Spectrophotometer for use in explosive atmospheres

A spectrophotometer for use in an explosive atmosphere comprising:

• a purged compartment having disposed within:
• at least one light source;
• at least one detector;
• a non-purged compartment having disposed within:
• an optical block having at least one fluid connection port;
• a first flexible light pipe optically coupled between said at least one light source and said optical block;
• a second flexible light pipe optically coupled between said optical block and said at least one detector;
• and
• wherein said non-purged compartment is adapted to perform spectrophotometry of a fluid sample disposed within a sample container in said optical block, wherein said fluid sample is combined with at least a first reagent, and said purged compartment is electrically isolated from said non-purged compartment.

A method of measuring a presence or concentration of an organic or inorganic compound in a fluid in an explosive atmosphere comprising:

• providing a spectrophotometer comprising:
• a purged compartment having disposed within:
• at least one light source, at least one detector, a non-purged compartment having disposed within:
• an optical block having at least one fluid connection port, a first flexible light pipe optically coupled between said at least one light source and said optical block, and a second flexible light pipe optically coupled between said optical block and said at least one detector;
• purging said purged compartment with a positive air pressure;
• filling a sample container with the fluid to be tested;
• injecting at least one reagent into the fluid;
• measuring an amount transmission of a light from said light source transmitted through said fluid and reagent via said first flexible light pipe and said second flexible light pipe to said detector;
• and
• determining the presence or concentration of the organic or inorganic compound in the fluid in the explosive atmosphere based on said amount transmission of the light.