Communication system, monitoring system and related methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication system (140), a monitoring system (110) for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance (112) used in a gas scrubbing process, and related methods (310, 312), wherein the monitoring system (110) includes the communication system (140). The monitoring system (110) can be used to monitor the at least one substance (112) and provide processing data for processing the at least one substance (112) via the communication system (140). In this article, the communication system (140) includes a cloud server (144), a first server (146), at least one second server (148, 148') and at least one third server (150, 150'); wherein the first server (146) further has a first communication interface (156) configured to provide reference spectral information and reference analytical data related to at least one reference sample to the cloud server (144); wherein each second server (148, 148') has a second communication interface (158, 158') configured to provide spectral information related to at least one substance (112) to the cloud server (144); wherein the cloud server (144) is configured to: generate a calibration model by using the reference spectral information and reference analytical data related to at least one reference sample provided by the first server (146), wherein the calibration model includes at least one parameter; applying a calibration model to spectral information associated with at least one substance (112) provided by a second server (148, 148'), thereby extracting at least one value for the at least one parameter; providing at least one value for the at least one parameter to the first server (146) via a first communication interface (156); wherein the first server (146) is further configured to determine processing data by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter provided by the cloud server (144), wherein the processing data includes at least one piece of data associated with a recommended treatment of the at least one substance (112); wherein the first server (146) further has at least one third communication interface (160, 160'), wherein each third communication interface (160, 160') is configured to provide processing data to at least one third server (150, 150').

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, a monitoring system for monitoring at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process and a related method, wherein the monitoring system comprises the communication system. The monitoring system can be used for monitoring at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process and for providing treatment data for treating at least one substance as used in a gas scrubbing process via the communication system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Customers use solvents in their gas treatment installations. The solvents, which age over time, are usually analyzed from time to time to ensure their effectiveness and to enable the gas treatment installation to be operated stably. For this purpose, prior art analysis methods determine parameter values that influence the performance of the gas treatment installation, wherein the analysis methods include, but are not limited to, gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Karl-Fischer titration, which usually require expensive equipment, well-equipped laboratories, experienced and trained staff.

[0003] Today, the analysis methods are performed in selected laboratories in many countries. Since the solvents can be classified as dual-use goods, the transport of the samples is a complex and time-consuming process. Usually, the shipper needs export and import permissions from the respective country. The entire process of sampling, transport, analysis and reporting can therefore take weeks or months.

[0004] Various analysis methods for amine solutions used in CO2 capture are known:

[0005] DE 103 22 439 A1 discloses a method for determining the isomer composition in isocyanate isomer mixtures, wherein the spectrum of the isomer mixture is recorded and this spectrum is input into a chemometric calibration model.

[0006] As described by A. Einbu et al., Online analysis of amine concentration and CO2 loading in MEA solutions by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, Energy Procedia 23 (2012), pages 55-63, aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA) are widely investigated for post-combustion carbon capture applications. For this purpose, an infrared (IR) instrument in attenuated total reflection mode within a wavelength of 2.5 pm to 14 pm is used. From the IR data, MEA and CO2 in various concentration ranges can be successfully predicted.

[0007] However, Eckeveld et al., Online Monitoring of the Solvent and Absorbed Acid Gas Concentration in a CO2 Capture Process Using Monoethanolamine, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2014, 53, pp. 5515-5523, reviews the IR results of A. Einbu et al., i.e. the results obtained are promising in terms of accuracy with respect to the predictions, however, there are some drawbacks associated with the use of the IR instrument, first of all, the relatively high cost of the required equipment, and further, the need to place it within a few meters of the process.” In contrast, Eckevald et al. propose a combination of several characterization methods, including density, conductivity, refractive index and sound velocity measurements.

[0008] Einbu et al., Online NMR Spectroscopic Study of Species Distribution in MDEA-H2O-CO2 and MDEA-PIP-H2O-CO2, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2008, 47, pp. 7917-7926, describe an online NMR based approach.

[0009] GB 2 477 542 B discloses an online solvent analysis system using mass spectrometric analysis.

[0010] US 4,336,233 A discloses amine solutions with more complex formulations, including methyl-diethanolamine (MDEA) and piperazine.

[0011] EP 3 185 990 B1 discloses a solution comprising an amine and an activator component.

[0012] Katchko et al., In-Line Monitoring of the CO2, MDEA, and PZ Concentrations in the Liquid Phase during High Pressure CO2 Absorption Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2016, 55, pp. 3804-3812 Characterization methods of several solvent systems for CO2 capture. In this paper, they present stoichiometric modeling results based on density, pH, conductivity, sound velocity, refractive index and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy measurements. The authors claim that the developed method allows predicting concentrations with accuracy of 0.7% for MDEA, 0.4% for piperazine and 2.5% for CO2.

[0013] Several analytical methods, including NIR spectroscopy, are known for characterizing aqueous amine solutions, such as those used in CO2 capture applications. However, the known methods alone are of little use to the operator of a gas treatment plant:

[0014] - they are performed on expensive and complex laboratory equipment that has been developed for research applications;

[0015] - they require well-trained staff to perform the experiments correctly;

[0016] - the data acquired must be analyzed by an expert using multivariate analysis;

[0017] - the determined parameters, such as the concentration of one or more amines, heat stable salts or gases, are not meaningful to the operator as such; on the contrary, they need to be interpreted by an expert with the knowledge to convert the parameters into at least one recommended process to improve the performance of the gas treatment system.

[0018] WO 2017 / 002079 Al discloses an apparatus and method for measuring frying oil quality in real time by sensing chemical species related to frying oil quality. The apparatus comprises an optical sensor comprising at least one light source and at least one light detector; a chamber for receiving frying oil to be measured, arranged such that the light source is optically coupled to the light detector by the frying oil in the chamber; and a processing unit configured to: receive, from the light detector, a signal of absorption, transmission, reflection, scattering or a combination thereof of light emitted by the light source by the frying oil; calculate, from the received signal, an output indicative of frying oil quality using a pre-computed model relating to chemical species and frying oil quality.

[0019] WO 2018 / 090142 A1 discloses a method of spectrophotometric analysis. A measurement system is provided, which includes a low-resolution spectrophotometric sensor, a mobile communication device such as a smartphone or tablet, and software which can be partially installed on the device and partially installed on a remote computing server or service. The method includes calibrating the measurement channel, orienting on a measurement spectrum or spectrum-related quantity; estimating a spectrum of an arbitrary analysis sample from data from the sensor and the calibration result; evaluating the spectrum-related quantity from the estimation result. These steps can include involving local and / or remote computing resources.

[0020] WO 2018 / 122857 A1 discloses a method for monitoring, analyzing and maintaining water and equipment in a swimming pool, implemented by one or more processors operably coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable storage device on which is stored instruction code modules that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform: accumulating and monitoring data from elements including at least one of sensors, actuators and breakers in the vicinity and around the swimming pool; accumulating non-sensory data at a local processing unit from multiple sources; propagating the data to an online remote server; applying machine learning or rule-based algorithms at the online remote server configured to consolidate all acquired data and obtain an optimal strategy for pool maintenance by providing recommendations, control parameters; and providing an online interface for at least one of a pool owner, a pool service personnel, a pool maintenance company, a pool supplier and a pool retail distributor to access the recommendations / control parameters.

[0021] US 2019 / 353587 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for field spectroscopic characterization of seafood. A portable NIR spectrometer is connected to an analyzer configured to perform multivariate analysis of the reflectance spectrum to qualitatively determine the true identity of a seafood sample or quantitatively determine the freshness of a seafood sample.

[0022] WO 2020 / 014073 A1 discloses the use of a spectrometer to evaluate properties of cooking oil. Optical reflectance data is obtained in situ from cooking oil in a frying apparatus containing the cooking oil, the reflectance data corresponding to a particular range of infrared wavelengths. A model profile corresponding to the property being evaluated is obtained from a repository containing such profiles. The model profile defines a regression vector for transforming the reflectance data to generate a value corresponding to the property being evaluated. A criterion is applied to the value to establish a simplified representation for presentation to a user for evaluating the oil quality property.

[0023] Problems addressed by the invention

[0024] The problem addressed by the present application is therefore that of specifying a communication system, a monitoring system for monitoring at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process in situ and a related method which at least substantially avoids the drawbacks of known systems, devices and methods of this type.

[0025] In particular, it is desirable that the system and the related method provide for an effective monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process, wherein the at least one device used in the gas scrubbing process can be placed at any location of a user's premises, even in remote or difficult to access areas, wherein the processing of the measurement data acquired at or near the location of the at least one device is distributed between a first instance familiar with the evaluation of the measurement data and a second instance familiar with the provision of processed data to the user based on the evaluated measurement data, whereby the system and the related method are able to apply distributed best practices and specific data exchange under high data protection standards during the processing of the measurement data by employing a preferably fully automated process.

[0026] In particular, it is desirable to meet the following requirements for the characterization of the solvent as far as possible:

[0027] - ease of use, even by inexperienced staff with minimum training;

[0028] - robust method and equipment in the field;

[0029] - fast results are generated;

[0030] - recommended procedures are provided to achieve trouble-free device operation;

[0031] - embedded into existing software;

[0032] - enable re-checking by experts of the supplier:

[0033] o for improved device simulation, resulting in better recommendations;

[0034] o for improved planned maintenance;

[0035] o for better planning of production and / or improved supply chain management of the amine solution used in the gas scrubbing;

[0036] - compatible with online installations. SUMMARY

[0037] The problem is solved by the present application having the features of the independent patent claim. Advantageous further developments of the present application which can be realized individually or in combination are presented in the dependent claims and / or in the following description and specific embodiments.

[0038] As used herein, the expressions "have", "comprise" and "include" and grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, use of the expressions "A has B" and "A comprises B" and "A includes B" can mean that A in addition to B, and that A includes one or more further components and / or constituents in addition to B, and that none, some or all of the further components and / or constituents are present in A.

[0039] In a first aspect of the present application, a communication system is disclosed. In particular, the communication system is for use in a monitoring system for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process. Thus, the communication system comprises a cloud server, a first server, at least one second server and at least one third server;

[0040] wherein the first server further has a first communication interface configured to provide the cloud server with reference analysis data and reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample;

[0041] wherein each second server has a second communication interface configured to provide the cloud server with spectral information;

[0042] wherein the cloud server is configured to:

[0043] - generate a calibration model by using the reference spectral information and the reference analysis data provided by the first server, wherein the calibration model comprises at least one parameter;

[0044] - apply the calibration model to the spectral information provided by the second server, whereby at least one value for the at least one parameter is extracted;

[0045] - provide the first server via the first communication interface with the at least one value for the at least one parameter;

[0046] wherein the first server is further configured to determine process data by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter provided by the cloud server;

[0047] wherein the first server further has at least one third communication interface, wherein each third communication interface is configured to provide the at least one third server with the process data.

[0048] As used herein, the term "communication" refers to the transmission of a piece of data from a first server to a second server via at least one communication interface, and vice versa. In this context, the term "data" relates to a piece of information provided in digital or digitized form, such as a numerical or alphanumeric code. As commonly used, the term "information" refers to any type of data comprising content that can be useful to a user. By way of example, the information can be or comprise "spectral information" related to at least one piece of data related to the electromagnetic spectrum, also denoted herein as "spectrum", such as a single intensity at a particular wavelength, frequency, or photon energy, or a plurality of intensities distributed over a selected range of wavelengths, frequencies, or photon energies. Thus, spectral information comprising spectral data can preferably be generated according to a further aspect of the present application by using a spectrometer as described in more detail below. In addition, the spectral information can comprise metadata, wherein the term "metadata" refers to at least one piece of information accompanying the information related to the electromagnetic spectrum as described above, in particular at least one of a date, a time, a location, or at least one environmental condition, such as a temperature or atmospheric conditions, a temperature of the spectrometer, a temperature of at least one substance related to the spectral information or its acquisition, spectrometer identification data, a batch of at least one substance, a manufacturer of at least one substance, a user, a photograph, satellite data. Thus, the term "providing information" relates to a process by which a particular piece of information is sent from a first server to a second server in the form of a piece of data via at least one communication interface, and vice versa.

[0049] Further, the term "system" refers to a device comprising at least two components, wherein at least two of the components are separate components, while two or more of the components can be integrated into one component, wherein the components are configured to perform a joint task, such as processing a communication or a monitoring. In particular, the term "communication system", as commonly used, refers to a system comprising at least a first server, a second server and a communication interface configured to send a piece of data between the servers. As described in more detail below, the communication system according to the present application comprises a cloud server, a first server, at least one second server, at least one third server and various communication interfaces. As further commonly used, the term "communication interface" refers to a transmission channel designated for data transmission. In the present context, the communication interface can be arranged as a unidirectional interface configured to forward at least one piece of data to a single direction, either from the first server to the second server or vice versa. Alternatively, the communication interface can be arranged as a bidirectional interface configured to forward at least one piece of data to one of two directions, either from the first server to the second server or vice versa. As an alternative, a particular bidirectional interface can thus be replaced by two separate unidirectional interfaces configured for data transmission in opposite directions to each other. For the purpose of data transmission, the communication interface can comprise a wired element or a wireless element. By way of example, the wired element can be selected from at least one of a metal wire, such as a copper wire or a gold wire; a computer bus system, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB); or an optical fiber, while the wireless element can comprise a wireless transmitter or a Bluetooth element. However, other kinds of communication interfaces can also be feasible. As further used herein, the terms "first communication interface", "second communication interface", "third communication interface" and "fourth communication interface" refer to four separate communication interfaces for communication between two separately assigned servers.

[0050] As further used herein, the term "server" relates to a device configured to provide a resource to another device, generally denoted as "client", wherein the "resource" especially comprises at least one of a computing power, such as for running at least one computer program, or a data storage capacity, such as for storing at least one piece of data. By way of example, a client can run a single computer program or store multiple pieces of data distributed over multiple servers, while a single server can serve multiple clients with respect to at least one of program execution and storage requirements. In contrast to the term "server", which refers to such a device arranged within a local network, the term "cloud server" relates to a type of server which is accessible by a client on demand via the internet. Thus, a client cannot access the location of a cloud server nor can it directly access the cloud server actively managing it. With respect to the present invention, the terms "first server", "second server" and "third server" refer to three separate servers each arranged within its local network, wherein, as described in more detail below, the second and third server can be integrated into a single unit arranged in a single network, while the term "cloud server" refers to a type of server which is accessible by a client on demand via the internet.

