cm cuvette style neutral density absorbance filters.

Sizes ¼", ½", ¾", 1", 1½", 2", 3"
Available Materials 316 Stainless Steel
Options
Window Cleaning Nozzles (max 20mm OPL)
90° Scattered Light Turbidity Port (for use with TC007)
Traceable Filter Validation Accessory

Threaded Pipe Cells

Inline Flow Cell - Threaded Flange Style

Threaded Pipe Cells

Threaded flow cells are designed for general purpose applications and provide minimal cost of installation.  Available up to 1” line size, these cells have a variety of optical pathlength options and materials to choose from.

Sizes ¼", ½", 1" NPT
Available Materials
316 Stainless Steel
Titanium Gr2
Alloy C-22
PTFE C25 (Carbon Filled Teflon®)
Options
Window Cleaning Nozzles (max 20mm OPL)
90° Scattered Light Turbidity Port (for use with TC007)
Traceable Filter Validation Accessory

Long Pass "Z" Style Cells

Inline Flow Cell - Long Pass "Z" Style Cell

Long Pass "Z" Style Cells

For applications requiring a long optical pathlength, “Z” style flow cells are used in applications with very low absorbance signatures.  Following Lambert-Beer Law, long pass cells create additive absorbance across their length to provide adequate signal levels for reliable measurement.  “Z” style cells are available in a variety of lengths up to 1m and with a selection of process connection fittings.

Sizes
¼", 1" NPT
G ½", 1" (BSP)
½" 1" Sanitary Clamp
1" RF Flange (150 – 600#)
Available Materials
316 Stainless Steel
Titanium Gr2
Alloy C-22
Alloy C-276
PTFE C25 (Carbon Filled Teflon®)
Options Traceable Filter Validation Accessory
Use With: DCP007 (Liquids and Gases)

Single Use Cell System

The Kemtrak Single Use Absorbance Cell System is used in conjunction with a Kemtrak DCP007 Absorbance Photometer to provide real time on line measurement of UV-VIS-NIR absorbance in applications such as absorbance monitoring in chromatographic separation/fractionation/filtration and solvent concentration gradient applications.

Read More About the Single Use Cell System

The Kemtrak Single Use Cell system is available with cell sizes to suit tube sizes from ¼” to 1”, allowing the same technique and instrument to be used in applications from discovery to full scale production.  This ability to “scale-up” the instrument and its measurement technique resolves the problem of having to modify/correlate data already developed at discovery to larger scale instrumentation.  This direct transfer allows faster development as there is no need for the repetition of previous work to demonstrate the measured values relate to previous work.

Cells can be delivered with optical path lengths from 10mm to 0.5mm, giving overall measurement range capability of 4.5 to 90 OD when used with a DCP007 UV analyzer.  Manufactured from high quality medical grade polysulfone, cells are color coded to allow immediate optical path length identification and are sterilizable either through autoclaving or irradiation. All wetted materials are compliant to USP 87/88 class VI and 21 CFR 177.2600.  A zero dead volume in the cells ensures sharp peak detection for fractionation control and filtration applications.

All cells have ready-to-attach hose barb connections. Measurement is performed in a robust, space saving cell dock with quick insertion/release mechanism that precisely positions the cell in the optical light path for reliable measurement performance.  Light at a specific wavelength and controlled at a specific power level is generated in the DCP007 absorbance photometer and delivered via a fiber optic cable to one side of the single use optical cell.  It passes through the windows and process material in the cell and is returned in another fiber optic cable to the DCP007 where its intensity is measured by state-of-the-art photodetection circuitry.  The intensity of the returned light is compared to the intensity of the transmitted light to determine the UV absorbance in the cell.

The Single Use UV Absorbance system was the winner of the Efficiency Champion Award at the Interphex NY show in 2019.

