908 Devices Enhances XplorIR Portable Analyzer to Simultaneously Identify and Quantify Hazardous Gases and Vapors
908 Devices, a chemical analysis device company, has upgraded its XplorIR portable gas and vapor analyzer. This enhancement allows the device to identify and quantify nearly 5,000 airborne chemicals in seconds. The XplorIR, utilizing Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, is aimed at aiding first responders like fire departments and HAZMAT teams in making swift, informed decisions regarding personal protective equipment and remediation efforts. The device offers continuous monitoring, updating chemical compositions every four seconds and ensuring accurate detection even in dynamic conditions. This update signifies a pivotal development in public safety technology.
- Enhanced XplorIR can identify and quantify nearly 5,000 chemicals.
- Real-time monitoring updates every four seconds.
- Designed for ease of use by first responders in protective suits.
- Software upgrade available for existing users.
- Supports accurate and simultaneous detection of multiple compounds.
- Instrument is equipped with large buttons, audible alarms, and visual cues.
- Includes Reachback service for enhanced customer support.
- Potential high cost for new and existing customers upgrading the software.
- Reliance on the technology for critical safety decisions can be risky if the device fails or gives inaccurate readings.
- advancement in the gas/vapor detection market since the 1970s could imply slow technological progress.
Insights
908 Devices’ enhancement to the XplorIR portable analyzer is a significant technological advancement for first responders. The use of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy allows this device to not only identify but also quantify hazardous gases and vapors. FTIR spectroscopy shines due to its ability to provide a unique spectral fingerprint for each type of chemical, which is important for accurate identification.
This upgrade sets a new benchmark in the gas/vapor detection market, which has seen little change since the 1970s introduction of the Photoionization Detector (PID). Unlike PID, which is limited in scope and often requires additional equipment for accurate quantification, XplorIR offers a comprehensive solution in a single, easy-to-use handheld device.
The capability to quantify almost 5,000 substances in mere seconds and continually monitor them every four seconds is a game-changer. This translates to vastly improved response times and decision-making capabilities for HAZMAT teams and fire departments. Moreover, the simplicity of operation, even in adverse conditions, underscores the practical utility of this device.
From a market perspective, the XplorIR's enhancement positions 908 Devices at the forefront of the gas/vapor detection market. The ability to quantify hazardous substances increases the device’s utility, making it more attractive to public safety agencies. This could lead to higher adoption rates and expanded market share for 908 Devices.
Financially, this development could drive revenue growth through increased sales of both new devices and software upgrades for existing customers. Considering the vast number of annual hazardous material calls, estimated at 433,500 by the National Fire Protection Agency, there is a substantial market for this technology.
Additionally, the ongoing investment in product development and customer support services like Reachback enhances customer satisfaction and retention, which is critical for long-term growth. In a market that has seen limited innovation, 908 Devices’ proactive approach to evolving their product line can be a strong differentiator and a compelling value proposition for investors.
Updated technology enables first responders to identify and quantify approximately 5,000 substances in mere seconds for a swift and definitive response
XplorIR is the first handheld product of its kind that uses Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify, quantify and track gases and vapors. The simple-to-use device can automatically and accurately identify multiple compounds simultaneously at the part-per-million level, detecting chemicals within seconds and quantifying them in under a minute. Once detected, the XplorIR continually monitors and updates chemical composition every four seconds, enabling first responders to identify with confidence – even with changing environments, such as air currents.
“The major advancement here is quantifying the hazards present. We're equipping first responders with real-time airborne chemical identification and concentration, which is mission-critical intelligence,” said John Kenneweg, Vice President, Government for 908 Devices. “The gas/vapor detection market has seen limited advancements in technology since the advent of the Photoionization Detector (PID) in the 1970s. The XplorIR, however, stands out as the first purpose-built device tailored specifically for first responders. With this quantification enhancement, the XplorIR is now an indispensable tool for the public safety community.”
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, in 2021 there were more than 36.6 million calls to fire departments, of which 433,500 were for hazardous materials – approximately
The addition of the quantification package marks significant continued development and community investment, second only to the introduction of continuous sampling mode shortly after the XplorIR’s debut in 2022. The device remains easy to use. It is designed to be activated and operated by first responders in fully encapsulated protective suits, and includes convenient features such as large buttons, audible alarms and visual cues. The XplorIR support services are enhanced through 908 Devices’ renowned Reachback service to ensure the best customer support and troubleshooting available.
The XplorIR quantification package is now available to purchase, and existing customers may update their systems with a simple software upgrade. To learn more about the 908 Devices XplorIR, please visit: 908devices.com/products/xplorir.
About 908 Devices
908 Devices Inc. (Nasdaq: MASS) is revolutionizing chemical analysis with its simple handheld and desktop devices, addressing life-altering applications. The Company’s devices are used at the point-of-need to interrogate unknown and invisible materials and provide quick, actionable answers to directly address some of the most critical problems in bioprocessing, pharma/biopharma, forensics, life sciences research and adjacent markets. The Company is headquartered in the heart of
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Media Contact
Katie Johnston
PAN Communications for 908 Devices
908devices@pancomm.com
Investor Contact
Carrie Mendivil
IR@908devices.com
Source: 908 Devices Inc.
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