Method of performing spectral analysis

Abstract

A method of performing spectral analysis on a sample identified within a gas turbine engine. The method involves: obtaining an optical spectrum of the sample; normalising the optical spectrum to obtain a normalised optical spectrum; selecting a characteristic parameter that characterises the normalised optical spectrum; determining a characteristic parameter value associated with the normalised optical spectrum based on the characteristic parameter; comparing the characteristic parameter value with one or more pre-determined reference values corresponding to the characteristic parameter; and determining a presence of at least one compound in the sample based on the comparison between the characteristic parameter value and the one or more pre-determined reference values. The method can determine whether there is a need to disassemble the gas turbine engine for maintenance.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.