Important COVID-19 Announcement: Portable Analytical Solutions

Important COVID-19 Announcement:

Portable Analytical Solutions

As the COVID-19 virus and its impact continues to evolve on a daily basis, PAS remains focused on the health and safety of our employees and customers, as well as our community.

We’re doing everything we can to continue delivering our products and services to minimise any impact to our clients. We have implemented some travel restrictions on our staff, but we are still here to support you and your needs. We are working hard to ensure an uninterrupted, dependable service is delivered by our Sales, Customer Service, Support and Administration staff.

Continuation of PAS Virtual Demos / Training:
Until further notice, our Product and Sales teams are continuing to offer and assist in virtual demonstrations. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

With many staff now working from home, we are still able to offer online/VC user and radiation training where attendees are located in multiple locations.

PAS Customer Support:
Our Customer Service team is still fully operational and available for support, instrument repairs, and spare parts. They can be reached using the following contact information:
+61 2 4381 2844
info@portableas.com

PAS Visitors:
We are currently limiting the number of Sales and Administration employees working at our office facility. If you wish to visit our office, please call in advance to inform us.

PAS Building / Equipment Sanitation:
To protect our staff and customers, we are cleaning and disinfecting all work areas and equipment as per suggested government guidelines. Products entering and leaving the Service Department will also be cleaned.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation, stay focused on keeping our employees healthy, and provide the support you need.

Regards,

Paul Martin
Managing Director
Portable Analytical Solutions Pty Ltd.

MicroPHAZIR AS Performance Application Note 2020

Measurement of Asbestos Containing Materials using a Portable NIR Instrument

Dr Jimmy Bester, Paul Martin, Sydney Australia

Abstract

Portable Near-Infrared (PNIR) spectroscopy has been effectively and reliably used to measure minerals in a wide variety of samples. The identification of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) is possible by PNIR and as such, the performance of the products and the results generated are of great interest to industry. Comparing results obtained via laboratory based PLMDS technique and that of PNIR is key to demonstrating the performance and improved capability of these portable instruments.

Introduction

Current industry standards for measuring ACM requires a portion of the sample to be removed from its location and sent to a laboratory for analysis by Polarized Light Microscopy with Dispersion Staining. Although this is an accredited method, there are several technical challenges to PLM including, but not limited to the technical skill of an operator to interpret what is being visually seen, that it can only detect 3 types of asbestos accurately adding to the time delays on getting results back from the lab.
However, measurement of ACM by PNIR allows for the detection of 6 regulated asbestos minerals including chrysotile, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite and amosite, meaning a high chance to correctly identify the presence of ACM if contained in the sample. The PNIR is simple to use as in most cases the samples are not required to be removed from the site and testing times of approximately 6 sec, allows for a rapid insitu screen of possible ACM material.

Experiment

Two (2) Version 5 ThermoScientific microPHAZIR AS Spectrometers were used by trained operators to analyse a total of 49 mixed origin samples. These particular samples were chosen as they are used in the NATA laboratory round-robin proficiency testing programme and were accessed for analysing to compare the PLMDS technique and the PNIR results as accurately as possible.

Each of the 49 samples was scanned 5 times by both PNIR instruments, by placing the sample in contact with the nose of the PNIR and measuring for the fixed time of approximately 6 sec. A large proportion of the samples provided were smaller than the AS 9649 Standard recommendation of 10mm2 but the design of the instrument made it possible to make diffuse reflection measurements from the portion of the sample. The sample was relocated after each scan in order to cover as large an area of the sample as possible, this simulated ‘onsite’ analysis conditions and no additional sample preparation was carried out.

Results from the PNIR were reported on the device as the measured type of asbestos, but as the PNIR instruments are primarily used for detecting the presence or absence of ACM, results were converted to ACM present or NAD (No Asbestos Detected). Results were reported by averaging the 5 readings i.e. 3 or more of the same reading indicating the result. Table 1 shows the average results for each instrument compared to the PLM lab data

Thermo Scientific’s microPHAZIR AS can provide ACM identification in seconds

Table 1 Average of results or all samples

Results

Results for each sample obtained from the two PNIR instruments can be seen in Table 1, results were constant between the two PNIR instruments, indicating the stability of both the instruments and the calibration modes. Worth noting, for samples identified as UMF (unknown Mineral Fibres) by PLM methods, PNIRS results are assumed to be correct as NAD.
In summary both PNIR instruments correctly read 48 of the 49 samples or 98%, with both instruments incorrectly reading sample PRC-1 the putty sample. This one incorrect reading was not investigated further for the purpose of this application note, but maybe later.

