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Why NIR is better than GC

Theory of Operation

Why NIR is Better than Gas Chromatography (GC)

Theory of Operation

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique that can provide fast, accurate results of process conditions. NIR Spectroscopy is able to achieve real-time monitoring of multiple constituents in the process by illuminating the sample with light and analyzing how the light interacts with the sample.  Spectroscopy achieves this without the high maintenance costs or the extensive upkeep considerations typically associated with gas chromatography (GC). Additionally, optical technology often eliminates the costly sample systems and fast loops needed for process gas chromatography.

NOTE: GC analyses can have significant annual costs associated with routine maintenance, column degradation, and carrier gas consumption. Such continual costs can be greatly reduced by replacing with a Guided Wave inline spectrometer-based analyzer

Process NIR

  • Very Fast, Real-Time, Online Monitoring
  • Instant Optical Separation of Components
  • Solvent Recovery – measures mixtures of different solvents
  • Measures chemical concentrations 0.1%, or greater, for dissimilar materials
  • Can quickly measure moisture in solvents (high % to low ppm concentrations)
  • Functional Group Differentiation (methyl vs. methylene, aromatic vs. aliphatic, etc.)
  • Excellent Performance Property Predictions (octane number, vapor pressure, viscosity, density, flash & cloud point, cetane index)
  • Good for Product Quality Parameters
  • Low Maintenance

Process GC

  •  Fast, Near-Time, At-line Monitoring
  • Time-based Flow Separation in Columns
  • Specific chemical analysis of very similar structures
  •  GC better for trace analysis and environmental analysis
  • Best for gas analysis in low concentrations
  •  Fixed gases such as air, CO, CO2, NOx, H2
  • Some performance prediction abilities (calorific value of natural gas)
  •  Good for Trace Impurities in Products
  • Fuel Sulfur, Simulated Distillation
  • Routine Maintenance and regular Consumables costs

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