Infrared Analyzer

– Infrared (IR) absorption or reflection for solids is a technique that can be

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 Infrared Analyzer
– Infrared radiation interacts with all molecules except the homonuclear
diatomics such as Oxygen [O2], Nitrogen [N2] , Hydrogen[H2], Chlorine [Cl2]
etc. , by exciting molecular vibrations and rotations.
– The oscillating electric field of the IR wave interacts with the electric
dipole of the molecule and when the IR frequency matches the natural
frequency of the molecule , some of the IR power is absorbed.
– The pattern of wavelengths or frequencies absorbed identifies the
molecules in the sample.
– The strength of absorption at particular frequencies is a measure of their
concentration.

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 Infrared Analyzer
– Types of IR Analyzers
– Single beam IR analyzer
• The single beam IR analyzer consists of light source, two filters, sample
holder, detector.
• The light from the source is allowed to pass through the sample and it is
detected by the detector.
• There are two filters used, one for sample and the other as a reference.
• The reference filter is selected in a region where the components of interest
are not absorbing, while the measuring filter is chosen to be absorbing in the
spectral region of interest.

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 Infrared Analyzer
– Types of IR Analyzers
– Single beam IR analyzer
• The chopper is used to spin one filter or the other into the optical path
Selection of a particular filter is decided by the path of light.
• Both the light beams are received by the same detector.
• The difference or the ratio in the energies received at the detector will be a
function of the concentration of the component of interest.
• The single beam design is less expensive, but power variations causes the
changes in the source intensity and this leads to inaccuracy.
• Change in temperature during the analysis provides an inaccurate result.

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 Infrared Analyzer
– Types of IR Analyzers
– Dual beam IR analyzer
• Dual beam IR analyzer consists of light source, chopper, reference cell, sample
cell, mirror and detector.
• In the dual beam IR analyzer, the radiation is allowed by the chopper to pass
alternately through the sample and the reference cell.
• The reference cell provides a true zero reference, as it is filled with non
absorbing gases.
• A narrow band pass filter is placed in between the chopper and the cells.

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 Infrared Analyzer
– Types of IR Analyzers
– Dual beam IR analyzer
• The light from the source is allowed to fall on the mirror and its is reflected
back , the reflected light is filtered out and it passes through both the
reference cell and the sample cell.
• The reference cell will not absorb any light ray as it is filled with non
absorbing gases.
• The sample cell absorbs the light according to the concentration of sample of
interest.

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 Infrared Analyzer
– Types of IR Analyzers
– Dual beam IR analyzer
• These two light rays are detected by the same photodetector and the
difference between these two absorption values is a measure of the
concentration of sample.
• The double beam design is highly expensive but the use of the reference cell
in this configuration reduces the drift caused by power supply or temperature
changes & provides accurate result.

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 Measurement of CO
– The standard method for the measurement of carbon monoxide is the
Non Dispersive Infra Red (NDIR) spectroscopy.

Analytical Instrumentation
3 December 2024 1
G Abhishek
 Measurement of CO
– The standard method for the measurement of carbon monoxide is the
Non Dispersive Infra Red (NDIR) spectroscopy.
– This method is used for the continuous analysis of carbon monoxide
based on the capacity of CO to absorb infrared radiation.
– The NDIR analyzer consists of a sample cell and a reference cell, two
infrared sources, chopper, two filter cells and a detector.
– The reference cell is filled with a non absorbing gas such as nitrogen and
the sample cell is continuously flushed with the sample containing carbon
monoxide which absorbs radiation at 4.6 μm.
– The detector consists of two compartments separated by a thin metal
diaphragm and filled with carbon monoxide.

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 Measurement of CO
– The infrared radiation is produced from a hot filament and is passed
alternately through a sample and a reference cell with the help of an
optical chopper.
– The radiation after passing through the two cells reaches a detector cell
which divided by a pressure sensitive diaphragm.
– The reference cell passes almost all of the infrared energy on to one part
of the detector cell while a varying amount of infrared energy which is
inversely proportional to CO concentration passes through the sample cell
and reaches the other detector part.
– Since more radiation enters the reference cell side of the detector, the
diaphragm is moved towards the sample cell side of the detector.

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 Measurement of CO
– The resulted distortion of the diaphragm is converted to an electrical
signal which can be amplified and recorded.
– The other techniques for measuring CO levels include the electrochemical
analysis, ultraviolet mercury replacement method and the catalytic
analysis.
– In the electro chemical analysis the sample is allowed to pass over the hot
iodine pentoxide at 150°C and iodine gas is liberated.
– This iodine is absorbed by an electrolyte and is reduced at the cathode.
– The current produced is a quantitative measure of the CO content of the
sample.

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 Measurement of CO
– The ultraviolet mercury replacement method is based on the reduction of
mercuric oxide by carbon monoxide to produce carbon dioxide and
mercury vapor.
– The mercury vapor formed is determined through its absorption of
radiation from a mercury lamp.

