Smallest footprint meets exceptional ease of use and functionality

Published: 26-Oct-2017

Shimadzu has announced the release of its IRSpirit series of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometers

The two compact-sized models, the IRSpirit-T and IRSpirit-L simplify analysis and can accommodate various analytical needs. The IRSpirit series is primarily marketed to pharmaceutical, chemical, food industries and academic institutions.

Both machines have a compact footprint smaller than an A3 size sheet of paper, and both provide a wide sample compartment that accommodates existing accessories from Shimadzu and third parties. This capability makes them the smallest and lightest FTIR spectrophotometers in the world that can be used with optional products from other manufacturers.

The IRSpirit series also includes the dedicated IRPilot programme with 23 application-specific workflows that can be utilised without involving any complicated parameter setup process. The IRSpirit-T model offers sensitivity equivalent to standard Shimadzu models. Both machines offer advantages for small laboratories, with high expandability and ease of use.

the development process involved both hardware and software updates. From a hardware perspective, the new systems provide the same sample compartment width as Shimadzu’s higher-end models despite being only one third of their size. For software, a new programme allows operators with minimal analytical experience to acquire high-quality data.

Even though the IRSpirit series instruments are small, the systems are as fully controlled as higher-end versions. Status monitoring is also available as well as the diagnostic function. The IRSpirit series have an automatic accessory recognition which is able to assist users during the parameter selection needed for a specific accessory.

IRSpirit-T and IRSpirit-L models’ features

FTIR systems detect infrared light that is transmitted through or reflected from the sample, and then determine the wavelength components in that light by a Fourier transformation process. They are used for applications such as identifying or quantifying substances contained in samples or predicting their chemical structure.

The new IRSpirit-T and IRSpirit-L models provide the following features:

  • Compact, yet highly expandable
  • The installation footprint is 390 mm wide and 250 mm deep and the main unit weighs 8.5 kg. Despite their compact size, they have a large sample compartment that can accommodate existing Shimadzu or third-party accessories, making them the world's smallest (footprint) and lightest FTIR systems capable of using optional products from other manufacturers. Furthermore, the design allows the system to be placed vertically in narrow spaces, with the main unit rotated 90 degrees, so that the 250 mm wide side surface is oriented towards the front.

  • Specialised IRPilot Programme assists with 23 application-specific workflows
  • The IRPilot programme allows users to quickly start 23 different analysis workflows for such applications as identification tests, contaminant analysis, quantitative analysis, and film thickness calculations. The programme can be executed by simply selecting the purpose and techniques for analysis, which enables inexperienced FTIR operators to easily start analysis. The programme also includes functionality for registering previously performed analyses, which simplifies the process for frequently performed analyses.

  • System configurations can be optimised for the specific purpose and environment of use
  • The window plate can be replaced with a specialised window plate that protects the optics from high temperatures and humidity. Installing Shimadzu's unique contaminant library or thermally degraded plastics library allows the system to be used for contaminant analysis. Furthermore, the system is controlled via Shimadzu's LabSolutions analysis data management system. This allows integrated management of data with analytical instruments from other manufacturers by connecting them via a network.

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