[0051] As already indicated above, the term "spectral information" refers to a piece of information related to at least one piece of data in relation to the electromagnetic spectrum. As used herein, "spectral information" relates to spectral information of a specific sample of unknown content and unknown physical properties, while the term "reference spectral information" relates to spectral information of a reference sample, wherein the term "reference sample" denotes a sample of known content and known physical properties. As used herein, the term "reference analysis data" refers to at least one piece of data related to the known content and the known physical properties of the reference sample. According to the present invention, the reference spectral information and the reference analysis data are provided by the first server to the cloud server. Further according to the present invention, the spectral information is provided to the cloud server directly or indirectly using the second communication interface. As further used herein, the term "directly" refers to a configuration of the second communication interface connecting the at least one second server with the cloud server in a way that it provides the spectral information to the cloud server without detour. In contrast thereto, the term "indirectly" refers to a configuration of the second communication interface connecting the at least one second server with a different server, in particular with the first server, to which it provides the spectral information, first, wherein the different server, in particular the first server, has a fourth communication interface configured to subsequently provide the spectral information from the first server to the cloud server. As described in more detail below, the spectral information can thus be subject to modifications which can be performed by the different server, in particular the first server. However, different ways of indirectly providing the spectral information to the cloud server are conceivable.

[0052] According to the present application, reference spectral information and reference analytical data are used for generating a calibration model. As generally used, the term "calibration model" refers to a model comprising a correlation of reference spectral information with reference analytical data in order to be able to derive analytical data from spectral information related to a particular sample of unknown content and unknown physical properties by using the model. In this context, the process of correlating reference spectral information with reference analytical data is described by the term "generating a calibration model", whereas the term "applying a calibration model" denotes the further process of deriving analytical data from spectral information related to a particular sample of unknown content and unknown physical properties. According to the present application, this process is performed by the cloud server, which uses reference spectral information and reference analytical data for this purpose as provided by the first server to the cloud server.

[0053] Further according to the present application, the calibration model is implemented by using at least one parameter, typically a set of parameters, for describing the analytical data. Based on the at least one parameter, the calibration model is configured to represent the correlation in a reasonable manner, in particular by using the at least one parameter alone leading to a deviation below a threshold of the correlation of the reference spectral information with the reference analytical data. As used herein, the term "parameter" refers to a representation of an influence on the analytical data with respect to a particular substance. Specific examples for parameters are presented below.

[0054] Hence, the term "extracting at least one value for the at least one parameter" as used herein refers to the process of determining at least one value for the at least one parameter by using the calibration model for adjusting spectral information as acquired in an actual measurement of a particular sample. As a result thereof, the analytical data of the particular sample is sufficiently described by the at least one parameter. Hence, the at least one parameter can be used as a kind of summary of the content and the physical properties of the particular sample. Typically, the amount of data for the at least one parameter only constitutes a small fraction of the amount of data required for describing the relevant spectrum. According to the present application, this process is also performed by the cloud server, which uses spectral information as provided by at least one second server directly or indirectly to the cloud server and the calibration model as available within the cloud server for this purpose.

[0055] Further in accordance with the present application, processing data is determined by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter. As generally used, the term "value" refers to a logic or numerical code, depending on the content of the at least one parameter. As used herein, the term "processing data" refers to at least one piece of data related to a proposed treatment of the at least one substance being monitored, in particular by using the monitoring system as described in more detail below. Accordingly, the term "determining processing data" as further used herein refers to a process of generating at least one piece of data related to a proposed treatment of the at least one substance being monitored by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter. In accordance with the present application, this process is performed by the first server, which uses the at least one value for the at least one parameter as provided to the first server by the cloud server via the first communication interface for this purpose.

[0056] Further in accordance with the present application, the processing data is provided to the at least one third server by using the specific third communication interface between the first server and each third server. In this context, the processing data can be stored in a data storage device of the third server or can be provided into a separate storage device via the at least one interface, such as a wireless interface and / or a wire connection. As indicated above and below, the specific third server can be provided as a single unit together with the corresponding second server arranged in a single network. As used herein, the term "providing processing data" refers to a process of forwarding at least one piece of data related to a proposed treatment of the at least one substance being monitored as generated by the first server in order to enable a treatment of the at least one substance in accordance with the processing data as indicated below in connection with step (iv) of the method for monitoring at least one substance in situ.

[0057] For this purpose, the third server can comprise or drive a user interface designated for providing at least one item of information related to the processing data to the user. As used herein, the term "user interface" refers to a device designated for providing an item of information, in particular processing data, to a user in an electronic, visual, acoustic or in any arbitrary combination thereof, preferably in a user-acceptable manner, most preferably in a user-friendly manner. As commonly used, the term "user-acceptable manner" relates to a manner of providing information to a human being such that the human being is able to understand the received item of information in the desired manner. For this purpose, the user interface can preferably comprise at least one of a personal computer or a mobile communication device. As commonly used, the term "personal computer" refers to a computer device which is usually placed at a fixed location, whereas the term "mobile communication device" relates to at least one of a smartphone, a tablet or a personal digital assistant which can be carried by a user and thus moved along with the user. Thus, it can be possible to provide the processing data to the user at a fixed location to which the user can return again and again and / or at a location where the user is currently located. In particular, the user interface can comprise a monitor designated for providing at least one item of information related to the processing data in a visual manner by displaying at least one of a plain text in at least one language or a graphical symbol representing the corresponding item of information to the user. However, the use of a traffic light style representation as proposed in WO 2020 / 014073 Al with three indicators in green, yellow and red is not considered to be "processing data" as it does not comprise an explicit indication of a recommendation procedure. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface can be designated for providing at least one item of information related to the processing data in an acoustic manner, in particular by employing at least one loudspeaker, wherein the at least one loudspeaker can be located at least one of close to the location of the substance to be monitored or at a location where the user can usually reside. In this way, it can be ensured that the information can reach the user even in the case that he or she does not observe the monitor and can not carry a mobile communication device.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the third server can be designated for providing the processing data to at least one of the processing units. In this context, the processing data can be provided to at least one of the processing units in a direct manner, such as via a wired or wireless connection, or in an indirect manner, such as via at least one further processing device. As commonly used, the term "processing unit" refers to at least one device designated for exerting an influence on at least one substance in a manner such that a desired processing of the at least one substance according to the processing data is performed. Preferred embodiments of the processing unit are described in more detail below. However, other kinds of processing units can also be conceivable.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, a third server can be designated for providing the processing data to at least one simulation system, wherein the simulation system can be comprised by at least one of the third server or a further processing device. As generally used, the term "simulation system" refers to at least one computer program which is configured to perform a modeling of an actual or envisaged technical system by using at least one piece of data, in particular the processing data, in order to observe the behavior of the technical system without the need to actually implement the technical system. In particular with respect to the present invention, the simulation system can be used for at least one of a predictive maintenance, an optimization of parameters related to the technical system or an optimization of the modeling, depending on the current state of the technical system as modified by the processing data. Additionally, the processing data can be accompanied by further data related to other technical systems for performing the modeling across multiple technical systems.

[0060] In particular according to the present invention, each server is configured to play a decisive role within the communication system. For this purpose, the system is configured to allow for processing the spectral information acquired by the spectrometer of the substance to be monitored in a particularly adapted distributed manner between the different servers. As a result thereof, the spectral information as used for monitoring the at least one substance is provided by the user, while the processing of the spectral information is performed by a first instance familiar with the evaluation of the spectral information, while the processing data as desired by the user for being able to sufficiently process the at least one substance are generated by a second instance familiar therewith. Thus, the communication system is therefore able to provide a distributed best practice with respect to the evaluation of the spectral information and at the same time, a specific exchange of data under high data protection standards is performed within a preferably fully automated process during the processing of the spectral information, which process is designated for generating the desired processing data and providing them to the user.

[0061] In particular, the spectral data are generated in real-time at the user site and are available for further use by the second server. As long as no changes to the hardware designated for generating the spectral data are made, no software updates or changes to the infrastructure at the user site are required. Only the spectral data are generated and stored for being transferred at the user site in a way that no processing data can be generated without a base calibration model. In contrast thereto, the actual processing data are generated by the first server by using at least one value of at least one parameter as generated by the cloud server using the calibration model, whereby critical information, in particular information related to the generation of the calibration model and the processing data, can be safely managed and stored at two separate sites from each other. As shown in the following figure, data from multiple users can be used to determine systematicity. In this context, the calibration and processing data models can be continuously updated and re-discovered without distorting the generation of the spectral data at multiple user sites.

[0062] Based on these considerations, the first server comprises a first communication interface configured to first provide reference spectral information about the at least one reference sample and the reference analysis data to the cloud server and further to receive at least one value for the at least one parameter from the cloud. Thus, the first communication interface can preferably be arranged as a bidirectional interface or can alternatively comprise two separate unidirectional interfaces arranged in opposite directions. Further, the first server is further configured to determine the processing data by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter as provided by the cloud server and further comprises at least one third communication interface configured to provide the processing data to at least one third server.

[0063] In addition, the first server can be configured to receive spectral information from the at least one second server via the second communication interface and to provide it to the cloud server via the fourth communication interface. Thereby, the first server can be configured to modify the spectral information. As generally used, the term “modify” refers to changing data, in particular data carrying spectral information, by applying at least one algorithm to the data, wherein the algorithm can be configured to exert at least one specific operation on the data. According to the present application, the operation can preferably be selected from at least one of the following: selection, filtering, combining, classifying, grouping or analyzing of the data comprising the spectral information or related metadata. However, other kinds of applications can be feasible as well.

[0064] Further based on these considerations, each second server comprises a corresponding second communication interface configured to provide spectral information to the cloud server. As indicated above, the spectral information can be transmitted to the cloud server via the corresponding second communication interface directly or, preferably, first via the second communication interface to the first server and subsequently from the first server via the fourth communication interface to the cloud server. While the selection of a direct transmission results in the advantage of providing a direct connection between the at least one second server towards the cloud server, since the cloud server only communicates with the first server, which is responsible for the communication with the other servers, i.e. the one or more second servers and the one or more third servers, the indirect transmission results in the different advantage of requiring an overall less complex communication system.

[0065] Further based on these considerations, the cloud server is configured to perform the operations indicated above within the cloud server, to generate a calibration model at least by using reference spectral information involving at least one reference sample and reference analysis data as provided by the first server, to apply the calibration model, which can comprise quantitative and qualitative modeling, to spectral information provided by the second server, to extract at least one value for at least one parameter, and to provide the at least one value for the at least one parameter to the first server via the first communication interface. For the purpose of generating and maintaining an infrastructure within the cloud server, wherein the infrastructure is required for performing the indicated operations within the cloud server, at least one additional server can be used.

[0066] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the calibration model can be generated by applying a combination of at least one data pre-processing method, a set of selected features, and at least one learning algorithm. As generally used, the term "data pre-processing method" refers to a process of modifying raw data, in particular by using at least one of the following: scatter correction, baseline correction, smoothing, or scaling. Further, the set of selected features can refer to at least one specific data item, preferably selected from at least one specific pixel or at least one specific wavelength. As further generally used, the term "learning algorithm" relates to a process of extracting at least one pattern in at least one known data set, wherein, thereafter, the at least one pattern can be applied to at least one unknown data set. In addition, by using a further unknown data set, the at least one pattern can be further refined. In this context, the learning algorithm can preferably be selected from a machine learning algorithm or a deep learning algorithm.

[0067] In particular, determining the process data by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter can preferably be performed by applying at least one learning algorithm to a combination of known values for the known parameters and known process data. In this context, the learning algorithm can comprise at least one algorithm selected from at least one of a regression algorithm or a classification algorithm. By way of example, at least one of the following algorithms can be used: partial least squares regression; discriminant analysis; Bayesian algorithms such as Naive Bayes, brute force MAP learning, Bayesian belief networks, Bayesian optimal classifier; support vector machines with multiple kernels; decision tree algorithms such as random forest CART; logistic and linear regression such as LASSO, Ridge, elastic net; statistical analysis such as univariate generalized and mixed models; neural network (NN) algorithms such as fully connected NN, convolutional NN, recurrent NN; Gaussian modeling such as Gaussian process regression, Gaussian graph networks; unsupervised learning methods such as non-negative matrix factorization, principal component analysis (PCA), t-sne, LLE. However, another class of learning algorithms can also be feasible.

[0068] Further based on these considerations, each third server comprises a corresponding third communication interface configured to provide the process data to at least one third server. As described in more detail above and below, each third server can be further configured to further process the at least one item of information related to the process data by displaying the at least one item of information related to the process data to a user via a user interface or by providing the at least one item of information related to the process data to at least one of a processing unit or a simulation system as described elsewhere herein.

[0069] In another aspect of the application, a monitoring system for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process is disclosed. As further used herein, the term “monitoring” refers to a process of deriving a desired information from data acquired, preferably continuously, without user interaction, wherein the term “measuring” relates to a process of acquiring one piece of data without user interaction. For this purpose, a plurality of measurement signals is generated and evaluated from which the desired information is determined. In this context, the plurality of measurement signals can be recorded and / or evaluated at fixed or variable time intervals or alternatively or additionally upon occurrence of at least one pre-specified event. As generally used, the term “in-situ monitoring” relates to acquiring pieces of data related to the at least one substance used in the gas scrubbing process at a location where the at least one substance is already located, in particular without the need to collect a sample of the at least one substance and analyze it at a different location. Thus, the monitoring system exhibits the advantage that it can be assigned to the location of the at least one substance to determine at least one property thereof.

[0070] As already indicated above, the term “system” refers to a device comprising at least two components, wherein at least two of the components are separate components, while two or more of the components can be integrated into one component, wherein the components are configured to perform a joint task, such as processing one monitoring. Thus, the term “monitoring system” as used herein refers to a system comprising at least two separate components, wherein each component is designated for generating and evaluating at least one of the measurement signals. In particular, the monitoring system according to the application can be designated, inter alia, for determining at least one parameter related to the at least one substance, preferably continuously, and deriving a desired process data therefrom.

[0071] Thus, the monitoring system for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process comprises:

[0072] - a communication system as described elsewhere herein;

[0073] - a spectrometer designated for

[0074] o acquiring spectral information related to the at least one substance;

[0075] providing the spectral information to at least one server.

