Agilent 4500 Series FTIR spectrometers (Data Sheet)

Significance of the Topic

The ability to perform high-quality mid-infrared spectroscopic analysis outside traditional laboratories addresses critical needs in on-site quality control, rapid decision making, and regulatory compliance across industries such as food, petrochemicals, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceuticals.

Objectives and Article Overview

This document describes the design, capabilities, and field performance of the Agilent 4500 Series portable FTIR spectrometers. It outlines the sampling interfaces, performance specifications, and typical applications for both liquid and solid sample analysis.

Methodology

Analysis is based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the mid-IR region (4000–650 cm⁻¹). Key methodological features:

• Rugged, weather-resistant housing for outdoor operation.
• Shock-dampened interferometer enabling accurate measurements in challenging environments.
• Push-button, method-driven software workflow for rapid data acquisition and analysis.
• No sample preparation required; typical measurement cycle under 2 minutes.

Used Instrumentation

The 4500 Series FTIR platform includes:

• FTIR spectrometer with internal, field-proven interferometer.
• Three sampling interfaces: TumblIR and DialPath for liquids, diamond ATR for solids, pastes, and gels.
• Portable controller via USB or Bluetooth to laptop or rugged tablet running Agilent MicroLab PC.
• Internal 4-hour battery plus AC power options.
• Operating range: 0–50 °C; spectral resolution selectable between 4–32 cm⁻¹.

Main Results and Discussion

The 4500 Series delivers:

• Reproducible pathlength control (30–1000 μm) for precise quantification of minor components in liquids.
• Uniform contact in ATR mode for reliable analysis of powders, pastes, and gels.
• Rapid, on-site identification of contaminants and verification of material composition.
• High accuracy comparable to benchtop systems, with the convenience of field deployment.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages:

• Reduced downtime and shipping costs by analyzing samples on location.
• Enhanced product quality monitoring for incoming raw materials and final products.
• Regulatory compliance support through immediate contaminant detection.
• Versatile application portfolio including polymers, oils, acids, foodstuffs, soils, and fuels.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging developments may include:

• Integration with cloud-based data management and AI-driven spectral interpretation.
• Further miniaturization and extended battery life for prolonged field campaigns.
• Expanded libraries and chemometric methods for specialized regulatory or consumer safety testing.
• Enhanced ruggedization to support extreme environmental conditions.

Conclusion

The Agilent 4500 Series FTIR spectrometers combine portability, rugged design, and rapid, high-quality mid-IR analysis. Their ease of use and minimal sample preparation enable efficient on-site decision making and broad application across industries requiring reliable, field-based chemical analysis.

References

Agilent Technologies. Agilent 4500 Series FTIR Spectrometers Data Sheet; 2018; Document Number 5990-8095EN.