Agilent 4500 and 5500 Series FTIR Instruments

Significance of the Topic

The development of compact, field-portable FTIR spectrometers addresses the growing need for rapid, accurate chemical analysis outside the traditional laboratory environment. By combining robustness, low maintenance, and ease of use, these systems enable quality control, process monitoring, and on-site identification of substances in industries ranging from petrochemicals to forensics.

Objectives and Article Overview

This document describes two series of Agilent portable FTIR instruments (4500 and 5500), their performance characteristics, sampling interfaces, software tools, and application areas. The goal is to highlight how these spectrometers deliver benchtop-equivalent data quality in field or confined settings.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Both the 4500 and 5500 Series operate in the mid-infrared range using a Fourier transform interferometer mounted on shock-dampening platforms (4500) or a compact stable design (5500). Key specifications:

• Dimensions: 5500 – 20.3 × 20.3 × 11.4 cm; weight: 3.6 kg
• Power: mains or internal battery (4500 offers ~4 h operation)
• Ingress protection: 4500 meets IP54 for water resistance
• Sampling interfaces: TumblIR, DialPath, and diamond ATR
• Software: Agilent MicroLab suite (PC, Lite, Quant, OQ, Expert modules)

Main Results and Discussion

Evaluations show that both series achieve mid-IR performance on par with benchtop FTIR units. The rugged 4500 excels in harsh outdoor conditions, while the ultra-compact 5500 suits fume hood or glove-box deployment. TumblIR and DialPath modules simplify liquid analysis by transmission FTIR, avoiding fragile windows and complex flow cells.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• On-site QA/QC of raw materials and process streams
• In situ monitoring of reactions, fuels, oils, and pharmaceuticals
• Forensic screening of drugs, explosives, and contaminants
• Food and polymer analysis in production and field settings
• Minimal sample preparation and rapid turnaround (≤2 minutes)

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in miniaturized spectrometer design and intuitive software will further expand field FTIR use. Integration of AI-driven spectral interpretation and wireless connectivity can enable real-time decision support. Broader adoption is expected in environmental monitoring, industrial IoT, and emergency response.

Conclusion

Agilent’s 4500 and 5500 Series FTIR systems deliver portable, reliable, high-quality mid-IR analysis for diverse applications. Their combination of rugged hardware, flexible sampling interfaces, and powerful MicroLab software streamlines on-site workflows while maintaining data integrity traditionally associated with full-size laboratory spectrometers.

Reference

Agilent Technologies, 4500 and 5500 Series FTIR Instruments Application Note, March 2024.