[0076] Thus, the monitoring system according to the present application comprises a communication system and a spectrometer as described elsewhere herein. As a result, it is specified to generate an optical signal for determining at least one parameter related to at least one substance and to derive therefrom the desired process data. As generally used, the term "optical" refers to electromagnetic waves having a wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm and adjacent wavelength ranges, in particular at least a part of the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range. Generally, the NIR spectral range is considered to cover wavelengths of 780 nm to 2500 nm. However, the term "optical" is considered herein to encompass further wavelengths beyond the NIR spectral range, such as other infrared spectral ranges having wavelengths above 2.5 pm, in particular for wavelengths up to 2.6 pm, up to 3.1 pm, up to 3.5 pm, up to 5 pm, up to 5.5 pm, up to 6 pm, up to 20 pm or up to 40 pm. Preferably, the term "optical" according to the definition as used herein encompasses wavelengths from 250 nm to 5 pm, preferably from 400 nm to 3 pm, more preferably from 1250 nm to 2.7 pm. Thus, the term "light" as used herein relates to radiation having at least one wavelength in the indicated wavelength range.

[0077] As further generally used, the term "spectrum" refers to a part of the spectral range, in particular a part of the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range as indicated above. Herein, each part of the spectrum is constituted by an optical signal, which is defined by a signal wavelength and a corresponding signal intensity. As further generally used, the term "spectrometer" relates to a device capable of acquiring spectral information, wherein the term "acquiring spectral information" refers to recording the signal intensity with respect to a corresponding wavelength or a part thereof of the spectrum, such as a wavelength interval, wherein the signal intensity can preferably be provided as an electrical signal, which can be used for further evaluation. In particular for performing the monitoring process according to the present application, at least one spectrum of at least one substance can be repeatedly acquired in situ.

[0078] The spectrometer can preferably comprise a dispersing element. As generally used, a "dispersing element" refers to a device designated for separating an incident light from at least one substance into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals, the respective intensities of which are then determined in the form of detector signals as generated by a single detector or a detector array, as described in more detail below. Here, the dispersing element can preferably be selected from at least one diffractive element or at least one interferometric element. In this context, the at least one diffractive element can be selected from a prism or a grating, wherein the at least one interferometric element can be selected from an interference filter, in particular a bandpass filter, a bandstop filter, a Bragg filter, a length- variable filter such as a linearly variable filter, a Fabry-Perot interferometer or a Michelson interferometer. As generally used, the term "bandpass filter" refers to an optical element designed to transmit a band of wavelengths between two cutoff wavelengths, while attenuating outside this band. As an alternative, a "bandstop filter" is designed to attenuate within a band of wavelengths, while transmitting outside this band. As further generally used, the term "Bragg filter" relates to a specific type of bandstop filter consisting of a short segment of a core of an optical waveguide or a glass substrate. In this context, a periodic variation of the refractive index is used as a dielectric mirror for specific wavelengths, which is designed to attenuate wavelengths within a band, while allowing wavelengths outside the band to pass unimpeded, thus, acting as a bandstop filter. As further generally used, the term "length-variable filter" refers to a filter comprising a plurality of interference filters, in particular bandpass filters, which can in particular be provided in a consecutive arrangement of filters. In this context, each of the filters can form, preferably consecutively form, a bandpass with a variable center wavelength for each spatial position on the filter along a single dimension on the receiving surface of the length-variable filter, denoted with the term "length". Preferably, the variable center wavelength can be a linear function of the spatial position on the filter, in which case the length-variable filter is referred to as a "linearly variable filter". However, other kinds of functions are also suitable for the relationship between the variable center wavelength and the spatial position on the filter. In a particular embodiment, the length-variable filter can be a wedge filter designated for carrying at least one responsive coating on a transparent substrate, wherein the responsive coating can exhibit a spatially variable property, in particular a spatially variable thickness. Further, a "Fabry-Perot interferometer" comprises an optical cavity with two parallel reflecting surfaces, which only allow light waves to propagate through the optical cavity when they are in resonance with the optical cavity. Additionally, a further optical element can be used which is designed for receiving incident light and transmitting it to the dispersing element. For further details, reference can be made to WO 2019 / 115594 Al, WO 2019 / 115595 Al or WO 2019 / 115596 Al.

[0079] As an alternative, the spectrometer can comprise at least one Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrophotometer. In this context, the spectrometer can comprise at least one broadband light source and at least one interference element, such as a Michelson interferometer. The FTIR spectrophotometer can be configured to provide illumination with at least one light beam having a time-dependent spectrum. For this purpose, the FTIR spectrophotometer can preferably comprise at least one moving mirror element, wherein by the movement of the mirror element the light beam generated by the broadband light source can be alternately blocked and transmitted by the interferometric measurement element. Furthermore, the spectrometer can comprise at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS), which can be configured to control the mirror element. Further, the FTIR spectrophotometer can be configured to modulate the light beam depending on the wavelength, such that different wavelengths are modulated at different rates.

[0080] The light can be incident on a single detector or a detector array. As generally used, the term "detector array" relates to a device comprising a plurality of optical sensors designated for measuring the intensity of the incident light impinging into at least one of the optical sensors. In this context, each sensor can preferably be designated for measuring the intensity of the incident light at a specific wavelength. Thus, the detector array can preferably comprise a series of optical sensors, which can be positioned in the form of a one-by-one series of optical sensors, wherein the series of optical sensors can preferably be placed in a parallel manner with respect to the successive arrangement of the respective optical filters along the length of the length-variable filter. Thus, the detector array can preferably comprise a series of individual optical sensors, which can be arranged in particular in a single row as a one-dimensional matrix, preferably along the length of the length-variable filter, or in more than one row, in particular in the form of a two-dimensional matrix as two, three or four parallel lines, in order to receive as much incident light intensity as possible. Thus, the number of pixels N in one direction can be higher than the number of pixels M in the other direction, so that a one-dimensional 1 x N matrix or a rectangular two-dimensional M x N matrix can be obtained, wherein M < 10 and N > 10, preferably N > 20, more preferably N > 50. In addition, the matrix used in this context can also be placed in a staggered arrangement. Here, in particular in order to facilitate the manufacture of the series of optical sensors, each optical sensor can have the same or similar optical sensitivity within a tolerance level. Alternatively, each of the optical sensors as used in the series of optical sensors can exhibit a varying optical sensitivity, which can vary in accordance with the varying transmittance characteristics of the length-variable filter, such as by providing an increasing or decreasing variation of the optical sensitivity with wavelength along the series of optical sensors. However, other kinds of arrangements are feasible as well.

[0081] In particular, a detector array can be used which can comprise a plurality of pixelated sensors, wherein each of the pixelated sensors is adapted to receive at least a portion of one of the constituent wavelength signals provided by the dispersive element. As indicated above, each constituent wavelength is thereby associated with an intensity or amplitude of each constituent wavelength. As commonly used, the term "pixelated optical sensor" or "pixelated sensor" refers to an optical sensor comprising an array of individual pixel sensors, wherein each of the individual pixel sensors has at least a radiation sensitive area which generates an electrical signal depending on the intensity of the incident light, wherein the electrical signal can in particular be provided to an evaluation unit for further evaluation. In this context, the radiation sensitive area as comprised by each of the individual pixel sensors can in particular be a single uniform radiation sensitive area which is configured for receiving the incident light impinging on the individual pixel sensor. However, other arrangements of the pixelated sensor can also be conceivable. Further, as indicated above, a single detector with a single radiation sensitive area can also be feasible.

[0082] The sensor is designed to generate a detector signal, preferably an electrical signal, which is associated with the intensity of the incident light impinging on the individual pixelated sensor. This signal can be an analog signal and / or a digital signal. Accordingly, the electrical signals of adjacent optical sensors can be generated simultaneously or in a temporally consecutive manner. By way of example, during a line scan or a line scan, it can be possible to generate a series of electrical signals which correspond to a series of individual optical sensors arranged in a row. In addition, the individual sensors can preferably be active sensors which can be adapted to amplify the electrical signal before providing it to the evaluation unit. To this end, the optical sensor can comprise one or more signal processing devices, such as one or more filters and / or analog-to-digital converters for processing and / or pre-processing the electrical signal.

[0083] The optical sensor can be selected from any known optical sensor, in particular a pixelated sensor; preferably from a pixelated organic camera element, in particular a pixelated organic camera chip; or from a pixelated inorganic camera element, in particular a pixelated inorganic camera chip; in particular from a CCD chip or a CMOS chip, which are commonly used in various cameras. In this context, silicon (Si) can be used for wavelengths up to 1.1 pm in general. As an alternative, in particular for wavelengths above 1.1 pm, the radiation-sensitive area of the optical sensor can comprise a photodetector, in particular selected from the group consisting of at least one of: gallium antimonide (GaSb), in particular for wavelengths up to 1.7 pm; germanium (Ge), in particular for wavelengths up to 1.85 pm; indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), in particular for wavelengths up to 2.5 pm; indium arsenide (InAs), in particular for wavelengths up to 3.5 pm; lead sulfide (PbS), in particular for wavelengths up to 3.5 pm; indium antimonide (InSb), in particular for wavelengths up to 5.5 pm; lead selenide (PbSe), in particular for wavelengths up to 6 pm; and mercury cadmium telluride (MCT, HgCdTe), in particular for wavelengths up to 20 pm. However, other photodetectors or other types of materials can also be feasible, in particular pyroelectric detectors comprising a radiation-sensitive material, preferably selected from triglycine sulfate (TGS) or deuterated triglycine sulfate (DTGS) can be particularly used for wavelengths up to 40 pm. In this context, it can be particularly preferred when the spectral sensitivity of the detector can exhibit a spectral range that closely correlates with the emission spectrum of the light source, in particular in order to ensure that the detector can be able to provide a detector signal with high intensity, thus enabling an evaluation of the detector signal with sufficient signal-to-noise ratio and at the same time with high resolution.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system can comprise an optical probe designated for measuring an optical signal related to the at least one substance. In this embodiment, the optical spectrometer can be designated for acquiring spectral information related to the at least one substance by using the measured optical signal as provided by the probe. As commonly used, the term “optical probe” refers to a device designated for measuring an optical signal, also denoted herein as “optical signal”, by acquiring at least one measurement signal, preferably at or in the vicinity of the location of the at least one substance to be monitored. In this context, the optical probe can be comprised by a flow cell, which can be located in a solvent loop of the acid gas removal device and / or be installed in a laboratory designated for handling samples comprising a solution. However, further embodiments of the optical probe can also be feasible.

[0085] Further, the optical probe can be designated for providing radiation for illuminating the location of the at least one substance. However, such a function of the optical probe can be dispensable in case the location of the at least one substance can already be sufficiently illuminated. However, as the preferred wavelength range for use in connection with the present application is the spectral range as presented above, which is considered to cover wavelengths not necessarily available at the location of the at least one substance with sufficient intensity, it is preferred that the optical probe can be designated for providing the desired radiation for illuminating the location of the at least one substance.

[0086] Thus, the optical probe can preferably be used for providing radiation and generating at least one optical signal resulting from an interaction of the radiation with a portion of the at least one substance at the location of the at least one substance. For this purpose, the optical probe can comprise a setup which can particularly be adapted to the geometry of the at least one substance and / or the geometry of a container comprising at least a portion of the at least one substance. In particular, the setup can be selected from at least one of a transmission geometry, a trans-critical geometry or a reflection geometry, such as a diffuse reflection geometry or an attenuated total reflection geometry. As will be explained in more detail below, a transmission geometry can be particularly preferred in case the at least one substance to be monitored can comprise a transparent material, in which case it can be advantageous to transmit through a layer of the at least one substance having a thickness of in particular 0.1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm; up to 5 mm, preferably up to 2.5 mm, more preferably up to 2 mm, in particular 1 mm. However, a reflection geometry can be more preferred in case the at least one substance to be monitored can comprise an opaque material. With respect to the terms "transparent" or "opaque", it is indicated that the respective level of transparency refers to the level of transparency applied to the at least one substance for a particular wavelength or wavelength range, in particular within the NIR spectral range.

[0087] Further, for providing a connection between the optical probe and the spectrometer for guiding the optical signal as generated by the optical probe to the spectrometer for evaluation, and, further preferably, for a further connection between the light source designated for generating the illumination having the desired spectral range, in particular within the NIR spectral range, and the optical probe, at least one optical waveguide, such as at least one optical fiber, can be used. However, other kinds of connections can be feasible as well.

[0088] In particular embodiments, the optical probe can comprise at least one tube, preferably two separate tubes, wherein the at least one tube comprising the at least one optical waveguide is designated for receiving the at least one connection. Further, the optical probe can comprise a mount to which the at least one tube can be attached. For this purpose, fastening elements such as screws can be used. In this context, the mount can preferably be a rigid mount, thus being able to provide the optical probe with the desired stability, whereas the at least one tube can preferably be a flexible tube, thus providing a certain degree of flexibility.

[0089] Further, the monitoring system, in particular the optical probe, can comprise at least one additional sensor which can be designated for measuring at least one additional substance-related information of the at least one substance, wherein the term “additional substance-related information” refers to at least one data related to the at least one substance in addition to the at least one information about the at least one substance acquired by using the optical spectrometer. In particular, the further substance-related information can preferably be selected from at least one of the following: temperature, density, flux, electrical conductivity, viscosity, electromagnetic field, dielectric constant, refractive index, fluorescence, phosphorescence, magnetization value, pH value, buffer capacity, acid value or zeta potential. However, other kinds of additional substance-related information can also be feasible. For the purpose of determining the at least one additional substance-related information, the additional sensor can preferably be attached to the mount of the probe, wherein the lead for power supply or data readout can preferably be guided via the at least one tube. Further, additional elements which can be attached to the optical probe are conceivable. As a further alternative, the probe can be or comprise at least one lab-on-a-chip system or at least one microfluidic system which is designated for analyzing the at least one substance used in the gas scrubbing process.

