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General Questions:
How can I see the instrument in
action?
How does QTA work?
What happens if my instrument breaks?
Do you offer training?
What can NIR measure?
Do I need to do any sample preparation before
using QTA?
Instrument:
What are the specifications of our
spectrometer (wavelength range, etc.)?
Why FT-NIR?
Any at-line and/or in-line systems available?
Model calibrations:
What if QTA does not have the
calibration I need?
Where does Cognis get their samples and
reference data?
What type of chemometrics does QTA use?
Why PLS vs. ANN?
IT issues:
What is the transmission time difference between
a MODEM and a LAN connection?
How does QTA respond when multiple QTA
systems communicate with the central server at the same time?
How secure is the data on our server?
How is the database created?
Why does Cognis use the internet for model
prediction?
General Questions:
How does QTA work?
Cognis Corporation’s unique QTA® system provides data and
information to better control processes improving profitability. By
rapidly analyzing a variety of traits, the QTA® system delivers
results when and where you need them. With QTA®, facilities are able
to maximize the efficiencies of product streams from beginning to
end by analyzing material traits throughout the process increasing
yield and minimizing waste.
What happens if my
instrument breaks?
Simply call QTA's 24/7 Hotline at 1-866-yourQTA or
1-866-968-7782. We are available for support 24 hours a day
and can help you get back up and running quickly, typically within
24 hours.
Do you offer training?
QTA will provide you the necessary training you need to start
using your instrument immediately.
What can NIR measure?
NIR can usually measure organic materials > 0.1%. QTA
specializes in customized analytical solutions.
Contact us today to get started with a free feasibility study of
your material traits!
Do I need to do any
sample preparation before using QTA?
Minimal sample preparation needs to be done in order to run an
analysis with QTA. In fact, most of the time, we are able to
save your operation money by not having to buy expensive chemicals
that are typically associated with the types of analyses QTA can
perform.
Instrument:
What are the specifications of our
spectrometer (wavelength range, etc.)?
QTA uses Bruker Optics award-winning Fourier Transform infrared
spectrometer, Mid-IR (400-4000 cm-1)or Near-IR (4000-12500 cm-1 or
800 ~2500nm). The resolution can be operated from 2 cm-1 to 256 cm-1
(0.2 nm to 20 nm).
Why FT-NIR?
The QTA system is comprised of FT-NIR or Mid-IR due to its
resolution flexibility and its wavelength accuracy in comparison to
other types of NIR systems. Lower resolution settings generate a high
signal-to-noise ratio spectrum that is good in low concentration
analysis. Higher resolution settings enable QTA to expand
capabilities into specialty trait analysis. The single resolution
feature for other types of NIR systems shows less flexibility than
FT-NIR.
Any
at-line and/or in-line systems available?
QTA uses UM208 (universal material) for most of our customers.
Depending on individual application, QTA can provide both in-line
and at-line solutions. Cognis has developed more than 800
calibrations and has been using QTA technology for in-line and
at-line QA analysis for monitoring oleochemical and other specialty chemical
production
for over a decade.
Model
calibrations:
What if QTA does not have the
calibration I need?
QTA works with a model sponsor/customer who provides samples with
reference data. With this data QTA will conduct a no-obligation
feasibility study and share the results with the model
sponsor/customer. More samples may be required to build and validate
robust models. All models will compensate for external variables (ie.
environmental changes and instrument changes). The samples
collected should cover any variables that the customer could
potentially face. The accuracy of the final model is directly
correlated to the primary sample and data that are collected.
Where does Cognis get their samples
and reference data?
When possible, Cognis will gather all samples and reference data
that have been performed under common industry standards or
practices. These standards may or may not match your in-house
analytical practices. Various regions may also effect the
predictions of the calibration. During the validation process
Cognis will work with you to expand the robustness of our
calibrations so they will accurately compensate for your region.
What type of chemometrics does QTA use?
QTA uses Chingometrics which combines special data treatment
techniques with PLS (partial least squares). Chingometrics is the
enabling patent pending technology for QTA.
Why PLS vs. ANN?
Since ANN deals with nonlinear correlation and PLS with linear
correlation, QTA uses either PLS or ANN based on the application.
Usually ANN requires a large pool of samples with good primary data
to build a good model and to validate the model. It is also hard to
choose correct parameters to build a good ANN model. Good data
treatment techniques can be used to effectively reduce the
non-linearity of PLS. In many cases PLS can do an equal or better
job than ANN since ANN digests the errors from the primary data.
QTA starts with PLS for initial models since it is easy to build,
easy to find data errors and easy to maintain. However, if QTA
already has a large number of samples with reference data then ANN
could be a viable alternative.
IT issues:
What is the transmission time difference
between a MODEM and a LAN connection?
As with all internet traffic, transmission times are dependant
on the quality of your connection. Typically a LAN connection is
much faster than a modem connection. General expectations are about
5-20 seconds on a LAN and 10-60 seconds on typical modem connection.
(excluding the scanning time)
How does QTA respond when multiple QTA
systems communicate with the central server at the same time?
QTA uses a cluster of servers developed under Microsoft’s
Application Center for load balancing. As requests come in from QTA
instruments, Cognis’ proprietary technology known as ICE (Internet
Communication Enterprise) delegates these results to an available
server for processing; ensuring quick results. The system is
designed to handle thousands of units. There is no delay when
sharing the server. The Application Center gives QTA the capability of
adding more servers to our server cluster to assist in calculating
results. QTA monitors the activities on these systems and will
increase the server cluster as needed.
How secure is the data on our server?
Cognis takes every precaution to protect your valuable data.
During data transmission 128bit encryption is used to secure the
transmission. Our database is located in a server cluster
configuration behind a multi-layered firewall. Third party
vulnerability testing is performed on a routine basis. An
authorized username and password is required for access to your
data.
How is the database created?
Whenever an analysis is conducted on a QTA instrument the data
is captured and stored on the server along with the original
spectral files. The database is only available to authorized
users.
Why does Cognis use the internet for model
prediction?
The designers behind the QTA system strongly believe in the
efficiency of the internet. Central calibrations, system
monitoring, real-time reporting and remote maintenance are a few
benefits of using the internet. A technician is available 24
hours a day 7 days a week to assist in resolving any QTA system
problems; most of the time your system can be accessed over an
internet connection and fixed within minutes, maximizing your
uptime. Your data is available for immediate access to anyone with
an internet connection and a secure username and password to help
you maximize efficiency. Each analysis that is performed is checked
against our system helping to ensure accuracy in your results. Central
calibrations can be upgraded then accessed by your system for
immediate use. The internet brings value to your process when used
in connection with the QTA system.
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