Wilks Enterprise, Inc. has introduced a new InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer with a 128 pixel detector array that provides expanded capabilities and better performance, including 75x increase in signal-to-noise ratio, 1.5x improvement in spectral resolution, and updated calibration wizard with Chemometric PLS capabilities.

The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer represents a new concept in mid-IR instrumentation which utilizes a detector array with linear variable filter. This results in a compact, portable spectrometer that has a number of advantages over conventional Infrared instruments such as the widely-used FT-IR Spectrometer. These advantages include no optical path through air, no moving parts, light weight (under 5 lbs), portable (battery operated), rugged, and low cost. The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer will supplement FT-IR capability in plant or field locations where it is not feasible or economical to use FT-IR instruments. It is designed to provide spectral data on a wide variety of samples, as well as numeric concentration data with a Pass/Fail material verification display. It is ideal for such applications as process monitoring (PAT), quality control, materials verification, environmental testing and biofuels analysis. Standard spectral ranges include 2.5 - 4.8 µm, 5.4 - 10.8 µm, and 7 – 14 µm.

The patented InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer consists of an ATR sample plate or transmission sample stage with an elongated, pulsable source mounted close to one end and a linear variable filter attached to a detector array mounted close to the other end. The spectrometer is usable in plant, field and laboratory environments. The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer can be used like an FT-IR Spectrometer; however, much of the software program has been geared towards repetitive process analysis applications. The dedicated software provides a range of spectral processing functions and can be calibrated for quantitative analysis or materials verification. An optional simplified interface provides numeric or pass/fail results designed to be operated by personnel having little or no knowledge of infrared analytical techniques.

For more information on the new 128-pixel InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer, or contact Wilks Enterprise, Inc., 140 Water Street, South Norwalk, CT 06854, TEL: 203-855-9136, email: info@wilksir.com; web site – www.wilksir.com.

Alstom offers the LIMELIGHT™ Flame Spectrometer for wall mounted burner and tilting tangential fired applications. There are 7 sensors in each head that can view from 310 (UV for gas) to 1100 (IR for oil) Nanometers of light including all visible light ranges. In addition to this, main flame quality, auxiliary flame quality, and overall flame spectrum information is displayed.

Flame scanners are a crucial part of a boiler's safety system. They identify potentially dangerous "flame out" conditions where ignition has ceased and continued addition of fuel could cause a furnace explosion. As such they must be extremely dependable, perform consistently and be built to last to contribute to personnel safety requirements.

ALSTOM Power Inc. (ALSTOM) has provided reliable flame detection technology for decades. Our new LIMELIGHT™ Flame Spectrometer incorporates the speed and precision of Digital Signal Processing as well as full detection of infrared, visible and UV light in six bands making it what we believe to be the finest flame scanner available. Simplicity of system design reduces capital, installation and maintenance costs.

Design

The LIMELIGHT™ Flame Spectrometer incorporates all signal processing electronics in a compact housing. It contains the sensors that convert light from the flame into electrical signals. A proprietary circuit auto ranges the signal to ensure maximum signal-to-noise ratio over 5 decades of light intensity.

An integrated analog to digital converter coupled with a 0MIP Digital Signal Processor (DSP) converts the analog signals into digital signals. The DSP examines the intensity and frequency content of the flame in six light bands to determine whether flame is present.

Flame scanners operate in extremely challenging environments. ALSTOM's Digital Signal Processor is rated to operate at 185°F (85°C) with minimum cooling air requirements. A NEMA 4X enclosure provides a secure dust and water seal.

The LIMELIGHT™ Flame Spectrometer is available for "T" fired and wall fired burner applications. A fiber optic cable allows for tilting of burners in the "T" fired installations. The cable can be supplied for wall fired installations where there is a circuitous path to the burner front.

LIMELIGHT™ Flame Spectrometers are completely free standing, requiring only 115/230 VAC power. Multiple LIMELIGHT™ Flame Spectrometers can be linked together via a factory automation (CANBUS) network in order to reduce wiring and save on installation costs.

Interface to the Burner Management System (BMS) is extremely flexible. Each LIMELIGHT™ Flame Spectrometer has two programmable function relay contacts that can be directly wired to the BMS. Alternatively, a remote interface module (IM) connected to the digital network can be located near the BMS input terminals. This eliminates long wire runs from each flame spectrometer.

Each flame spectrometer network can also be linked to the plant's Digital Control System (DCS) or PC for remote viewing of real time flame conditions, setpoint changes (password protected) and maintenance diagnostics.

All LIMELIGHT™ Flame Spectrometers provide 4-20 ma output, RS-232 and CANBUS signals that can be used to monitor flame conditions.

Benefits

• Simple, efficient design provides superior flame detection, reduces nuisance trips, and enhances low load performance.
• Easy and straight forward connection to the burner management system minimizes field wiring and installation costs.
• Rugged CNC machined aluminum housing and construction contribute to a long service life of reliable flame detection.
• Military style electric quick disconnects allow for easy maintenance without wiring changes.