[0090] Further, the spectrometer comprises an evaluation unit designated for generating spectral information related to the spectrum of the at least one substance by evaluating the detector signal as provided by the detector. As generally used, the term "evaluation unit" refers to any device designated for generating information based on the detector signal. For this purpose, the evaluation unit can be or comprise at least one integrated circuit, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more data processing devices, such as one or more computers, preferably one or more microcomputers and / or microcontrollers. Additional components can be comprised, such as one or more pre-processing devices and / or data acquisition devices, such as one or more devices for receiving and / or pre-processing the sensor signal, such as one or more AD converters and / or one or more filters. Further, the evaluation unit can comprise at least one data storage device. Further, as outlined above, the evaluation unit can comprise at least one interface, such as a wireless interface and / or a wired interface. In addition, the spectrometer, in particular the evaluation unit, can also be designated for determining data related to the at least one substance as described elsewhere herein. For this purpose, the evaluation unit can comprise or have access to further evaluation routines configured to determine the data related to the at least one substance from at least one of the spectral information, the optical signal as provided by the detector array, or the sensor signal as provided by the at least one additional sensor. In addition, the spectrometer, in particular the evaluation unit, can also be designated for determining additional substance-related information of the at least one substance as described elsewhere herein. For this purpose, the evaluation unit can comprise or have access to further evaluation routines configured to determine the additional substance-related information from the measurement signal as provided by the at least one of the additional sensors.

[0091] In this context, the spectral information of the substance as generated by the spectrometer, in particular the spectral information as generated by the evaluation device comprised by the spectrometer, can preferably be provided by the data transfer unit to at least one server, in particular at least one second server comprised by the communication system as described elsewhere herein. As used herein, the term "data transfer unit" refers to any device designated for transmitting the spectral information from the spectrometer to at least one second server comprised by the communication system as by wired or wireless transmission. For this purpose, the data transfer unit can preferably be selected from at least one of a universal serial bus (USB) or a Bluetooth-enabled device. However, further methods and devices configured to enable data transfer between the spectrometer, in particular the evaluation device of the spectrometer, and the corresponding second server can also be conceivable.

[0092] Further, the optical spectrometer can comprise yet another component, such as a light source. As used herein, the term "light source" refers to a source of illumination known to provide sufficient emission in at least one of the wavelength ranges as indicated above. Thus, the illumination source can be selected from at least one of an incandescent lamp, a thin-film filament or a MEMS system emitting a black-body spectrum, a flame source; a flame source; a thermal source; a laser, in particular a laser diode, although other types of lasers can also be used; a light emitting diode; an organic light source, in particular an organic light emitting diode; a neon lamp; a structured light source. However, other kinds of illumination sources can be used, such as a thermal infrared emitter. As used herein, the term "thermal infrared emitter" refers to a micro-machined thermal emission device comprising a radiation emitting surface designated for emitting a desired radiation. By way of example, a thermal infrared emitter under the name "emirs50" from Axetris AG, Schwarzenbergstrasse 10, CH-6056 Switzerland can be used as a "thermal infrared emitter" from LASER COMPONENTS GmbH, Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 15 82140 Olching, Germany, or as an "infrared emitter" from Hawkeye Technologies, 181 Research Drive #8, Milford CT 06460, United States. However, other types of thermal infrared emitters can also be feasible.

[0093] In this context, the light source can be a continuous light source or, as an alternative, can be a pulsed light source, wherein the pulsed light source can have a modulation frequency of at least 1 Hz, at least 5 Hz, at least 10 Hz, at least 50 Hz, at least 100 Hz, at least 500 Hz, at least 1 kHz or more. In particular embodiments, at least one of the optical spectrometer or the light source can comprise a modulation device designated for modulating the illumination, preferably periodically. As generally used, the term "modulation" refers to a process in which the total power of the illumination is varied, preferably periodically, in particular at least one modulation frequency. In particular, a periodic modulation can be achieved between a maximum and a minimum of the total power of the illumination. The minimum can be 0, but can also be > 0, such that, for example, a full modulation does not necessarily have to be achieved. In this context, preferably, the modulation can be achieved within the light source designated for generating the desired modulated illumination, preferably by the light source itself having a modulated intensity and / or total power, e.g. a periodically modulated total power, and / or by the light source being implemented as a pulsed illumination source, e.g. a pulsed laser. As a further example, the device for generating radiation disclosed in European patent application 19 21 32 77.7 filed on December 3, 2019 can also be used for this purpose, wherein the device comprises at least one radiation-emitting element, wherein the radiation-emitting element is designated for generating radiation upon heating by an electric current; a mount, wherein the mount carries the at least one radiation-emitting element, and wherein the mount or a part thereof is movable; and a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is designated for cooling the mount and the at least one radiation-emitting element carried by the mount upon contact by the mount. Alternatively or additionally, also different types of modulation devices can be used, e.g. based on the electro-optic effect and / or the acousto-optic effect. However, it can also be conceivable to modulate the light beam at any position within the beam path, wherein also a beam chopper or a different type of periodic beam interruption device can be used, such as a chopper blade or a chopper wheel, preferably rotating at a constant speed and thus can periodically interrupt the illumination. Thus, the detector array can be designated for detecting the at least two detector signals under different modulation can have different modulation frequencies. In this context, the evaluation unit can be designated for generating spectral information from the at least two detector signals.

[0094] As already indicated above, the term monitoring system can comprise at least two components which can be integrated into a single component. As an advantage thereof, handling of the integrated component, especially by a user, can be facilitated. Thus, the light source and the spectrometer can preferably be integrated into a single unit. Alternatively, preferably, the optical probe and the spectrometer can be integrated into a single unit. As a further alternative, the light source, the optical probe and the spectrometer can preferably be integrated into a single unit. Further, the second server and the third server can be integrated into a single unit. Alternatively or in addition, the spectrometer, the data transfer unit and the second server can be integrated into a single unit. For example, the spectrometer, the light source, the data transfer unit, the second server and the third server can be integrated into a single unit. However, other kinds of integrated components can be feasible as well.

[0095] In another aspect of the present application, a computer-implemented method for operating a communication system is disclosed. Thus, the method according to the present application is a computer-implemented method. As generally used, the term “computer-implemented method” refers to a method involving a programmable device, in particular a computer or a computer network, carrying a program readable medium, whereby one or more of the features of the present application are executed by means of at least one program. According to the present application, the at least one program can be accessible by a device adapted to execute the respective method via a communication system, in particular a communication system as described elsewhere herein, which can preferably be obtained via the internet. In particular with regard to the present application, the method can thus be executed on a programmable device configured for this purpose, such as by providing at least one adapted computer program. Thus, the method according to the present application can in particular affect in-situ monitoring of at least one substance for which purpose a computer-implemented method for operating a communication system as described herein is employed. As further used herein, the term “operating” refers to a series of method steps configured to implement the functionality of the communication system in the desired manner.

[0096] The method for operating a communication system as disclosed herein comprises the following steps, which can preferably be executed in the given order. Further, additional method steps not listed here can be provided. Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, any or all of the method steps, in particular adjacent method steps, can be executed at least partially in a synchronized manner. Further, any or all of the method steps can be executed at least twice, such as in a repetitive manner, in particular to allow for a repeated execution of the in-situ monitoring process according to the present application, as described in more detail below.

[0097] Thus, the method for operating a communication system according to the present application, wherein the communication system comprises a cloud server, a first server, at least one second server and at least one third server, comprises the following steps:

[0098] a) providing reference analysis data and reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample from a first server to a cloud server via a first communication interface and

[0099] b) generating, in the cloud server, a calibration model by using the reference analysis data and the reference spectral information relating to the at least one reference sample, wherein the calibration model comprises at least one parameter;

[0100] c) providing spectral information relating to at least one substance from a second server to the cloud server via a second communication interface;

[0101] d) applying, in the cloud server, the calibration model to the spectral information relating to the at least one substance, thereby extracting at least one value for the at least one parameter;

[0102] e) providing the at least one value for the at least one parameter to the first server via the first communication interface, wherein the process data comprises at least one piece of data relating to a proposed process of the at least one substance;

[0103] f) determining the process data by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter provided by the cloud server to the first server;

[0104] g) providing the process data from the first server to a third server via a third communication interface.

[0105] In another aspect of the present application, a computer-implemented method for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process is disclosed. With regard to the term "computer-implemented method", reference can be made to the definition provided above. The method as disclosed herein comprises the following steps, which can preferably be performed in the given order. Further, additional method steps not listed here can be provided. Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, any or all of the method steps, in particular adjacent method steps, can be performed at least partially in a same manner. Further, any or all of the method steps can be performed at least twice, such as in a repetitive manner, in particular to allow performing the in-situ monitoring process in a manner that at least one spectrum of the at least one substance is repeatedly acquired, the process data is repeatedly derived from the same via the evaluation unit, and the process data is repeatedly provided to the user for enabling a process of the at least one substance in accordance therewith.

[0106] Thus, the computer-implemented method for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process comprises the following steps:

[0107] (i) acquiring at least one optical reference spectrum of at least one reference sample, wherein each reference sample comprises at least one substance to be monitored, wherein reference analysis data are assigned to each reference sample, and deriving reference information relating to the at least one reference sample from the at least one optical reference spectrum;

[0108] (ii) acquiring at least one spectrum of the at least one substance in situ, and deriving spectral information relating to the at least one substance from the at least one spectrum in situ;

[0109] (iii) performing the steps of a method according to the computer-implemented method for operating a communication system as described elsewhere herein;

[0110] (iv) processing the at least one substance in accordance with the processed data.

[0111] In another aspect, the present application relates to a computer program product. As generally used, a “computer program product” refers to executable instructions for performing at least one of the methods according to the present application, preferably both methods as indicated above. For this purpose, the computer program can comprise instructions provided by means of computer program code configured to perform any or all of the steps of the methods according to the present application, and thus to establish the generation of an image of an object when implemented on a computer or data processing device. The computer program code can be provided on a data storage medium or a separate device such as an optical storage medium, e.g. on a diskette, directly on a computer or data processing device, or via a network, such as in the cloud, e.g. an intranet or the internet.

[0112] For further details regarding the computer-implemented method and the related computer program product, reference can be made to the system according to the present application as disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0113] In another aspect of the present application, a use of a communication system, the monitoring system for monitoring at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process in situ. Wherein the monitoring system comprises the communication system, and a related method according to the present application is disclosed. In this context, the communication system, the monitoring system for monitoring at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process in situ and the related method can preferably be used for the purpose of a use selected from the group comprising:

[0114] - for carbon capture in flue or other oxygen-containing gases from sources such as fossil fuel power plants or steam turbines;

[0115] - for acid gas removal targeting biogas applications, in particular in gas streams containing alkanes, CO2 and / or H2S and / or oxygen and / or olefins;

[0116] - for natural gas applications, in particular from bulk removal of CO2 and / or H2S to deep removal of acid gases for LNG applications;

[0117] - for acid gas removal in syngas, ammonia, hydrogen / carbon monoxide (HYCO) and iron ore production;

[0118] - for selective acid gas removal, i.e. from natural gas as well as acid gas enrichment (AGE)

[0119] or tail gas treatment (TGT) units.

[0120] - for carbon capture from flue gas / tail gas from cement production

[0121] However, other kinds of uses of the method in gas scrubbing processes can also be conceivable.

[0122] In particular with respect to monitoring the gas scrubbing, the at least one parameter can preferably be selected from at least one of the indicators, in particular the content or concentration, related to:

[0123] - water;

[0124] - amines, in particular:

[0125] o tertiary amines, in particular selected from at least one of the following: methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), hindered alkanolamides such as t-butyl aminoethoxyethanol, aminoethoxyethanol (AEE) or (2-(2-(2-t-butylaminoethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl) methyl ether (MEETB);

[0126] o primary or secondary amines, in particular selected from at least one of the following: piperazine, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA);

[0127] - heat stable salts, in particular selected from at least one of the following: formate, phosphate, acetate, glyphosate, oxalate, succinate;

[0128] - gases, in particular selected from at least one of the following: carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

[0129] As further used herein, the term "substance" refers to at least one compound used in a gas scrubbing process generating spectral information, in particular by using the monitoring device according to the present application, and provided via the second communication interface of the second server. Thus, the at least one substance can preferably be or comprise at least one solution, in particular an amine solution, a solution comprising a heat stable salt, a gas solution; or a mixture thereof, in particular from at least one substance as indicated above. However, other kinds of substances used in a gas scrubbing process can be feasible as well. In this context, a particular substance can comprise at least one component, wherein the composition of the substance can remain constant or change during the monitoring of the particular substance.

[0130] As already defined above, the term "parameter" refers to a representation of an influence on the analytical data with respect to a particular substance. Alternatively or additionally, at least two parameters can be combined for generating a further parameter. Thus, the at least one parameter assigned to the calibration model similarly depends on the particular use of the monitoring system comprising the communication system and related methods according to the present application. In particular, the at least one parameter can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0131] a regression value, in particular selected from a concentration of at least one of the substance, at least one component of the substance, at least one degradation product of the substance, at least one by-product generated from a degradation of the substance; a stability of a component; a grade of manufacture, an age of the substance;

[0132] a classification value, in particular for identifying at least one substance;

[0133] a clustering value, in particular for forming a cluster related to at least one substance;

[0134] an extracted feature, in particular selected from at least one feature related to the spectral information.

[0135] As a result thereof, the processed data determined by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter also depends on the particular use of the monitoring system comprising the communication system and related methods. Thus, the processed data can in particular comprise at least one of the following:

[0136] an explanation regarding an identification of at least one substance;

[0137] an explanation regarding a genuineness of at least one substance or a product comprising said at least one substance;

[0138] an explanation regarding an origin of at least one substance;

[0139] an explanation regarding a presence or absence of a state of at least one substance;

[0140] - a specification about a property of the at least one substance, in particular selected from a mass, a concentration, a type of the at least one substance;

[0141] - a specification about a property of a component of the at least one substance, in particular a concentration of a component of the at least one substance;

[0142] - a specification about a stability of a mixture of the at least one substance with at least one further substance;

[0143] - a specification about a recommended procedure based on a value of at least one parameter.

[0144] In this context, the recommended procedure is selected from at least one of:

[0145] - replacing at least one portion of the at least one substance at a determined point in time or time range;

[0146] - adding a further amount to the at least one substance;

[0147] - adding a further substance to the at least one substance, such as for treatment with a drug;

[0148] - postponing an addition of a further substance to the at least one substance;

[0149] - removing the at least one substance;

[0150] - changing at least one of a temperature or a pressure acting on the at least one substance;

[0151] - cleaning the at least one substance or an object related to the substance.

