New Tech Enables Rapid Analysis of Liquids by FTIR Spectroscopy

A2 Technologies has announced its new integrated FTIR analyser designed for the rapid analysis of liquids by FTIR spectroscopy. Based on A2’s widely used ML analyser, the high performing FTIR spectrometer that occupies just 8 inches2 on a lab bench, the ML with DialPath Technology represents a completely new approach to the analysis of liquid samples. The DialPath technology features a tumbler-like optical head that can be rotated into position to provide one of three, factory set, selectable sample pathlengths between 30 and 250 microns. To analyse a sample, a drop of the liquid is placed on a stationary infrared-transparent window mounted on the top surface of the analyser, and then a second window is rotated into position, thus sandwiching the sample between the two windows. This creates highly reproducible, fixed sample pathlength between the two windows. The DialPath technology offers the user their choice of three different pathlengths, which are specified when the system is ordered, affording a FTIR liquids analyser with exceptional versatility, ease of use and performance in multi-application environments. For lower concentration samples, simply dial in a longer pathlength window set; for samples that are more concentrated, use the shorter pathlength combination.

The DialPath Technology makes liquids analysis as easy to use as ATR. There is no reason to use traditional demountable liquid cells, which can leak, require spacers, may fringe, are difficult to fill and clean, and are particularly difficult to use with more viscous samples. The DialPath-equipped ML readily accommodates samples with a wide range of viscosities. Cleaning the DialPath analyser is as simple as rotating the window away from the fixed window and wiping the liquid sample off both windows. Mr Graham Miller, President of A2 Technologies, commented: “The ML with DialPath Technology represents the first breakthrough in liquids analysis by FTIR in a number of years. ATR has become a mainstay for FTIR analysis because of its ease of use and versatility and now this new technology makes longer pathlength liquids analysis just as easy. The ML with DialPath Technology will find great use among analysts who frequently measure liquid samples in industries as varied as petroleum, energy, chemical and food.”