Worldclass Air Monitoring Instruments and Services
Over the 60 years since the federal Clean Air Act was enacted, the technologies used in monitoring potentially harmful air emissions have improved significantly.
Coinciding with the rise of the global environmental movement, these scientific advancements stemmed from legislation, academic research and private development culminating in a competitive air quality monitoring sector.
Eight years ago, a group of scientists, consultants, engineers and visionaries joined forces to establish Spectrum Environmental Solutions with the purpose of offering innovative environmental solutions to complex air quality problems.
Based in Austin, Texas, Spectrum quickly became one of the leading companies involved with developing and streamlining the way air emission samples are detected, collected and analyzed, thus leading to better compliance of environmental laws and regulations.
SPECTRUM SERVICES
As a leader in optical analytical techniques, Spectrum works across a variety of fields with its primary verticals being the refining and semiconductor industries. Unlike many instrumentation companies that only provide the analyzer, Spectrum offers complete integration solutions to deliver turn-key systems, along with ongoing support to provide robust, validated data and reporting.
Its environmental consulting and air monitoring services come with expertise in areas such as industrial flares, hazardous waste combustion, ambient air and fenceline monitoring, and emissions testing.
Although only established in 2017, Spectrum’s specialties have already helped it penetrate both national and international markets. The company has sold and installed systems around in countries around the world, including in Japan, Singapore and India.
Spectrum also has a Semiconductor Physical Chemistry Lab in Mesa, Arizona, where environmental testing is conducted along with the development and assembly of new instrumentation.
SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGY
As suggested by the company name, Spectrum’s technologies are light-based.
“One of the main techniques we use is called FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy),” says company Chief Technology Officer Matt McCormick. “This technique has been around for decades, but because it’s a Fourier transform there is a lot of math involved. Optical spectroscopy can be somewhat computationally intense.”
While Spectrum builds and integrates complete turnkey monitoring and analysis systems, the company recognizes that measuring airborne emissions can be complex, if not downright tricky.
“It does require a level of supervision,” concedes McCormick. “We want people to use our stuff, so in order to help people we came up with a model of ‘we’ll install it and you let us handle it for you’.”
With that said, Spectrum does sell instrumentation to companies that do measurements for hire. In such cases, the customer is shown how to use the instruments and software, thus reducing the dependence on Spectrum support.
SPECTRUM PRODUCTS
One of the keys to Spectrum’s success has been the development of NuWave, its proprietary spectroscopic software, that communicates and controls the collection of data on all Spectrum optical sensing devices. The software is also equipped with powerful spectroscopic tools and algorithms for data analysis that is displayed and managed on a user-friendly, intuitive interface.
The company also offers a series of monitoring instruments. Spectrum’s trademarked WaveRunIR series of devices gives customers numerous system options.
For example, the WaveRunIR-RAMAN is the only commercially available gas analyzer that provides the benefits of FTIR and RAMAN spectroscopy in one instrument. The FTIR half of the device characterizes organic gaseous compounds, while the Raman part measures diatomic gases like H2, N2, or O2.
The EXT model is a customizable and robust instrument for low level measurements, while the EXT-BOSS is designed for similar measurements, but in more hazardous locations. The CPM is a lower-cost option to other FTIRs on the market and the OP is the next generation of open path FTIR instruments designed for high-performance fenceline air monitoring.
WORKING WITH PROTOCASE
When it comes to suppliers, Spectrum has used Protocase right from the start. The latter actually appeared on the radar of CTO McCormick when he was with a previous employer.
“So when I had an idea for this design for an instrument with different sheet metal panels, I decided to go with Protocase,” he recalls. “I like the relatively fast turnaround time and even though some of those sheet metal parts had some weird bend angles, the Protocase team hit it right every time.”
Spectrum’s needs vary from order to order, but it relies on Protocase for the enclosures, panels and parts used in many of its testing and commercial instruments.”
And, it turns out, Spectrum is also impressed with Protocase’s ability to give its products a professional finish with custom digital printing, silk screening and powder coating.
“It really takes our presentation to a customer up a level. And I have always felt the pricing is reasonable. So I’ve been very pleased.”
Most recently, Protocase has been tasked with manufacturing parts for Spectrum’s Detect UV-DOAS-OP monitoring device which is undergoing a design update.