Sampling Requirements for Raman Spectroscopy
For process monitoring, it is widely realized that the majority of issues with analyzers can be traced back to complications with the sampling systems that accompany them. These systems are necessary for the operation of traditional analyzers to function correctly, as they condition, clean, and present the sample in a precise manner that the analyzer requires. However, the complexity and maintenance of the accompanying sampling systems frequently leads to downtime and increased operational costs and inefficiencies.
Raman spectroscopy, in contrast, eliminates the need for intricate sampling systems due to its unique ability to directly analyze the process stream without sample preparation. This capability not only simplifies process monitoring but also increases reliability and reduces the overall capital cost of owning and operating a Raman analyzer. By removing the need for elaborate sampling systems, Raman spectroscopy addresses one of the most pertinent and persistent challenges in process monitoring, offering a more robust and trouble-free solution for process monitoring in industrial environments.
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Sampling Requirements
The sampling requirements for Raman spectroscopy offer distinct advantages when considering the challenges posed by process conditions and the nature of the materials being analyzed. One of the most attractive aspects of Raman spectroscopy is its ability to be applied directly to process streams, eliminating the need for complex sampling systems. Unlike NIR, which often demands specific optical path lengths and completely uniform sample presentation to achieve reliable results, Raman spectroscopy operates effectively and accurately even with heterogenous samples and typical industrial conditions.
Temperature Changes
Temperature variations in process streams, which can significantly affect NIR measurements due to energy shifts in overtone and combination bands, have a far less impact on Raman spectra. This inherent temperature immunity allows Raman systems to be employed in high-temperature environments or in environments where the temperatures may change, providing accurate insights into your process. In contrast, NIR can struggle with signal drift and unfavorable sensitivity to certain molecular vibrations with changing temperatures.
Water Interference
Water interference, a notorious and noted issue for NIR spectroscopy and NIR analyzers, presents another area where Raman spectroscopy excels. NIR spectroscopy suffers greatly from the overwhelming absorbance of water in the NIR region, limiting its use in aqueous system or processes with large moisture content. In contrast, Raman has a minimal Raman scattering signal, allowing for Raman spectroscopy to obtain clear detection and quantification of target molecules and process parameters in aqueous environments. This characteristic makes Raman spectroscopy particularly advantageous in industries such as bioprocessing, where aqueous systems are prevalent. See more on our Aqueous-Based Solutions page.
Sample Appearance
Raman spectroscopy's ability to analyze opaque and turbid samples also helps abate the sampling requirements for the technique. By using high-powered excitation sources at lower wavelengths (such as a monochromatic 1064 nm excitation laser) that can overcome the fluorescence of darker samples, Raman spectroscopy can readily analyze a variety of samples, regardless of their appearance, completely negating the need for sample dilutions, as are necessary when using NIR.
Process Interferences/Impurities
Raman spectroscopy's immunity to common industrial process challenges such as bubbles, particles, and dirt further enhancers its suitability for demanding industrial applications. Unlike many other spectroscopic techniques, which can be significantly impacted by absorption caused by these common process interferences, Raman spectroscopy remains largely unaffected because of the light scattering nature of Raman spectroscopy. Bubbles, particles, dirt, etc. typically do not scatter Raman light in a way that interferes with the accurate collection of process data.
Raman Spectroscopy: The Preferred Method for Robust Process Control Across Industries
The sampling requirements of Raman spectroscopy make it a versatile and reliable choice for process monitoring across a wide range of industries. This adaptability is particularly evident when contrasted with NIR analyzers, whose performance is often constrained by the need for precise sampling handling, numerous calibrations, and susceptibility to a variety of interferences. Raman spectroscopy continues to be the preferred method for industrial operations for process control.
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