Orono Spectral Solutions Receives Approval from Transport Canada for New Water in Ammonia Testing Using ClearShot™ Technology

Bangor, ME, February 19, 2018 – Orono Spectral Solutions (OSS), a global provider of advanced chemical sampling materials and novel analytical methods, announced today that within five months of US DOT approval of the ClearShot™ technology as a faster, safer and more accurate method to determine water content in anhydrous ammonia, OSS has now received approval from Transport Canada as well. Measuring water content in anhydrous ammonia is a process regulated by Transport Canada to ensure shipping safety. Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most prominent fertilizer, refrigeration, and manufacturing commodities in the world. This new approval offers many benefits to Canadian anhydrous ammonia manufacturers and their customers, allowing them to increase profits and enhance product quality while improving safety.

Roland Sirois, OSS Chief Executive Officer, stated, “OSS is pleased with the approval from Transport Canada. ClearShot technology is a major improvement in operator safety and process testing capabilities, giving manufacturing sites the ability to know within minutes if the product is within specification.” The method was developed using OSS proprietary technology in conjunction with a wide number of anhydrous ammonia manufacturing laboratory personnel in a highly collaborative effort.

“Since the initial approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation, OSS has already fulfilled customer orders, not only within the United States but also, for example, from France, the Netherlands and South Africa,” said Dean Smith, OSS Vice President of Engineering. “This method, requested by the ammonia industry, gives a manufacturer the ability to quickly and accurately issue a Certificate of Analysis for water content for each shipment and will help production facilities operate with maximum efficiency and at higher profit margins. Expanding the geographical scope of use in North America is a key milestone in a product that frequently is transported across borders.”

ClearShot™ technology can also enable a manufacturer to maximize water content within the product specification range with more frequent testing capability. Furthermore, laboratory technician safety is dramatically improved as ammonia samples are more safely obtained and smaller ammonia sample size is required for testing.

This approval will enable shippers of ammonia to use the technology across all of North America. Used in combination with OSS’ oil in ammonia test method, the result is a comprehensive Green Chemistry approach for Anhydrous Ammonia product testing.

About Orono Spectral Solutions:

Orono Spectral Solutions develops and markets leading edge surface chemistry technology for sampling products that satisfy the needs within a wide range of Industrial, Environmental and Defense industries.