Reagents, Reference Materials & Laboratory Chemicals


Precise chemical measurement with Anton Paar: Future-proof systems for industry and laboratories


Markus Peterherr, Anton Paar GmbH, Graz/Austria.


In a world where industrial processes must become increasingly automated, safety-critical, and effi cient, chemical measurement plays a pivotal role. The ability to determine chemical concentrations with precision, speed, and consistency is fundamental to nearly every production environment, from pharmaceuticals to petrochemicals. Among the companies leading the way in this domain is Anton Paar. With its advanced concentration measurement technologies and decades of expertise, Anton Paar delivers solutions that set new standards in both laboratory and process settings. Their systems, particularly those used for the measurement of sulphuric acid and oleum, demonstrate how innovation in metrology can bring about transformational changes in safety, quality assurance, and operational effi ciency.


The ubiquity and complexity of sulphuric acid and oleum


Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is one of the most extensively produced and consumed industrial chemicals in the world. It is essential in the manufacturing of fertilisers, particularly phosphates, where it accounts for the largest share of global sulphuric acid use. Additionally, it plays a critical role in the production of lead-acid batteries, petrochemical refi ning, metal ore processing, and various cleaning and etching applications in the electronics industry.


Figure 2: Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is one of the most extensively produced and consumed industrial chemicals in the world.


Challenges in measuring strong acids


Measuring the concentration of sulphuric acid and oleum is not straightforward. Conventional methods such as titration can be reliable under controlled laboratory conditions but have various drawbacks. Titration requires sample preparation, dilution, and precise reagent handling. It is time-consuming and subject to operator errors, especially when dealing with large volumes or continuous processes. Moreover, titration is not suitable for high-concentration samples above 90% sulphuric acid.


Figure 1: Density and sound velocity characteristics of sulphuric acid and oleum at 40°C.


Oleum, or fuming sulphuric acid, is an even more reactive and dangerous compound. It is a solution of sulphur trioxide (SO3) in sulphuric acid and emits toxic fumes when exposed to moisture in the air. Oleum is used in the synthesis of explosives, dyes,


and pharmaceuticals, as well as in specialty chemical production. Because of its extremely high reactivity and corrosiveness, accurate and safe measurement of oleum concentration is essential.


Accurate measurement of these substances is critical for multiple reasons. First, it ensures that products meet required specifi cations. Second, it enables process control in continuous production systems. Third, it reduces the risk of chemical spills, overdosing, or equipment degradation, all of which have safety, environmental, and fi nancial consequences. Lastly, it supports compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.


Anton Paar’s technological advantage: Dual-parameter measurement


To address these challenges, Anton Paar has developed a method that combines two complementary physical properties: density and sound velocity. While density measurement works effectively for low to moderate concentrations (up to 90%), sound velocity adds critical differentiation for higher concentrations and oleum samples.


The principle is simple but powerful: By measuring both parameters simultaneously, Anton Paar’s instruments can generate a unique fi ngerprint for each concentration level. This dual-parameter approach allows the device to precisely determine the chemical composition across the entire range of sulphuric acid and oleum concentrations.


Additionally, the instruments come preconfi gured with methods optimised for various concentration ranges. Users can simply select the appropriate profi le, insert the sample, and obtain accurate results within seconds. No reagents, no dilution, and no hazardous handling are required.


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