Optical Analysis

Optical Analysis

Optical analysis covers laboratory and process-based measurement systems that use light–matter interaction to identify and quantify chemical composition and related properties across solids, liquids, slurries, particles, and gases. Endress+Hauser’s optical analysis categories include TDLAS and quenched fluorescence analyzers, Raman spectroscopic systems, emission monitoring solutions, particle measuring devices, digital analyzer solutions, process gas analyzers, air quality measuring devices, smoke detectors, visual range measuring devices, and overheight detectors.

The value proposition centers on transparency and speed. Optical analysis can deliver real-time or near-real-time measurement—often in seconds or minutes—supporting faster control actions and reduced downtime. Inline approaches enable non-invasive, hands-free measurement without sample preparation or handling, improving safety and reducing contamination risk. These systems also support targeted emissions reduction by enabling reliable monitoring of gas concentrations for compliance and optimization.

A broad optical toolkit exists because different measurements demand different physics. Key extractive and in-situ technologies cited include tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), quenched fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, NIR, IR, UV/Vis, and atomic absorption—covering atomic and molecular analysis needs for laboratory work, process measurement, and emissions monitoring. Method choice is governed by required specificity, response time, installation constraints, and whether measurement is better performed in-situ, extractively, or in a controlled analytical environment.

Applications span process gas quality and impurity monitoring, composition tracking in chemical and life-science manufacturing, and real-time verification of critical process steps where lab lag is unacceptable. Emission monitoring and air-quality measurement support environmental reporting and permit compliance, while particle and visibility measurement addresses dust and particulate management in industrial environments. Digital analyzer solutions and associated data handling extend optical measurement into structured reporting and operational workflows.

Effective optical analysis deployment includes maintainable installation, diagnostics, and data integration—not only analyzer selection. The goal is high availability through systems designed to be easy to operate and maintain, coupled with measurement outputs that can be used directly for decision-making. When paired with control and reporting systems, optical measurements can reduce variability, tighten specification control, and support compliance evidence with higher confidence and lower manual effort.

Forberg Smith, an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.