Aeris Technologies MIRA Acetylene Analyzer

Overview

The Aeris Technologies MIRA Acetylene Analyzer is a field-deployable, mid-infrared (MIR) laser absorption spectrometer engineered for high-precision, real-time quantification of acetylene (C₂H₂) in ambient air and industrial gas streams. Leveraging the strong, molecule-specific fundamental vibrational absorption bands of acetylene in the 3.0–3.1 µm mid-infrared region—where absorption cross-sections are >1,000× greater than in the near-infrared—the MIRA achieves sub-part-per-trillion (sub-ppt) effective sensitivity through optical path enhancement and proprietary signal processing. Its monolithic, mirrorless multi-pass absorption cell occupies only 60 mL yet delivers an effective optical path length of 15 meters, enabling rapid ( 0.9999) and long-term stability under variable environmental conditions.

Key Features

• Sub-ppb detection limit (<3 ppb/s noise-equivalent concentration) with 1-second response time and <1-minute warm-up
• Mirrorless, monolithic MIR absorption cell—no alignment drift, no contamination-prone optics, high mechanical robustness
• Simultaneous dual-species measurement: C₂H₂ and H₂O, enabling real-time dry-mole-fraction calculation without sample drying
• Proprietary differential spectroscopic method compensating for thermal drift—achieves <0.1% full-scale reading drift (Ultra model) over 0–40°C
• Two configurable sample inlets: one for continuous sampling, the other programmable for periodic zero-gas introduction or differential referencing
• Integrated sampling pump, onboard 32 GB non-volatile memory (expandable), and multiple I/O options: RS-232 (up to 10 Hz), USB, Wi-Fi, and optional analog output
• Ultra-low power consumption: 15 W (MIRA pico), 17–25 W (Strato/Ultra); battery operation supported (5–6 h pico, 90 min Strato)
• GPS-ready configuration: outputs geotagged .kml files compatible with Google Earth for spatial mapping of C₂H₂ plumes

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MIRA Acetylene Analyzer is validated for direct analysis of ambient air, stack emissions, natural gas vent streams, and combustion exhaust—without pre-concentration, chemical derivatization, or chromatographic separation. Its measurement principle conforms to the physical basis of ASTM D6348 (standard test method for gaseous pollutants by FTIR) and aligns with ISO 14644-8 for cleanroom airborne molecular contamination monitoring. The instrument supports audit-ready data logging with timestamped metadata, meeting GLP and GMP documentation requirements. Firmware implements secure user access levels and optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures and audit trails when paired with Aeris’ enterprise software suite. Operating specifications comply with IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 60529 IP20 enclosure rating for indoor and sheltered outdoor deployment.

Software & Data Management

Aeris’ MIRA Control Suite provides intuitive instrument configuration, real-time spectral visualization, and automated calibration management via Windows-based desktop application or web interface. Raw absorbance spectra, fitted concentrations, temperature/pressure/H₂O-corrected mole fractions, and diagnostic parameters (e.g., laser current, cell temperature, signal-to-noise ratio) are logged at user-selectable intervals (1–10 Hz). Data export supports CSV, NetCDF, and XML formats; time-synchronized GPS coordinates (when enabled) are embedded in all records. Remote firmware updates, over-the-air diagnostics, and scheduled zero/span validation routines reduce field maintenance. For integration into SCADA or IoT platforms, RESTful API and Modbus TCP protocols are available upon request.

Applications

• Atmospheric Chemistry Research: Quantifying C₂H₂ as a short-lived tracer for fossil fuel combustion, biomass burning, and urban photochemistry in ground-based, mobile, and aircraft campaigns
• Natural Gas Infrastructure Monitoring: Detecting fugitive emissions from wellheads, compressors, and pipeline joints with sub-ppb sensitivity and minimal false positives
• Combustion Diagnostics: Real-time acetylene profiling in engine exhaust, gas turbine flue gas, and laboratory flame studies to infer equivalence ratio and soot precursor formation
• Environmental Forensics: Mapping C₂H₂ gradients around landfills, petrochemical facilities, and industrial zones to identify emission sources and quantify fluxes
• Calibration Transfer & Reference: Serving as a field-deployable primary standard for validating electrochemical sensors, PID detectors, and GC-based systems

FAQ

What measurement principle does the MIRA use?
It employs tunable mid-infrared laser absorption spectroscopy (TILDAS) targeting the ν₃ asymmetric stretch band of acetylene near 3050 cm⁻¹.
Does the analyzer require zero-gas cylinders or external calibration standards?
No—its dual-inlet architecture enables automated, in-situ zero referencing using ambient air or synthetic zero gas; factory calibration remains stable for ≥6 months under typical field use.
Can the MIRA operate unattended for extended periods?
Yes—configured with external power and cellular/Wi-Fi telemetry, it supports autonomous 24/7 monitoring with remote diagnostics and alarm-triggered data uploads.
How is water vapor interference handled?
H₂O is co-measured in the same spectral window and mathematically deconvoluted; dry-mole-fraction C₂H₂ is calculated in real time using measured T, P, and H₂O.
Is the instrument suitable for UAV-based deployment?
The MIRA Strato variant (2 kg, 17 W, integrated GPS, RS-232 @ 10 Hz) is specifically certified for drone-mounted atmospheric profiling up to 5,000 m ASL.