Author: Jayne W

Advantages of Redesigned G-SST Probe for use with Hydrogen Peroxide (HPV) and Water Analyzer or other Low-Pressure Gas Applications

Advantages of Redesigned G-SST Probe for use with Hydrogen Peroxide (HPV) and Water Analyzer or other Low-Pressure Gas Applications

Guided Wave has been measuring H2O2 and H2O concentrations in various vapor mixtures for over 25 years using near-infrared (NIR), fiber optic-coupled analyzers. Guided Wave’s HPV analyzer is a simple turnkey solution for the measurement of hydrogen peroxide and water (H2O2 and H2O) concentrations in vapor phase. These are both measured together because they are codependent. The analyzer operates in real time, which takes the guesswork out of determining the H2O2 and H2O concentrations during cycle development and throughout the actual sterilization cycle. 

The complete system consists of an HPV analyzer, one or two G-SST probes, and a pair of fiber optic cables for each probe.

The first generation probe developed for measuring hydrogen peroxide in sterilizers was a single pass 25 cm probe.  Later this probe was vented for vacuum use yielding a path length of 28..3 cm.  This original design, exposed optics the optics (lenses) to the gases being measured.  Since lenses are sensitive to the index of refraction of the surrounding air which is a function of its constituency, in this case varying water and hydrogen peroxide vapor, this resulted in a small but detectable change in the effective focal lengths of the lenses.  As a result, baseline shifts could occur, which would decrease the accuracy of the absorption measurements and ultimately causes a small bias in the reported concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide during sterilization.

In 2003, GWI developed the first G-SST vapor probe, a double pass design with a pathlength of 50 cm.  The longer pathlength increased the accuracy of the measurement.  This probe still exposed the process side of the lenses to the sterilization chamber.  Once again, small changes in baseline could be seen as the air pressure and vapor concentrations changed.  Furthermore, the lenses were glued into place and after a couple of years of heavy service, the glue degraded due to exposure to hydrogen peroxide, necessitating service.  Below is a photograph of the original G-SST probe with its perforated tube design.

G-SST original double pass 50 cm probe with sanitary flange

Figure 1:  Original Double Pass 50 cm G-SST Probe with Sanitary Flange

In 2018, the engineering team at Guided Wave began a redesign project with the intention of reducing cost and improving the performance and service life of the G-SST probe.  GWI retained the 50 cm folded pathlength, the gold-coated second surface mirror and the high optical efficiency.  An o-ring sealed window was added to isolate the optics from the process. 

Primary Advantages New 50 cm Pathlength G-SST Over The Previous 25 cm, 28.3 cm and the Original 50 cm G-SST probe

  1. The double pass beam design (folded path) provides double of the beam interaction with the gases in the sterilizer chamber. This increases the achievable signal-to-noise making for a more accurate and stabile measurement. Since the absorbance of water and Hydrogen Peroxide vapor is very weak, this is a significant improvement in the measurement accuracy.
  2. The optics are sealed behind a window which isolates the lenses from the sterilization chamber; thus the probe is no longer sensitive to index of refraction changes, this makes the measurements are more stable under widely varying conditions of deep vacuum to high concentrations of water and hydrogen peroxide vapor.
  3. To allow the probe to be quickly serviced by a technician, the perforated cage around the beam path was to the open structure shown in Figure 2. With the lenses behind an o-ring sealed window, there is no adhesive degradation increasing the service life of the probe.

In addition to these engineering improvements, the newly designed G-SST probe is a form, fit, and function replacement for the older style G-SST probes. This allows for nearly effortless upgrading for existing customers who purchase the new and improved style of G-SST. The G-SST vapor probe is available with either a tri-clover sanitary flange for mounting on a chamber access port or without a flange for placement within the chamber. By inserting the probe into the sterilizer through a 2” [50 mm] flanged port allows the fiber optic cables remain outside of the chamber and reduces measurement noise. Also, both the flanged and flangeless versions of the G-SST vapor probe can be 100% immersed in the sterilizer chamber with the addition of 2 small o-rings and a dual fiber feedthrough.

