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Agilent 5500 Series
FTIR
Operation Manual

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Summary of Contents for Agilent Technologies 5500t

  • Page 1 Agilent 5500 Series FTIR Operation Manual...
  • Page 2: Safety Notices

    Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to The material contained in this Agilent Technologies’ standard © Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2008– document is provided “as is,” and is commercial license terms, and non- 2013 subject to being changed, without DOD Departments and Agencies of the notice, in future editions.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Logging on to MicroLab PC for the first time Performance verification Diagnostic values Performance validation 3. Analyzing Samples Lube samples with the Agilent 5500t FTIR Cleaning the TumblIR accessory Collecting a background spectrum Measuring a sample Agilent 5500t FTIR with a TumblIR...
  • Page 4 Contents Measuring a liquid sample Agilent 5500a FTIR with an ATR Cleaning the accessory Collecting a background spectrum Collecting a sample spectrum Agilent 5500 DialPath FTIR Cleaning the DialPath accessory Collecting a background spectrum Measuring a liquid sample 4. Spare Parts 5.
  • Page 5: Introduction

    11.4 centimeters (8.0 x 8.0 x 4.5 in) high and it is very lightweight (3.6 kg; 8 lb). Although the hardware platforms are in many ways the same, the Agilent 5500t FTIR system is designed specifically for onsite oil analysis, and the Agilent 5500a FTIR system is designed for sample analysis in challenging, multi-user environments.
  • Page 6 The optimal use of the various configurations of the 5500 FTIR system are: Agilent 5500t FTIR TumblIR System: For the rapid chemical  analysis of liquids under ambient conditions.
  • Page 7 Introduction The 5500t FTIR system is a TumblIR liquid cell accessory-based instrument specifically designed for onsite oil analysis. This system is an ideal tool for oil analysis of diesel generators, wind farms, off- shore applications or marine applications. Both systems are equipped with a software user interface that is intuitive, simple to use and requires no specialized technical training.
  • Page 8 Introduction This page is intentionally left blank. Agilent 5500 Series FTIR Operation Manual...
  • Page 9: Getting Started

    Getting Started 2. Getting Started Unpacking Connecting power Connecting the computer Turning on the instrument Starting the software Performance verification Unpacking To unpack your spectrometer system: After receiving the Agilent 5500 Series FTIR delivery, do not immediately open the shipping container. Instead, place the shipment in a room-temperature environment and allow several hours for the contents of the container to reach the room ambient temperature.
  • Page 10: Agilent 5500T Ftir Packing List

    The instrument must be kept away from hot surfaces and any sources of electromagnetic interference. Agilent 5500t FTIR packing list One Agilent 5500t FTIR mid-IR spectrometer system, including  TumblIR sampling accessory One Agilent 5500 Series FTIR Operation Manual ...
  • Page 11: Connecting Power

    Getting Started Options Although the spectrometer system comes standard as shown above, there are a number of options available, including: Laptop computer  Single-bounce ATR (includes sample press)  Multi-bounce or 9 bounce ATR  Extra cords  To convert your 5500a FTIR system to a different accessory, contact Agilent.
  • Page 12 Getting Started The appropriate power supply cabling will be provided with the system. Connect the opposite end of the power cable to the AC power outlet. To prevent any power startup damage or problems, connect the power cord to CAUTION the spectrometer system first and then to the power outlet.
  • Page 13: Power Cord Selection

    Getting Started Power cord selection The following power cords can be used: Figure 2. Suitable power cords Agilent 5500 Series FTIR Operation Manual...
  • Page 14: Connecting The Computer

    Connect the opposite end of the USB cable to the computer that will run MicroLab PC software. The 5500t FTIR must be directly connected to the computer USB slot and NOT NOTE through a USB hub or adapter.
  • Page 15: Turning On The Instrument

    Getting Started Turning on the instrument Press the green power button located on the front of the 5500 Series FTIR system and hold for two seconds. The LED light will illuminate green when the system is activated. Press the power button to turn off the 5500 Series FTIR system — the light will turn red.
  • Page 16: Starting The Software

    Getting Started Starting the software To start the software: Ensure that the system is active, then double-click the MicroLab PC icon. The system must have a warmup period of 5 minutes, before analysis may begin. Logging on to MicroLab PC for the first time The 5500 Series FTIR systems are supplied with the Agilent MicroLab PC software, which has already been installed on your external laptop computer.
  • Page 17: Performance Verification

    Getting Started Performance verification The 5500 Series FTIR spectrometer systems have been thoroughly tested at the factory, so no alignment steps are required. However, it is recommended to run the performance test initially to ensure the instrument is running properly. To run and interpret the performance test, refer to the MicroLab Software Operation Manual.
  • Page 18: Diagnostic Values

    Getting Started Each industry has different requirements for instrument verification. In general, the diagnostic values should be checked on a daily or weekly basis. The instrument will not collect data if the diagnostic values are grossly out of specification, but it is good practice to verify that the instrument is working properly.
  • Page 19 Getting Started Table 2. Diagnostic values Value Optimal (green) Marginal (yellow) Critical (red) Comment Energy 26,000–21,000 >30,000or > 31,000 or Indicates the overall (centerburst) < 15,000 < 10,000 alignment and proper gain adjustment for the system. Battery life AC or 30–5 min <5 min >30 min...
  • Page 20: Performance Validation

