NIR in general

Light absorption by a sample, as a function of wavelength, is the basis of absorption spectroscopy. The analysis can take place in many spectral ranges, e.g., from the ultraviolet to the infrared . In the Near Infrared (NIR) region, absorption corresponds to vibrational transitions in the bonds between hydrogen atoms and the rest of the molecule. The exact wavelength at which these bonds will absorb light depends on the molecule’s structure. Thus different molecules, such as aromatics, aliphatics and olefins, have different absorption spectra. NIR methods essentially measure the sample’s chemical makeup.

Physical properties such as distillation point, vapor pressure or cloud point and performance properties such as octane number, are functions of the sample’s chemical makeup. The same technology can thus be calibrated to determine many parameters of interest to the petroleum and petrochemical industries.

A number of years ago, the founders of PetroMetriX identified the potential of utilizing this technology for the use of the Hydrocarbon Processing Industry (HPI). Since then, PetroMetriX has been dedicated to developing the ultimate analysis system : a single, high performance system, which can replace an entire group of conventional analyzers scattered all over the plant.

The technological breakthrough was finally realized when PetroMetriX engineers succeeded in developing a system which combines telecommunication fiber optic technology with spectroscopy. The PetroMetriX system, called the Beacon 3000, represents a new generation of process analyzers which are extremely reliable, maintenance free, and most important - very easy to justify economically.