[0152] In particular, the processing unit can be preferably selected from at least one of:

[0153] - a storage volume designated for storing further amounts of the at least one substance or of a different substance and for providing a portion thereof;

[0154] - a processing unit designated for homogenizing the at least one substance and / or for mixing at least two different substances;

[0155] - a cleaning unit designated for cleaning the at least one substance;

[0156] - a waste container designated for receiving used substances;

[0157] - a valve control unit designated for controlling at least one valve, wherein controlling the valve can allow for adjusting a supply or removal of the at least one substance;

[0158] - a lighting control unit designated for enabling an alternating illumination of the at least one substance;

[0159] - a temperature control unit designated for changing the temperature of the at least one substance;

[0160] - a pressure control unit designated for changing the pressure on the at least one substance;

[0161] - a heating unit designated for impacting the at least one substance with heat, wherein heating the at least one substance can cause a physical or chemical reaction of the at least one substance;

[0162] - a cooling unit designated for cooling the at least one substance, wherein cooling the at least one substance can cause a physical or chemical reaction of the at least one substance to be hindered or completed.

[0163] However, other kinds of processing units can be conceivable as well.

[0164] Thus, the communication system, the monitoring system comprising the communication system for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process and the related method are able to provide an effective monitoring of the at least one substance, thereby allowing the at least one device used in a gas scrubbing process to be placed at any location of a user’s premises, even in remote or almost inaccessible areas. Further, the processing of the measurement data acquired at or in the vicinity of the location of the at least one device is distributed among first instances represented by an infrastructure for performing the operations indicated within a cloud server, which can be generated and maintained by at least one additional server, wherein the first instances are familiar with the evaluation of the measurement data, and second instances are represented by the first server, wherein the second instances are familiar with providing the processed data, which is finally based on the evaluated measurement data, to the user. Thereby, the system and the related method are able to apply distributed best practices to the user and specific data exchange under high data protection standards simultaneously during the processing of the measurement data in a preferably fully automated process.

[0165] In summary, in the context of the present invention, the following embodiments are considered to be particularly preferred:

[0166] Embodiment 1 : A communication system, the communication system comprising a cloud server, a first server, at least one second server and at least one third server;

[0167] wherein the first server further has a first communication interface configured to provide reference spectral information and reference analysis data to the cloud server;

[0168] wherein each second server has a second communication interface configured to provide spectral information to the cloud server;

[0169] wherein the cloud server is configured to:

[0170] - generating a calibration model by using the reference spectral information and the reference analytical data provided by the first server, wherein the calibration model comprises at least one parameter;

[0171] - applying the calibration model to spectral information provided by the second server, thereby extracting at least one value for the at least one parameter;

[0172] - providing the at least one value for the at least one parameter to the first server via the first communication interface;

[0173] wherein the first server is further configured to determine processing data by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter provided by the cloud server;

[0174] wherein the first server further has at least one third communication interface, wherein each third communication interface is configured to provide the processing data to the at least one third server.

[0175] Embodiment 2: The communication system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the second communication interface is configured to provide the spectral information to the cloud server directly or indirectly.

[0176] Embodiment 3: The communication system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the spectral information is provided indirectly to the cloud server by providing the spectral information to the first server, wherein the first server further has a fourth communication interface configured to provide the spectral information to the cloud server.

[0177] Embodiment 4: The communication system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the parameter is selected from at least one of the following: a regression value, a classification value, a clustering value, a sensory parameter, an extracted feature.

[0178] Embodiment 5: The communication system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the third server comprises or drives a user interface designated for displaying at least one information related to the processing data to a user.

[0179] Embodiment 6: The communication system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the user interface comprises a personal computer or a mobile communication device.

[0180] Embodiment 7: The communication system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the mobile communication device is at least one of a smartphone, a tablet computer or a personal digital assistant.

[0181] Example 8: The communication system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the treatment data comprises at least one data related to a recommended treatment of the at least one substance.

[0182] Example 9: The communication system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the treatment data comprises at least one of:

[0183] - an indication about an identity of the at least one substance;

[0184] - an indication about a genuineness of the at least one substance or a product comprising the at least one substance;

[0185] - an indication about a source of the at least one substance;

[0186] - an indication about a presence or absence of a state of the at least one substance;

[0187] - an indication about a property of the at least one substance;

[0188] - an indication about a property of a component of the at least one substance;

[0189] - an indication about a stability of a mixture of the at least one substance with at least one further substance;

[0190] - an indication about a recommended procedure based on a value of the at least one parameter.

[0191] Example 10: The communication system according to the preceding example, wherein the recommended procedure is selected from at least one of:

[0192] - replacing at least a portion of the at least one substance at a determined point in time or range;

[0193] - adding a further amount to the at least one substance;

[0194] - adding a further substance to the at least one substance;

[0195] - postponing an addition of a further substance to the at least one substance;

[0196] - removing the at least one substance;

[0197] - changing at least one of a temperature or a pressure acting on the at least one substance;

[0198] - cleaning the at least one substance or an object related to the substance.

[0199] Embodiment 11: The communication system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the third server is designated for providing the process data to at least one of a process unit or a simulation system.

[0200] Embodiment 12: The communication system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the process unit is selected from at least one of a storage container, a process unit, a cleaning unit, a waste container, a valve control unit, a sorting unit, a lighting control unit, a temperature control unit, a pressure control unit, a heating unit, a cooling unit.

[0201] Embodiment 13: The communication system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the reference spectral information relates to at least one reference sample.

[0202] Embodiment 14: The communication system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second server and the third server are integrated into a single unit.

[0203] Embodiment 15: A monitoring system for in-situ monitoring at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process, the monitoring system comprising:

[0204] - the communication system according to any of the preceding embodiments;

[0205] - a spectrometer designated for:

[0206] o acquiring spectral information related to the at least one substance;

[0207] o providing the spectral information to at least one server.

[0208] Embodiment 16: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the spectrometer is designated for providing the spectral information to at least one second server comprised by the communication system.

[0209] Embodiment 17: The monitoring system according to any of the preceding embodiments relating to the monitoring system, further comprising at least one of:

[0210] - at least one light source designated for illuminating at least a portion of the at least one substance;

[0211] - an optical probe designated for measuring an optical signal related to the at least one substance;

[0212] - a first connection between the optical probe and the spectrometer designated for guiding the measured optical signal to the spectrometer;

[0213] - a second connection between the light source and the optical probe designated for guiding light to the at least one substance;

[0214] - a data transfer unit designated for a connection between the optical spectrometer and the second server.

[0215] Embodiment 18: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the data transfer unit is designated for providing a wired or wireless transmission.

[0216] Embodiment 19: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the data transfer unit is at least one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or a Bluetooth enabled device.

[0217] Embodiment 20: The monitoring system according to any of the three preceding embodiments, wherein,

[0218] - the light source and the optical spectrometer, or

[0219] - the optical probe and the optical spectrometer, or

[0220] - the light source, the optical probe and the optical spectrometer are integrated into a single unit.

[0221] Embodiment 21 : The monitoring system according to any of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the second server, the optical spectrometer and the data transfer unit are integrated into a single unit.

[0222] Embodiment 22: The monitoring system according to any of the five preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the first connection and the second connection comprises an optical waveguide.

[0223] Embodiment 23: The monitoring system according to any of the six preceding embodiments, wherein the light source is selected from at least one of an incandescent lamp or a thermal infrared emitter.

[0224] Embodiment 24: The monitoring system according to any of the seven preceding embodiments, wherein the optical probe comprises at least one of a first tube and a second tube, wherein the first tube is designated for receiving the first connection and the second tube is designated for receiving the second connection.

[0225] Embodiment 25: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the first tube and the second tube is a flexible tube.

[0226] Embodiment 26: The monitoring system according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one tube is attached to at least one mount.

[0227] Embodiment 27: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one mount is a rigid mount.

[0228] Embodiment 28: The monitoring system according to any of the preceding embodiments referring to the monitoring system, wherein the optical probe comprises an arrangement for at least one of transmission geometry, transversal geometry, reflection geometry, in particular diffuse reflection geometry, or attenuated total reflection geometry.

[0229] Embodiment 29: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the arrangement for the transmission geometry is designated for guiding light through a substance layer of the following thicknesses: 0.1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm; up to 5 mm, preferably up to 2.5 mm, more preferably up to 2 mm, in particular 1 mm.

[0230] Embodiment 30: The monitoring system according to any of the preceding embodiments referring to the monitoring system, wherein the optical spectrometer further comprises a dispersive element and at least one detector, in particular a single detector or a detector array.

[0231] Embodiment 31 : The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the dispersive element is designated for receiving light from the at least one substance and separating it into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals.

[0232] Embodiment 32: The monitoring system according to the two preceding embodiments, wherein the single detector comprises a single radiation-sensitive area, or wherein the detector array comprises a plurality of pixelated sensors, wherein each pixelated sensor is adapted to receive at least a portion of one of the constituent wavelength signals and to generate at least one detector signal, wherein each constituent wavelength signal is related to an intensity of each constituent wavelength.

[0233] Embodiment 33: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiments, wherein each pixelated sensor comprises a sensor area, wherein each sensor area comprises a radiation-sensitive material.

[0234] Embodiment 34: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the radiation-sensitive material is selected from the group consisting of silicon (Si), gallium antimonide (GaSb), germanium (Ge), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), indium arsenide (InAs), lead sulfide (PbS), indium antimonide (InSb), lead selenide (PbSe), mercury cadmium telluride (MCT, HgCdTe), tris-glycine sulfate (TGS), and deuterated tris-glycine sulfate (DTGS).

[0235] Embodiment 35: The monitoring system according to any of the two preceding embodiments referring to the device, wherein the sensor area is a uniform sensor area.

[0236] Embodiment 36: The monitoring system according to any one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the pixelated sensor is designated for measuring incident light by means of generating a sensor signal by measuring the electrical resistance or the electrical conductivity of at least a portion of the sensor area.

[0237] Embodiment 37: The apparatus according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the radiation- sensitive element is designated for generating a sensor signal by performing at least one current-voltage measurement and / or at least one voltage-current measurement.

[0238] Embodiment 38: The monitoring system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to the monitoring system, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the optical probe is an anti-adhesion surface designated for impeding adhesion of the at least one substance.

[0239] Embodiment 39: The monitoring system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to the monitoring system, wherein the optical probe comprises a sensor designated for determining a physical influence on the at least one substance.

[0240] Embodiment 40: The monitoring system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to the monitoring system, wherein the physical influence on the at least one substance is selected from a temperature of the at least one substance or a pressure on the at least one substance.

[0241] Embodiment 41 : The monitoring system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to the monitoring system, wherein the optical probe comprises an additional sensor designated for measuring additional substance-related information related to the at least one substance.

[0242] Embodiment 42: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the additional substance-related information is selected from at least one of the following: temperature, density, flux, electrical conductivity, viscosity, electromagnetic field, dielectric constant, refractive index, fluorescence, phosphorescence, magnetization value, pH value, buffer capacity, acid value, or zeta potential related to the at least one substance.

[0243] Embodiment 43: The monitoring system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to the monitoring system, wherein the substance is selected from at least one of at least one solution, in particular an amine solution, a solution comprising a heat stable salt, a gaseous solution, or a mixture thereof.

[0244] Embodiment 44: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the amine solution comprises at least one of a primary amine, a secondary amine, a tertiary amine.

[0245] Embodiment 45: The monitoring system according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the primary amine or the secondary amine is selected from at least one of the following: piperazine, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA).

[0246] Embodiment 46: The monitoring system according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the tertiary amine is selected from at least one of the following: methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), hindered alkanolamide such as t-butylaminoethoxyethanol, aminoethoxyethanol (AEE) or (2-(2-(2-t-butylaminoethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl) methyl ether (MEETB);

[0247] Embodiment 47: The monitoring system according to any one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the heat stable salt is selected from at least one of the following: formate, phosphate, acetate.

[0248] Embodiment 48: The monitoring system according to any one of the five preceding embodiments, wherein the gaseous solution comprises a gas selected from at least one of the following: carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

[0249] Embodiment 49: The monitoring system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to the monitoring system, wherein the parameter is selected from at least one of the following: regression value, classification value, clustering value, sensory parameter, extracted feature.

[0250] Embodiment 50: A computer-implemented method for operating a communication system, the communication system comprising a cloud server, a first server, at least one second server and at least one third server, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0251] a) providing reference spectral information and reference analytical data from the first server to the cloud server via a first communication interface;

[0252] b) in the cloud server, generating a calibration model by using the reference spectral information and the reference analytical data, wherein the calibration model comprises at least one parameter;

[0253] c) providing spectral information from the second server to the cloud server via a second communication interface;

[0254] d) applying the calibration model to the spectral information in the cloud server, whereby at least one value for the at least one parameter is extracted;

[0255] e) providing the at least one value for the at least one parameter to the first server via the first communication interface;

[0256] f) determining process data by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter provided by the cloud server to the first server;

[0257] g) providing the process data from the first server to the third server via a third communication interface.

[0258] Embodiment 51 : The method according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the spectral information is provided to the cloud server directly or indirectly.

[0259] Embodiment 52: The method according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the spectral information is indirectly provided to the cloud server by providing the spectral information to the first server and providing the spectral information from the first server to the cloud server via a fourth communication interface further comprised by the first server.

[0260] Embodiment 53: The method according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the spectral information is indirectly provided to the cloud server by first providing the spectral information to the first server and subsequently providing the spectral information from the first server to the cloud server via a fourth communication interface further comprised by the first server.

[0261] Embodiment 54: The method according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the calibration model is generated by applying a learning algorithm, preferably selected from a machine learning algorithm or a deep learning algorithm.

[0262] Embodiment 55: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a method, wherein determining the process data by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter is performed by applying the learning algorithm to a combination of known values for known parameters and known process data.

[0263] Embodiment 56: A computer-implemented method for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0264] (i) acquiring at least one optical reference spectrum of at least one reference sample, wherein each reference sample comprises the at least one substance to be monitored, wherein reference analysis data is assigned to each reference sample, and reference spectral information is derived from the at least one optical reference spectrum;

[0265] (ii) acquiring at least one spectrum of the at least one substance in-situ, and deriving spectral information from the at least one spectrum;

[0266] (iii) performing the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a computer-implemented method for operating a communication system;

[0267] (iv) processing the at least one substance according to the processing data.

[0268] Embodiment 57: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein the at least one optical reference spectrum is acquired by measuring the at least one optical reference sample with the same type of system used for in-situ monitoring of the at least one substance at at least one of the same temperatures, or by adjusting the at least one optical reference spectrum for at least one of a known temperature effect or a known bias of the spectrometer.