    Getting Started Performance validation The MicroLab PC software has three tests appropriate for performance validation of the instrument. All of these tests can be accessed from the Advanced Features, System Check page of the MicroLab PC software. The 5500 Series FTIR system should be warmed up for at least 30 minutes before conducting any of these tests.
  • Page 21 Getting Started Laser Frequency Calibration test The Laser Frequency Calibration test measures the frequency (X- axis) accuracy. The test is conducted by measuring a spectrum of a polystyrene film. Absorbance frequencies from this spectrum are compared to frequencies set by NIST SRM 1921 polystyrene film. The software allows administrative-level users to use the test results to set the laser calibration.
  • Page 22 Getting Started This page is intentionally left blank. Agilent 5500 Series FTIR Operation Manual...
  • Page 23: Analyzing Samples

    Agilent 5500 DialPath FTIR Lube samples with the Agilent 5500t FTIR The Agilent 5500t FTIR instrument is provided with a dedicated oil and lubrication sampling interface called the TumblIR. The TumblIR is a proprietary liquid transmission sampling accessory designed and manufactured exclusively by Agilent to optimize the analysis of lubrication samples.
  • Page 24 Figure 4. TumblIR with accessory window facing up In the sample analysis mode, the TumblIR is rotated such that the accessory optical window is facing down towards the 5500t FTIR sample mounting area. In this position, infrared (IR) energy passes through the sample making measurement possible.
  • Page 25: Cleaning The Tumblir Accessory

    100 micrometers, an optimal pathlength for mid-IR analysis of lubrication samples. The alignment of the accessory is pre-set at the factory and so there is no adjustment required. The steps involved with analyzing a lube sample with the 5500t FTIR are: Clean the sample windows.
  • Page 26: Collecting A Background Spectrum

    Analyzing Samples Do not break the spectrometer seal and attempt to clean interior surfaces. CAUTION Breaking the seal will void the warranty. Collecting a background spectrum To ensure accuracy of the measurement, it is recommended that the system is configured in the software to collect a background spectrum before every sample is analyzed.
  • Page 27 Analyzing Samples Figure 6. Applying a sample to the bottom window on the TumblIR In the case of a volatile sample, such as with fuels analysis, larger amounts of sample can be applied without concern of leakage or damage to the instrument; however, using the smallest amount of sample possible will ease in the cleaning process.
  • Page 28: Agilent 5500T Ftir With A Tumblir

    MicroLab PC software, refer to the MicroLab Software Operation Manual. Agilent 5500t FTIR with a TumblIR The Agilent 5500t FTIR instrument can be provided with a dedicated sampling interface called the TumblIR accessory. The TumblIR is a proprietary liquid transmission sampling accessory designed and manufactured exclusively by Agilent to optimize the analysis of many liquid, paste or gel samples.
  • Page 29: Cleaning The Accessory

    The alignment of the accessory is pre-set at the factory and so there is no adjustment required. The steps involved with analyzing a sample on the 5500t FTIR system with a TumblIR are: Clean the sample windows.
  • Page 30: Collecting A Background Spectrum

    Analyzing Samples ZnSe is relatively chemically-resistant to materials with a pH range between 4 CAUTION and 9, but there are some materials, such as strong acids or heavily basic materials, that can harm ZnSe. Avoid having materials in contact with the ZnSe window that are outside of this recommended pH range.
  • Page 31: Measuring A Liquid Sample

    Analyzing Samples Measuring a liquid sample To apply a liquid sample to the system: Open the sampling device (TumblIR) by rotating the arm counterclockwise (see Figure 4). The bottom window should be visible at this point. Place a small amount of material on the bottom window located on the TumblIR base plate.
  • Page 32 Analyzing Samples Optimum transmission pathlength is one important consideration when using the TumblIR for a range of liquid sample types. Because the TumblIR pathlength is pre-aligned and fixed at 100 microns, some sample types may not give optimum results, such as high IR absorbing materials.
  • Page 33: Agilent 5500A Ftir With An Atr

    Analyzing Samples Agilent 5500a FTIR with an ATR The Agilent 5500a FTIR instrument can be provided with a dedicated sampling interface called the Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) accessory. The ATR takes advantage of the physical properties of light when encountering two materials with differences in index of refraction.
  • Page 34 Analyzing Samples The triple reflection ATR is most suitable for liquid samples with lower IR absorption properties. The triple reflection ATR has a 2 mm diameter sampling surface with 200 μm active area and provides approximately 6 micron effective penetration depth for IR energy at 1700 cm .
  • Page 35 Analyzing Samples Sample press Sample press tip Diamond ATR crystal Figure 7. Sample press in highest position providing easy access for sample loading and cleaning In the sample analysis mode, the ATR sample press is lowered such that the sample press tip is in contact with the sample. In this position, contact is made between the sample and the IR energy emitting from the diamond ATR window (see Figure 8).
  • Page 36: Cleaning The Accessory

