We are aware that acquiring a lab instrument is an important decision, furthermore if Polyolefins’ research is related with your core business.

Although you can ask directly to our consultants whenever you want, you may prefer to know first the answers to the most typical questions about our instruments. Here are packed the most relevant questions about IR4.

Is IR4 a detector or a spectrometer?
IR4 is a dual wavelength stand-alone infrared detector, which uses the principle of infrared absorption spectroscopy to measure the concentration and composition in polyolefins. Thus, sensors inside are specifically designed in fixed wavelengths showed as the most appropriate ones for polyolefin analysis.

Which solvents can be used?
Any solvent which is transparent in the band of interest and compatible with the detector cell materials: stainless steel, sapphire, and Teflon, etc.

Which are the most important applications?
Concentration and composition measurement in liquid chromatography separation techniques like GPC, TREF, CRYSTAF or HPLC.

Does it require manufacturer’s installation?
No, it doesn’t. Installation can be performed by the user as it just involves connecting the spectroscopic module to the GPC columns exit lines. The IR4 detector is delivered together with an installation and start-up guide to help on the different steps.

How can the signals be acquired?
Signals can be easily acquired through a serial port connected to a computer and by using Polymer Char’s Control and Acquisition Software for IR4.

Analog outputs are provided too, thus an external acquisition system could be used too.

Which additional sensors are available as standard?
Methyls and carbonyls measurement sensors are offered as standard options. For other applications, please consult Polymer Char.

Which are the differences between IR4 and IR5 MCT?
IR4 is the optoelectronic standard detector for most applications. It can fit up to four sensing elements, although to improve sensitivity it is normally provided with two measuring elements. The IR4 is a very robust detector for concentration measurement in GPC, TREF, CRYSTAF, etc. It also provides the possibility of measuring composition (methyls per 1000 carbons or level carbonyls, acetate, acrylate…) in copolymers.

The IR5 MCT is the most sensitive detector by using a specially designed MCT thermoelectrically cooled sensing element. It can incorporate up to 5 wavelengths measurement and it provides a superior stability and sensitivity in the GPC analysis of Polyolefins. It is being used in most demanding applications such as the analysis of very low levels of branching (methyls) in HDPE pipe resins.

How can the composition calculations be performed?
Basic composition calculations software module is provided together with the detector. A set of composition standards is needed for composition calibration of the detector.