Meter Technology Flashcards
What does FTIR use to identify unknown substances?
It uses infrared light absorption to analyze chemical bonds.
What types of materials is FTIR best suited for?
It works best for solids, liquids, and pastes but struggles with gases.
How does FTIR identify a substance?
It compares the detected infrared spectrum to a built-in chemical database.
Does FTIR require direct contact with the sample?
Yes, it typically requires contact via ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance) crystals.
Can FTIR detect trace-level vapors?
No, FTIR is not effective for detecting trace vapors like HPMS or PID can.
What is a major limitation of FTIR when analyzing mixtures?
Overlapping spectra can make it difficult to identify components in a mixture.
How is FTIR used in hazmat operations?
It is used to identify unknown powders, liquids, and hazardous spills.
How does Raman spectroscopy identify chemicals?
It uses a laser to scatter light off a material and measures molecular vibrations.
Can Raman identify substances through sealed containers?
Yes, it can identify substances through clear plastic, glass, and other transparent materials.
What types of materials does Raman struggle with?
Dark, fluorescent, or highly absorbing materials can interfere with Raman’s accuracy.
Why is Raman safer for analyzing unknowns compared to FTIR?
Because it does not require opening sealed containers, reducing exposure risks.
What kind of hazards is Raman commonly used to detect?
It is used to detect hazardous materials, narcotics, explosives, and toxic chemicals.
How does Raman complement FTIR?
Raman can detect some materials that FTIR struggles with, like aqueous solutions.
What does IMS measure to detect chemicals?
It measures the movement of ions in an electric field to classify chemicals.
What substances is IMS primarily used to detect?
Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs).
What is a key advantage of IMS?
It provides real-time detection and is highly portable.
What is a major drawback of IMS?
It has a higher chance of false positives compared to mass spectrometry.
Does IMS provide detailed chemical composition?
No, IMS only classifies chemicals into broad categories rather than identifying specific compounds.
Why does IMS require frequent calibration?
To reduce false readings and maintain accuracy.
How does IMS compare to HPMS?
HPMS is more precise and can provide exact chemical compositions, whereas IMS is faster but less specific.
How does HPMS identify chemicals?
It ionizes chemical samples and analyzes their mass-to-charge ratios.
What makes HPMS more precise than IMS?
HPMS can detect exact chemical compositions instead of just broad classifications.
What is a key advantage of HPMS over other detection methods?
It can detect trace amounts of vapors and substances with high sensitivity.
What device commonly uses HPMS for hazmat detection?
The MX-908 uses HPMS for detecting CWAs, narcotics, and explosives.