  • Single Use Cell System

Single Use Cell System

Kemtrak Single Use Cell System
Datasheet Download

Single Use Cell System

Sizes ¼", ½", ¾", 1"
Available Materials
Dock – 316L Stainless Steel
Cells – PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone)
Optical Pathlengths 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 5, 10mm
Continuous Temperature Rating 109°C
Pressure Rating 6 bar
Available Elastomers
EPDM (FDA, USP VI)
FFKM (FDA, USP VI)
Window Material UV Grade Fused Silica
Options
Traceable Filter Validation Accessory
Retort Stand Mounting Bracket
Skid Frame Mounting Bracket
Sterilization
Target steam sterilization temperature: 135°C (275°F)
Radiation sterilization up to 4 Megarads (Mrad) or 40 kiloGrays (kGy)
Use With:
DCP007-UV
DCP007-VIS
DCP007-NIR

Absorbance Photometer Traceable Verification Accessory

The Kemtrak absorbance photometer traceable calibration validation accessory provides periodic measurement confidence assurance while saving valuable time and resources.  The system utilizes a cuvette size holder that allows traceable validation filters or liquid calibration standards to be placed directly in the light path without the need to uninstall the optical flow cell from the line. The result is a highly reliable validation measurement that provides confidence the instrument is working to specification and is providing a correct and accurate measurement.

Read More About the Absorbance Photometer Traceable Verification Accessory

The Kemtrak traceable validation accessory can be used with certified absorbance filter or liquid standards with a standard 12.5 mm square cuvette profile, exactly the same as those used to validate offline devices such as laboratory spectrophotometers. This means that only one set of filters or liquid standards is required to validate both the laboratory and online instrument. As the exact same validation filters or liquid samples can be used, this flexibility assures traceability and drastically improves confidence in the online measurement.

Turbidity Traceable Calibration and Verification Accessory

The turbidity calibration and verification kit is delivered complete with traceable certificates for the standard solutions in a convenient carrying case.  The turbidity standards are supplied in sealed containers to ensure ease of use and avoid contact with the formazin solution inside.

The turbidity calibration kit is used with Kemtrak 2” inline optical cells to calibrate and confirm that turbidity measurement is to specification.  To use, the cell must be removed from the line.  An included fixture is then inserted into the bore of the cell to ensure the correct positioning of the standards.  Each TC007 turbidity analyzer has a built in QuickCal routine that walks users through the process of calibrating the analyzer and validates each step accordingly.  At the end of the calibration process (that takes about 2 minutes once the cell is out of the line), the standards can be reinserted into the cell one at a time to confirm the analyzer readings are correct.

  • Calibration Verification

Calibration Verification

Kemtrak absorbance photometer traceable calibration validation accessory

Calibration Verification

Available Filters
0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1A filters are available either singly or as a boxed set
Filter values are traceable to (NIST) and suitable for laboratory spectrophotometers and Kemtrak process absorbance photometers. Internationally recognized quality systems such as GLP, ISO 9000, ISO/IEC Standard 17025 and US Pharmacopeia chapter <857> require that such systems are certified using traceable reference materials.
Use With: DCP007

General Photometer & Kemtrak Photometer FAQs

What is a photometer? Expand

In-line photometers use light to provide real-time measurement of the color or concentration of components in a liquid (or gas) process stream. Photometers can be configured for a variety of purposes, with the configuration and technique used depending upon the specific measurements needed. Simply put, an industrial photometer is used to measure light after it has passed through an industrial process stream.

How does a photometer work? Expand

Analytical photometry has been around for many decades with many earlier photometers offline units based upon visual standards. They utilized glass plates of specific colors that were compared stereoscopically to process fluid samples with the naked eye. As technology progressed, in-line analyzers using photodetectors were developed that measured light more accurately, repeatably and in real time.

The most common type of photometers, of which the Kemtrak DCP007 is a notable example, uses light absorbance techniques to determine and report the concentration of a particular component in a fluid stream. They can be configured to operate with broadband light, broad NIR, or a discrete wavelength in the UV, VIS, or NIR light regions depending upon the application. The Beer-Lambert law—which relates the reduction in intensity of light as it passes through a material to the concentration of the material absorbing the light—applies in this application. The optical path length must be configured to suit the expected absorbance measurement range.

Turbidimeters are often referred to as photometers, mainly because they are manufactured and supplied by absorbance photometer producers. In-line turbidimeters use scattered light, absorbance and backscattered light techniques to determine the amount of particulate or solid in a flowing stream.

What applications are photometers used for? Expand

They measure process parameters such as color, concentration, turbidity, solids concentration and fluorescence. Each photometer consists of an advanced electronic unit, with a light bench constructed using high-performance light source technology, rugged industrialized fiber optic cables, and an in-line flow cell or probes with wear-resistant sapphire windows.

Photometers are used in many industries, including chemical, oil and gas, food and beverage, biotech, pharmaceutical and water. They are deployed where a specific property or constituent of the stream is to be monitored and used as a control variable in some way.

