February 24, 2014 – Axiom Analytical announced FCP-020 near-IR spectroscopic probes for the continuous on-line analysis of hydrocarbon process streams. The probes have been designed to provide for near-infrared (NIR) process analysis under the most demanding conditions, including continuous 24/7 outdoor operation in virtually any environment. The FCP-020 probes use a window sealing technique involving a direct sapphire to metal welded pressure seal (U.S. Patent 6,587,195 B1).
This approach provides significant advantages. A high degree of chemical resistance is assured by the fact that the only materials in contact with the process are sapphire, high nickel alloys, and a thin layer of either gold or PTFE (application dependant). The compliance required to withstand extreme temperature cycling is provided by the high nickel alloy seal which is compressed at high pressure prior to welding. This approach eliminates fatigue and stress failures common with brazed seals as well as the limited lifetime characteristic of elastomeric seals. The probes are intended to be used in pairs in conjunction with standard Swagelok fitting technology for process line attachment.
This enables them to be incorporated into existing process lines with little or no modification. The optical path length is determined in part by the design of the probes and in part by the nature of the particular Swagelok cross or other fitting employed The resultant transmission cell can be incorporated into near-IR analytical systems employing analyzers using diverse technologies such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), dispersive near-IR, or tunable diode laser (TDL) spectroscopy.