On-line monitoring of vacuum dryers using mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry was used to monitor vacuum-drying endpoints in the labora tory and pilot plant to demonstrate feasibility of its application. The tec hnique is relatively simple to interface to existing equipment at minimal c ost, requires no direct sample contact, and is generally applicable to mult iple dryer configurations. Results of the feasibility study showing the mon itoring of multiple solvents, along with correlation of the mass spectromet ric technique to conventional percent loss on drying (LOD) measurements, ar e discussed.