Spectroscopy Probe analyzes polymer melts during extrusion.
Press Release Summary:
Extruder Access Optical Diffuse Reflectance Probe, FDR-755, brings NIR spectroscopy to extrusion processes by introducing diffuse reflectance probe that can be mounted in any of ½-20 UNF Dynisco-compatible pressure transducer fittings available on polymer extruders. Use of diffuse reflectance minimizes required penetration into melt. This makes it compatible with any size extruder and allows accelerated attachment without modification to existing equipment.
Original Press Release:
Axiom Analytical, Inc. Announces a New Capability for Analyzing Polymer Melts During Extrusion
TUSTIN, Calif. - Axiom Analytical Inc., a leading supplier of sampling equipment, software, and integrated systems for mid-IR, near-IR, and UV-visible spectroscopy, today announced the availability of its FDR-755 "Extruder Access" Optical Diffuse Reflectance Probes.
Near-infrared (Near-IR or NIR) spectroscopy provides a powerful means for monitoring the chemical composition of numerous substances during manufacture. It has found broad application in fields ranging from the analysis of agricultural products to in-line monitoring of both continuous and batch chemical processes. However, the application of near-IR to extrusion processes has been limited by the difficulty of gaining access to the material within an extruder. Axiom Analytical has now solved this problem by introducing a diffuse reflectance probe that can be mounted in any of the ½-20 UNF pressure transducer fittings that are available on most polymer extruders.
Until now, NIR monitoring of polymer melts and other extrusion processes required a flow cell either at the output of an extruder or in a recirculating loop. While providing excellent spectroscopic results, this arrangement has serious limitations since it is only compatible with small-diameter flow paths and often requires modification of the existing equipment. As a result, it has generally been applied only to small-scale extruders. Previous attempts to introduce probes directly into the body of a large scale extruder have been thwarted by the lack of suitable fittings and the fact that the penetration depth required by existing probe designs was incompatible with extrude design.
The new FDR-755 probe is designed to fit the ½-20 UNF "Dynisco-compatible" fittings widely used for extruder pressure transducers. At the same time, by using diffuse reflectance, its design has greatly reduced the required penetration into the melt. It thus is compatible with any size extruder and can be quickly attached without requiring modification to existing equipment. This makes it practical to use Near-Infrared spectroscopy for short term analysis and trouble shooting as well as for continuous long term polymer process monitoring.
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.
More information on Axiom Analytical Inc. can be found at www.goaxiom.com/ or visit the Axiom booth at the EAS 2010 Exposition, November 15-17, in Somerset, NJ.
