DRAMIŃSKI - Nir analysis

IR is one of numerous spectrometric techniques for analyzing the chemistry of materials. In all cases, spectrometric analysis implies a measurement of a very specific wavelength of light energy, either in terms of amount absorbed by the sample in question, or the amount emitted from the sample when suitably energized.

IR is an absorption form of spectrometric analysis. Unlike atomic absorption, IR is not concerned with specific elements ( such as Lead, Copper, etc.) but, rather, with the groupings of atoms in specific combinations to form what are called “functional groups”. These various functional groups help to determine a materials properties or expected behavior.

By knowing which wavelengths are absorbed by each functional group of interest one can cause the appropriate wavelength to be directed at the sample being analyzed, then measure the amount of energy absorbed by the sample. The more energy absorbed the more of that particular functional exists in the sample. Results can therefore be numerically quantified. The units of measurement are usually expressed as Absorbance Units .

nfrared analysis has been employed as an analytical technique for many years, with respect to monitoring used lubes, but its application was heretofore highly limited by :

1. A need for a reference sample (usually a new sample of lube being analyzed).
2. Opacity of the sample.
3. A) Lack of sufficiently sophisticated instrumentation.
B) Corresponding costs to obtain trustworthy data.

The above objections could be partially overcome where the analyzing facility limited its scope to only a few products or base materials, such as an individual lube formulator analyzing only his own products.

The technology, however, is now available to transcend the limitations above, and is offered as a routine service.