The Use of a Small, Low-Cost FT-IR Spectrometer as a Mobile Analyzer for Fluid Streams

Abstract

Infrared analysis is well established as a prime method for identification of unknown samples. However, the instruments needed for recording a complete infrared spectrum have not lent themselves to mobile applications because of their inherent mechanical fragility. The design of a commercial low-cost FT-IR instrument described herein makes it particularly useful as a mobile analyzer since it is optically rugged and has sufficient on-board computer power to record high-quality spectra after being moved between locations. At the same time, it is physically small enough to be mounted on a standard lab cart along with the necessary accessories. We illustrate the use of this mobile, low-cost FT-IR for analyzing the evolved gases from Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, small pilot reactors, and the liquid eluant from Gel Permeation Chromatography.