Orlando, FL - 1 March 2010 - Stratophase, a specialist in real-time biochemical measurement and detection, today announced at Pittcon that, as part of a consortium of companies, it is developing a cost-effective, multi-parametric, multi-point, in-line sensor system for high-value liquid production processes.  Utilising Stratophase's advanced SpectroSens optical microchip technology, this £1.2m project will initially tackle complex production processes, such as those associated with active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and butanol-based biofuels. Highly accurate, real-time and data-rich ‘fingerprints' of the various manufacturing stages will be produced to enable tighter and more timely control, which will minimise waste and increase yields.   

Dr Richard Williams, CEO of Stratophase commented, "Our existing SpectroSens technology has already been successfully demonstrated in a range of different processes including fermentations and continuous flow reactions.  We are delighted to have the opportunity to build on this success with this new project." 

Stratophase's patented SpectroSens technology provides an intrinsically safe, passive and spark-free system for the in-line monitoring of liquids throughout the complete manufacturing process. At present the technology monitors liquids based on measurements associated with temperature and refractive index.  This project aims to expand the SpectroSens technology, by focusing on developing additional measurement parameters such as spectroscopic information, particle content, pressure and viscosity, to provide multiple measurements at each point of the process.  This will enable real-time monitoring of key criteria, and employ Quality by Design (QBD) principles to fulfil Process Analytical Technology (PAT) requirements.  The data will be available at each stage of a process, making it simple to identify any potential problems as they occur, for more cost-effective production.  

For further information on the complete range of products from Stratophase, please visit http://www.stratophase.com/ or visit booth 1977 at Pittcon.