[0269] Embodiment 58: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein at least one of the optical reference spectrum and the spectrum of the at least one substance covers wavelengths from 250 nm to 6 pm.

[0270] Embodiment 59: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein the at least one spectrum of the at least one substance is repeatedly acquired in-situ when a process involving the at least one substance is in operation.

[0271] Embodiment 60: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein the processing data comprises at least one piece of data related to a proposed processing of the at least one substance.

[0272] Embodiment 61 : The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein the processing data comprises at least one of:

[0273] - a statement about an identity of the at least one substance;

[0274] - a statement about a genuineness of the at least one substance or a product comprising the at least one substance;

[0275] - a statement about a source of the at least one substance;

[0276] - a statement about a presence or absence of a state of the at least one substance;

[0277] - a statement about a property of the at least one substance;

[0278] - a statement about a property of a component of the at least one substance;

[0279] - a statement about a stability of a mixture of the at least one substance with at least one other substance;

[0280] - a description of a recommendation process based on the value of the at least one parameter.

[0281] Embodiment 62: The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the recommendation process is selected from at least one of:

[0282] - replacing at least a portion of the at least one substance at a determined point in time or time range;

[0283] - adding a further amount to the at least one substance;

[0284] - adding a further substance to the at least one substance;

[0285] - postponing the addition of a further substance to the at least one substance;

[0286] - removing the at least one substance;

[0287] - changing at least one of a temperature or a pressure acting on the at least one substance;

[0288] - cleaning the at least one substance or an object related to the substance.

[0289] Embodiment 63: The method according to any of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein at least one information related to the processing data is displayed to a user via a user interface.

[0290] Embodiment 64: The method according to any of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein the processing data is provided to at least one of a processing unit or a simulation system.

[0291] Embodiment 65: The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processing unit is selected from at least one of: a storage container, a processing unit, a cleaning unit, a waste container, a valve control unit, a sorting unit, an irradiation control unit, a temperature control unit, a pressure control unit, a heating unit, a cooling unit.

[0292] Embodiment 66: The method according to any of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein the reference spectral information relates to at least one reference sample.

[0293] Embodiment 67: A computer program product comprising executable instructions for performing the method steps according to any of the preceding embodiments relating to a method.

[0294] Use of the monitoring system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a monitoring system for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process for the purpose of a use selected from the group comprising: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0295] Further optional details and features of the application will become apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the dependent claims. In this context, specific features can be realized individually or in combination with other features. The application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are schematically shown in the drawings. Identical reference signs in the individual drawings refer to identical elements or elements having the same function, or elements corresponding to each other in terms of their function.

[0296] In particular, in the figures:

[0297] Figure 1 A preferred exemplary embodiment of a monitoring system for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process according to the application is shown, wherein the monitoring system comprises a communication system and a spectrometer;

[0298] Figure 2 A further preferred exemplary embodiment of a monitoring system for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process according to the application is shown, wherein the monitoring system comprises a communication system and a spectrometer;

[0299] Figure 3 A preferred exemplary embodiment of an optical probe designated for measuring an optical signal related to at least one substance as optionally comprised by the spectrometer is shown;

[0300] Figure 4 A figure is shown indicating a preferred exemplary embodiment of a computer-implemented method for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process, wherein the method comprises a method for operating a communication system;

[0301] Figure 5 An example of a temperature-induced absorption spectrum shift is shown for an absorption spectrum having a wavenumber of 7000 cm -1 to 8000 cm -1 ; and

[0302] Figures 6 to 8 Each shows a figure presenting reference spectrum information and reference analysis data of a specific substance to be used in a corresponding calibration model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0303] Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of a monitoring system 110 for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance 112 used in a gas scrubbing process according to the present application is shown in a highly schematic manner. In particular, the system 110 can be an amine solution management system which can be capable of providing recommended processes to an operator of an acid gas removal plant to enable the plant to be operated particularly smoothly. However, yet another system which can be used in another gas scrubbing process can also be feasible.

[0304] As shown there, the substance can be an amount of a solution 114, such as a liquid or gaseous solution, which can be stored in a container 116, whereby a level 118 of the solution 114 within the container 116 can be obtained. Without limiting the scope of the present application, the substance 112, in particular the solution 114, as used for the purposes of the present application can be or comprise at least one of the following:

[0305] - water;

[0306] - a solution, in particular an aqueous solution, comprising at least one amine, in particular

[0307] o a tertiary amine, in particular selected from at least one of the following: methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), a hindered alkanolamide such as t-butylaminoethoxyethanol, aminoethoxyethyl ester (AEE) or (2-(2-(2-t-butylaminoethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl) methyl ether (MEETB);

[0308] o a primary or secondary amine, in particular selected from at least one of the following: piperazine, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA);

[0309] - a solution, in particular an aqueous solution, comprising at least one heat stable salt, wherein the heat stable salt can in particular be selected from at least one of the following: formate, phosphate, acetate, glyphosate, oxalate, succinate;

[0310] - a solution, in particular a gaseous solution, comprising at least one gas, wherein the gas can in particular be selected from at least one of the following: carbon dioxide (C02), hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

[0311] However, other kinds of solutions can also be used in connection with the present application, in particular selected from at least one of the following: solutions:

[0312] - blue for carbon capture in flue or other oxygen-containing gases from sources such as fossil fuel power generation equipment or steam turbines;

[0313] - Green for acid gas removal targeted at biogas applications, in particular in gas streams containing oxygen and / or olefins;

[0314] - Purple in natural gas applications, in particular from bulk removal of CO2 to deep removal of acid gases for LNG applications;

[0315] - White for acid gas removal in syngas, ammonia, hydrogen / carbon monoxide (HYCO) and iron ore production;

[0316] - Yellow for selective acid gas removal, i.e. from natural gas as well as sulfur components in acid gas enrichment (AGE) or tail gas treatment (TGT) units.

[0317] According to the present invention, the monitoring system 110 can further comprise an optical probe 120 designated for measuring an optical signal related to the substance 112. As Figure 1 schematically shown, the optical probe 120 can be immersed in the solution 114 within the vessel 116, preferably completely below the level 118 of the solution 114. In a particular embodiment, the optical probe 120 can be installed in a solvent loop of the acid gas removal unit, whereby it can be attached to an inner wall 122 of the vessel 116, preferably close to a bottom 124 of the vessel 116, thus, as far as possible, avoiding interference with the handling of the solution 114. For further details regarding the optical probe 120, reference can be made to the above description, Figure 3 and to the paragraphs referring thereto. In this context, the optical probe 120 can be comprised by a flow cell, wherein the flow cell can preferably be located in a solvent loop of the acid gas removal unit and / or in a laboratory designated for handling samples comprising the solution 114. However, further embodiments can also be feasible.

[0318] The optical signal that can be measured by the optical probe 120 can preferably be guided via a connection 126, which can be a wired connection such as an optical waveguide 128 or a wireless connection, to a spectrometer 130 as further comprised by the monitoring system 110 of the present invention. Alternatively or additionally, the spectrometer 130 can be designated for directly acquiring the optical signal, in particular by using a setup designated for a reflection geometry, in particular a diffuse reflection geometry or a diffuse reflection geometry (not depicted here).

[0319] Thus, the spectrometer 130 is designated for acquiring spectral information related to the substance 112, for which purpose the optical signal as measured by the optical probe 120 or directly acquired by the spectrometer 130 can be used. For this purpose, the spectrometer 130 can, as Figure 1Further depicted, comprises at least one light source 132, which is designated for illuminating at least a portion of the substance 112. In particular, the light source 132 can emit electromagnetic radiation covering at least a portion of the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range. Typically, the NIR spectral range is considered to cover wavelengths of 780 nm to 2500 nm. However, the light source 132 can also be capable of emitting further wavelengths outside the NIR spectral range, such as the visible spectral range covering wavelengths of 380 nm to 780 nm, or in other infrared spectral ranges having wavelengths higher than 2.5 pm, in particular for wavelengths up to 2.6 pm, up to 3.1 pm, up to 3.5 pm, up to 5 pm, up to 5.5 pm, up to 6 pm, up to 20 pm, or up to 40 pm.

[0320] For the purpose of generating the desired radiation, the light source 132 can preferably comprise an incandescent lamp having a metal with low electrical conductivity, in particular selected from at least one of tungsten or NiCr, or graphite, provided in the form of a filament or a film. In this context, the filament or film can be subjected to a current in such a way that heating the filament results in the emission of photons in a rather broad spectral range, in particular including the NIR spectral range. As an alternative, other kinds of thermal radiation sources can also be used, in particular thermal infrared emitters as described in more detail above. However, different light sources 132 can also be feasible.

[0321] As already indicated above, the light source 132 can be a continuous light source or, as an alternative, a pulsed light source, wherein the pulsed light source can have a modulation frequency of at least 1 Hz, at least 5 Hz, at least 10 Hz, at least 50 Hz, at least 100 Hz, at least 500 Hz, at least 1 kHz or higher. Thus, the modulation frequency fits well with the detection capabilities of a series of infrared sensors, which are particularly sensitive at frequencies of 500 Hz or above, especially due to the strong influence of 1 / f noise. For this purpose, a sophisticated and expensive radiation generator based on semiconductors, such as a light emitting diode or a laser, in particular a quantum cascade laser, can be used. A cheap alternative can be provided by a mechanically chopping wheel or by using a pulserable infrared source comprising a low thermal mass filament of tungsten or nickel-chromium. By way of example, such a pulserable infrared source is available from the EP series or the EF series of Helioworks (cf. www.helioworks.com) or as FLIR from ICx Photonics (cf. www.amstechnologies.com / fileadmin / amsmedia / downloads / 2533_IR_Broa dband_Sources.pdf). As a further alternative, also the device for generating radiation as disclosed in European patent application 19 21 32 77.7 filed on December 3, 2019, described in more detail above, can be used.

[0322] As Figure 1 Further shown, the light emitted by the light source 132 can be guided towards the optical probe 128 by using the same connection 126, preferably comprising the same optical waveguide 128, or a different connection (not depicted here), which can be arranged between the light source 132 and the optical probe 120. As will be described in more detail below, the light source 132 can be arranged in a housing 122, which can be arranged in a fixed position relative to the optical probe 120 and the spectrometer 130. Figure 3 In more detail, the connection 126 can be provided in a branching form, wherein a first branch can be used to provide the light as generated by the light source 132 to the optical probe 120, while a second branch can be used to guide the light received from the optical probe 120 to the spectrometer 130, which light has usually been modified by the monitored substance 112.

[0323] For this purpose, the spectrometer 130 can further comprise a dispersive element 134 designated for receiving the light from the substance 112 and separating it into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals, and a detector array 136, which can comprise a plurality of pixelated sensors, wherein each pixelated sensor is adapted to receive at least a portion of one of the constituent wavelength signals and to generate at least one detector signal, wherein each constituent wavelength signal is related to the intensity of each constituent wavelength. As an alternative, a single detector with a single radiation sensitive area can also be feasible.

[0324] In this context, the dispersive element 134 is used in the spectrometer 130 for separating the light received from the substance 112 into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals such that only a single wavelength or a narrow range of wavelengths can impinge on at least one, preferably exactly one, pixelated sensor as comprised by the detector array 136, wherein the respective intensity or amplitude is determined. As described in more detail above, the dispersive element 134 can be a diffractive element or an interferometric element, wherein the diffractive element can be a prism or a grating, while the interferometric element can be an interference filter, in particular a bandpass filter, a bandstop filter, a Bragg filter, a length variable filter such as a linear variable filter, a Fabry-Perot interferometer or a Michelson interferometer. As an alternative, the spectrometer 130 can comprise at least one Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrophotometer, wherein the spectrometer 130 can comprise at least one broadband light source and at least one interferometric element such as a Michelson interferometer. The FTIR spectrophotometer can be configured to illuminate the object with at least one light beam having a time-dependent spectrum. Preferably, the FTIR spectrophotometer can comprise at least one moving mirror element, wherein the light beam generated by the broadband light source 132 can be alternately blocked and transmitted by the interferometric element by movement of the mirror element. Further, the spectrometer can comprise at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) configured for controlling the mirror element. Further, the FTIR spectrophotometer can be configured for modulating the light beam depending on the wavelength such that different wavelengths are modulated at different rates.

[0325] Furthermore, each pixelated sensor, such as that comprised by the detector array 136, may comprise a uniform sensor area designated for receiving light from the substance 112 and divided by the diffraction element 134 into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals in a manner that can trigger the generation of at least one detector signal, as described in more detail above. Preferably, the generation of the at least one detector signal can be controlled by a defined relationship between the detector signal and the illumination manner of the sensor area. In this context, the sensor area may have the following dimensions: 10 mm x 1 mm or less, preferably 2 mm x 0.2 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm x 0.1 mm or less, and most preferably 0.5 mm x 0.05 mm or less. For the purpose of generating at least one detector signal upon illumination, the sensor area may comprise a radiation-sensitive material, which may preferably be selected from silicon (Si), in particular for wavelengths up to 1.1 μm. For wavelengths above 1.1 μm, the radiation-sensitive material may be selected from at least one of the following: gallium antimonide (GaSb), particularly for wavelengths up to 1.7 μm; germanium (Ge), particularly for wavelengths up to 1.85 μm; indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), particularly for wavelengths up to 2.5 μm; indium arsenide (InAs), particularly for wavelengths up to 3.5 μm; lead sulfide (PbS), particularly for wavelengths up to 3.5 μm; indium antimonide (InSb), particularly for wavelengths up to 5.5 μm; lead selenide (PbSe), particularly for wavelengths up to 6 μm; mercury cadmium telluride (MCT, HgCdTe), particularly for wavelengths up to 20 μm; triglycine sulfate (TGS), for wavelengths up to 40 μm, and deuterated triglycine sulfate (DTGS), for wavelengths up to 40 μm. However, other materials may also be feasible for use in the detector array 136.

[0326] like Figure 1 , the spectrometer 130 comprises an internal evaluation unit 138, which is designated for determining desired spectral information by evaluating the detector signals provided by the detector array 136. However, the evaluation unit 138 may also be provided as another unit separate from the spectrometer 130. As defined above, the term "evaluation unit" refers to a device configured to determine desired spectral information associated with the substance 112, the spectrum of which has been recorded, wherein the spectral information can be obtained by evaluating the detector signals, as provided by the detector array 136.

