Process Analytical Technology

The use of real or near real time measurement of chemicalproduction process parameters as the basis for achieving control oroptimisation of a manufacturing process has wide application in thepetrochemical, food and chemical industries. Process analyticalchemistry (PAC), or process analytical technology (PAT) as it hasrecently been called, is now being deployed in the pharmaceuticalindustry, where it is seen as a technology that can help companiesto improve their conformity with manufacturing complianceregulations.
The objective of this book is to provide a starting point forimplementing process analytical chemistry tools in processmonitoring applications or as part of a total quality managementsystem. Written from the perspective of the spectroscopist requiredto implant PAT tools in a process environment, attention isfocussed on measurements that are made "in process"at-line or off-line, providing data on product duringmanufacture. With chapters covering the key spectroscopictools, their applications in the pharmaceutical and chemicalindustries and basic chemometrics, the novice can quickly develop asound understanding of the most practical technologies andapplications. Implementation strategies are fully covered andaddress some of the critical issues that need to be tackled whensetting up a PAT project - including choosing a project witha sound business justification in the first place.