Industry Insights
The global stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) market size was valued at USD 182.90 million in 2016 and is expected to grow further over the forecast period. IRMS helps understand the ratios of isotopes present in a particular sample, as it allows precise measurement of mixture of natural isotopes. Archeological and environmental research are the major application areas of IRMS.
North America stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) market size, by end-user, 2014 - 2024 (USD Million)
IRMS analysis is divided into two types namely, continuous flow and dual inlet. Both the techniques require gas for further analysis; therefore, liquid or solid samples are converted to gaseous state for isotope ratio analysis. The dual inlet technique is used to determine isotope ratios from gases by introducing sample (gas) in alternate manner with another gas whose isotope ratios are known.
In continuous flow IRMS, sample gas is prepared immediately before the sample is introduced in the mass spectrometer. Increasing research on rock, ice, and fossil to detect the age and contents is projected to fuel market growth over the next few years.
The instrument is also used in research and studies related to Zoology. It helps understand dietary patterns and migration history of elephants and cattle. GC - IRMS is used to detect gases and solid particles in environment. Thus, increasing concerns regarding air pollution are expected to boost market growth during the forecast period.
Segmentation by Type
• GC-IRMS
• EA-IRMS
• LC-IRMS
EA-IRMS led the global market in 2017 and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. EA-IRMS is widely used for the detection isotope ratio in bulk, organic, and inorganic samples. Increasing consumption of organic products is expected to propel the demand. Extensive use of halal products in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries will also fuel growth in the forthcoming years.
Segmentation by End-user
• Research
• Commercial
Research held major share of the global stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) market in 2017 as it has a wide range of applications, especially in ecology and geology. In research, this instrument is used for studying soil and rock compositions and age of ice. It is also used in studying greenhouse gases, as they play a major role in changing ecological system. Therefore, increasing greenhouse gas emission is expected to present growth opportunities for the market. Commercial segment, on the other hand, is expected to witness a rapid growth over the forecast period. Increasing applications in detecting the contents of pharmaceutical and food products due to rising cases of food adulteration are expected to augment demand.
Segmentation by Region
• North America
• U.S.
• Europe
• Germany
• U.K.
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Rest of the World
North America was the dominant region in the stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) market in 2017. This growth is attributed to extensive usage of IRMS for forensic study, soil content study, and food adulteration examination. It is also used in detecting anabolic steroid among athletes. This factor is anticipated to present potential growth opportunities for the market over the forecast period.
Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is projected to register a CAGR of around 4.0% over the forecast period. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry is used for determining labelled content in pharmaceutical and food preparation. Growing pharmaceutical and food industry is expected fuel regional product demand. Growth opportunities for IRMS particularly in detecting gases and pollutant level in air in countries such as India and China are anticipated to bode well for regional market expansion.
Competitive Landscape
Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) market is consolidated in nature with a few players accounting for considerable share. Some of the key companies include Thermo Fissher Scientific, Inc.; Elementar Analysensysteme GmbH; Sercon Group; Los Gatos Research, Inc.; Aerodyne Research Inc.; CAMECA SAS; Picarro Inc.; and Ionplus AG.