[0327] In addition, the spectrometer 130 may include further elements not depicted here. In particular, at least one transmission element (not depicted here) may be used, wherein the transmission element is designed to receive light from the substance 112, for example by using the optical probe 120 via the connection 126, preferably receiving the light from the optical waveguide 128, and transmitting it to the dispersive element 134, thereby preferably concentrating the light onto the dispersive element 132. Examples of preferred transmission elements can be found in WO 2019 / 115594 A1, WO 2019 / 115595 A1 or WO 2019 / 115596 A1.

[0328] According to the present invention, the monitoring system 110 further includes a communication system 140, which Figure 1 140 . As shown there, the communication system 140 includes a cloud server 144, a first server 146, a second server 148, and a third server 150. As further depicted there, the communication system 140 may also include one or more additional second servers 148' and one or more additional third servers 150', wherein the number of second servers 148, 148' is typically equal to the number of third servers 150, 150'. As shown by the short dashed lines, common servers 152, 152' that can perform the tasks of the second servers 148, 148' and the corresponding third servers 150, 150' may be provided as a single unit.

[0329] As already indicated above, in particular according to the present invention, each server 144, 146, 148, 150 is configured to play a decisive role, thereby allowing the processing of the spectral information acquired by spectrometer 130 to be distributed among the different servers 144, 146, 148, 150 in the specific manner described herein. As a result, given that the spectral information for monitoring substance 112 is provided by a user, the processing of the spectral information is performed by a first instance familiar with the evaluation of the spectral information, and the processing data desired by the user is generated by a second instance familiar with it. Thus, communication system 140 is thus able to provide distributed best practices regarding the evaluation of spectral information, while at the same time, specific data exchanges under high data protection standards are carried out during the processing of the spectral information within a preferably fully automated process designed to generate the desired processing data and provide it to the user.

[0330] The spectral information that can be used to monitor the substance 112 can preferably be provided to the second server 148 by a data transmission unit 154. In this context, the data transmission unit 154 can be designated to transmit the spectral information from the spectrometer 130 to the second server 148 by wired or wireless transmission. For this purpose, the data transmission unit 154 can preferably be selected from at least one of a universal serial bus (USB) or a Bluetooth-enabled device.Figure 1 As further shown in the figure, the spectrometer 130, the data transfer unit 154 and the second server 148 can also be integrated into a single unit as schematically indicated by the dotted line. However, other embodiments can also be feasible.

[0331] As Figure 1 As schematically shown, the first server 146 further has a first communication interface 156 configured to provide reference spectral information and reference analysis data to the cloud server 144, the reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample. As described in more detail above and below, the reference spectral information and the reference analysis data are used by the cloud server 144 to generate a calibration model, wherein the calibration model is arranged in a way that it comprises at least one parameter. Further, each second server 148, 148' has at least one second communication interface 158, 158', wherein, as Figure 1 As schematically shown in the figure, each second communication interface 158, 158' can be configured to provide spectral information directly to the cloud server 144. In Figure 2 An alternative configuration for the communication path with respect to the second communication interface 158, 158' is shown in the figure. As described in more detail above and below, the calibration model maintained at the cloud server 144 is applied to the spectral information, thereby extracting at least one value for at least one parameter. Further, by using the first communication interface 156, at least one value for at least one parameter is provided to the first server 146. As described in more detail above and below, the first server 146 is further configured to determine process data by using at least one value for at least one parameter as provided by the cloud server 144 via the first communication interface 156. Further, the first server 146 further has at least one third communication interface 160, 160', wherein each third communication interface 160, 160' is configured to provide process data to at least one third server 150, 150'. In this context, any of the communication interfaces 156, 158, 158', 160, 160' can preferably be provided in a wireless manner; however, a wired communication can also be feasible.

[0332] For the purposes of the present invention, the first server 146 can comprise a first data storage device 162, wherein the first data storage device 162 can be configured to store reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample and reference analysis data, the reference spectral information and the reference analysis data being used for provision to the cloud server 144 via the first communication interface 156 and independently to a first processing unit 164 further comprised by the first server 146. Further, the first server 146 can comprise a second data storage device 166, wherein the second data storage device 166 can be configured to store processing data for provision to the at least one third server 150, 150'. Further, the first processing unit 164 as comprised by the first server 146 can be configured to generate the processing data by using the reference spectral information and the reference analysis data as provided by the first data storage device 162 and at least one value for at least one parameter as provided by the cloud server 144 via the first communication interface 156. In this context, the first data storage device 162 and the second data storage device 166 can be comprised by a single data storage device, as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 1 . However, yet further arrangements of the first server 146 can be conceivable.

[0333] Further, the cloud server 144 and optionally the at least one cloud data storage device 168 can be available on demand in a cloud 170, as schematically depicted in Figure 1 . In addition, one or more yet further devices can contribute to the infrastructure of the cloud 170. As usual, the cloud server 144 and the optional cloud data storage device 168 can thus provide computing power and data storage capacity, respectively, without the need for direct active management by a user or an operator of the first server 146 or the second server 148, 148'.

[0334] Based on the infrastructure as depicted in Figure 1 , the cloud server 144 used by the present invention is configured to:

[0335] - generate a calibration model by using reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample and reference analysis data as provided by the first server 146, wherein the calibration model comprises at least one parameter;

[0336] - apply the calibration model to spectral information as provided by the first server 146, whereby at least one value for at least one parameter is extracted; and

[0337] - provide the at least one value for the at least one parameter to the first server 146 via the first communication interface 156.

[0338] For this purpose, service providers, possibly different persons and / or entities, can be able to provide the structure of the calibration model. As indicated above, the calibration model has a structure comprising one or more parameters on the basis of which the calibration model can be based. As described in more detail above, the at least one parameter can be selected from a regression value, a classification value, a clustering value, a sensory parameter, an extracted feature.

[0339] As Figure 1 As further illustratively depicted in Fig. 1 5, the third server 150 can drive a monitor 172, which can act as a user interface designated for displaying at least one item of information 174 related to the processing data to a user. In this context, the item of information 174 can be plain text, such as "remove solution", "refill solution" or a graphical symbol representing such information. As further shown there, the monitor 172 can be driven directly by the third server 150; however, the monitor 172 can also be comprised by a personal computer, which can receive the item of information 174 from the server 150. Alternatively or additionally, a mobile communication device 176, preferably selected from at least one of a smartphone, a tablet or a personal digital assistant, can be used, wherein the mobile communication device comprises a display, which can be configured to provide the at least one item of information 174 to the user, such as by a specific application ("app") configured for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, a voice output device, such as at least one loudspeaker 178, can be used to provide the at least one item of information 174 to the user.

[0340] Alternatively or additionally, the third server 150 can be designated for providing the processing data directly to a processing unit 180, such as via a wired or wireless connection 182, or the third server 150 can be designated for providing the processing data directly to a processing unit 180, such as via a further processing device (not depicted here). As Figure 1 As illustratively depicted in Fig. 1 6, the processing unit 180 can comprise at least one of:

[0341] a storage container 184, which can be designated for storing a larger amount of the solution 1 14 and is able to provide a portion thereof to the container 1 16, such as indicated by the dashed arrow;

[0342] a waste container 186, which can be designated for receiving used liquid 188 from the container, for example indicated by a further dashed arrow, for example by providing an opening signal to a valve 190;

[0343] a temperature control unit 192, which can be designated for being able to change the temperature of the solution 1 14 as comprised by the container 1 16, in particular by cooling or heating the solution 1 14, such as by the wall 122 and / or the bottom 124 of the container 1 16, in order to change a property of the solution 1 14, for example the viscosity of the solution 1 14.

[0344] However, other kinds of processing units 180 , such as those indicated in the above description or others, may also be conceivable.

[0345] Alternatively or additionally, the third server 150 may be designated to provide processing data to at least one simulation system (not depicted here), wherein the simulation system may be included in at least one of the third server 150 or another processing device (not depicted here). For further details about the simulation system, reference may be made to the above description.

[0346] like Figure 1 As further depicted in FIG, additional servers 198 may be used along with additional interfaces 199 to generate and maintain infrastructure within cloud server 144, such as Figure 1 As indicated in , the infrastructure is designated for performing the following operations within the cloud server 144: generating a calibration model by using reference analytical data and reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample as provided by the first server 146; applying the calibration model to spectral information as provided by the second server 148, 148', thereby extracting at least one value for at least one parameter, and providing at least one value for at least one parameter to the first server 146 via the first communication interface 156.

[0347] As indicated above, Figure 2 An alternative configuration of the communication paths of the second communication interfaces 158, 158' is shown. In this further preferred embodiment of the monitoring system 110 according to the present invention comprising an alternative configuration for the communication system 140, each second communication interface 158, 158' as comprised by each second server 148, 148' may be configured as Figure 2 , the spectral information is provided indirectly to the cloud server 144. For this purpose, each second communication interface 158, 158' can be directed to the first server 146, and in this preferred embodiment, the first server 146 can be configured to receive the spectral information from each second communication interface 158, 158' and provide it to the cloud server 144 by using the fourth communication interface 194, which can be configured to subsequently provide the spectral information to the cloud server 144.

[0348] In this context, the spectral information may be simply redirected to the fourth communication interface 194 without applying any application to the spectral information. Figure 2 As further depicted in , the first server 146 may further include a second processing unit 196 that may be configured to alter the spectral information in a manner as described in more detail above.

[0349] For a further embodiment regarding the monitoring system 110, in particular as Figure 2 Further details of the communication system 140 as schematically depicted, reference can be made to the description of the embodiments as shown and described above. Figure 1

[0350] As indicated above, the communication system 140 is comprised by the monitoring system 110 for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance 112 as used in a gas scrubbing process. In particular with regard to the present application, the communication interface can preferably comprise a connecting software system, in particular for data transmission between at least two components of the communication system 140, in particular the second server 148, 148’ receiving the spectroscopic information from the spectrometer 130 and the third server 150 receiving the process data to be provided to the user. Thus, the connecting software system can use a connecting portal to send data to and / or receive data from the cloud server 144 and / or the first server 146, wherein connect Sample Analytics plus digilab is installed and a connecting backend server, preferably located behind a firewall. Thus, the user can communicate with connect Sample Analytics to the connecting backend only after having passed a two-factor authentication via connect Sample Analytics plus digilab. Further, the user interface provided by connect Sample Analytics plus digilab can be configured to display a recommended process to the user.

[0351] The above described system and method as described herein can be directly embedded into a device control system to calculate the performance of the overall plant with the latest measured solvent state and to simulate a digital twin, in particular in combination with further DCS data such as temperature, pressure and flow rates. In this context, the communication with the device control system can be realized via a connecting CAPE-OPEN standard interface.

[0352] Further, the analyzed sample result can be shown to the user in comparison to a sample result summary of other plants using similar technology, so that the user easily sees how his solvent compares to that reference group.

[0353] Further, similar to ​Solution measurements, gas phase analysis can also be achieved to in a connection software platform.

[0354] Figure 3 A preferred exemplary embodiment of an optical probe 120 is shown, which is designated for measuring an optical signal related to a substance 112. As schematically depicted there, the optical probe 120 can comprise a mount 210 to which a first tube 212 and a second tube 214 are attached. For this purpose, screws 216, 218 can be used. However, other kinds of attachments can also be feasible. In this context, the mount 210 can preferably be a rigid mount, thus being able to provide the optical probe 120 with a desired stability, whereas at least one of the tubes 212, 214 can preferably be a flexible tube, thus providing the tubes 212, 214 with a certain degree of flexibility.

[0355] As already indicated above, the optical probe 120 can be comprised by a flow cell, which can be located in a solvent loop of an acid gas removal plant and / or be installed in a laboratory designated for handling samples comprising the solution 114. However, yet another embodiment can also be feasible. In this context, preferably, a small amount, in particular 0.5 ml to 10 ml, of the solution 114 can be injected into a flow cell having walls in the laboratory at a temperature of 10 °C to 50 °C. Due to a fast thermal equilibration with the flow cell walls, the solution 114 can advantageously be characterized as being at room temperature or close to room temperature, wherein the term “room temperature” generally refers to a temperature of 20 °C to 25 °C. Further, the solution 114 can be passed through a filter (not depicted here) prior to the characterization, whereby particles can be removed from the solution 114. Further, the solution 114 can be inserted into the flow cell in a way that can avoid the occurrence of air bubbles in order not to disturb any optical measurement signals.

[0356] In a preferred embodiment, the optical probe 120 can comprise an arrangement which can be used for performing optical measurements in at least one of a transmission, a half- deflection or a reflection geometry. As shown in Figure 3 transmission geometry can be particularly preferred in case the substance 112 to be monitored comprises at least one solution 114 as indicated in more detail above. In this context, the arrangement for the transmission geometry can preferably be designated for guiding light through a thickness d of the layer of the substance 112 to be monitored, in particular 0.1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm, to 5 mm, preferably to 2.5 mm, more preferably to 2 mm, in particular 1 mm. In Figure 3 In an exemplary embodiment of the optical probe 120, a position for the optical measurement is provided by a gap 220 in the mount 210, which defines the thickness of the layer of the substance 112 to be monitored. However, in case the substance 112 to be monitored comprises a bulk material, a reflection geometry, such as an attenuated total reflection geometry, can be more preferred.

[0357] In such Figure 3 In the depicted preferred embodiment, for an arrangement of the optical probe 120, which is designated for optical measurements in transmission geometry, the first tube 212 is designated for receiving a first connection 222, and the second tube 214 is designated for receiving a second connection 224. In this context, the first connection 222 is provided between the location of optical measurement and the spectrometer 130 in order to guide the light signal measured by the optical probe at the location of optical measurement, while the second connection 224 is provided between the light source 132 and the location of optical measurement in order to guide the light to the location of optical measurement. In this context, the connections 222, 224 can preferably be wired connections, in particular optical waveguides, however, wireless connections can also be used instead or in addition. The connections 222, 224 can be connected by using an adapted seal 226 and a corresponding coupling 228, such as Figure 3 , as shown in the example, attached to the branch of connection 126, as described above in conjunction with Figure 1 and Figure 2 However, other kinds of attachments may also be conceivable.

