The development of new instruments has been a cornerstone of GnoSys activity for many years. Using instruments such as portable visible, near infrared and Raman spectrometers and gas sensors, businesses can improve economic and environmental performance and manage risks associated with topics like ageing assets, materials quality assurance and process monitoring.
Instruments & Measurement
GnoSys has many years of experience developing instruments. Currently we offer portable spectrometers operating with both Wide Wavelength and Raman methods.
TranSpec
TranSpec is breaking new ground in spectroscopic analysis by maximising the knowledge extracted from easy to measure spectral data. Using cutting edge portable spectrometers and optical probes for general and in-situ analysis, high quality data is gathered and the software performs multivariate statistical analysis to relate all available spectral information to the chemistry, properties and metrics of interest. Unique correlations are used for rapid identification, concentration and property measurements and a variety of performance metrics. The TranSpec software is easy to use and makes the building, testing and automation of measurements simple; once calibration is complete the application can be used by anyone.
Wide Wavelength Spectroscopy – This technique covers a broad wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, from ultraviolet (UV) through visible to the near infrared (NIR) from 350 nm to 2500 nm. Absorption across this spectral range gives complementary information on electronic vibrations (UV-visible) and overtones of molecular vibrations (NIR). The correlation between these two interaction mechanisms can be useful in spectroscopic analysis. NIR can be particularly sensitive to material properties and condition.
Raman Spectroscopy – Raman spectroscopy can provide complementary information to FTIR, as it covers the same vibrational frequency range but is sensitive to different types of vibrations within the range. Advantages compared with FTIR are little or no sample preparation and the ability to measure materials through a transparent medium, eg glass.
Gas Sensors
The analysis of gases resulting from combustion, material degradation and headspace analysis in equipment is ubiquitous, as it can provide insight into process efficiencies, condition assessment and residual lifetime predictions. Although there are many instruments available commercially, there is still a need for precise, discriminatory and fast measurements that can access rapidly changing compositions containing minor species.
Gnosys is addressing this in two ways: developing a widely tuneable laser-based system covering large parts of the infrared and near infrared parts of the spectrum, and developing methods for direct measurement of gases in liquids. Watch this space!