FT-NIR Spectrometers From Bruker

Choosing the best possible sampling method is crucial when solving a specific analysis task. Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) is an ideal technique for both on-line and laboratory analysis. It offers several advantages over traditional methods, including the ability to make measurements remotely over fiber optics, rapid results and multiplexing capability. 

NIR spectroscopy has largely replaced several wet chemical analysis methods. With the fiber optics and the integrating sphere sampling techniques, NIR spectroscopy does not require any sampling preparation. It is a fast and precise tool for the non-destructive analysis of liquids, solids and paste-like materials, saving costs by reducing time and reagent use. 

Quantum Analytics is proud to be a distribution partner for Bruker Corporation, and their line of FT-NIR Spectrometers. Quantum Analytics clients have the option of purchasing or financing a Bruker TANGO, MPA II, or MATRIX-F FT-NIR Spectrometer.

Bruker TANGO FT-NIR Spectrometer for routine lab applications 

Faster, simpler, more secure. With the Bruker TANGO FT-NIR Spectrometer, your NIR analysis speeds up. TANGO has exactly what users require of an FT-NIR spectrometer suitable for industrial use: robustness, high precision and straightforward operator guidance. The proven FT-NIR technology by Bruker was combined with an easy-to-use touch screen operation and a small footprint, perfect for those laboratories with limited space. 

Forget tedious training courses or specialized knowledge. TANGO makes it simple for you: with its intuitive user interface it guides the operators quickly and securely through the workflow. Untrained staff can also operate the spectrometer securely and error-free. Plus, the user interface is available in 17 languages.

When it comes to sample handling, TANGO saves time and prevents operating errors. No sample preparation is necessary, no chemicals, no additional reagents. The sample is simply filled into the measuring cup or vial with the measurement being done through glass.

Contributing to the high precision of FT-NIR spectrometers is the exact alignment with the background. But TANGO goes one step further: if required, the background measurements are performed automatically without user intervention. This alignment can even take place if a sample is located in the sampling position. The perfect prerequisite for optimal and secure measurements at any time – without (human) errors.

Nowadays, with laboratory space being at a premium, it is difficult to locate a new analyzer in the lab. This isn’t an issue with TANGO due to its small footprint and ability to be positioned in any orientation – it can be operated from all three sides. The monitor swivels in all directions and can even be tilted in various positions to enable an optimum view. Alternatively, it can be placed flat on top of the spectrometer for a perfect viewing from above.

TANGO demonstrates how easy NIR analysis can be, not just during measurements. The housing and touch-screen monitor are rugged and easy to clean – ideal for lab and at-line environments. The exchange of the light source, if required, can be done in a few seconds. Also the desiccant cartridge, which keeps the inside low on humidity can be changed easily.

TANGO for measuring liquids comes equipped with an active sample heater/ cooler as standard. The temperature of the sample can be selected between +20°C and +80°C. A sensor is permanently checking the temperature of the sample vial. This allows for a fast temperature control of the sample and therefore quick and reliable results.

TANGO for measuring solids contains a gold coated integrating sphere for analysis by diffuse reflection. This sphere ensures highly reproducible measurements of inhomogeneous samples. The diameter of the measurement spot is around 10 mm; the measured sample surface can be enlarged by using sample rotators.

TANGO delivers reliable results wherever highest demands are made on raw materials as well as intermediate and finished products and a rapid measurement at low cost must be ensured. The most important applications are:

• Testing of incoming raw materials
• Process-accompanying analytics
• Final product inspection
• Release analytics

TANGO offers an efficient and cost-effective analysis for material identification and quantification in a wide variety of application fields. The comprehensive application support of the Bruker specialists helps to select the optimal measuring method as well as appropriate accessories and software solutions. Typical applications include:

• Food and beverage industry
• Feed manufacturing
• Pharma and biotechnology
• Chemical and petrochemical industry
• Polymer industry

Bruker MPA II FT-NIR Spectrometer for lab and method development 

The Bruker MPA II Multi-Purpose Analyzer FT-NIR spectrometer is designed to meet the demands of today and tomorrow’s quality control. It combines outstanding flexibility and high performance with an easy-to-operate interface. The MPA II offers everything you need for the analysis of liquids, semi-solids, solids, powders and tablets. 

