What is IRmadillo?
IRmadillo™ is the powerful real-time analysis tool that provides continuous, precise data for all your yield improvement projects.
Built Tough
It’s built for the rigors of industrial production. With no moving parts, it stands up to vibrations and impacts and can be installed directly into manufacturing lines.
Lab-grade accuracy
Despite its rugged nature, it delivers continuous accurate measurements, giving you precise concentrations for a huge range of chemical substances.
Real-time monitoring
Constant, reliable data allows you to optimize every step of your production process, leading to higher yields and better overall efficiency.
Unique technology for the toughest industries
IRmadillo is a Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometer (FTIR) in the mid infra-red spectrum. But unlike any other FTIR, it has no moving parts and requires neither cooling nor lasers.
But it does offer that technology’s versatility, in the range of chemicals it can measure and its ability to discriminate between compounds at low concentrations.
All this technology is enclosed in a compact aluminum enclosure weighing 41lb (18.5Kg) and measuring just 8 x 11 x 12 inches (200mm x 281mm x 310mm).
The solid, diamond-tipped probe, which senses the chemistry of the liquid, slurry or emulsion in which it’s immersed, can withstand direct exposure to caustic/acidic streams across the entire pH range and has an operating temperature range from -4°F to 428°F (-20°C to 220°C).
Designed for Mars. Indestructible on Earth
Its rugged nature stems directly from its original purpose, as a space application for a mission to Mars. Not only did it have to survive the rigors of space travel, it had to be small and light; it had to use very little power; and it had to be maintenance-free – as there are very few service engineers on the Red Planet.
The most robust instrument that we have seen in the market… It gives us better control of the fermentation process by providing real time information
Julian Parra, Engineering and Technology, Manager Pannonia Bio
Unlike any other industrial measuring device
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Continuous lab-grade data in real-time
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Measures multiple species with low detection limits
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No need for sampling
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No possibility for user error
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Consistent results long term
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Can be calibrated remotely
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Communicates directly with your DCS
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Compact, with no moving parts
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Install directly in your lines & tanks
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Rugged and utterly dependable
How does IRmadillo fit into my processes?
The IRmadillo’s diamond-tipped probe is built to handle Clean-In-Place (CIP) practices, including caustic washing. Rated for up to 600 psig (40 barg), it can withstand direct exposure to caustic streams. With an operating temperature range up to 430°F (220°C), it’s ideal for use in distillation or liquefaction.
Sealing options for the probe include a straightforward port and flange assembly for secure tank integration. For added safety, an intermediate ball valve can be provided to allow probe removal mid-fermentation if necessary.
What can IRmadillo measure?
If there's any chemical you’d like to measure in real-time, it’s likely IRmadillo is the tool to do it. It's not designed to replace HPLC in terms of error margins or detection limits, but it offers far more frequent data over shorter intervals. This means you get real-time insights that guide you when to take HPLC extracts, helping to deploy staff more efficiently and effectively.
“This must be a hoax; there is no way you could get instantaneous compositional analysis like that!”
European Chemical Manufacturer
What output will I see when I use it?
The IRmadillo’s software includes built-in calibration and performs real-time measurements that provide continuous updates on chemical concentrations (typically in %wt, but adjustable to your preferred units) throughout the process. Data can be exported as text files for further analysis, aiding in process optimization.
Real-time concentration data is sent directly to your DCS, PLC, or SCADA via standard communication protocols like OPC-UA or Modbus TCP over Ethernet, seamlessly integrating with existing control systems.
Installation and calibration
The IRmadillo is designed for seamless integration into your processes with a “fit and forget” setup. It can be installed directly through an existing flange into tanks, with or without a ball valve for isolation, or fitted into recirculation pipework. The instrument communicates directly with your DCS or control system, making it an easy addition to plant operations. Calibration and maintenance support programs are available to keep everything running smoothly.