Improved Signal to Noise Through Folded Path Optics

The original 25 and 28.3 cm path length probes utilized single pass optics. As part of the redesign, a folded mirror configuration was developed, so that the light passes through the probe twice without significantly increasing the footprint of the probe. This design also keeps the optical fiber connections on one end and, when installed through a flanged port, outside of the process. To intentionally avoid measuring scattered light, the two paths are separated. By increasing the effective path length to 50 cm, the absorbance and therefore the signal-to-noise is doubled.

The Original G-SST Suffered From Variable Index of Refraction

The original G-SST probe and the even older 25 cm gas probe had the lenses exposed to the vapors and air.  The lenses collimate the light in the probe and refocus the light onto the end of the small return fiber.  The focal length of the lens is dependent on the index of refraction of the air surrounding the lens.  For most practical applications, the index of air is taken as unity and not of any concern.  However, in this application, the chamber medium can change from vacuum to pure N2 to very high humidity air with Hydrogen Peroxide vapor. Absolute Vacuum is defined to have an index of refraction of 1.0 exactly.  Air has an Index of Refraction of 1.0003.  Water vapor and Hydrogen Peroxide vapor will change the index of the air depending on their concentrations.  As the index of refraction changes, so does the degree of focus of the probe.  This changes the baseline offset of the absorbance measurement.  The baseline offset is also wavelength dependent. 

In other words, Guided Wave found that the original probes suffered from a baseline sensitivity under different operating conditions.  This was most notable when going from vacuum to high relative humidity conditions, such as during sterilization.  The wavelength sensitivity did cause a slight change in the water and Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor measurements produced by the Hydrogen Peroxide Monitor.

Controlling the Index of Refraction in the Redesigned G-SST Probe

The new G-SST probe has a window which separates the lenses from the vapors.  This window is in a collimated portion of the beam, so the focus is not sensitive to the index of refraction of the sample.  The result is a more stable baseline under varying process conditions, hence the removal of one small source of measurement error.

G-SST vapor probe

Figure 2:  New 50 cm G-SST Probe

Improving the Service Life of the G-SST

In the old G-SST probe design, the lenses were glued in using TorrSeal.  This adhesive, while being low outgassing for vacuum use, was attacked by the vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide. As a result, the service life was reduced and many probes had to be rebuilt or replaced.  The window in the new

G-SST probe is o-ring sealed, hence there is no adhesive exposed around the lenses.  The mirror in the far end of the probe remains the same second surface gold-coated mirror.  Being the second surface, the coating is not directly exposed to the gases.  We use gold rather than aluminum because the aluminum would be attacked chemically by the peroxide.  In addition, we pot the backside of the mirror in with RTV to prevent any vapor for getting to the mirror coating.

Existing Installations Can Be Upgraded to the Redesigned Probe Today!

The new style of G-SST is compatible with all generations of Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor Analyzers. However, older analyzers may require a firmware upgrade before they can accept the new double pass 50 cm probe. This is due to a path length normalization feature which must be set to account for what generation of gas probe is connected to the analyzer.

The HPV analyzer along with the G-SST probe delivers accurate, real-time measurement results. The long term stability and no maintenance requirements of this system make it a cost-effective smart choice to help optimize productions, ensure product quality, and ultimately enhancing profitability.

Customers interested in upgrading to the redesigned G-SST probe should contact Guided Wave for price, lead time, and upgrade procedure specific to the serial number of the HPV analyzer.

