The Kemtrak DCP007NIR photometer is well suited for the detection of water in hydrocarbons. The Kemtrak DCP007NIR photometer measures at two wavelengths. A primary wavelength is used to measure the water while a reference wavelength not influenced by water is used to compensate for the hydrocarbon background, turbidity, air bubbles and/or fouling.

Kemtrak offers a comprehensive range of flow-cell manifolds that can be certified for explosive environments (ATEX).

The measurement of water in hydrocarbon solvents is an important measurement in many industrial processes. The use of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for water analysis is common as NIR offers high sensitivity and measurements can be undertaken in-line providing immediate results.

Water measurements can be undertaken on hydrocarbon solvents with ppm accuracy. Proven applications include acetone, isopropyl benzene, propane, tetrahydrofuran, methyl-isobutyl ketone in addition to fuels such as petroleum and aviation gasoline. Additionally, water can be measured in alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol, from trace amount to virtually 100% water.

Water has two regions of activity in the NIR region between 1000 - 2500nm. At 1400nm the O-H stretch in the water molecule is measured, while at 1900nm water has a unique peak due to a combination of O-H stretch and

H-O-H bending. The water peak at 1900 is about five times as large as the water peak at 1400.