IRSpirit - Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer

Importance of the topic

The demand for compact, high-performance FTIR systems has grown across academic, industrial and QC laboratories. Accurate infrared analysis is essential for material identification, contamination monitoring and process control, especially in space-constrained or high-humidity environments.

Objectives and Article Overview

This article presents the design, performance and application of the IRSpirit™ Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. Key aims include demonstrating its space-efficient form factor, ease-of-use via IR Pilot™ software, high reliability in adverse conditions and advanced contaminant and degraded-plastic analysis programs.

Methodology and Instrumentation

IRSpirit employs a dynamic-alignment interferometer with a temperature-controlled DLATGS detector to achieve high throughput and stable baselines. The system supports multiple sampling modes (ATR, diffuse and specular reflectance, gas and liquid cells) and can be oriented horizontally or vertically. IR Pilot software offers 23 turnkey application programs, including pharmacopeial identification tests and automated contaminant analysis using a proprietary spectral library.

Used Instrumentation

• IRSpirit FTIR spectrophotometer
• QATR-S single-reflection ATR accessory (diamond, Ge or ZnSe prisms)
• DRS-8000A diffuse reflectance sampling unit with Kubelka-Munk conversion
• MHP-1 handheld KBr pellet press
• EDXIR-Holder™ for combined FTIR/EDX analysis
• Optional electric dehumidifier and selectable KBr or KRS-5 window
• LabSolutions IR/DB/CS software suite
• Contaminant, UV-damaged plastics and thermal-damaged plastics libraries
• Time Course and EDXIR-Analysis software modules

Main Results and Discussion

Dynamic alignment at 5000 Hz combined with a temperature-controlled detector yielded highly reproducible spectra, demonstrated by repeated ATR measurements of silicone in paraffin oil. Humidity-resistant coatings and optional dehumidifier maintained performance up to 90% RH. The contaminant analysis program correctly ranked major (PTFE) and minor (CaCO3, sugar) components on tablet surfaces. Plastic Analyzer successfully distinguished thermally or UV-degraded polymers, improving match scores over standard libraries. Integrated EDX/FTIR workflows accelerated contaminant identification and verification via linked data management.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Compact footprint fits narrow benches or can stand vertically
• User-friendly IR Pilot interface reduces setup time and training
• Automated macros and analysis sequences prevent orphan data and ensure ER/ES compliance
• High-throughput, multi-mode sampling supports QA/QC, environmental testing and academic research
• Robust design tolerates high humidity and self-monitors instrument status

Future Trends and Possibilities

Advances in machine-to-machine communication, IoT and AI are expected to deliver self-diagnosing FTIR systems capable of real-time troubleshooting and expert-level automation. Integration with digital lab networks will further streamline data validation, remote operation and predictive maintenance.

Conclusion

IRSpirit combines compact design, high reliability and turnkey software to meet diverse infrared analysis needs. Its humidity-resistant optics, automated workflows and specialized libraries for contaminant and degraded polymer identification offer versatile solutions for modern laboratories.

References

No external references were specified in the source document.