2 thoughts on “Advantages of Redesigned G-SST Probe for use with Hydrogen Peroxide (HPV) and Water Analyzer or other Low-Pressure Gas Applications”

  1. Pingback: Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide – Applications and Monitoring Solutions – Guided Wave

  2. Pingback: Integrating the OEM ClearView db – The Gold Box – Guided Wave

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Choosing an Instrument for Water Measurements in Liquid Samples

Choosing an Instrument for Water Measurements in Liquid Samples

Water concentration is perhaps the most common measurement made in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range. This is due to its strong effect on product properties and chemical reactivity of the starting materials. From an analytical perspective, water is easy to measure due to its relatively strong signal compared to the hydrocarbon background.

Moreover, because water is commonly analyzed with a single wavelength, filter photometers are the instrument of choice. Guided Wave’s application note, “A Word (or Two) About Online NIR Water Measurements in Liquid Samples”, explains how we arrive at recommending a system, that is, a photometer with the proper wavelengths and a fiber optic probe with an appropriate sample path length. The following considerations affect the choice (and price) of the appropriate photometer and probe system:

Factors to Consider
• Background hydrocarbon spectral characteristics
• Concentration range of water and desired analytical precision
• Potential interference from hydroxyl species
• Sample temperature variations and clarity Analytical Goals
• Provide maximum sensitivity
• Select wavelength(s) to stay within linear range
• Minimize interference due to background hydrocarbon variations and sample temperature changes
• Use an optical path of >1 mm in the fiber optic probe for ease of cleaning and minimal entrapment of bubbles and particles

Cost Effective Solution
The application note explains these factors and analytical goals in detail. Thus illustrating a cost-effective solution for obtaining the desired sensitivity for water over the concentration range of interest in most organic liquids.

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Alphabet Soup or Calibration Acronyms

Alphabet Soup or Calibration Acronyms

Alphabet Soup or Calibration Acronyms

As process spectroscopy has grown, so too has the number of different acronyms associated with the measurement methods and associated mathematics, not to mention the acronyms for conferences and scientific organizations. For the newcomer this can be quite daunting to try to digest the alphabet soup from presentations and papers detailing different applications of process spectroscopy. The purpose of this blog is to just give a list of relevant acronyms related to calibration that are commonly encountered and a short definition where relevant. The list below is in alphabetical order. This glossary represents the most popular data analysis terms you may use during your conversations about using process spectroscopy.

In reality, PLS, and MLR are used most of the time in NIR applications. These are the two calibration methods that Guided Wave uses in all of their analyzer applications. But there are other techniques, we hope this brief list will help to make conversations easier to follow.

Calibration and Regression Methods Acronyms

ANN – Artificial Neural Networks An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is an information processing method that is inspired by the way biological nervous systems process information. An ANN is composed of a large number of highly interconnected processing elements (neurons) working together to solve specific problems. An ANN is configured for a specific application, such as pattern recognition or data classification, through a learning process. Learning involves adjustments to the connections that exist between the neurons. In more practical terms neural networks are non-linear statistical data

CLS – Classical Least Squares CLS (the K Matrix method) is a regression method that assumes Beer’s Law applies – i.e. that absorbance at each wavelength is proportional to component concentration. A model generated using CLS in its simplest form, requires that all interfering chemical components be known and included in the calibration data set.

ILS – Inverse Least Squares ILS (the P Matrix method) is a regression method that applies the inverse of Beer’s Law. It assumes that component concentration is a function of absorbance. An ILS model has a significant advantage over CLS in that it does not need to know and include all components in the calibration set.

kNN – k Nearest Neighbor kNN is a classification scheme where a Euclidian distance metric is used to determine the classification. The distance metric calculated for an unknown sample is an indication of the degree of similarity to other samples.

LWR – Locally Weighted Regression In locally weighted regression, sample points are weighted by their proximity to the current sample point in question. A regression model is then computed using the weighted points. In some cases LWR models can produce better accuracy.

MCR – Multivariate Curve Resolution Multivariate Curve Resolution is a group of techniques that can be used to resolve mixtures by determining the number of constituents present and what their individual response profiles (spectra, pH profiles, time profiles, elution profiles) look like. It also provides an estimate of the concentrations. This can all be done with no prior information about the nature and composition of the mixtures.

