Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy 21 Lubricant, Olive Oil, Motor Oil - Test Viscous liquids with the Specac Pearl


The latest innovation from our Brit-lab engineers at Specac (https://goo.gl/8w5M8L) is The Pearl, a new liquid FTIR transmission analysis essential. The Pearl houses all fluid consistencies, no mess and no fuss. With a pipette or with a syringe, users can introduce a liquid sample and clean up in seconds. Today we’re specifically looking at the testing of viscous liquids such as oils and greases. This brief application note will go through The Pearl’s following processes and benefits: 1. Introduce sample (quickly), 2. Test sample (accurately), 3. Clean Pearl (easily).


We’ve included a sample result for your delectation, after setting out the testing process. Introduction


Final word Find a viscous liquid to sample. Don’t spill it.


Pull out The Pearl’s horizontal sample drawer and open the Oyster Cell’s upper window. With a pipette, introduce a small amount of the sample onto the lower window of the Oyster Cell. You can alternatively inject.


Most people dread setting up and cleaning up, but we’ve reduced those steps to moments.


Here’s a snippet of cooking oil data collected using the Pearl accessory.


Corn Oil in a 50 microns pathlength wedged ZnSe Oyster Cell.


Olive Oil in a 50 microns pathlength wedged ZnSe Oyster Cell.


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When you close the Oyster Cell, the liquid cavity is sealed between the top and bottom windows.


Close and check through the top window for any bubbles or other visible sample imperfections. If you’re happy, close the sliding drawer and prepare to test. Done.


Testing


Changing the Pearl’s Oyster Cell window combination allows you to choose an optimum pathlength and decide whether you’d like the two windows parallel to each other or at a wedged angle (the latter tackling fringing patterns in spectra).


In this example, we tested cooking oils using an IR spectrometer to collect data. 16 scans were obtained at 4m-1 resolution, using the DTGS detector for all samples run.


We fitted the appropriate 50 micron or 100 micron pathlength wedged Oyster Cell, then tested the empty Oyster Cell to collect a reference background spectrum. We changed the lower Oyster Cell window twice to adjust pathlength. Window assembly P/N GS33221 for 50 micron, P/N GS33222 for 100 micron.


Cleaning


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To clean, open the sliding tray, then open the Oyster Cell and wipe the windows clean. Use a soft lens cleaning-type tissue, moistened with a suitable solvent if needed. Then wipe with a dry lens cleaning-type tissue. Now you’re ready for your next sample.


If only all cleaning was this easy. Get in touch for more info.


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