[0358] In addition, the optical probe 120 may include an additional sensor (not depicted here) that can be designed to measure additional substance-related information of the at least one substance 112, in addition to the at least one piece of information about the at least one substance 112 acquired using the spectrometer 130. Here, the further substance-related information can preferably be selected from at least one of the following: temperature, density, flux, conductivity, viscosity, electromagnetic field, dielectric constant, refractive index, fluorescence, phosphorescence, magnetization, pH, buffering capacity, acidity, or zeta potential. However, other types of additional substance-related information may also be feasible. Here, the additional sensor can preferably be attached to the mount 210, wherein leads for power supply or data readout can preferably be routed via at least one of the first tube 212 and the second tube 214. Furthermore, further elements that can be attached to the optical probe 120 are conceivable.

[0359] Instructions here, except for Figure 1 In addition to the preferred exemplary embodiment of the monitoring system 110 according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 , further embodiments of the monitoring system 110 are also conceivable.

[0360] Figure 4 A computer-implemented method 310 for in-situ monitoring of a substance 112 is shown in a highly schematic manner, wherein the method 310 for in-situ monitoring of a substance 112 includes the steps of the computer-implemented method 312 for operating the communication system 140 .

[0361] In a reference acquisition step 314 according to step (i), at least one optical reference spectrum of at least one reference sample is acquired. As described in more detail above, each reference sample comprises the substance 112 to be monitored, wherein reference analytical data is assigned to each reference sample. For this purpose, the at least one optical reference spectrum can particularly be acquired by measuring at least one optical reference sample with the same type of system 110, preferably at the same temperature, which is used for the in-situ monitoring of the substance 112. As an alternative, the at least one optical reference spectrum can be adjusted for at least one of known temperature effects or known biases of at least one of the spectrometer 130 or the optical probe 120. Further, reference spectral information is derived from the at least one optical reference spectrum of the at least one reference sample in the reference acquisition step 314 and, preferably, stored in the first data storage device 162 of the first server 146 together with the reference analytical data for provision to the cloud server 144 via the first communication interface 156.

[0362] In an acquisition step 316 according to step (ii), at least one spectrum of the substance 112 is acquired in-situ by the spectrometer 130, preferably by using the optical probe 120, as described in more detail above. Herein, the desired spectral information is derived from the at least one spectrum of the substance 112.

[0363] In an operation step 318 according to step (iii), the steps of the method 312 for operating the communication system 140 are performed, preferably for operating the communication system 140 as described in more detail above.

[0364] Herein, in a reference step 320 according to step a), the reference analytical data and the reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample and as provided by the first server 146, as described in more detail above, are directed to the cloud server 144 via the first communication interface 156. As indicated above, the cloud server 144 or at least one of the at least one cloud data storage device 168 can be used as a data storage capacity for storing the reference spectral information and the reference analytical data, particularly for later use in the following step b).

[0365] In a calibration step 322 according to step b), a calibration model is generated in the cloud server 144 by using the reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample as provided to the cloud server 144 in the reference step 320 and the reference analytical data. As described in more detail above, the calibration model comprises at least one parameter, which can particularly each be determined by using the computing power as provided by the cloud server 144 and, if required, can be stored in the cloud server 144 or at least one of the at least one cloud data storage device 168, particularly for later use in the following step c).

[0366] In a providing step 324 according to step c), the spectral information is provided from the at least one second server 158, 158' to the cloud server 144. As described in more detail above, the spectral information is provided by each second server 148', which can be directed to the cloud server 144 via at least one second communication interface 158, 158' as schematically depicted in Figure 1 Fig. 2 on a direct route or on an indirect route involving at least one second communication interface 158, 158', the first server 146 and a fourth communication interface 194 as schematically depicted in Figure 2 Fig. 2. In the indirect route, the spectral information can pass through the first server 146 with or without applying any application to the spectral information. As already described above, the spectral information can preferably be stored in the cloud server 144, in particular for immediate use in the following step d). However, the spectral information can also be stored in the at least one cloud data storage device 168.

[0367] In a parameterizing step 326 according to step d), the calibration model is applied to the spectral information in the cloud server 144. In this way, at least one value for at least one parameter is extracted from the specific spectral information, preferably by using the computing power as provided by the cloud server 144, for which purpose reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample and reference analysis data are used, which are stored in the cloud server 144 or preferably in the at least one cloud data storage device 168. Preferably, the at least one parameter as extracted from the specific spectral information can be stored in the cloud server 144, in particular for immediate use in the following step e).

[0368] In a providing step 328 according to step e), the at least one value for at least one parameter is provided to the first server 146, preferably directly from the cloud server 144 by using the first communication interface 156. As already indicated above, the first server 146 can preferably comprise a first processing unit 164, in which the at least one value for at least one parameter can preferably be stored, in particular for immediate use in the following step f).

[0369] In a determining step 330 according to step f), the process data is determined, preferably in the first server 146, by using the at least one value for at least one parameter as provided by the cloud server 144 to the first server 146 via the first communication interface 156 and preferably the reference analysis data as provided by the first data storage device 162 and the reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample. For this purpose, the first processing unit 164 can preferably be used as already indicated in more detail above.

[0370] In an information step 332 according to step g), the process data are provided from the first server 146 to at least one third server 150, 150' via at least one third communication interface 160, 160'. For this purpose, the at least one third server 150, 150' can drive a monitor 172 which can act as a user interface designated for displaying at least one item of information 174 related to the process data to a user. Alternatively or additionally, a mobile communication device 176 can act as a user interface. Alternatively or additionally, a loudspeaker 178 can acoustically provide at least one item of information 174 to a user. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one third server 150, 150' can be designated for providing the process data to a process unit 180, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 as described in more detail above. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one third server 150, 150' can be designated for providing the process data to at least one simulation system, as further described above.

[0371] In a process step 334 according to step (iv), the substance 112 is thus processed by at least one of the user or the process unit 180 according to the process data.

[0372] Figure 5 Examples of temperature-induced shifts of an absorption spectrum having a wavenumber of 7000 cm -1 to 8000 cm -1 are shown. As depicted there, the absorbance values of the substance 112, which are defined as one minus the value of the transmittance of the substance 112, typically vary with the temperature of the flow cell in which the absorbance of the substance 112 is measured. Therefore, it is preferred to perform the absorbance measurement of the substance 112 at room temperature or at a temperature close to room temperature to minimize the temperature influence on the measurement results.

[0373] Figures 6 to 8 Each shows a plot presenting reference spectral information and reference analysis data for a specific substance 112 used in the corresponding calibration model. Herein, respectively, Figure 6 refers to the measurement of the water content, Figure 7 refers to the measurement of the MDEA content, and Figure 8 refers to the measurement of the Piperazine content. In each plot, the horizontal axis represents the true measured component of the corresponding substance in wt.%, while the vertical axis represents the average of the predictions obtained on a reference test set comprising multiple reference samples. The error bars attached to the samples represent the standard deviation of the predictions.

[0374] Reference sign list

[0375] 110 monitoring system

[0376] 112 substance

[0377] 114 solution

[0378] 116 container

[0379] 118 level

[0380] 120 optical probe

[0381] 122 wall

[0382] 124 bottom

[0383] 126 connection

[0384] 128 optical waveguide

[0385] 130 spectrometer

[0386] 132 light source

[0387] 134 dispersive element

[0388] 136 detector array

[0389] 138 evaluation unit

[0390] 140 communication system

[0391] 142 long dashed line

[0392] 144 cloud server

[0393] 146 first server

[0394] 148 second server

[0395] 150 third server

[0396] 152 pair

[0397] 154 data transfer unit

[0398] 156 first communication interface

[0399] 158 second communication interface

[0400] 160 third communication interface

[0401] 162 first data storage device

[0402] 164 first processing unit

[0403] 166 second data storage device

[0404] 168 cloud data storage device

[0405] 170 cloud

[0406] 172 monitor

[0407] 174 information item

[0408] 176 mobile communication device

[0409] 178 loudspeaker

[0410] 180 processing unit

[0411] 182 connection

[0412] 184 storage container

[0413] 186 waste container

[0414] 188 used liquid

[0415] 190 valve

[0416] 192 temperature control unit

[0417] 194 fourth communication interface

[0418] 196 second processing unit

[0419] 198 additional server

[0420] 199 additional interface

[0421] 210 mounting

[0422] 212 first tube

[0423] 214 second tube

[0424] 216 screw

[0425] 218 screw

[0426] 220 gap

[0427] 222 first connection

[0428] 224 second connection

[0429] 226 seal

[0430] 228 coupling

[0431] 310 computer-implemented method for in-situ monitoring of a substance

[0432] 312 computer-implemented method for operating a communication system

[0433] 314 reference acquisition step

[0434] 316 acquisition step

[0435] 318 operation step

[0436] 320 reference step

[0437] 322 calibration step

[0438] 324 provision step

[0439] 326 parameterization step

[0440] 328 supply step

[0441] 330 determination step

[0442] 332 information step

[0443] 334 processing step

Claims

1. A communication system (140), comprising a cloud server (144), a first server (146), at least one second server (148, 148'), and at least one third server (150, 150'); in, The first server (146) further has a first communication interface (156) configured to provide reference analytical data and reference spectral information related to at least one reference sample to the cloud server (144); wherein each second server (148, 148') has a second communication interface (158, 158') configured to provide spectral information associated with at least one substance (112) to the cloud server (144), wherein the at least one substance is used in a gas scrubbing process; Wherein, the cloud server (144) is configured as: - generating a calibration model by using the reference analytical data provided by the first server (146) and the reference spectral information relating to the at least one reference sample, wherein the calibration model comprises at least one parameter; - applying the calibration model to the spectral information relating to the at least one substance (112) provided by the second server (148, 148'), thereby extracting at least one value for the at least one parameter; - providing said at least one value for said at least one parameter to said first server (146) via said first communication interface (156); wherein the first server (146) is further configured to determine treatment data by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter provided by the cloud server (144), wherein the treatment data comprises at least one piece of data related to a suggested treatment of the at least one substance (112); The first server (146) further has at least one third communication interface (160, 160'), wherein each third communication interface (160, 160') is configured to provide the processed data to the at least one third server (150, 150').

2. The communication system (140) of claim 1, wherein: The second communication interface (158, 158') is configured to provide the spectral information directly or indirectly to the cloud server (144), wherein the spectral information is indirectly provided to the cloud server (146) by providing the spectral information to the first server (146), wherein the first server (146) further has a fourth communication interface (194) configured to provide the spectral information from the first server to the cloud server (144).

3. The communication system (140) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The third server (150, 150') comprises or drives a user interface designated for displaying at least one item of information related to the processed data to a user.

4. The communication system (140) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The third server (150, 150') is designated to provide the processing data to at least one of a processing unit (180) or a simulation system.

5. The communication system (140) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The second server (148, 148') and the third server (150, 150') are integrated into a single unit.

6. A monitoring system (110) for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance used in a gas scrubbing process, the monitoring system (110) comprising: - A communication system (140) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; - a spectrometer (130) designated for: o obtaining spectral information associated with the at least one substance (112); o providing the spectral information to at least one server.

7. The monitoring system (110) according to claim 6, wherein: The spectrometer (130) is designed to provide the spectral information related to the at least one substance (112) to at least one second server (148, 148') included in the communication system (140).

8. The monitoring system (110) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, further comprising at least one of the following: at least one light source (132) designated for illuminating at least a portion of the at least one substance (112); - an optical probe (120) designated to measure an optical signal associated with said at least one substance (112); - a first connection (126, 222) between the optical probe (120) and the spectrometer (130), which is designated for directing the measured light signal to the spectrometer (130); a second connection (126, 224) between the light source (132) and the optical probe (120), which is designed to direct light to the optical probe (120); - a data transfer unit (154) designated for connection between the spectrometer (130) and the second server (148, 148').

9. The monitoring system (110) according to claim 8, wherein: The second server (148, 148'), the spectrometer (130) and the data transfer unit (154) are integrated into a single unit.

10. The monitoring system (110) of claim 8, wherein: At least one of the first connection (126, 222) and the second connection (126, 224) includes an optical waveguide (128).

11. The monitoring system (110) of claim 8, wherein: The optical probe (120) includes a configuration for at least one of a transmission geometry, a cross-curve geometry, or a reflection geometry.

12. A computer-implemented method (310) for operating a communication system (140), the communication system (140) comprising a cloud server (144), a first server (146), at least one second server (148, 148'), and at least one third server (150, 150'), wherein: The method (310) comprises the following steps: a) providing reference analytical data and reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample from the first server (146) to the cloud server (144) via a first communication interface (156); b) generating, in the cloud server (144), a calibration model by using the reference analytical data and the reference spectral information relating to at least one reference sample, wherein the calibration model includes at least one parameter; c) providing spectral information associated with at least one substance (112) from the second server (148, 148') to the cloud server (144) via a second communication interface (158, 158'), wherein the at least one substance is used in a gas scrubbing process; d) applying the calibration model in the cloud server (144) to the spectral information associated with the at least one substance (112), thereby extracting at least one value for the at least one parameter; e) providing the at least one value for the at least one parameter to the first server (146) via the first communication interface (156); f) determining treatment data by using the at least one value for the at least one parameter provided by the cloud server (144) to the first server (146), wherein the treatment data comprises at least one piece of data related to a suggested treatment of the at least one substance (112); g) providing the processed data from the first server (146) to the third server (150, 150') via a third communication interface (160, 160').

13. The method (310) of claim 12, wherein: The spectral information is provided directly or indirectly to the cloud server (144), wherein the spectral information is provided indirectly to the cloud server (144) by providing the spectral information to the first server (146) and providing the spectral information from the first server (146) to the cloud server (144) via a fourth communication interface (194) further included in the first server (146).

14. A computer-implemented method (312) for in-situ monitoring of at least one substance (112) used in a gas scrubbing process, wherein: The method (312) comprises the following steps: (i) acquiring at least one optical reference spectrum of at least one reference sample, wherein each reference sample comprises the at least one substance (112) to be monitored, wherein reference analytical data is assigned to each reference sample, and deriving reference spectral information relating to the at least one reference sample from the at least one optical reference spectrum; (ii) acquiring at least one spectrum of the at least one substance (112) in situ, and deriving spectral information related to the at least one substance (112) in situ from the at least one spectrum; (iii) performing the steps of the method (310) according to the preceding claim relating to a computer-implemented method (310) for operating a communication system (140); (iv) processing the at least one substance (112) based on the processing data.

15. The method (312) of claim 14, wherein: At least one item of information related to the processed data is at least one of: displayed to a user via a user interface, or provided to at least one of a processing unit (180) or a simulation system.

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