MLR – Multiple Linear Regression MLR is a regression method for relating the variations in a response variable (concentrations or properties) to the variations of several predictors (spectral data). The goal is to be able to measure the spectral data on future samples and predict the concentrations or properties. One requirement for MLR is that the predictor variables (spectral data) must be linearly independent.

Instrument and Technology Acronyms

NIR-O – Guided Wave’s next generation spectrometer and an evolutionary step-up from the M412, NIR-O stands for Near InfraRed Online process analyzer. NIR-O is suitable for online analyses of most processes and process streams. Having the built-in capacity to add more sampling points (up to 12 total channels) within the same process or across processes, in any combination, gives users the flexibility to invest in exactly the capacity they require now. It also minimizes investment for any expansion users may want in the future. NIR-O operates in the xNIR range of 1000-2100nm, using
process-proven TE-cooled InGaAs detector technology.

FT-NIR – An alternative to dispersive spectrometers, Fourier transform spectroscopy is an effective tool for lab analysis.

DG-NIR – Disperive grating technology was developed over 100 years ago and is the defacto standard for real time monitoring of in-situ process conditions.

Statistical and Mathematical Acronyms

OSC – Orthogonal Signal Correction Orthogonal signal correction is a technique originally developed and used for spectral data to remove variation that is orthogonal (non-correlated) to a particular parameter of interest. This is one way to remove interferences from spectral data prior to calibration.

PC – Principal Component /
PCA – Principal Component Analysis Principal component analysis (PCA) is a bi-linear modeling method that involves a mathematical procedure that transforms a number of possibly correlated variables into a smaller number of uncorrelated variables called principal components. The first principal component accounts for as much of the variability in the data as possible, and each succeeding component accounts for as much of the remaining variability as possible.

PCR – Principal Component Regression In PCR the PCA is taken one step further and a regression between the principal components and one or more response variables (concentrations or properties) is performed. A PCR model can then be used to predict concentrations or properties for unknown samples.

PLS – Partial Least Squares Partial Least Squares Regression is a bilinear modeling method where information in the original X variables (spectral data) is projected onto a small number of underlying “latent” variables called PLS components. The Y variables (concentrations or properties) are used in estimating the “latent” variables to ensure that the first components are those that are most relevant for predicting the Y-variables. Interpretation of the relationship between the X and Y variables is then simplified as this relationship is concentrated on the smallest possible number of components.

RMSEC – Root Mean Square Error of Calibration
RMSEP – Root Mean Square Error of Prediction
RMSEPcv – Root Mean Square Error of Prediction based on Cross Validation
SEC – Standard Error of Calibration
SEP – Standard Error of Prediction

These are all terms that are used to evaluate the performance of calibrations. The SEP terms are indications of how accurate a calibration model will be in predicting future samples. They are calculated using predicted results from true unknown samples. The RMSEP is an average expected prediction error. This differs slightly from the SEC terms that are providing the prediction error for the calibration samples used in developing the model. The relationship between RMSEP and SEP (RMSEC and SEC) is RMSEP2 = SEP2 + bias2

SVM – Support Vector Machines Support Vector Machines are a set of related supervised learning methods used for classification and regression. They belong to a family of generalized linear classifiers. These methods are finding their way into calibration programs and have shown great promise in their power to minimize prediction error for complex calibrations.

