Stratophase, a UK-based real-time biochemical measurement and detection specialist, announced at Pittcon this month that, as part of a consortium of companies, it is developing a multiparametric, multipoint, in-line sensor system for high-value liquid production processes. Utilizing proprietary SpectroSens optical microchip technology, this $1.8 million project will initially tackle complex production processes such as those associated with active pharmaceutical ingredients and butanol-based biofuels. Real-time and data-rich "fingerprints" of the various manufacturing stages will be produced to enable tighter and more timely control, which the company says will minimize waste and increase yields. CEO Richard Williams commented, “Our existing SpectroSens technology has already been successfully demonstrated in a range of different processes, including fermentations and continuous flow reactions.” SpectroSens technology provides a passive and spark-free system for the in-line monitoring of liquids throughout the manufacturing process. At present, the technology monitors liquids based on measurements associated with temperature and refractive index. This project aims to focus on developing additional measurement parameters, such as spectroscopic information, particle content, pressure and viscosity, to provide multiple measurements at each point of the process. The data will enable problems to be identified as they occur. For more information, visit: www.stratophase.com