– The catalytic analysis involves the oxidation of CO by a catalyst known as

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Zirconia-Based Gas Analyzer: Working Principle and Applications
Introduction
A zirconia-based gas analyzer, also known as a zirconia oxygen
analyzer, operates on the principle of oxygen ion conductivity at high
temperatures. This document explores the working principle, key
components, advantages, limitations, and applications of zirconia-
based gas analyzers.
Working Principle
1. High Temperature Activation: The zirconia sensor is heated to
approximately 700°C using an embedded heater. At this high
temperature, zirconia (ZrO₂) becomes a solid electrolyte that
conducts oxygen ions.
2. Electrochemical Cell: The sensor has two electrodes: a reference
electrode (exposed to a known oxygen concentration, often air)
and a measuring electrode (exposed to the gas to be analyzed).
These electrodes are typically made of platinum.
3. Oxygen Ion Movement: Due to the difference in oxygen
concentration on either side of the zirconia sensor, oxygen ions
move through the zirconia electrolyte from the high
concentration side (reference electrode) to the low
concentration side (measuring electrode).
4. EMF Generation: This movement of oxygen ions generates an
electromotive force (EMF) across the electrodes.
5. Signal Processing: The generated EMF is proportional to the
logarithm of the ratio of the partial pressures of oxygen. This EMF
is measured and processed by the analyzer's electronics to
provide an accurate reading of the oxygen concentration in the
sample gas.
Key Components
 • Zirconia Sensor: The core element that facilitates oxygen ion
conduction.
• Platinum Electrodes: Provide the conductive surfaces for the
electrochemical reaction.
• Heater: Maintains the zirconia sensor at the required high
temperature.
• Signal Processor: Converts the EMF signal into a readable oxygen
concentration value.
• Display and Interface: Presents the oxygen concentration data
to the user and allows for calibration and adjustments.
Applications
• Industrial Processes: Monitoring oxygen levels in combustion
systems, boilers, and furnaces to optimize efficiency and reduce
emissions.
• Environmental Monitoring: Measuring oxygen levels in air and
water for pollution control and environmental studies.
• Healthcare: Ensuring proper oxygen levels in medical gases and
respiratory systems.
Advantages
• Accuracy: High precision in oxygen measurement.
• Reliability: Robust performance in various environments.
• Versatility: Multiple applications across industries.
Limitations
• High Temperature Requirement: Need for heating the sensor.
• Maintenance: Regular calibration and upkeep.
• Initial Cost: Investment in quality sensors and systems.
Case Study: Steel Manufacturing Plant
• Example Application: Detailed look at a specific use case, such
as monitoring oxygen levels in a steel manufacturing plant.
• Results: Benefits observed from using the zirconia-based gas
analyzer, including improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
Conclusion
Zirconia-based gas analyzers are essential tools for accurate and
reliable oxygen measurement across various industries. Their high
precision, robustness, and versatility make them invaluable for
optimizing processes, ensuring environmental compliance, and
safeguarding health.
Blood Gas Analyzer: Principle, Working, and Applications
Introduction
Blood gas analyzers are sophisticated medical devices designed to measure the
levels of various gases and electrolytes in a patient’s blood sample. These
analyzers play a crucial role in assessing a patient’s acid-base balance,
oxygenation status, and overall metabolic health.
Principle
Blood gas analyzers operate on the principle of measuring the partial pressures
of oxygen (pO2) and carbon dioxide (pCO2), as well as the pH of blood. These
parameters are essential for evaluating respiratory function and acid-base
balance in the body.
Working
1. Sample Collection: A blood sample is typically drawn from an artery, such
as the radial artery.
2. Electrode Measurement: The sample is introduced into the analyzer,
where it contacts electrodes that measure pH, pO2, and pCO2.
3. Electrochemical Detection: The electrodes convert the chemical
properties of the blood into electrical signals.
4. Signal Processing: The electrical signals are amplified and processed to
provide accurate measurements of the blood gases and pH.
5. Display and Output: The results are displayed on the analyzer’s screen and
can be printed or transferred to a computer for further analysis.
Applications
• Respiratory Assessment: Blood gas analyzers are used to evaluate
respiratory function by measuring pO2 and pCO2 levels, helping diagnose
conditions like respiratory failure and monitoring patients on ventilators.
• Acid-Base Balance: These analyzers determine pH and bicarbonate levels,
aiding in diagnosing acid-base imbalances such as metabolic acidosis or
alkalosis.
 • Critical Care: Blood gas analyzers are invaluable in critical care settings,
providing real-time information to guide ventilation adjustments, fluid
resuscitation, and therapeutic interventions.
• Emergency Medicine: They are used in emergency departments to quickly
assess a patient’s oxygenation status and acid-base balance, enabling
prompt medical interventions.
• Surgical Monitoring: Blood gas analyzers monitor patients during surgery
and in the recovery room, ensuring proper oxygenation and acid-base
balance.
Conclusion
Blood gas analyzers are essential tools for accurate and reliable measurement of
blood gases and pH, playing a vital role in diagnosing and managing respiratory
and metabolic conditions. Their real-time data and ease of use make them
indispensable in critical care and emergency medicine.