  • ANN – Artificial Neural Networks
  • CLS – Classical Least Squares
  • ILS – Inverse Least Squares
  • kNN – k Nearest Neighbor
  • LR – Linear Regression
  • LS – Least Squares
  • LWR – Locally Weighted Regression
  • MCR – Multivariate Curve Resolution
  • MLR – Multiple Linear Regression
  • OSC – Orthogonal Signal Correction
  • PC – Principal Component
  • PCA – Principal Component Analysis
  • PCR – Principal Component Regression
  • PLS – Partial Least Squares
  • RMSEC – Root Mean Square Error of Calibration
  • RMSEP – Root Mean Square Error of Prediction
  • RMSEPcv – Root Mean Square Error of
  • Prediction based on Cross Validation
  • SEC – Standard Error of Calibration
  • SEP – Standard Error of Prediction (Performance)
  • SVD – Singular Value Decomposition
  • SVM – Support Vector Machines

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Comparison Guide

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Canadian Registration Number (CRN) Certified Probes for Process Spectroscopy

Canadian Registration Number (CRN) Certified Probes for Process Spectroscopy

A Canadian Registration Number (CRN) is a number issued to the design of a pressure vessel or fitting by each province or territory of Canada. The CRN identifies the design has been accepted and registered for safe installation and use. As of October 2019, Guided Wave has submitted more than 3,500 different design configurations for our probes and flow cells to be CRN certified.

CRN certified probes and flow cells are engineered by Guided Wave to meet the strict safety and application requirements for the Canadian petrochemical, refining, and polymer markets. By coupling these probes with certified (CSA, ATEX, IECEX) process analyzers, Guided Wave can offer complete process monitoring solutions to Canadian customers. We currently have CRN registered designs for Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec. However, complete process monitoring solutions for all provinces can be implemented – contact us for more information.

All CRN probe sales include hydrotest and x-ray test results.

Gold Braze Single-Sided Transmission Probe and Gear Driven Extractor

NIR-Infrared spectroscopy with both DG-NIR and FT-NIR is now possible with the family of CRN certified in situ transmission probe and extractor.

CRN Probe Features

  • Corrosion resistant construction
  • Rugged and vibration resistant design
  • Sealed against ambient moisture infiltration
  • High optical throughput for low noise spectroscopy
  • Temperatures to 300 °C
  • Pressures to 2000 psi or 138 bar
  • Higher pressures are available on request

Optional CRN Certified Accessories

The Single-Sided Transmission probe is available with an Extractor Assembly under a single CRN. This extractor accessory allows for a CRN probe to be easily adapted to different kinds of process installations. Additionally, the Extractor Assembly allows for quick and easy removal and servicing of probes, and avoids costly shutdowns by allowing the process to continue while the probe is offline. The standard flange on the extractor enables it to be installed into common process pipe configurations.

Certified Probes for High Pressure and Temperature Applications

The family of Heavy Duty probes are a special class of SST probes designed to withstand up to 2400 psi. The Heavy Duty probes can be constructed in 304, 304L, 316, 316L, and Hastelloy, with up to a 50 mm path length. 

CRN Certified Flow Cells for NIR Spectroscopy

Guided Wave’s family of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 mm pathlength flow cells are hydro-tested to demonstrate operation at 8100 pounds of pressure. This high safety factor has enabled Guided Wave to seek CRN certification for the flow cells in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.

Simple, Serviceable Flow Cell Design

Key elements of the CRN Certified flow cell (MPFC) design are simple, serviceable o-ring seals, the clean-out port, high optical efficiency, slip jointed conduit-ready connections, sapphire windows, a clean flow pattern, and o-ring sealed optics to prevent ambient moisture infiltration. The flow cell probe can be field disassembled for o-ring service and reassembled without changing the optical pathlength, a crucial parameter for repeatable measurements. The multi-purpose flow cell now boasts a dual seal at the sapphire “window-to-process” interface. This doubles protection for the expensive internal optical lenses.

Operating Range of CRN Flow Cell

The certified Multi-Purpose Flow Cell operates over the following pressure and temperature ranges:

  • Temperatures to 300 °C (o-ring material dependent)
  • Pressures to 1000 psi (o-ring durometer dependent)
  • Available in five standard pathlengths 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 mm

CRN Certified Probes Compatible with Bruker and ABB Spectrometers

The CRN Certified probes and flow cells are manufactured by Guided Wave to facilitate full integration with any fiber-optic spectrometer manufacturer. The family of CRN certified devices are fully compatible with the Matrix-F FT-NIR analyzer, ABB’s full line of FT-NIR spectrometers, and AIT’s optical analyzers. The market-leading optical efficiency of our sample interfaces will improve the optical performance any spectrometer when connected with 400 to 600 micron fiber optical cables and SMA 905 or FC connectors.