    Analyzing Samples When in the sample analysis mode, the ATR sample pathlength is fixed based on the number of reflections in the ATR. The alignment of the accessory is also pre-set at the factory and so there is no optical or mechanical adjustment required. The steps involved with analyzing a sample with the 5500a FTIR and an ATR are: Clean the ATR sample mounting window.
  • Page 37: Collecting A Sample Spectrum

    Analyzing Samples For detailed software instructions for collecting a background, refer to the MicroLab Software Operation Manual. To ensure an accurate background spectrum is collected, perform a visual CAUTION inspection of the diamond ATR sample mounting surface, looking for any haze or film present on the diamond from measuring the previous sample.
  • Page 38 Analyzing Samples Ensure that the sample covers the entire surface area of the diamond crystal. In the case of a volatile sample, larger amounts of sample can be applied without concern of leakage or damage to the instrument. However, using the smallest amount of sample possible will ease in the cleaning process.
  • Page 39: Agilent 5500 Dialpath Ftir

    Analyzing Samples If the sample is a powder or solid, the sample press must be in contact with the sample. To make contact, pull the sample press arm forward until it reaches the detent (snap-in) position. The spring- loaded sample press tip is set to apply 15 pounds of force assuming a 0.03 inch sample thickness.
  • Page 40 Analyzing Samples In the sample loading and cleaning mode, the DialPath is rotated so the accessory window is facing up (see Figure 10). It is in this position that the sample mounting area can be easily accessed for loading the sample into place and cleaning the sampling surfaces before the next sample is analyzed.
  • Page 41: Cleaning The Dialpath Accessory

    Analyzing Samples Figure 11. Rotating the DialPath so that the accessory optical window is facing down When in sample analysis mode, the DialPath pathlength is set to a predetermined factory-set value in microns. The alignment of the accessory is pre-set at the factory and so there is no adjustment required.
  • Page 42 Analyzing Samples Only use soft cotton cloth, such as that found on cotton swabs, or a suitable NOTE substitute to clean the optical sensor and sampling area. The windows are made of an IR-transmitting material called zinc selenide (ZnSe). CAUTION ZnSe is a relatively durable material, but can be easily scratched or damaged if too much pressure is applied during cleaning, or if an abrasive material such as Kimwipes is used.
  • Page 43: Collecting A Background Spectrum

    Analyzing Samples Collecting a background spectrum To ensure accuracy of the measurement, it is recommended that the system is configured in the software to collect a background spectrum before every sample is analyzed. This provides a baseline profile of the system conditions with no sample loaded on the instrument.
  • Page 44 Analyzing Samples Figure 13. Applying a sample to the DialPath bottom window Although it is safe to run a variety of liquid samples, including, aqueous solutions or even thick pastes such as grease, the DialPath is not to be used with any solid or powder samples, such as tablets. Use of the DialPath with solid samples will damage the ZnSe windows or modify the pre-set transmission pathlength.
  • Page 45 Analyzing Samples Optimum transmission pathlength is one important consideration when using the DialPath for a range of liquid sample types. Because the DialPath pathlengths are pre-aligned and fixed at, some sample types may not give optimum results, such as high IR absorbing materials.
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  • Page 47: Spare Parts

    Spare Parts 4. Spare Parts Part number Description 430 - 0001 Agilent 5500 Series FTIR power supply 430 - 0018 Agilent 5500 Series FTIR USB cable 0020 - 900 Surfactant kit For sampling accessories, service contracts, repair and refurbishment services, contact Agilent. Agilent 5500 Series FTIR Operation Manual...
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  • Page 49: Specifications

    Specifications 5. Specifications Environmental conditions Electromagnetic compatibility Interferometer geometry: High-throughput Michelson  interferometer with fixed and moving flat mirrors Standard beamsplitter: Zinc selenide  Maximum spectral resolution: 4 cm  Laser: Low-powered solid state  Source: Wire-wound element  Spectral range: 4000 to 650 cm ...
  • Page 50: Environmental Conditions

    Specifications Environmental conditions Operating Temperature: 0 to 50 °C; 32 to 122 °F (during use)  Storage Temperature: Minus 30 to 60 °C; -22 to 140 °F (storage)  Humidity: Up to 95%, non-condensing  Altitude: Up to 2000 m ...
  • Page 51: Ices/Nmb-001

    Make sure that all peripheral devices are also certified. Make sure that appropriate cables are used to connect the device to peripheral equipment Consult your equipment dealer, Agilent Technologies, or an experienced technician for assistance. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Agilent Technologies could void the user’s authority to operate the...
  • Page 52 Specifications This page is intentionally left blank. Agilent 5500 Series FTIR Operation Manual...
  • Page 54 In This Guide The guide describes the following: Introduction  Getting Started  Analyzing Samples  Spare Parts  Specifications  © Agilent Technologies 2008-2013 Printed in Malaysia 09/13 *0020-401* *0020-401* 0020-401 Issue 5...

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