Measurement of treatment agent in a process stream using ultraviolet-visible (uv-vis) spectroscopy, and related systems and processes

Abstract

The present application provides a method of detecting an amount of a treatment agent, such as a flocculating agent, in a process stream comprising the step of measuring at least one absorption property of a sample obtained from the process stream at a wavelength of less than about 250 nm. Processes and systems for monitoring and regulating addition of treatment agents to process streams are also provided.

1 - 11 . (Canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A process for regulating an amount of a flocculating agent added to a process stream comprising:
 (i) measuring at least one absorption property of a sample obtained from the process stream at a wavelength of less than about 250 nm;   (ii) comparing the measured at least one absorption property to a preselected value that corresponds with a desired concentration of the flocculating agent; and   (iii)(a) adjusting the amount of flocculating agent added to the process stream if the measured at least one absorption property is outside a predetermined range around the preselected value, and
 (b) repeating steps (i), (ii) and (iii)(a) until the measured at least one absorption property of the sample is within a predetermined range around the preselected value, and thereafter maintaining the amount of flocculating agent added to the process stream; or 
   (iv) maintaining the amount of flocculating agent added to the process stream if the measured at least one absorption property is within a predetermined range around the preselected value.   
     
     
         13 . A system for adding a flocculating agent to a process stream comprising:
 a treatment agent source for supplying an amount of a flocculating agent to the process stream;   a sensor for measuring at least one absorption property of a sample obtained from the process stream at a wavelength of less than about 250 nm; and   a controller in communication with the sensor and the flocculating agent source, wherein the controller:
 compares the measured at least one absorption property to a preselected value that corresponds with a desired concentration of the flocculating agent; 
 determines whether or not the amount of the flocculating agent supplied to the process stream should be adjusted; and 
 adjusts the amount of the flocculating agent supplied to the process stream if the measured at least one absorption property is outside a predetermined range around the preselected value, or 
 maintains the amount of flocculating agent supplied to the process stream if the measured at least one absorption property is within a predetermined range around the preselected value. 
   
     
     
         14 . A process for monitoring an amount of a flocculating agent added to a process stream comprising:
 (i) measuring at least one absorption property of a monitoring sample obtained from the process stream at a wavelength of less than about 250 nm;   (ii) comparing the measured at least one absorption property to a preselected value that corresponds with a desired concentration of the flocculating agent; and   (iii) generating a signal if the measured at least one absorption property is outside a predetermined range around the preselected value.   
     
     
         15 . A system for monitoring an amount of a flocculating agent added to a process stream, the system comprising means for performing the process of  claim 14 , wherein the means comprises:
 a sensor for measuring the at least one absorption property of the monitoring sample obtained from the process stream at a wavelength of less than about 250 nm;   means for comparing the measured at least one absorption property to the preselected value that corresponds with the desired concentration of the flocculating agent; and   means for generating the signal if the measured at least one absorption property is outside the predetermined range around the preselected value.