Lecture
If you can't measure it, you can't make it circular
- at -
- ICM Saal 3
- Type: Lecture
Lecture description
T. Eifert, Uerdingen/DE, M. Gerlach, K. Dahlmann, B. Lendl, M. Rädle, M. Jaeger
The chemical industry faces several challenges as the transition toward a circular economy is still in full swing. This demands innovative solutions from all involved disciplines, with PAT being of special importance, because if you can’t measure it, you can’t make it circular.
Closing material loops requires understanding how former material streams are transformed from downstream routes into upstream feed materials, and how this influences the respective processes. This includes carbon-based substrates as well as side streams like salts or processed water. Specifically, closing the loop in wastewater streams requires PAT systems capable of monitoring trace components at ppb levels while maintaining molecular-level specificity. This presentation demonstrates advanced analytical measurement technologies like solid-phase extraction ion-chromatography with conductivity detection (SPE-IC-CD) that have been developed and used as online systems for trace detection in complex matrices.
The circular economy transformation introduces significant complexity increases through variable feedstock quality, fluctuating plant loads, and consequently variable yields and side reactions. Unlike traditional processes with consistent raw materials, circular processes must handle bio-based feedstocks and recycling streams with inherently higher composition variability.
Artificial Intelligence emerges as a tool for mastering this increased complexity. Covestro's implementation of the first fully autonomous batch plant exemplifies this approach. This presentation will demonstrate how PAT serves AI capabilities, enabling both: industrial competitiveness and environmental responsibility.
Literature:
[1] Eifert, T., Gerlach, M., Dahlmann, K. et al. Becoming fully circular facilitated by PAT. Anal Bioanal Chem 417, 5587–5596 (2025).
The chemical industry faces several challenges as the transition toward a circular economy is still in full swing. This demands innovative solutions from all involved disciplines, with PAT being of special importance, because if you can’t measure it, you can’t make it circular.
Closing material loops requires understanding how former material streams are transformed from downstream routes into upstream feed materials, and how this influences the respective processes. This includes carbon-based substrates as well as side streams like salts or processed water. Specifically, closing the loop in wastewater streams requires PAT systems capable of monitoring trace components at ppb levels while maintaining molecular-level specificity. This presentation demonstrates advanced analytical measurement technologies like solid-phase extraction ion-chromatography with conductivity detection (SPE-IC-CD) that have been developed and used as online systems for trace detection in complex matrices.
The circular economy transformation introduces significant complexity increases through variable feedstock quality, fluctuating plant loads, and consequently variable yields and side reactions. Unlike traditional processes with consistent raw materials, circular processes must handle bio-based feedstocks and recycling streams with inherently higher composition variability.
Artificial Intelligence emerges as a tool for mastering this increased complexity. Covestro's implementation of the first fully autonomous batch plant exemplifies this approach. This presentation will demonstrate how PAT serves AI capabilities, enabling both: industrial competitiveness and environmental responsibility.
Literature:
[1] Eifert, T., Gerlach, M., Dahlmann, K. et al. Becoming fully circular facilitated by PAT. Anal Bioanal Chem 417, 5587–5596 (2025).
