Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

A powerful scientific measurement technique for the investigation of problem samples.

Sector: Extractive Industries,   Food & Drink,   The Environment

Analysts and FTIRFTIR Spectroscopy is a versatile analytical technique capable of providing a chemical fingerprint for a wide range of inorganic and organic samples.  

The interpretation skills of our FTIR analysts have been gained by experience over a significant period of time from the analysis of a wide range of spectra of sample types and we excel at problem solving.

 

 

FTIR was first used to analyse commercial samples by James Hutton Institute predecessor organisations around 1990, resulting in over 30 years of analysing a wide range of sample types supplied from the oil and gas sector, engineering companies, mining companies and the food industry.

Our team has created libraries of reference IR spectra from a large number of recorded spectra of commercial and various in-house samples which provides important additional reference spectra in addition to standard commercial libraries. 

The James Hutton Institute FTIR section provides a range of timescales for completion of FTIR analyses and issuing reports, and comprehensive sample preparation procedures ensure that all components in a mixture are analysed e.g solvent fractionation.

FTIR Spectroscopy can identify, characterise and qualify a large variety of samples from biological to clay minerals.  It excels at tackling ‘problem samples’, identifying unknowns or confirming identification based on a reference material.   

Typical Applications

Paints
Polymer identification / classification
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Paints, plastics, coatings.

Make up cosmetics
Pharmaceuticals
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Drugs, cosmetics.

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Whisky, food products.

Engine cogs
Manufacturing
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Engine internal deposits, engineering components, failed/degraded rubber seals.

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Soil, plant material. 

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Scale deposits, corrosion products, produced water solids, brines, drilling fluids, clay minerals and pipeline blockages e.g. sludges and naphthenates.

Instrumentation

  • Bruker 70 FTIR spectrometer with Hyperion microscope
  • NIR Foss 5000

Accreditation

The James Hutton Institute analytical laboratories operate to the standards required by UKAS accreditation and many of our routine techniques are accredited.  A full accreditation schedule can be found at www.UKAS.com

Our ability to perform a huge variety of techniques means that in general a one-off analysis may not be accredited but our total commitment to high standards ensures it will be carried out to the exacting specifications that accreditation requires.

Contact us for further information. 

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Watch our free analytical webinar covering problem samples & scientific solutions / exploring investigative techniques for the energy sector 

Case Studies

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FTIR Analysis of a failed silicone ‘O’ ring provides chemical compositional information to determine the likely reason for degradation.
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Infrared Spectroscopy as a means of identifying Naphthenates which can form undesirable flow line and separator deposits.
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Chemical compatibility testing of injected fluids with umbilical liners.

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