Metrohm Raman Probes

Importance of the Topic

Raman spectroscopy plays a pivotal role in non-destructive chemical analysis across industries, from pharmaceuticals to petrochemicals. High-quality probes and optical components enable accurate, in situ measurements of liquids, solids, powders, and slurries under challenging conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. Optimizing probe design and accessory selection enhances signal strength, reproducibility, and safety in real-time monitoring and process control.

Study Objectives and Overview

This document summarizes the specifications and applications of B&W Tek’s Raman probes, immersion shafts, large area probes, and zoom lenses. The primary aim is to present probe performance limits, materials of construction, excitation wavelengths, and recommended operating environments, facilitating informed selection for portable Raman spectrometer systems.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The analysis is based on product datasheets detailing probe geometry, material compatibility, and optical characteristics. Key instrument categories include:

• Standard Raman Probes (BAC101 series) with sapphire ball lenses and stainless steel or Hastelloy shafts.
• Industrial Immersion Shafts (RIS100/RIS101) rated for up to 6000 psi and 300 °C, featuring fused silica or sapphire windows.
• Large Area Probes (BAC102 series) designed for i-Raman Prime and PTRam systems, offering increased detection area and fiber lengths up to 5 m.
• Zoom Lens Accessories (RTS200/RTS201/RTS202) enabling stand-off measurements with adjustable working distances from 20 mm to 6 m.

Main Results and Discussion

BAC101 probes support excitation at 532 nm, 785 nm, or 1064 nm with maximum temperatures up to 300 °C for Hastelloy shafts. Industrial variants extend immersion capability to high-pressure reactors. Large area probes provide bulk sample interrogation of heterogeneous materials and barrier penetration. Zoom lenses adapt standard probe heads for remote, non-contact analysis in glass or metal reactors, broadening application scope.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Versatile field and laboratory use in QA/QC, process monitoring, and forensic analysis.
• Durable materials ensure corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability.
• Modular shafts allow rapid adaptation to diverse sample types, including hot melt extrusion and powder slurries.
• Non-contact zoom lenses facilitate safe measurement in hazardous or sealed environments.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements in fiber-optic materials and miniaturized spectrometer electronics will drive lighter, more robust probe designs. Integration of active cooling and real-time calibration algorithms could expand high-temperature and high-pressure measurement windows. Emerging applications include in-line pharmaceutical crystallization monitoring and remote process analytics in the chemical and energy sectors.

Conclusion

B&W Tek’s comprehensive suite of Raman probes and accessories addresses a wide range of analytical challenges, offering robust performance under extreme conditions and flexible configurations for diverse sample matrices. Selecting the appropriate probe and accessory combination optimizes signal quality, operational safety, and measurement reliability across applications.