CBKT Project: Metrology for Clean Air – FTIR for Gas Standards: on-line knowledge transfer programme

The BIPM knowledge transfer programme is open to scientists from NMIs/DIs of Member States and Associates that:

• are developing a Gas Metrology Programme;
• have FTIR instrumentation as part of their Gas Metrology Facilities;
• have the support of their institute to commit their time over a period of six months to follow the on-line programme

The NMI scientist should:

• have practical experience in gas analysis and standards;
• have a working knowledge of English (instruction and documentation will be provided in English).

NMIs/DIs wishing to participate in the programme should complete the application form below, noting that there are two possibilities for following the course:

1. 6 month intensive on-line course – with regular BIPM video conference session follow-ups (limited number of participations per annual session and normally run from September to February)
2. Access to on-line material and B-FOS software only, with one on-line workshop for all participants registered for the year

Applications

Interested candidates can start the application process by completing the following:

Course Content

Participants will have the opportunity to broaden their skills on FTIR operation, and interpretation of FTIR spectra for gas analysis. The course will cover application of FTIR measurement techniques for a number of key air quality gases, notably: NO/N₂ over the range 30 µmol/mol to 70 µmol/mol, NO₂/N₂ over the range 2 µmol/mol to 15 µmol/mol, and CO₂ over the range 380 µmol/mol to 480 µmol/mol.

Activities

Advanced FTIR operation is covered, including:

• Operation of Nicolet Nexus and Bruker V70 FTIRs and Omnic and Opus operating software;
• Gas cell path length alignment and measurement
• Operation of MALT software both for manual processing and automated processing of spectra using both synthetic calibration and gas standard calibration
• Uncertainty analysis of FTIR measurements
• Operation of BIPM's B-FOS automated spectral analysis software
• Analysis of gravimetric standards of NO₂/N₂ with FTIR to assign mole fraction values and uncertainties to NO₂, HNO₃ mole fractions and other impurities detected
• Analysis of gravimetric standards of CO₂ with FTIR to assign mole fraction values
• Analysis of gravimetric standards of NO with FTIR to assign mole fraction values

Acquired Skills

Successful completion of the programme is expected to provide the participant with the following skills:

• Ability to autonomously use of FTIR including B-FOS for accurate gas concentration measurement for either impurity or main component measurement
• Ability to autonomously use of FTIR and B-FOS for accurate NO, NO₂ and CO₂ mole fraction measurements in accordance with ISO 6143
• Ability to align and accurately measure gas cell path lengths
• Ability to derive and validate a complete uncertainty budget for FTIR analysis