How are photometers installed? Expand

The most common measurement flow cell for lightly colored applications, such as drinking water, is a long pass stainless steel Z-path cell, shown here with optional windows cleaning nozzles. The cleaning sequence can be fully automated using the inbuilt DCP007 controller software. Wastewater monitoring is typically higher colored samples and a shorter OPL measurement cell is required.

Kemtrak Stainless Steel Long Pass for PhotometerKemtrak stainless steel long pass (OPL = 100mm) G 1” (DN 25) pipe thread measurement cell with optional G 1/8” (DN 6) sapphire window cleaning nozzles.

 

Kemtrack Tapered Pipe Thread for PhotometerA typical measurement cell for this application is a 1” NPT type cell, like this Kemtrak stainless steel NPT 1” tapered pipe thread measurement cell with sapphire measurement window.

How can you get the best possible performance from a photometer? Expand

Installation. Wherever possible, always install a photometer in a pipe where flow is vertically upwards. This will ensure the most homogeneous sample is passing through the photometer light beam.

Flow conditioning. Aeration is the number one interfering factor in photometer performance. In absorbance systems, it makes measurement noisy and creates errors. In turbidity systems, gas bubbles look just like particulate matter, so readings become inaccurate and can be erratic. Suppressing aeration in the flow stream greatly improves the quality of the measurement.

Fouling compensation. Photometers use windows to introduce and extract light from pipelines. Over time, these windows can become contaminated with process material forming a film or layer on their surfaces. Mechanical cleaning devices or spray jets can help alleviate the problem, but make sure your photometer also has a means of electronically adjusting for window contamination so the measurement remains stable.

Instrument light decay. Today, LEDs are widely available and older style incandescent/gas discharge lamp photometers are essentially obsolete. Whatever the light source in your unit, make sure it has the ability to self-check and adjust the light output so that it remains constant. Changing light intensity looks like a change in measurement to a photometer and contributes greatly to drift.

Stray light. Incidental light getting into your photometer’s optical circuit can create havoc with the measurement. This is not usually a problem with metal pipe installations, but can be quite extreme when installing photometers in plastic or fiberglass pipes. Ambient light can travel through non-black materials and enter the light circuit. If you observe trends like measurements declining every time the sun comes out, you have an issue with light contamination. Install blackout material upstream and downstream of your sensor—it may be necessary to do so for quite a distance—to prevent ambient light from being a problem.

What color scale is used for measuring water color? Expand

APHA, Platinum-Cobalt (Pt-Co) and Hazen are different names for the same color scale, which is specified by ASTM D 1209, BS5339:76 (1993), DIN 53409 and ISO 6271-1:2004(E). The APHA color scale measures the yellowness of a liquid, and is well suited for quality control and contamination detection. It is regularly used to evaluate pollution levels in wastewater and for drinking water quality control and regulation. The APHA scale can also be used to measure and control the concentration of iron in groundwater.

Originally a visual standard using glass slides to compare against process samples inside a stereoscopic viewer, APHA has evolved to being electronically measured with portable testers.  A further evolution has moved measurements online so APHA color can be monitored in real time using photometers.

In-line instruments, such as the Kemtrak DCP007, use a measurement wavelength that is typically between 380 and 500nm depending upon the process color range to be monitored. Highly colored processes (> 500 APHA) require a short optical path-length (OPL) while lightly colored process streams (<100 APHA) require a long OPL. A reference wavelength of 650nm or 850nm is used to compensate for both turbidity in the process stream and window fouling over time. Optimum selection of wavelength and OPL is necessary for the best performance.

What are the benefits of using a NIST-traceable validation accessory? Expand

The optional Kemtrak NIST-traceable validation filter holder permits the use of either NIST-traceable reference standards or liquid samples in order to quickly check instrument performance on a regular basis to ensure the photometer is operating within satisfactory parameters without having to remove the flow cell from the process line.

The validation accessory is supplied either fitted to the optical flow cell or as a standalone accessory in the optical fiber chain. The validation filter holder is designed to use industry standard 10mm cuvette style NIST-traceable absorbance filters, the same type as used on many standard laboratory spectrophotometers.

