Sunday, January 18, 2009

Gas Analyzer

The Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) is a scientific instrument aboard the Phoenix spacecraft. TEGA's design is based on experience gained from the failed Mars Polar Lander. Soil samples taken from the Martian surface by the robot arm are eventually delivered to the TEGA, where they are heated in an oven to about 1,000ÂșC. This heat causes the volatile compounds to be given off as gases which are sent to a mass spectrometer for analysis. This spectrometer is adjusted to measure particularly the isotope ratios for hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and heavier gases. Detection values as low as 10 parts per billion. The Phoenix TEGA has 8 ovens, which are enough for 8 samples.

A residual gas analyzer (RGA) is a small and usually rugged mass spectrometer, typically designed for process control and contamination monitoring in the semiconductor industry. Utilizing quadrupole technology, there exists two implementations, utilizing either an open ion source (OIS) or a closed ion source (CIS). RGAs may be found in high vacuum applications such as research chambers, surface science setups, accelerators, scanning microscopes, etc. RGAs are used in most cases to monitor the quality of the vacuum and easily detect minute traces of impurities in the low-pressure gas environment. These impurities can be measured down to 10 − 14 Torr levels, possessing sub-ppm detectability in the absence of background interferences.

RGAs would also be used as sensitive in-situ, helium leak detectors. With vacuum systems pumped down to lower than 10 - 5Torr—checking of the integrity of the vacuum seals and the quality of the vacuum—air leaks, virtual leaks and other contaminants at low levels may be detected before a process is initiated.

Brimrose NIR Analyzer

A new series of miniature near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers is said to offer a cost-effective tool for inspecting incoming raw materials and product quality control. Compact, battery-powered Model 5030 ATOF-NIR Portable Analyzer from Brimrose Corp. of America, Baltimore, allows laboratory tests to be performed anywhere in a plant environment. The instrument, which sells for $28,000 (compared with $40,000 for larger units), is reportedly insensitive to ambient light, vibration, dust, and dirt. Its design allows for quick switchover from solids to liquids, and results appear instantly on its LCD. Applications include material identification or measurement of moisture content and active-ingredient levels. Once the instrument is calibrated, it reportedly can be used by an inexperienced operator.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Illinois Instruments, Inc. offers a wide range of products to satisfy nearly every process gas measurement need.

Several sensor and enclosure choices make these process analyzers among the industry's most comprehensive product offerings.

For a complete description of the features and typical applications for any product model, review the choices below or click on the instrument at right.

Oxygen:

Fuel Cell - Series 900
Zirconia Cell - Series 800
Intrinsically Safe - Model EC91

Flexible enclosure systems:

Standard cabinet can be used as is on the bench or Panel Mounted with integral flange.

Industrial configuration is rated NEMA 4X / IP66 for weather and waterproof locations.

Rack Mount (19 inch / 4U) houses one or two analyzers.

Models 900

Models 800

Model EC91 Intrinsically safe Oxygen Analyzer

Intrinsically Safe Product

Illinois Instruments' EC91 Intrinsically Safe Process Oxygen Transmitter detects oxygen levels from .01 ppm to 21.0% and can be used in most industrial gases and atmospheres. The instrument requires no periodic maintenance such as replacing electrodes or electrolyte and is easily calibrated using ambient air or standard calibration samples. The enclosure is molded of glass fiber reinforced polyester, an impact resistant material unaffected by oils, common acids, and alkalies. A wide door is fitted with stainless steel hinge pins making it suitable for harsh environments and protected to IP67 standards.

The Model EC91 can be wall or post mounted and transmits a 4-20mA signal corresponding to the oxygen level. The unit may have up to six ranges and has an LCD for local indication. An optional control room display and alarm unit is also available. All electronic circuits are intrinsically safe and have been certified to BASEEFA and CENELEC standards. Connections to safe areas must be fitted with shunt diode safety barriers.

Features:

Insensitive to sample flow rate
Maintenance free disposable measuring cell
Six selectable ranges cover ppm and percent levels
Air calibration check
Rugged construction unaffected by orientation or vibration
Simple to operate
Specific to oxygen

Applications:

Inert atmosphere gas blanket monitoring
Quality control (gas mixing and manufacturing)
Cryogenics/Glove boxes
Gas purity certification
Microbiology/Biotechnology
Metallurgy
Safety applications
Gas line monitoring

Fuel Cell Sensor Technology

Illinois Instruments' Series 900 Process Oxygen Analyzers offer unmatched versatility in high performance on-line oxygen analyzers.

Utilizing a variety of specially engineered electrochemical fuel cells, the Series 900 Oxygen Analyzers are designed to monitor oxygen within most industrial gases and atmospheres. These highly advanced instruments incorporate user-friendly software and the highest quality sensors to provide accurate, reliable results.

No matter what your measuring range, the Series 900 has an analyzer to suit your needs.


Trace Sensor (parts per million)
The trace sensor is designed for measuring 0-10,000 ppm oxygen in most industrial gas streams. This sensor, when used in a normal operating range, typically lasts 3-5 years.

Ultra-Low Trace Sensor (0-1 ppm)
This high performance sensor was developed for applications where continuous oxygen measurements are maintained between 0 and 1 ppm.

RACE™ Sensor
The RACE™ Sensor (USA and British patents pending) is a breakthrough in electrochemical technology. Our unique design prevents the sensor from being saturated by high levels of oxygen. With TURBOPURGE™, levels as low as 20 ppm can be reached from ambient air within 2 minutes. This sensor is unaffected by hydrocarbons or volatile atmospheres making it the ideal choice in applications such as wavesolder and reflow ovens.

The RACE™ Sensor is maintenance free and only requires infrequent calibration. No caustic electrolyte to monitor or replace. The RACE™ Sensor carries a 3 year warranty.

Percent Sensor
The Illinois Instruments percent sensor is capable of accurate measurements from 0 - 100% oxygen. Unlike most electrochemical sensors, this sensor is not affected by carbon dioxide.

Zirconia Sensor Technology

Illinois Instruments' Series 800 Oxygen Analyzers are designed for the rapid and accurate measurement of oxygen from low ppm levels to 100% in nearly all industrial gases and atmospheres. All instruments within this group incorporate a unique miniature zirconia ceramic oxygen sensor to provide high accuracy, fast response, and a wide measuring range. This sensor is non-depleting and requires no periodic inspection or maintenance.

All models feature microprocessor control for stable and repeatable operation. A bright, autoranging LED display provides direct measurement output. User-adjustable alarms, scaleable analog output signals, RS232 interfacing, and process sample bypass flow systems are all optionally available.

Three different configurations add to the base Model 810 (shown at right) to offer the choices needed to satisfy virtually all industrial environment and operational constraints.

Model 810
can be used on the bench
or Panel Mounted.
Model 820
is NEMA 4X / IP66
rated for weatherproof
and waterproof locations.
Model 830
houses one or two analyzers
in its 4U (19 inch)
rack mount cabinet.

Features:

Non-depleting sensors
Ambient air calibration
Specific to oxygen
Autoranging LED displays
Fast response
Bench top or in-panel installation
Analog outputs, alarms, and RS232 interface available
Bypass flow system available

Applications:

Gas purity certification
Gas blanket monitoring
Glove box monitoring
Purge gas monitoring
Food and beverage packaging
Controlled environment monitoring
Quality control (gas mixing and manufacturing)
Semiconductor manufacturing

Saturday, November 1, 2008

A Dedicated Infrared Analyzer for Fluid Condition Monitoring

Infrared analysis has long been applied as a complement to wear metal monitoring. ... Infrared analysis has long been applied as a complement to wear metal monitoring.