Transitioning analytical instrumentation from the laboratory to
harsh environments
R. B. Turner
Smiths Detection, 459 Park Avenue, Bushey, Watford,
Hertfordshire, WD23 2BW, UK
Abstract:
The development of sensitive analytical instrumentation for autonomous
operation in harsh environments is a difficult and expensive process.
The management of risk in this process is aided by the use of technology
readiness levels (TRLs) and awareness that the exponential growth of
costs through development militates very strongly against progressing
the development prematurely. It is also essential to have a very clear
view of the intended outcome at the earliest possible stage and to test
the systems in realistic environments as soon and as often as possible.
Economic production of large quantities of instruments requires considerable
attention to the details of the production process and the control of
materials; there is a constant battle against contamination. Future
instrumentation might involve a combination of analytical techniques,
but the desire for more selectivity and sensitivity must be balanced
against cost, complexity, and reliability.
*Lecture presented at the IUPAC Workshop, Impact of
Scientific Developments on the Chemical Weapons Convention, Bergen,
Norway, 30 June-3 July 2002. Other presentations are published in this
issue, pp. 2229-2322.
Page last modified 19 February 2003.
Copyright © 2003 International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
Questions or comments about IUPAC, please contact, the Secretariat.
Questions regarding the website, please contact web
manager.