International.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute, in partnership with PDW Analytics GmbH, are now, for the first time, able to control the production of paints, varnishes and adhesives continuously and in real time, allowing them to design more efficient processes.
For the first time, manufacturers will be able to analyze paints, varnishes or even adhesives online. In other words, they will no longer have to take samples, but they will be able to analyze your product continuously and in real time directly during the manufacturing process.
This is possible thanks to a new sensor that has been developed by the staff of the company PDW Analytics GmbH, and integrated by researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute into their existing process development system. "This is a globally unique analytical detection method that allows key parameters in the manufacture of paints, varnishes and adhesives to be continuously monitored in real time," says Dr. Antje Lieske, head of department at the Fraunhofer IAP. "This helps us gain a better understanding of processes, design more efficiently and avoid production losses."
At the heart of this technology is a sensor based on photon density wave spectroscopy – a process developed by PDW Analytics. This sensor works by laser radiation light on the liquid wall paint through optical fibers.
The intensity of the light is modulated to the gigahertz range. Then the method analyzes how, depending on the frequency, the light propagates in the liquid. From this data the size of the individual particles is determined. IAP researchers have developed reference systems by using the photon density wave spectroscopy technique to measure various samples with particles of a certain size.
Customers can choose to have their processes analyzed in the IAP, for example, in the case of problems that a company is unable to solve. Alternatively, because the entire system is transportable, they can use it on site in the company. Typical questions are: Can polymerization time be reduced? How can doubts be eliminated the process and improve the properties of materials - for example, how to ensure that adhesives adhere better or wall paint covers better?
Complete information at Fraunhofer Institute.