Table 2 Summary table

Conclusion

Based on the results obtained, it is clear that the microPHAZIR AS PNIR is able to consistently and repeatably measure a wide range of ACM materials.

The use of the microPHAZIR AS in the waste transfer, demolition, emergency response and other critical applications is highly beneficial to improving the safety and protection of workers and the public.

Note: For more details on this application note please request a copy of the PAS technical paper “PORTABLE NEARINFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (PNIRS) TECHNOLOGY FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF ASBESTOS IN BUILDING MATERIALS’ by emailing sale@portableas.com

Download the 2 page PDF of

microPHAZIR AS Performance Application Note 2020

Request the Completed White Paper

One of our experts will be in touch once requested to discuss further.

Comments regarding QLD Safety Alert of the use of NIR Spectrometers

Recently the QLD government posted a Safety alert regarding the use of NIR spectrometers for the identification of Asbestos containing materials. As we feel the alert was focused at the Thermo Scientific MicroPHAZIR AS spectrometer, we consider it is best to clarify the situation from our perspective.

Firstly, and most importantly; PAS agrees with the comment made in the alert that the only approved method noted in the Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, is that samples need to be analysed by a NATA accredited Laboratory using a PLM technique referred to in AS 4964-2004. As our customers and potential customers have been made aware, the microPHAZIR AS is not intended to be used to replace laboratory sampling methods, as at this time, it is not an approved method.

Both the manufacturer and PAS have carried out extensive internal and independent testing through groups such as KIWA laboratories in Europe, these tests have satisfied many of our local and state governments, emergency response departments and private sector customers throughout Australia and New Zealand, who have been using the MicroPHAZIR AS as a support tool in their working environments for a number of years.

In a meeting recently held with a representative of the QLD government, it was indicated to PAS that more peer-reviewed literature was required,especially around the performance of the new,improved version 5 MicroPHAZIR AS system. PAS has taken this advice and through our in-house Asbestos expert Dr Jimmy Bester, started to work on having these Peer-reviewed papers prepared through local University teams.

PAS is committed to complying with local laws and regulations, and working with industry to improve the safety of workers, and the public through the innovation of instrumentation such as the MicroPHAZIR AS. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly on 02 43812844.

Paul Martin

Managing Director

Portable Analytical Solutions Pty Ltd

Headwall & Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Awarded Contract for High-Endurance Fixed-Wing Hyperspectral Imaging UAV for Wide Area Precision Agriculture

Project funded in part by the BIRD (Binational Industrial Research and Development) Foundation

Bolton, MA – August 1, 2019 –Headwall, the industry leader in turnkey hyperspectral imaging solutions for remote sensing and precision agriculture, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a leader in UAV technology, announced that a project valued at approximately $1 million USD for large-scale precision agriculture has been awarded by the Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation to develop a high endurance UAV and hyperspectral imaging solution for agricultural customers with thousands of hectares of crops.

Development of the Precision Agriculture Decision Support System will utilise a custom-designed and manufactured wide-area hyperspectral imaging payload and a fixed-wing UAV designed for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions, as well as analytics that allow accurate assessment of crop and soil conditions as well as crop disease over a wide area with high resolution and positional accuracy.

“Headwall has always strived for commercialisation of advanced spectral imaging technology for the benefit of customers worldwide,” David Bannon, CEO of Headwall commented. “IAI combines rugged and reliable military technology with commercial know-how for this project to assist farmers with decisions based on comprehensive yet rapid reports made possible by our sensor systems. Deployment of high endurance solutions for wide area data acquisition integrated with advanced hyperspectral and multispectral sensors is a game changer for the agriculture industry”.

