Self-Training, Self-Optimizing Infrared Expert System

摘要

An evaluation was undertaken of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for application in the quantitative and qualitative analysis of gases and vapors in ambient air at sub Permissible Exposure Level/Threshold Limit Value (PEL/TLV) concentration levels. Software was adopted, modified and developed for the industrial hygiene application. Least squares fitting software is now available that will allow the use of FTIR by industrial hygienists, after instrument setup by an expert. Self training, self optimizing software, for use without instrument setup by an expert is not yet available for use by industrial hygienists. The author concludes that FTIR can be used for near real time quantitative analysis of gases and vapors of industrial hygiene concern at sub PEL/TLV concentration levels in ambient air. The limit of detection for an individual analyte was a function of the number and types of other analyte and nonanalyte species present. FTIR can be used for near real time qualitative analysis as well. Results obtained are far more accurate, linear, and resistant to changes in relative humidity than those obtained when using the Foxboro MIRAN infrared instrument.