Need Help Purchasing a CRN Certified Spectroscopy Probe or Flow cell?

Contact a Guided Wave sales representative to determine the best CRN Certified configuration for a process sample interface.

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Announcing direct integration of EigenVector’s SOLO Predictor with Omniview V2.0 software

Announcing direct integration of EigenVector’s SOLO Predictor with Omniview V2.0 software

Eigenvector Research and Guided Wave have partnered to implement an API between the Omniview V2.0 software and Solo_Predictor. This enables NIR-O Full Spectrum Analyzer users who develop models using Eigenvector’s MATLAB® based PLS_Toolbox or stand-alone Solo to use the real-time prediction engine, Solo_Predictor. Contact Guided Wave or your local representative to access this free of charge software update.

Steps to for Existing NIR-O Users to Implement Solo_Predictor

Time needed: 15 minutes.

Steps to integrate Solo_Predictor and Omniview Software.

  1. Provide proof of runtime license for the Solo_Predictor program
  2. Download software update from Guided Wave onto built-in analyzer PC

    A zip file containing updated python scripts and a 64-bit Solo_Predictor version 4.0.4 installation executable will be provided by sharepoint or drop box.

  3. Follow the installation procedure

    The installation procedure for existing users, requires moving some files into place.

Purchasing a NIR-O and want SOLO_Predictor to be preinstalled?

Existing EigenVector customers just need to provide proof of the run-time license when placing their order with Guided Wave. This will allow our production staff to implement the API on the analyzer computer.

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Alphabet Soup or Calibration Acronyms PART II

Alphabet Soup or Calibration Acronyms PART II

As the field of process spectroscopy grows, so does the number of acronyms associated with the measurement methods. In the last blog post, we discussed the acronyms related to calibration that users may encounter. This blog will give a brief overview of some acronyms that are in frequent use related to Guided Wave analyzers and products. Some of these are specific to Guided Wave, while others are related to the methodology as a whole. The list below is in alphabetical order.

ANSI – American National Standards Institute
The ANSI is a private nonprofit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. The organization also coordinates U.S. standards with international standards so that American products can be used worldwide. These standards ensure that the characteristics and performance of products are consistent, that people use the same definitions and terms, and that products are tested the same way.

ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials
ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world. They are a source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM International standards have an important role in the information infrastructure that guides design, manufacturing and trade in the global economy.

ATEX
The European directive 94/9/EC requires that employers must protect employees from explosion risk in areas with explosive atmospheres. Manufacturers and importers must ensure that their products meet specific safety requirements. The goal of ATEX, which gets its name from the directive’s French title Appareils destinés á être utilisés en ATmosphères Explosibles, is to allow free trade of “ATEX” approved equipment within the EU by removing the need for separate testing and documentation for each member state.

CENELEC
CENELEC is the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization. This is a non-profit technical organization set up under Belgian law and composed of the National Electrotechnical Committees of 30 European countries. CENELEC’s mission is to prepare voluntary electrotechnical standards that help develop the Single European Market/European Economic Area for electrical and electronic goods and services removing barriers to trade, creating new markets and cutting compliance costs.

FT-NIR
Fourier transform spectroscopy is a measurement technique whereby spectra are collected based on time-domain measurements of the electromagnetic radiation. It can be applied to a variety of types of spectroscopy, including Near-Infrared spectroscopy (see NIR below).

ISO
ISO is an international-standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. The organization promulgates world-wide proprietary industrial and commercial standards. ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of 157 countries, one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system.