Projects submitted to the BIRD Foundation are reviewed by evaluators appointed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Israel Innovation Authority.

Dr. Amiram Appelbaum, Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Economy and Industry, Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority and co-Chairman of BIRD’s Board of Governors said, “The U.S. is one of Israel’s major partners for innovation. We are proud of our long-standing collaboration with the BIRD Foundation that has resulted in such spectacular successes over the decades and numerous groundbreaking technological innovations offered by both Israeli and U.S recipients of the grant. We are confident that this year’s grant recipients in the various fields and the new projects approved will prove vital for the population worldwide.”

About Headwall

Headwall Photonics is a leading designer and manufacturer of spectral instrumentation for remote sensing, advanced machine vision, and government/defense markets. With a worldwide base of end-user and OEM customers, Headwall enjoys a market leadership position through the design and manufacture of spectral solutions that are customised for application-specific performance. The Company is based in Massachusetts where it has two locations (Bolton and Fitchburg). European operations (Headwall BVBA) are located near Brussels, Belgium.

About IAI

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a leader in both the defense and commercial markets, delivering state-of-the-art technologies and systems in all domains – providing customers with tailored, cutting-edge solutions in the unique challenges that they face. IAI provides a wide range of solutions and services from special mission aircraft to advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

About the BIRD Foundation

The BIRD (Binational Industrial Research and Development) Foundation works to encourage and facilitate cooperation between U.S. and Israeli companies in a wide range of technology sectors and offers funding to selected projects.

Hyperspectral Imaging in Quality Control for the Global Meat Industry

Let’s take a look at the role of Hyperspectral Imaging in Quality and Integrity for the Global Meat Industry.

One of the international speakers at next week’s ICoMST 2018 (64^th International Congress of Meat Science and Technology) is Dr Marlon dos Reis, Senior Scientist – Food and Bio-based Products at AgResearch in New Zealand.

ICoMST is to be held in Melbourne with the theme of Quality and Integrity for Global Consumers. e.g. Test whether lamb meat is really lamb.

We can’t wait to hear Dr dos Reis speak on “Chemometrics and hyperspectral imaging applied to assessment of chemical, textural and structural characteristics of meat”, corresponding to his work to be published in Volume 144 of the Meat Science Journal (October 2018)

A video of Dr dos Reis’ presentation will be available after the congress.

Applications for Chemometrics in Meat Science

In his career, Dr dos Reis has focus ed on the application and development of spectroscopic techniques for the assessment of meat, including techniques based on nuclear magnetic resonance, NIR spectroscopy and Hyperspectral imaging.

Attracted to AgResearch in New Zealand in 2007, Marlon is excited to apply chemometrics across so many applications and we are excited to learn from him first-hand. In an interview recorded on the AgResearch website, he explained his current projects.

“In Chemometrics we develop and apply statistical and mathematical models to interpret and do better use of data related to chemistry. For example in food assurance we collected spectroscopic data (e.g. near infrared spectra) which brings lots of information about the chemical composition and structure of food.

“This type of data is very easy to collect but needs chemometric models to be useful. So I develop chemometric models for applications such authentication (e.g. test whether lamb meat is really lamb), to predict functional attributes (e.g. bulk density of dairy powder) assess whether the product is still within the expected shelf-life and others.”

A Major Focus for Headwall Photonics and Portable Analytical Solutions (PAS)

Headwall’s Infrared Hyperspectral solutions offer a depth of vision far beyond the capabilities of any other technology.

It is a major step forward in the successful detection of foreign matter and pathogens that are unseen visually but impact the safety of the foods we eat. From poultry and seafood to lamb, beef, and specialty crops, spectral imaging delivers a level of material classification that far exceeds typical RGB cameras.

PAS has been the Australia / New Zealand distributor of Headwall spectral imaging including the award-winning Hyperspec® instruments since 2013. We provide sales support, service and training for these application-specific, rugged and versatile analysers.

Contact PAS about these key products

Headwall Photonics Increases It’s Visibility

A vibrant new website from Headwall Photonics highlights even more clearly its impressive array of industry-leading spectrometry instrumentation and brilliant industry solutions.

