Robust Flow Cell for Continuous Near-IR Monitoring

Axiom Analytical, Inc. has announced its FCT-550 Flow Cell for the continuous on-line analysis of natural gas and other gaseous or liquid process streams. The new cell has been designed to provide for near-infrared (NIR) process analysis under the most demanding conditions, including continuous 24/7 outdoor operation in virtually any environment.

A key to the robust performance of the FCT-550 is the use of Axiom Analytical’s proprietary window sealing technique involving a direct sapphire to metal welded pressure seal (U.S. Patent 6,587,195 B1). This approach provides significant advantages over other sealing techniques. A high degree of chemical resistance is assured by the fact that the only materials in contact with the process are sapphire, high nickel alloys, and a thin flash of either gold or PTFE (application dependant). The compliance required to withstand extreme temperature cycling is provided by the high nickel alloy seal which is compressed at high pressure prior to welding. This approach eliminates fatigue and stress failures common with brazed seals as well as the limited lifetime characteristic of elastomeric seals. The high reliability of the Axiom seal has been proven by many years of successful use in the company’s FPT-850 Near-infrared and UV-Visible Transmission Probes. These probes are widely used for on-line process analysis in the chemical, petroleum, and pharmaceutical industries as well as in process development and related PAT (Process Analytical Technology) applications.

A second element of the FCT-550 design is the incorporation of standard Swagelok fitting technology for process line attachment. This enables the cells to be incorporated into existing process lines with little on modification. The FCT-550 Flow Cell is available in a wide range of optical path lengths. It can be incorporated into near-IR analytical systems employing analyzers using diverse technologies such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), dispersive near-IR, or tunable diode laser (TDL) spectroscopy.