Axiom Analytical has announced the availability of a new technical note, AN-923, entitled 'A Beginner's Guide to Spectroscopic Analysis for Industrial Applications'.
The guide is intended to serve as a brief introduction to the diverse forms of molecular (or vibrational) spectroscopy as applied to both process development and on-line process applications.
The goal is to provide the first-time user with the general information needed to make an initial selection among the various possible approaches to a given application.
The guide provides a brief introduction to the four major forms of molecular spectroscopy - mid-infrared (MIR), near-infrared (NIR), UV-visible, and Raman - and discusses the sampling methods applicable to each.
A table compares the attractiveness of each in the light of the band types involved, calibrations methods, optical materials, availability of fibre-optics, sample fluorescence, background radiation, referencing, and cost of ownership.
An additional table summarises the applicability of the three major forms of molecular spectroscopy to specific sample types.
A third table assesses the applicability of each form of spectroscopy to clear liquids in the light of a variety of considerations such as the need for in-situ sampling, high temperatures and pressures, corrosive samples, need for functional group specificity, rapid survey, short production runs, thermal background, availability of an internal reference, and cost of ownership.
A final section reviews the conditions favouring extractive versus in-situ sampling.
