Articles
Density And Refractive Index Measurement In Pharmaceutical Glycerin Production
December 20, 2007
•Application Note: Density And Refractive Index Measurement In Pharmaceutical Glycerin Production
Glycerin, also well known as glycerol, has enormous relevance in biology because it is, literally speaking, the backbone of every fat. In industry it is of diverse use: From its appliance in the production of nitroglycerin and plastics to its usage in pure form for personal care products, medicine and food, e.g. softening agent in candy and cakes. In future applications, glycerin could replace other glycols, now used as detergent additives and de-icing fluids, and might be used as feedstock for succinic acid fermentation.
Glycerin, a colorless, odorless, hygroscopic and sweet-tasting viscous liquid, is traditionally a by-product of soap making. Nowadays it is also a by-product of biodiesel production, or might be synthesized out of propylene.
Purification Process
Technical grade glycerin, which is a byproduct
from biodiesel production, has to
undergo a finishing process before it can be
used as glycerin for pharmaceutical
purposes or for food. The first step is the
removal of methanol. The remaining
catalyst, soaps and fatty acids of the
biodiesel production process are cleaved,
then a neutralization is performed. The
purified mixture is concentrated by means
of distillation to glycerin with a
concentration of min. 99.5%.
•Application Note: Density And Refractive Index Measurement In Pharmaceutical Glycerin Production