Catering for diverse applications across Remote Sensing, Advanced Machine Vision, Medical/Biotech and Defense/Government, the new site provides greater ease of navigation.

This enables site visitors to quickly appreciate how Headwall’s range of products correspond with specific demands for data capture, management and analysis.

Headwall’s Spectral Imaging Sensors are used EVERYWHERE!

PAS is excited about the benefits of the new site for our customers who may be time-poor, overloaded with information and working on a deadline.

One valuable page on the new site is Published Research which catalogues selected scholarly articles demonstrating some of the myriad of applications for spectral instruments.

“These papers describe just a sampling of the fascinating applications using Headwall’s hyperspectral and multispectral imaging sensors,” the page reads. “From remote sensing and medical/biotech to cultural preservation and food inspection, Headwall is THE industry leader in spectral imaging solutions.”

Access Headwall through Portable Analytical Solutions

Contact PAS about these key products

Headwall Nano Hyperspec On DJI

Headwall Hyperspec Nano

Headwall Hyperspec Nano With Vector Nav

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Precision Ag study employs FieldSpec4

Measuring solar radiation in Australian study with the ASD FieldSpec4

A new article published by Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) highlights an innovative application of the FieldSpec4 multi-spectral radiometer to measure solar radiation exposure on apple and pear crops, covered with several varieties of netting.

As the article’s abstract reads, “Netting intercepts solar radiation, reducing the amount of energy reaching fruit and hence lowering the risk of sunburn and colour bleaching of fruit. However, netting also lowers radiation  that is needed for photosynthesis and colour development. In this article we present some preliminary data on the effects of netting on some important wavelengths of light.”

The FieldSpec4 was a key part of the study, measuring solar radiation in 2nm increments from 350nm to 2500nm, extracting wavebands corresponding to solar radiation, ultraviolet A radiation, photosynthetically active radiation and infrared radiation. A black curtain placed around the radiometer minimised reflective radiation.

The study describes the positioning of the spectrometer which remained stationary below the netting, while the netting was moved laterally throughout the process. The spectrometer was facing upwards.

FieldSpec4 for your application

The wide range of portable analysis solutions available from PAS are versatile and customisable to an amazing degree, dependent on the specific demands of each application. Our engineers are specialists in calibrating instruments to suit your particular objectives, constraints and conditions.

Learn more about the comprehensive ASD FieldSpec range available through PAS in Australia or New Zealand. Consider other hyperspectral analysers for different situations, such as airborne sensors.

Read the article on the apple/pear production using the ASD FieldSpec4 multi-spectral here

Airborne Hyperspectral & Ground-Truthing

Hyperspectral and Ground-Truthing Whitepaper available from PAS

For a wide range of critical applications, the combination of airborne hyperspectral with ground-based non-imaging hyperspectral radiometers represents the optimal solution. A comprehensive white paper on the topic, written by Headwall Photonics and ASD Inc, part of Malvern Panalytical, is one of many available from PAS for your reference. The paper offers excellent background and specific examples of applications, procedures and results.

The worldwide precision agriculture industry is vital on so many fronts because countries depend on the revenue derived from citrus, wine-grapes, nuts and other specialty crops. Also, famine relief is the byproduct of successfully planting and harvesting crops in harsh and unforgiving climates.

Hyperspectral imaging is playing an increasingly large role here because economic and life-sustaining decisions need data that is precise and actionable. Yet, while hyperspectral images contain a wealth of data, accurate interpretation of the image requires first-hand familiarity of the surface being analysed.

In the absence of ground-truthing, remotely sensed image analysis and classification is really no more than an inference or assumption regarding earth surface conditions no matter how spatially or spectrally resolute the source image happens to be.

Ground-based reference measurements can be used to verify airborne hyperspectral data, which means the combination represents a powerful solution for the remote-sensing community. As leaders in their respective areas, Headwall and ASD understand the relationship between ground-truthing and hyperspectral.

