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

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.

FTIR can be applied on many samples from many different industries.

Typical Applications

Polymer identification / classification

Paints, plastics, coatings.

Pharmaceuticals

Drugs, cosmetics.

Food and Drink

Whisky, food products.

Manufacturing

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

Environmental

Soil, plant material.

Extractive industries

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.

Case Studies

Oil & Gas 1

Infrared Spectroscopy as a means of identifying Naphthenates which can form undesirable flow line and separator deposits.

Oil & Gas 2

Chemical compatibility testing of injected fluids with umbilical liners.

Dr Jean Robertson

Head of FTIR

Jean has over 20 years’ experience in FTIR spectroscopy and provides highly specialised spectral interpretation for numerous commercial and research clients.

Angela Main

IR Analyst

Angela has comprehensive experience in in sample preparation, handling and interpretation of FTIR spectra of commercial samples.

Other Services

Water Test Network

James Hutton Limited is one of eight European partners of the Water Test Network; an ERDF funded project which supports SMEs in North-West Europe (NWE) to test, demonstrate and develop new products for the water sector.

Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that involves the development and application of computational methods for the analysis of large-scale biological data ranging.

Marine Sediment Analysis

James Hutton Limited can help support work such as harbour construction or enlargement, flood defence systems, construction of new buildings, which will require an MS-LOT licence.

Renewable Energy

The multi-disciplinary scientific expertise available at the James Hutton Institute is ideally suited to address issues facing the developing renewable energy sector in the UK and internationally.

BioSS

Improving science and society through an understanding of variation, uncertainty and risk.

Soil Forensics

A leading forensic research and analysis service with unparalleled experience in analysis of soils, waters and other ecological/environmental materials.

Soil Analysis

The James Hutton Institute, and its predecessor organisations, is synonymous with soils with over 90 years experience of working with soils and farmers, as well as being responsible for the National Soils Database for Scotland.

Products & Licensing Opportunities

Innovations and resources from the James Hutton Institute, available for your own laboratory or research.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Electron Microscopy is an extremely versatile tool which allows the study of both morphology and material composition from virtually all areas of science and technology.

Lipid Analysis

James Hutton Limited is home to Mylnefield Lipid Analysis, a specialist lipid laboratory established at the James Hutton Institute in 1995 by Bill Christie and Frank Gunstone, renowned lipid analysis experts.

Isotope Analysis

The analysis of a wide range of stable isotopes, bulk and compound specific analysis of light isotopes including, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen and Hydrogen, and heavy isotopes, including Strontium, Neodymium, Samarium and Lead.

Chemical analysis

Techniques providing quantitative and qualitative analysis of organic and inorganic contaminants / pollutants in a variety of matrices including, but not limited to waters, chemicals and soils.

X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD)

X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) can be used to identify crystalline substances, such as most minerals. The James Hutton Institute XRPD team are global specialists in the analysis of clay minerals by this technique.

Molecular Diagnostics

Molecular Diagnostic tests can detect specific sequences in plant DNA or RNA that may be associated with disease resistance, quality/agronomic traits and varietal issues.

Plant Varieties, Breeding & Licensing

Breeders and scientists at James Hutton Limited and the James Hutton Institute use advanced breeding techniques supported by world-leading scientific expertise, ensuring the most innovative soft fruit and potato varieties.

Contract Research

James Hutton Limited manages a number of collaborative projects with industry partners seeking science to develop ideas and innovations.

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