14 Through-container analysis with Raman spectroscopy
Raman spectroscopy is widely used for rapid, nondestructive identifi cation in scientifi c, medical, and law enforcement settings. Traditionally, it is used to sample materials directly or through transparent/translucent barriers, which limits its practicality in the fi eld. A new and unique advancement - Raman identifi cation through opaque packaging - overcomes this limitation. Through-package analysis permits easier, safer, and faster material identifi cation and avoids contact with unknown substances for warehouse inspections, fi rst responders, and customs agents.
From content ID of a suspicious bag during a traffi c stop to analysis of homemade incendiary devices, every second counts and nothing can be left to chance. The TacticID-1064 ST from Metrohm also benefi ts manufacturers who perform raw material verifi cation. Operators can test container contents without exposure and get results in seconds. This streamlines QC and supports 100% testing of incoming goods. It also enables 90% of testing to happen at the point of receipt and avoids delays in production due to laboratory wait times.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/MwQ2 65573pr@reply-direct.com
Tailored SWIR lens supports high-accuracy plastics sorting
Manufacturers of plastic sorting and inspection systems are increasingly turning to application-optimised SWIR (Short Wavelength Infrared) lenses to improve the effi ciency and accuracy of recycled plastics recovery.
SWIR spectroscopy enables rapid identifi cation of plastic types such as LDPE, HDPE, polypropylene, PTFE, polystyrene, and PVC - critical for automated sorting in automotive, electronic and household waste streams. However, not all lenses are suited to the high-resolution InGaAs detectors used in these systems.
Rob Watkinson, Sales Manager at Resolve Optics, explained: “Many so-called SWIR lenses are simply visible-range optics with a SWIR-specifi c AR coating. These don’t account for how glass behaves in the SWIR region, leading to compromised image quality - especially when paired with high- resolution sensors.
“While off-the-shelf lenses may seem cost-effective, they often result in lower performance, reduced resolution, and bulkier designs. These trade- offs can ultimately limit the effectiveness and appeal of recycled plastics sorting systems. That’s why demand for our instrument-optimised Model 363 SWIR lens has grown signifi cantly in this sector.”
Resolve Optics’ 16 mm focal length Model 363 is specifi cally engineered for SWIR imaging, using selected glass types and coatings to deliver maximum transmission, colour correction, and image clarity across the SWIR spectrum. The lens offers an f/1.6 aperture and less than 2% geometric distortion, producing a sharp 12.8 mm diameter image ideal for modern sorting applications.
With over 20 years of experience in optical design for inspection and sorting systems, Resolve Optics continues to support innovation in the recycling industry with custom and off-the-shelf lens solutions. More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/B2nR
65233pr@reply-direct.com Mercury and hydride element determination in seawater
Costal and seawater matrices are considered some of the most diffi cult sample types to analyse because of the often-ultra-trace concentrations of target analytes, as well as the high total dissolved solids (TDS) that are present.
A normal analytical approach for trace metal determinations is to employ ICP-MS. However, high total dissolved solids can lead to salt precipitation within the nebuliser, torch and cones with associated operational problems. This is usually addressed by diluting the sample, but this has the undesired consequence of diluting the already ultra-trace concentration of Hg, As and Se making accurate and precise analysis very diffi cult. Additionally, elevated concentrations of sodium, magnesium and chloride, form polyatomic spectral interferences making the determination of elements, such as As and Se, more complicated (often addressed by employing a collision gas cell to try and overcome these interferences).
The employment of PS Analytical instruments, the Millennium Merlin 1631 (for Hg) and the Millennium Excalibur (for As and Se) for seawater analysis are useful as these systems are a) not subject the polyatomic spectral issues and b) can tolerate high TDS without the need for excessive dilution.
These systems offer excellent sensitivity (in the ppt range), wide linear working ranges, ease of use and rapid return on investment. The analysers also allow the determination of these analysts in other environmental matrices; such as drinking water, wastewater, soils, sediments and sludges.
With literally thousands of systems in the fi eld today, and support networks in Europe, USA and SE Asia, PSA offers the ideal package of performance, reliability and support.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/8oYR 65609pr@reply-direct.com
Real-time electrochemical analysis platform
Hiden Analytical has unveiled the ECL Series, a suite of advanced electrochemical accessories designed to transform the HPR-40 DEMS into a fully integrated, turnkey system for real-time gas and volatile species analysis.
Engineered to deliver unparalleled fl exibility and precision, the ECL Series empowers researchers to probe electrochemical reactions with unmatched clarity, whether investigating CO₂ reduction, hydrogen evolution, fuel cell performance, or catalyst behaviour.
Each accessory in the series offers specialised capabilities, from fully confi gurable electrochemical cells to direct electrode-to-mass-spectrometer connections and immersible probes for dissolved gas analysis, enabling scientists to observe and quantify reaction products as they form. By combining ease of integration with cutting-edge analytical performance, the ECL Series brings deeper insight and faster optimisation to both fundamental studies and applied energy research, helping researchers unlock new possibilities in electrochemistry with real-time, actionable data.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/vlpV 66045pr@reply-direct.com
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INTERNATIONAL LABMATE - NOVEMBER 2025
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