Measuring TBC (Polymerization Inhibitor)
Applied Analytics Application Note No. AN-001
Application Summary
Analyte: tert-butyl catechol (TBC)
Detector: OMA-300 Process Analyzer
Process Stream: Butadeine
Zero Fluid: Pure isopropanol
Typical Measurement Range: 0-200 ppm
Introduction
Polymerization inhibitors are chemicals which stabilize reactive monomers and prevent spontaneous polymerization. If too
little inhibitor is added to a reactive monomer, polymerization can occur in pipes or vessels and require mechanical removal.
On the other hand, if too much inhibtor is added, the final product may have difficulty polymerizing at the intended stage.
Monitoring tert-Butyl Catechol (TBC) in Butadeine
TBC is usually added as a polymerization inhibitor to monomers like butadiene and styrene. The concentration of TBC in the
monomer needs to be regulated at approximately 100 ppm to avoid spontaneous polymerization as well as waste.
TBC has a distinct UV absorbance curve which allows the OMA system to easily monitor its real-time concentration. The full-
spectrum analysis is critical for differentiating TBC absorbance from other absorbing impurities like toluene.
Since pure liquid butadeine is very difficult to prepare for system blanking purposes (i.e. at normal temperatures and
pressures), pure isopropanol is used to zero the instrument. The full-spectrum analysis allows for normalization of the
discrepancy between the butadeine spectrum and the isopropanol spectrum.
The OMA continuously outputs the TBC reading to the plant’s main computer, providing new measurements at a 1 second
interval — much faster than the traditional HPLC used for this application (15 minute interval). Response time is critical in
order to respond quickly to sudden changes in TBC concentration.
APPLIED
TM
[1] AN-001: Measuring TBC (Polymerization Inhibitor)
A N A L Y T I C S
Measuring TBC (Polymerization Inhibitor)
Applied Analytics Application Note No. AN-001
Absorbance Spectra of TBC in Isopropanol
These spectra were taken on calibration standard mixtures of TBC in isopropanol.
[2] AN-001: Measuring TBC (Polymerization Inhibitor)
Measuring TBC (Polymerization Inhibitor)
Applied Analytics Application Note No. AN-001
The specifications below represent performance/build of the OMA-300 Process Analyzer in a typical TBC application.
For technical details about the OMA-300 Process Analyzer, see the data sheet:
http://www.a-a-inc.com/documents/AA_DS001A_OMA300.pdf
All performance specifications are subject to the assumption that the sample conditioning system and unit installation are
approved by Applied Analytics. For any other arrangement, please inquire directly with Sales.
Subject to modifications. Specified product characteristics and technical data do not serve as guarantee declarations.
Application Data
Performance Specifcations
Accuracy tert-butyl catechol
0-200 ppm: ±1 ppm
[3] AN-001: Measuring TBC (Polymerization Inhibitor)
Measuring TBC (Polymerization Inhibitor)
Applied Analytics Application Note No. AN-001 Revised 11 September 2013
Further Reading
Subject Location
OMA-300 Process Analyzer http://www.a-a-inc.com/documents/AA_DS001A_OMA300.pdf
Data sheet
Advantage of Collateral Data http://www.a-a-inc.com/documents/AA_TN-202_CollateralData.pdf
Technical Note
APPLIED
TM
is a registered trademark of Applied Analytics Group BV. | www.a-a-inc.com
A N A L Y T I C S
Headquarters + Manufacturing Asia Pacific Sales India Sales
Applied Analytics, Inc. Applied Analytics Asia Pte. Ltd. Applied Analytics (India) Pte. Ltd.
Burlington, MA |
[email protected] Singapore |
[email protected] Mumbai, India |
[email protected]North America Sales Middle East Sales
Applied Analytics North America, Ltd. Applied Analytics Middle East (FZE)
Houston, TX |
[email protected] Sharjah, UAE |
[email protected]Europe Sales Brazil Sales
Applied Analytics Europe, SpA Applied Analytics do Brasil
Milan, Italy |
[email protected] Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
[email protected]© 2013 Applied Analytics Group BV. Products or references stated may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved. We
reserve the right to make technical changes or modify this document without prior notice. Regarding purchase orders, agreed-upon details shall prevail.
[4] AN-001: Measuring TBC (Polymerization Inhibitor)