Case study: Wyoming Assessment Project and Remote Sensing of Leafy Spurge – A.P. Williams, D.J. Kazmer

A fundamental research need in leafy spurge and invasive plant management as a whole is cost-effective, large-scale mapping of plant populations. Hyperspectral airborne data was acquired over a

25-square-mile study area in Crook County, Wyoming. ASD’s FieldSpec spectroradiometer collected ground calibration and reflectance data of leafy spurge, other vegetation and soils. These spectra were used to perform spectral mixture analysis on the hyperspectral scene. A major advantage of this technique is that it can effectively unmix a pixel and provide an estimate of the real extent of leafy spurge within the pixel.

To further explore these techniques and your specific application, talk to the team at PAS in Australia or New Zealand.

Download the Airborne Hyperspectral & Ground-Truthing Whitepaper.

Which FieldSpec spectrometer for me?

With such an extensive range of spectral resolution options in the SWIR range, and ultra-portable VNIR-only models, it can be hard to know which of ASD’s FieldSpec 4 spectrometers and spectroradiometers will best suit your specific application. That’s where we come in.

ASD pioneered the science of field spectroscopy over 25 years ago. With a strong commitment to R&D, ASD’s enhancements to core instrument spectrometers and other critical components have dramatically improved overall performance, signal, and integration speeds compared to earlier models.

A spectrometer for every occasion

The ASD FieldSpec 4 leaves the factory floor calibrated as a spectroradiometer, ready for precise radiance and irradiance measurements, but is equally suited for use as a spectrometer for accurate contact or stand-off reflectance analysis with a wide range of standard accessories.

All ASD FieldSpec spectrometers and spectroradiometers provide 3 nm spectral resolution in the VNIR (350 nm – 1000 nm) range. Four spectral resolution options are available for the SWIR (1001 nm – 2500 nm) range.

The enhanced 6 nm SWIR spectral resolution of the ASD FieldSpec 4 Hi-Res NG spectroradiometer provides both the sampling interval (bandwidth) and the spectral resolution to support accurate calibration and image classification analysis with the next generation high spectral resolution hyperspectral sensors.
With 8 nm SWIR spectral resolution the ASD FieldSpec 4 Hi-Res spectroradiometer is the instrument of choice for geological studies and atmospheric research.
The ASD FieldSpec 4 Standard-Res spectroradiometer, with 10 nm SWIR resolution is perfectly suited for characterizing spectral features with a resolution of 10 nm to 50 nm, which covers the technical requirements of most field researchers. The ASD FieldSpec 4 Standard-Res spectroradiometer has long been the industry’s go-to workhorse instrument for trusted field spectroscopy and the scope of potential applications is broad.
Because of its wide optical slit the ASD FieldSpec 4 Wide–Res spectroradiometer provides the highest signal throughput and offers the best signal to noise performance of any ASD FieldSpec model. These high throughput characteristics also benefit field measurements taken in less than optimal illumination conditions. The 30 nm SWIR resolution of the ASD FieldSpec 4 Wide-Res spectroradiometer makes it an ideal fit for applications such as vegetation analysis and vegetation indices that are characterized by broad spectral features. This instrument is also available at a significantly lower price point than other ASD FieldSpec models, which makes it an attractive option when budgets are tight.

Not all research needs are created equal and the spectral reflectance characteristics of different materials can vary greatly. Portable Analytical Solutions has seen ASD FieldSpec 4 models applied in a huge variety of situations. Speak to us about your specific application goals.

Precision Ag history heralds bright future

Over the past two decades, precision ag history has been marked by rapid development and positive outcomes.

Precision ag has become, well, much more precise.

According to David Mulla from the University of Minnesota, USA, in his article on Precision Ag history, “Spectral bandwidth has decreased dramatically with the advent of hyperspectral remote sensing, allowing improved analysis of specific compounds, molecular interactions, crop stress, and crop biophysical or biochemical characteristics.“

Portable Analytical Solutions has relished our partnership with spectrometry specialist Headwall Photonics as we equip agribusiness with higher-quality data and more sophisticated planning and risk reduction. The result has been greater profitability, identification and mitigated risk and increased crop security.

This 2017 slideshow gallery includes actual product used by Jeff Boyer, superintendent of the Davis-Purdue Agricultural Center near Farmland, Indiana, USA.

Do any of these ‘museum exhibits’ look familiar?

Malvern Panalytical Scientific Award 2023