Inline probes eliminate costly and problematic fast loops and sample systems. Insertion probes can be directly dipped into a laboratory beaker or inserted into a process pipe or reactor, so that the light is truly brought to the sample. There are many types of insertion probes for FT-NIR and UV-VIS process monitoring applications, and just as many companies who manufacture them, such as, Axiom, Bruker, Guided Wave and Hellma. These companies and others manufacture a variety of process analytical insertion probes with different design features and optional accessories to solve a variety of real-world measurement problems.
Insertion Probe Exceptional Light Transmission
The SST, O-SST, Turbidity and the LAB SST and Turbidity Probes all have optics that are permanently aligned at the factory. There is no need for optical adjustments at the time of installation, nor ever any chance for misalignment or varying pathlengths.
All the probes reviewed here have exceptional optical performance as well, which means more signal, lower measurement noise, and lower limits of detection. Typically, peak transmission exceeds 40% for the SST and the O-SST. The LAB SST Probe has a typical average transmission that exceeds 30% and the Turbidity Probe exceeds 25%.
Process-Resistant Probe Construction
The SST and O-SST probe houses incoming and outgoing optical-fibers side-by-side in a single 3/4-inch, or 1 inch stainless steel body. This unique, compact design (U.S. Patent #6,043,895) means true transmission which translates to more signal, less noise, better measurements. The process-resistant probe body construction is designed to withstand harsh process conditions.
A Simple, Serviceable Probe Design
The design features of all the probes listed here meet the harsh demands of the process environment. The body of the probes are built from 316L stainless steel or, by special order, other corrosion resistant materials. The Probe’s sapphire optical windows are sealed to the probe body with proprietary gold alloy brazing. These materials are unaffected by most hydrocarbons and polymers. Additionally, our special construction techniques also make the probe insensitive to most process pipe vibrations.
Common Integration with Most Spectrometers
Fiber optic system configured with SMA 905 connectors can be fully integrated with any of the probes listed. Connecting the process probe with fibers having a core diameter of 400 to 600 micron to the NIR analyzer will provide the best optical performance. The sample interface is a crucial component of a complete fiber optic based analyzer system. For optimal performance, the probe must be ‘’optically matched’’ with both the spectrometer and the fiber optic cable.
All probes recommended below are compatible with FT-NIR and dispersive analyzers.
Types of Transmission Probes
Some of the most commonly used insertion probes are the SST, O-SST, LAB SST and Turbidity probe.
Types of QC Lab Probes
Process chemists, engineers, and researchers will appreciate the LAB SST Probe for its flexibility to move from R&D testing, pilot plants, to full-scale QC operations. The LAB SST Probe includes the same high-performance design features of the best-selling SST Probe with excellent light transmission. The reliable design and compact size of the LAB SST Probe is ideal for benchtop measurements in a beaker or sample jar. Optional accessories make it easy to adapt the LAB SST Probe to different kinds of laboratory or process installations.