An array of analytical methods can be used to detect and speciate surface contamination and to characterize attributes of processes. Many involve “sending a sample to the lab.” Whether the lab is across the hall, across town, or across the country, valuable time is lost waiting for results. There are many quicker, even if less precise, methods of determining that the process is outside of control parameters. Such methods should be thought of as complementing rather than replacing laboratory tests. Lab analysis is invaluable to pin down the specifics of contamination culprits and should remain in any troubleshooting or long-term process maintenance program.
For in-process monitoring, automated or manual tests can be performed in-situ on the production floor. These tests may be continuous monitoring of key parameters or periodic “grab samples” of product or process fluids/parameters that can be quickly analyzed and the results acted on in an expeditious manner.