Recent Articles

iPAL FTIR Analyser for Moisture Determination in Lubricating Oils
In modern conventional power stations, the overall condition of the fluids that lubricate large, high value machinery is critical to the successful and economic operation of the plant. In particular, the amount of moisture present in the oil can affect the lubricating fluid’s performance since water can wash out critical anti-oxidative compounds, contribute to lubricant oxidation and subsequent loss of lubricant performance. For years, Karl Fischer (KF) titrations have been used to measure the degree of water in oil, but this analytical method has a number of limitations. Three years ago we replaced our KF method and now use Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis to measure and control the level of water contamination in lubricating fluids. We have found that the FTIR analyser provides accurate data in less time and with less complication than the “gold standard” Karl Fischer titration. click to read more...

A2 Academic Choice Program
For the past 5 decades, infrared spectroscopy has held an important place in universities and colleges as one of the key spectroscopic methods used in both research and teaching. During that period, infrared spectroscopy evolved from large dispersive systems to the smaller, ubiquitous bench top FTIR systems that are used in academia world-wide. In the last decade, FTIR spectroscopy took another important step with the general availability of portable systems that are rugged enough for use out of the laboratory, and in 2008, the Exoscan FTIR system was introduced. This latter system is the first FTIR that can be used as a full performance laboratory bench top system and/or as a hand-held battery powered system for field applications. Users have commented that they see the system as two spectrometers for the cost of one, and highly value the Exoscan’s versatility. click to read more...

Spectroscopy Application Notebook
Exoscan can easily be used in the lab or taken into the field for routine analysis.
Infrared spectroscopy has long been recognized as a selective and sensitive technique for analysis and characterization of surfaces. From material identification to quantitative analysis, infrared analyses can establish is a surface is composed if the correct material, has the proper coating thickness, is free of contaminants, is properly cured.... click to read more...


Spectroscopy Application Notebook
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy using the Exoscan
As has been previously discussed (1), FTIR spectroscopy is emerging as a technique that can be
effectively used for applications and or in locations that before would be considered too demanding.
The development of portable FTIRs, and more recently handheld FTIRs is significant... click to read more


Petro Industry News
New Analyzer Provides Measurement of % Biodiesel (% FAME) in Petrodiesel
from 0.025% to 20% Range
A2 Technologies has developed a new FTIR analyzer and a new sampling methodology which enables
the measurement of % FAME present in diesel fuel in the analytical range from 0.025% to 20%. This new technology is fast, easy-to-use and exceptionally reliable for on-site measurement of % FAME in blended fuels, as well as a highly accurate meter for determining ppm levels of FAME contamination in petrodiesel.
The analyzer can also be configured to measure % FAME in diesel fuel from 1% to 100%, for applications
that require that range....click to read more...