NIR
Near-Infrared or NIR is a region of the electromagnetic spectrum from about 750nm to 2600nm. Near Infrared Spectroscopy is the technique of using a sample’s NIR absorbance characteristics to predict parameters of interest. Molecules containing C-H, O-H, and N-H bonds absorb NIR radiation in specific regions or at specific wavelengths. These absorbance’s can then be used in a qualitative or quantitative measurement. NIR spectroscopy is widely used in both process and laboratory measurements across many industries (chemical, refining, pharmaceutical, polymer, semi- conductor, agricultural).

NIST
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), previously known as the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), is a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce. The institute’s mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve quality of life.

PAT
Process Analytical Technology (PAT) has been defined by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a mechanism to design, analyze, and control pharmaceutical manufacturing processes through the measurement of critical process parameters and quality attributes. While this term was initially defined in relation to the pharmaceutical industry, the concepts and methods can be extended to other industries.

SST
The Single-Sided Transmission (SST) Probe is a rugged and reliable sample probe that is ideal for continuous process monitoring applications. SST means that light passes through the sample region only once. In contrast, transflectance probes pass twice, being reflected from the far end. The SST probe can be easily installed in a pipe or reactor through a single access port and works with any Guided Wave single-fiber spectrometer or photometer. Optional accessories make it easy to adapt the SST Probe to different kinds of process installations.

UV/VIS
UV/VIS spectroscopy is the measurement of the wavelength and intensity of absorption of ultraviolet and visible light by a sample. Ultraviolet and visible light are energetic enough to promote outer electrons to higher energy levels. UV/VIS spectroscopy is usually applied to molecules and inorganic ions or complexes in solution. The spectra have broad features that are of limited use for sample identification but are very useful for quantitative measurements. The concentration of an analyte in solution can be determined by measuring the absorbance at some wavelength and applying the Beer-Lambert Law.

Calibration Acronyms

ANSI- American National Standards Institute
ASTM- American Society for Testing and Materials
ATEX- Atmosphéres Explosibles (French)
CENELEC- European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
CIE – International Commission on Illumination
FT- NIR- Fourier Transform Near-infrared
ISO- International Organization for Standardization
NIR – Near-Infrared
NIST- National Institute of Standards and Technology
PAT- Process Analytical Technology
SST- Single Sided Transmission Probe
UV/VIS- Ultraviolet / Visible

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35 Year Anniversary!

35 Year Anniversary!

From 1983 to 2018 – Guided Wave a leading manufacturer of online process analytical systems is pleased to announce the 35th anniversary of continuous business operation. Established in 1983, Guided Wave was an industry pioneer when it delivered the first fiber optic-based Near Infrared (NIR) analyzers. Read our story of 35 years

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Integrating the OEM ClearView db – The Gold Box

Integrating the OEM ClearView db – The Gold Box

ClearView db is a modular filter photometer suitable for many OEM applications. By selecting up to six filters ranging from 420nm to 2100nm each with a dedicated detector, system integrators have successfully utilized ClearView db for real-time monitoring of liquids and gasses. Examples include: acid & OH number monitoring, detection of copper in acid baths, hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization, NO2 gas sterilization, water content of solvent or gasses, or color. Additionally, the ClearView db can monitor up to 2 process locations using either flow cells or direct insertion probes.

Guided Wave ClearView db photometer analyzer

When sold in the OEM form factor, the ClearView db’s external enclosure which includes a touch screen interface is removed. This enables system integrator’s to have a compact and low cost gold box analyzer to incorporate into their design. A direct digital MODBUS interface allows for bidirectional communication with the OEM ClearView db and other peripherals. As shown in the image below, the OEM ClearView db gold box is approximately 9 inches long, 4 inches tall, and 5 inches wide.

The small form factor of the OEM gold box allows for simple integration.