Features

• Reliably detects flames in both T-Fired and Wall Fired Boilers
• Incorporates "next generation" flame scanner technology using the latest design for flame signature analysis
• Detects flame patterns across a wide range of the light wavelength spectrum (from UV to visible to ultraviolet)
• Six (6) discreet sensors discriminate auxiliary fuel flames from the main fuel flames
• Suitable for coal, oil or gas
• Available with or without fiber optic extension for T-fired or wall-fired applications
• Adjustable setting for both gain and filtering of the detector signals for optimum flexibility in difficult applications
• Auto tune function automatically sets trip points based on flame frequency signature for fast commissioning
• Flame spectrometer software is 100% programmable and can easily be upgraded as additional features become available

Commitment

The LIMELIGHT™ Flame Spectrometer is another example of the ALSTOM commitment to provide products and services to improve performance and reduce maintenance, with the goal of increasing your competitive edge.

StellarNet, Inc. proudly announces its RED-Wave series of high performance InGaAs spectrometers covering the 0.9-2.3μm wavelength range. All models utilize Goodrich (SUI) linear photo diode array and are available in the standard 512 pixels or high resolution 1024 element model. The detector has an integrated thermo electric cooler (TEC) maintained at -10 °C and 10x electronic gain function for sensitivity-demanding projects. Several models provide a variety of operational ranges and resolutions suitable for applications including chemical ID/moisture analysis, SpectroRadiometry, optical power measurements, laser characterization, and thin-film measurements.

The AvaSpec Multi-channel spectrometer is available with more than 9 detector arrays and 18 gratings supporting the range from 190-2500 nm. Detector options include 128 pixel PDA, 256 & 1024 pixel CMOS, 3648 & 2048 pixel CCD and three 256 element InGaAs (1.7, 2,2, 2.5). Grating and slit choices enable resolution as high as 0.025 nm (FWHM). The system will support 2 to 10 channel configuration with true simultaneous signal acquisition across all channels. Spectrometer channels can be redundant or sequential over a range but all channels are simultaneously visible and controllable from the AvaSoft software platform.

For more information about Avantes multi channel spectrometers series, please contact us at 1-866-678-4248 or infoUSA@avantes.com

StellarNet, Inc. has announced its BLACK-Comet series of Concave Grating Spectrometers. The use of an aberration corrected, holographic concave grating uses no mirrors to minimize stray light, while projecting a flat field on the detector and providing uniform resolution over the entire range. Additionally, the grating has a dual blaze to giving high efficiency in both the UV and NIR wavelengths with 4 wide ranges available. The units are vibration tolerant, durable over long periods of time, and suitable for just about any lab and/or field measurement

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. (SSI), announces the launch of its new IPCE-9000 Multitype ICP Emission Spectrometer. Ideal for analyzing substances from metals to pharmaceuticals, this high-performance high-throughput spectrometer delivers reduced running-costs, highly stable performance, high sensitivity and low contamination.

The ICPE-9000 possesses advanced technology such as the large-scale one-inch CCD detector with increased pixel size and an Echelle spectrometer that allows high-speed measurements with increased resolution. It also runs at a high cooling temperature, which shortens the initial stabilization period and provides long-term stability. In addition, the ICPE-9000 is equipped with the mini-torch technology that reduces argon gas consumption by half that of conventional torches.

The IPCE-9000 utilizes a vacuum spectrometer that is equipped with semiconductor detectors, the first of its kind in ICP emission spectrometers. Because the spectrometer is maintained under a vacuum, contamination and decline in sensitivity does not occur over long-term use, and high-purity gas for internal gas purging is not required, reducing running costs.

The new instrument is equipped with Shimadzu's ICPEsolution Software, a suite that enhances the process of identifying substances with the IPCE-9000.

Key features of Shimadzu's ICPEsolution Software include:

• Qualitative Database Calibration allows automatic wavelength selection and fast calibration, eliminating time-consuming comparative examination.

• Method Development Assistant automatically creates measurement wavelength and calibration curve information as well as correction information if interference is unavoidable.

• Automatic Wavelength Selection System ensures accurate results with negligible spatial interference. Multiple wavelengths can be selected and tested with no respective interference from multiple samples.

• Interference Database stores all interfering elements and the corresponding wavelengths, resulting in an accurate and automatically selected optimal wavelength, while eliminating interferences and the need to re-measure.

• Method Diagnosis Assistant pinpoints the cause of error for each measured sample and automatically displays solutions for method modification and error correction.

"Analysts want instruments that are precise, reliable, and easy to use," notes Robert H. Clifford, Ph.D., Shimadzu Scientific Instruments' ICP Product Manager. "With the technological advances of the ICPE-9000, and the multi-functional attributes of the software's Assistant functions, simple and accurate measurement is possible – even with hard-to-measure high-matrix samples."