Choosing the best possible sampling method is crucial when solving a specific analysis task. With the MPA II, you have a complete solution at hand for your daily QA/ QC work, but also for sophisticated method development studies. Initially it is often not obvious which sampling method is the best. With the MPA II, simply try out several methods choose the best option for you.

• Liquid samples can be measured in the sample compartment using disposable vials or cuvettes, but also directly in their container using fiberoptic probes.
• Compare the composition of pharmaceutical or chemical substances in bulk form with the fiber optic probes or fill them in vials and use the integrating sphere.
• Test your food products, solid or semi-solid, with the integrating sphere.
• Analyze the manufactured tablets using the external transmission unit and sample wheel.

The possibilities are endless, and due to the modular design of the MPA II, the instrument can easily be adapted to your needs. The robustness of the instrument allows it to be used in the laboratory and factory floor. It can even be placed on a utility cart for mobile applications.

The MPA II incorporates state-of-the-art optical parts for outstanding performance and stability:

• Long-life light source for enhanced robustness and reduced maintenance costs.
• Durable solid state laser for highest wavenumber accuracy.
• Permanently aligned RockSolid™ interferometer, equipped with gold-coated cube-corner mirrors for consistent high quality results, less downtime and highest stability.
• High-sensitivity InGaAs detectors with linear response over the complete wavenumber range for highest accuracy and reproducibility.

All optical components installed in the MPA II are permanently monitored by the online diagnostic system, which makes sure that your spectrometer operates correctly. Whenever a component is out of specification, the user is notified immediately.

MPA II spectrometers are designed to be easily maintained by the user, thereby decreasing downtime and maintenance costs. Consumable items such as the laser and the light source are designed for a long life, but if they need to be replaced, the system automatically informs the user of the failure and offers online help for the replacement procedure. The consumables are pre-aligned and can be easily and quickly changed. Moreover, the Ethernet access to the MPA II allows remote control and diagnostics of the spectrometer via your intranet or the internet.

Bruker MATRIX-F for online or in-process analysis

The award-winning Bruker MATRIX-F FT-NIR spectrometer allows for direct measurement in process reactors and pipelines, leading to a better understanding and control of the process. Its innovative design provides consistent high-quality results, less downtime and direct method transfer. 

Today many manufacturers are striving not only to produce the highest quality final product but also to improve manufacturing efficiency by shifting the final quality analysis from the laboratory to the production plants.

By gaining tighter control over the manufacturing process, it is possible to optimize the use of materials and reduce or eliminate the production of off specification batches, thus saving reprocessing or disposal costs. The key advantages of using the MATRIX-F FT-NIR spectrometers online are:

• Accurate in-line results in seconds
• Non-destructive, multi-component analysis
• Optional built-in 6-port multiplexer
• Direct method transfer
• Rugged, low maintenance design
• Available for Ex hazardous areas
• Ethernet connectivity and industry standard communication protocols

The MATRIX-F is the only FT-NIR spectrometer which can measure material in contact as well as contactless with just one instrument. Different measurement accessories are available:

• Fiber Optic Probes: Classic diffuse reflectance, transflectance or transmission immersion probes with various path lengths can be adapted as well as process flow cells or pilot plant assemblies. Various probe materials are available, like stainless steel, Hastelloy or ceramics. Moreover, the probe can be customized to different lengths and flange geometries.
• Sensor Heads for Contactless Measurements: The fiber optic NIR illumination and detection head contains tungsten sources which illuminate the sample. The scattered light is collected and guided via a fiber optic cable to the spectrometer. This way, a contactless measurement can be performed remotely, opening a whole array of new applications.

The standard version of the MATRIX-F can adapt a variety of different fiber optic probes and is widely used for the online process monitoring inside reactors, pipes or bypasses. It offers fiber optic connections for the adaption of up to six flow cells or probes for the measurement of liquids and solids in contact.

For contactless measurements, Bruker designed the MATRIX-F emission. It utilizes the fiber-coupled sensor head for measuring solid samples e.g. over a conveyor belt or through a viewing glass inside a process.

The MATRIX-F duplex is a combination of the MATRIX-F and the MATRIX-F emission. Equipped with a second detector the light path can be switched between an internal or external NIR source and therefore offering the customer full flexibility. With these two options the MATRIX-F duplex is the only NIR spectrometer on the market offering the possibility to measure in contact and contactless with only one device.