November 13, 2008 – Axiom Analytical announced FCT Series Near-IR Transmission Sampling Systems for use in the on-line analysis of molten polymers and other chemical processing applications involving high temperatures and pressures. Axiom’s FCT sampling systems bring high performance chemical composition monitoring to some of the most demanding process environments. These products are designed for use in high temperature (to 350°C), high pressure (to 350 bar), and/or high viscosity applications. While ideal for a variety of sample types, FCT systems are especially suited for the analysis of hot polymer melts. In these applications, the cells are often mounted in series with a die on a small extruder or in a rheometer loop on a larger extruder.
An FCT sampling system consists of a pair of standard FCP-090 fiber-optic coupled near-infrared probes mounted on an FCB Series flow fixture. The fixtures are often customized for individual installations. The probes employ an extremely robust plunger insertion design which makes it possible to remove them without damage, even in the presence of solidified polymer. Thick sapphire windows are permanently sealed into the probe structure by means of Axiom’s patented welded metal seal design (US Patent: 6,587,195 B1). This provides an extremely robust and permanent optical seal, virtually eliminating the possibility of window breakage, chemical attack, or mechanical seal failure even after repeated thermal shock.
The probe body is fabricated from Hastelloy C-276 for maximum resistance to chemical attack and abrasion. About Axiom Analytical, Inc Axiom Analytical, Inc. was founded in 1988 by Dr. Mike Doyle and Norm Jennings, pioneers in the field of process FTIR spectroscopy. The Company’s mission is to develop and market the robust sampling equipment, software, and integrated systems required to fully realize the potential of molecular spectroscopy for solving economically significant problems both in laboratory analysis and manufacturing processes.
The Company’s products are employed in diverse industries ranging from basic chemicals to pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and polymer processing.