Aspectrics, the innovator of Encoded Photometric Infrared Spectroscopy (EP-IR), introduces a new application explaining the analysis of various hydrocarbon gases using its MultiComponent analyser.

Aspectrics, the innovator of Encoded Photometric Infrared spectroscopy (EP-IR) analysers and winner of the 2006 R+D 100 award, introduces a new application for the analysis of various hydrocarbon gases using its MultiComponent analyser. This application note demonstrates how the EP-IR MultiComponent Analyser is able to conduct simultaneous quantitative analysis of several hydrocarbon gases (C1-C4) in a mixture at parts-per-billion (ppb) level concentrations. Designed to respond to scientists' needs in petrochemical, chemical, environmental and process laboratories, this application note can be downloaded free-of-charge from the newly designed website.

One of the most striking features of the innovative Aspectrics analyser is the speed of data collection: a full spectrum every 10 milli-seconds.

Such scanning speed can translate into applications such as ultra-fast kinetics, parts-per-million (ppm) level quantitative analysis in less than 5 seconds, or, as demonstrated in this application note, measurement of parts-per-billion (ppb) levels of hydrocarbon compounds (methane [CH3], ethane [C2H6], propane [C3H8] and butane [C4H10]) and carbon monoxide [CO], with integration times of only 1-5 minutes.

Traditionally, infrared wavelength generation devices, such as the Non Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, are limited either in the simultaneous characterisation of more than one chemical compound, or by a lack of ruggedness, respectively.

In contrast, the Aspectrics MultiComponent EP-IR spectrometer is not only capable of resolving several chemical compounds even if they share a similar chemical composition (and subsequent spectroscopic features), but also is more cost-effective both in field implementation and ownership due to its NDIR-like ruggedness).

The EP-IR MultiComponent Analyser contains patented encoder disc technology that enables the encoding of full spectral information 100 times per second, resulting in 10 milli-second true refresh rate of the chemical information.

Moreover, dedicated on-board processors allow users to monitor processes in real time, even as often as 100 times per second.

Aspectrics quantitative analysis software enables real-time characterisation of multiple chemicals in process streams.

The software also communicates analytical results and instrument health information to central network locations, and facilitates full automation of calibration and calibration maintenance in production mode.