Implementing a complete OEM Analyzer System

A complete OEM analyzer system includes OEM Clearview db, a sample interface such as an insertion probe or flow cell, and a pair of thermally stable fiber optical cables (link to thermal test report). Often the gold box is located out of the way, in a control room or internal electronics area. The fiber optical cables allows system integrators to then route a connection to the sample interface.

Depending on the application an appropriate flow cell or insertion probe design is selected. For example:

  • In the semiconductor industry, hydrofluoric applications require a flow cell constructed out of PFA/PEEK. The metal free flow cell construction is selected to prevent contamination or corrosion in the cleanroom environment. 
  • For medical device sterilization, a 50 cm vapor probe is selected for monitoring NO2, H2O2, O3, or other sterilants. The GSST probe was specifically designed to be invariant to pressure or other index of refraction changes that often occur during the vacuum sterilization cycle.

Ultimately by implementing the OEM ClearView db photometer with MODBUS and an appropriate ample interface, critical process monitoring information can be quickly delivered to process engineers and other end-users. Allowing your customers to make informed decisions in real-time.

Interested in learning more about the OEM process for the ClearView db?

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Improve Operational Safety through Phosgene Leak Detection

Improve Operational Safety through Phosgene Leak Detection

When processes involve extremely toxic or hazardous materials such as hydrofluoric acid, phosgene, isocyanates, etc., safety is paramount. Having a sample interface with built-in leak detection can help save human lives. Consequently, it is recommended that a High Safety Flow Cell be used when monitoring these situations. Constructed out of stainless steel or Hastelloy C276 with Kalrez seals, this flow cell is rated for 250 ºC typical operation at 300 psi. The safety sniffer port provided between o-ring seals allows for a connection to a leak detection system to be used as an indicator of primary seal failure.

For example, plant safety can be improved by monitoring the purity or concentration of phosgene using Guided Wave’s High Safety Flow Cell which is compatible with all Guided Wave analyzers and many other analyzer brands. Built into a Class 300 flange, using welded construction, the High Safety Flow Cell uses double o-ring sealed sapphire windows and a weep or “tattletale” port to self-monitor for o-ring failure. This safety mechanism allows the flow cell to be serviced once the process chemicals are detected in the space between the first and second o-ring seals. Moreover, by installing a High Safety Flow Cell on the input side of the reactor vessel and the recovery line, deviations in the amount of phosgene consumed by the process can be monitored, potentially alerting personnel to a hazardous leak in the facility. Thanks to the dual seals and a sniffer port, polymer manufacturers dealing with hazardous or corrosive samples, such as phosgene, can improve operational safety with the High Safety Flow Cell.

This is also compatible with all makes and models of process FT-NIR analyzers.

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How to Choose Pathlength: for APHA Color

How to Choose Pathlength: for APHA Color

The APHA/Platinum-Cobalt color scale is described in ASTM D1209. The ASTM method is an off-line manual laboratory method. The original test design required an observer to compare the color of a product to a known standard, and then judge the “color”. This color scale ranges from 0 to 500. The lowest value of 0 is referred to as water white. A value of 500 is distinctly yellow. (Below illustrates the contrast from 0- 100 range.)

Two Different Pathlengths are Recommended for APHA Applications

If the user needs to measure the whole range, then we recommend a 30 mm pathlength for either an SST Insertion Probe or MultiPurpose Flow Cell. This allows for long enough pathlength to measure the lightly colored samples and but short enough to still collect light for the dark samples. Conversely if the customer is interested in measuring the lightly color samples with scores less than 300 units, we recommend the 50 mm pathlength. The longer pathlength allows better precision for distinguishing between lightly colored samples.

Still Need Help Selecting a Pathlength?

Guided Wave selects a pathlength for the sample interface that provides the best solution from a technical and economic standpoint. Finding the balance between the signal-to-noise of the measurement and cost to manufacture, as well as accessibility for cleaning/maintenance by the user is always Guided Wave’s priority.  For more information contact us.

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