Benefits of using a Kemtrak NIST-traceable validation filter holder include:

  • Fast verification of measurement accuracy
  • Industry standard 10mm cuvette size
  • Same set of standard NIST filters as used in the laboratory
  • Cross validation between laboratory spectrophotometer and Kemtrak in-line industrial process photometers
  • Liquid samples can be measured
  • Recognized by international quality systems such as GLP, ISO 9000 and ISO/IEC 17025
What models of the DCP007 are available? Expand

Four variants of the DCP007 are available—UV, VIS, NIR(L) and NIR(H). The UV, VIS and NIR(L) variants all utilize long life LED light sources. UV light sources are rated for >20,000 hours, while VIS and NIR(L) light sources are guaranteed for life. The NIR(H) unit uses a Peltier thermopile to generate the wavelengths needed for operation.

What is included in a DCP007 absorbance photometer system? Expand

Each photometer consists of a DCP007 electronics unit configured for wavelength, an inline flow cell or probe with the optimum optical pathlength for the application and a pair of high quality fiber-optic cables. When used in reference mode, the DCP007 compensates for both optical window buildup and the presence of solids/turbidity in the measurement stream.

What is the measurement range of the DCP007? Expand

Cleverly designed amplification stages around the photometric detection circuitry of the DCP007 allows for linear absorbance performance with full measurement reolution up to 3A and an overall measurement range of up to 5A. This impressive measurement range ensures effectiveness in high absorbance applications, without compromising process flow rates. Where differential measurements are made, the depth of absorbance available improves and extends measurement capability.

What is a color/concentration absorbance photometer, and what are the applications of the DCP007-VIS? Expand

Color and concentration photometers, often called colorimeters, are used to directly measure the color or the concentration of liquids in a process. While often used for online measurement in the food and beverage industries, color and concentration are also critical measurements in the oil, gas, and chemical industries.

Color is often related to visual standard scales, such as APHA/Hazen and Saybolt. Many color scales are used in industrial applications, sometimes being very industry specific (such as ICUMSA color for sugar), so configuration of the photometer to reproduce the visual standard online is very important. Concentration measurements range from the simple concentration of a binary fluid mixture to the amount of a specific chemical species within a multi-component process stream.

Typical applications for color analyzers include:

  • Product color control for QA/QC
  • Chemical concentration
  • Filtration bed monitoring
  • Ion exchange column monitoring
  • Leak detection
  • Contaminant detection
  • Dilution and dosing control
  • Interface detection

The Kemtrak DCP007-VIS absorbance photometer is designed to accurately measure color or concentration even in turbid or hazy flow streams. The unique referencing system used by Kemtrak absorbance photometers removes the effects of solids suspended in the flowing stream to give a “true color” measurement. In some cases, the DCP007 can provide outputs for both color/concentration and solids/turbidity from the same unit, making it a true multifunction instrument.

The Kemtrak DCP007-VIS achieves this by measuring at two wavelengths. A primary absorbing wavelength is used to measure the concentration of the chemical/component being monitored, while a non-absorbing reference wavelength is used to compensate for turbidity, air bubbles, and fouling. The DCP007 uses precision fiber optics to shine a precisely focused monochromatic light through the process medium and back to a photodetector. The attenuation of the transmitted light beam caused by absorbing substances in the process medium is mathematically described by the Beer-Lambert law.

Applying the Beer-Lambert law, the concentration of the sample can be calculated as:

A = ε · l · c

Where:

A = absorbance ( = – log transmittance)
ε = molar absorptivity coefficient
l = optical path length
c = concentration of absorbing species

Addition and dosing of chemicals (such as chlorine dioxide for sterilization) are easily monitored and controlled using the Kemtrak DCP007-VIS. The rock-steady performance of the unit in-line far exceeds that of other measurement techniques in similar applications.

What are NIR absorbance photometers, and what are the applications of the DCP007-NIR? Expand

An NIR absorbance photometer is used to measure how much emitted light is being absorbed at a specific near-infrared (NIR) wavelength when passed through a fluid. Using this tool, it is possible to determine the concentration level of the absorbing specied within that solution. NIR absorbance photometers are often used for measuring the concentration of water in solvents either in trace amounts, as in ethanol production, or in bulk as in beverage applications.

For such applications, South Fork Instruments develops measurement solutions using the Kemtrak DCP007-NIR. It is simple to use, and designed to detect and report trace and bulk water content in flows such as alcohol, ethanol, methanol, gasoline, and sugar solutions.

The DCP007-NIR generates stable levels of NIR wavelength light that is passed through the flow stream and measures intensity changes due to absorbance of that light from the varying water content. A temperature input is also optionally available to allow compensation of the measurement to remove variations due to temperature if necessary for the application.

Two versions of the DCP007-NIR are available:

  • Low Range - the low range uses an LED source and is ideal for bulk water content across ranges between 0 and 100%
  • High Range - a longer wavelength unit that utilizes a thermopile source to generate wavelengths up to 1 micron for trace water content down to trace (ppm) levels

The DCP007 is used connected to any one of the many styles of flow-through measurement cells Kemtrak offers. For tank or large pipe applications, a third-party fiber optic probe can also be used, usually without any special configuration or calibration requirements.

Typical applications for the DCP007-NIR include:

  • Solvent concentration
  • Moisture content analysis
  • Alcoholic beverage content monitoring and control
  • Water in alcohol monitoring
  • Chromatography control (solvent mixing)
  • Residual solvent concentration in pharmaceuticals
  • Solvent recovery
  • Residual moisture concentration
  • Replacement of Karl-Fischer titration
  • Sugar concentration

NIR absorbance photometers are particularly useful for measuring the presence of water in solvents and alcohol. Water has a strong absorption throughout the entire NIR band with absorption peaks at approximately 1440nm and 1930nm.

1440nm is recommended for water measurements in the range of 0-100% where a precision of approximately 0.1% is possible.

1930nm is recommended for trace (ppm) water in solvent measurements.

NIR is a preferred technique for accurately determining water in solvent concentrations, primarily because a high degree of accuracy is achievable due to a large difference between water and solvent absorption.

What are UV absorbance photometers, and what are the applications of the DCP007-UV? Expand

UV photometers (often called UV Analyzers) are used to measure the amount of light being absorbed by materials in solution at a specific UV wavelength(s). UV absorbance photometers are of particular use in biotechnological processes, where they are used to detect the presence of expressed protein molecules after separation.

For such applications, we use the DCP007-UV, an advanced dual-wavelength photometer designed to accurately measure absorbance in the UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Optical fibers are utilized to transmit light from a solid state light source within the DCP007-UV instrument, through an in-line sample cell, and back again to a sensitive detection system to calculate substance concentration in real time. The absence of electrical components on the inline cell makes them extremely small and there is no concern about fitting them in hazardous areas where electrical certification and approval is required. The DCP007-UV is an excellent and cost-effective solution for measuring flow stream absorbance and concentration in a process environment in place of far more expensive scanning type analyzers.

Traditional UV analyzers/photometers use mercury vapor lamps that continuously expose the process stream to high-intensity broad spectrum UV radiation and heat. This can result in destruction of valuable in-stream product and produce unknown and (potentially hazardous) byproducts. Traditional UV photometers also suffer from systematic drift requiring constant adjustment from optical filter erosion caused by high-intensity UV radiation from the lamp and continuously reducing lamp output resulting from aging.

The Kemtrak DCP007-UV absorbance photometer uses state-of-the-art solid state light sources at the exact wavelength required for analysis. Light reaches the process through precision fiber optics and is delivered with energy levels thousands of times less than that of a traditional UV photometer using a mercury vapor lamp. The ultra-low, modulated power, UV LED light source in the Kemtrak DCP007-UV does not systematically drift or expose the product stream to high levels of UV radiation and temperature. LED light sources are available at discrete wavelengths from 250nm to 400nm in the UV region, ensuring any specific wavelength requirement can be serviced.

A proprietary dual wavelength, four-channel measurement technique and advanced digital electronic design allows for deep UV absorbance measurement up to 5 AU (in a 1 cm optical path length) at up to two discrete wavelengths. A selection of shorter optical path-lengths allows for even deeper optical density measurements.

Kemtrak zero-dead-volume hygienic measurement cells contain no electronics or moving parts and are well suited for hazardous environments. In-line verification and QA are made possible using the Kemtrak Absorbance Photometer Traceable Verification Accessory. This simple accessory utilizes the same traceable or prepared liquid standards used for laboratory benchtop instrumentation verification and calibration and provides a direct correlation to offline measurement techniques for added confidence in measurement.

Typical applications for the DCP007-UV include:

  • Chromatographic separation
  • Micro- and nano-filtration systems
  • Concentration of aromatic solvents

The DCP007-UV in-line process analyzer delivers measurement performance never before thought possible in an in-line UV absorbance measurement and peak detection instrument.

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3845 Buffalo Road
Auburn, CA 95602
Tel: (+1) 925-461-5059

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