Gas analysers for Helium purity measurement
Servomex gas purity analysers will be used to detect trace methane impurity levels in helium used for medical applications, having helped BOC validate the new European Pharmacopoeia method.
Within medicine, helium, mixed with varying concentrations of oxygen, is increasingly being used to treat the symptoms of respiratory ailments to make life more comfortable for the patients. To date there has been no monograph for helium in the European Pharmacopoeia (EP). Working with the EP, BOC, the world’s largest supplier of helium, were responsible for the validation of the analytical methods proposed for the new monograph.
The methods were to be validated in line with the ICH standards (the ICH being the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use).
Helium is extracted from natural gas in certain areas of the world, eg Poland and the USA.
It is present at a concentration of around one per cent.
As methane is the main constituent of natural gas, monitoring the level of trace methane (CH4) in helium gives a good indication of the correct operation of the helium purification process, as methane will be the most prominent contaminant.
Although it is not thought that low levels of methane in helium have a detrimental affect on patients, the EP monograph states an upper limit of 50 ppm.
As part of the package of work, BOC had to complete a validation trial on a gas analyser capable of measuring trace methane in helium.
Because the company had previously used Servomex gas analysers successfully for various applications, BOC requested a loan unit from Servomex.
This was delivered promptly, allowing BOC to complete the validation trial and confirm the specification within a tight two-week deadline.
Servomex provided a 4100 gas purity analyser with a 0-50/500 ppm methane measurement range and an intrinsic error (accuracy) of better than one per cent of reading or 0.5 ppm(v) methane, whichever is greater.
This exceptional performance is largely due to the use of an infrared gas measurement technique in the analyser, incorporating gas filter correlation (GFC).
Not only does this deliver high accuracy even at low concentrations of the target gas, but it also ensures that the measurements are virtually immune to cross-interference.
Faye South, an analyst at BOC, comments: ‘We were already using a similar Servomex instrument for high-accuracy oxygen measurements, so it was an obvious choice for us to use a Servomex analyser for this validation trial.
The instrument was supplied on loan very quickly and it performed faultlessly.
I have always found Servomex gas analysers to be straightforward to use, and the 4100 was no exception.
Indeed, it was very fortunate that we had access to this instrument, as it enabled us to validate the method so that the European Pharmacopoeia will accommodate infrared analysers of this type’.
Furthermore, looking ahead to the possible BOC use of the Servomex 4100 in a production environment, Faye South adds: ‘Beyond the EP requirements, areas of concern to us as an end user would be response time and calibration drift.
Needless to say, the Servomex 4100 appears to perform extremely well in both respects, allowing us to identify any problems with the production process very rapidly, while also keeping the operating costs for the analyser as low as possible’.
During the validation trial, the Servomex 4100 gas analyser was tested against the ICH Q2 guidelines that cover, for example, linearity, accuracy, precision, detection limit, quanititation limit and robustness.
As a result of the validation trial carried out by BOC, the new EP will specify the monitoring of trace methane in helium using infrared gas analysis.
BOC will most likely order multiple Servomex 4100 gas purity analysers for on-line analysis in its medical helium facilities, and other European producers of medical helium could well do the same.
Servomex can fully support end users throughout Europe or, indeed, anywhere in the world.
Gas detectors monitor crop fumigation
Analytical Technology (ATi) has received a considerable order for its C16 Portasens gas detectors for monitoring the phosphine treatment of third world crops such as couscous to kill parasites.
Analytical Technology (ATi) has received a considerable order for its C16 Portasens gas detectors for delivery via the global association of governments based in New York. The order comes following a previously successful contract, where ATi supplied the International Community body with 75 gas monitors for use in Africa. The C16 Portasens gas detectors have recently received approval from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
This new contract is for deployment into Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Bulgaria.
In many third world countries phosphine gas is used to kill parasites which may be present on crops, such as couscous.
In order to ensure that all the parasites have been exterminated the level of phosphine gas needs to be measured.
The International Community therefore, supplies third world countries with gas detectors to help them ensure this process is carried out correctly and that no crops are ruined.
The series C16 portable gas monitor from ATi is a versatile tool for making regular gas checks in gas storage areas, around process equipment and in confined spaces prior to entry.
It is designed for easy one-handed operation and is especially useful out in the field.
The particular feature of the C16 detector is its ability to detect over 30 different gases simply by inserting the appropriate sensor for the gas being monitored.
Sensor modules for the 30 different gases are individually calibrated and can simply be plugged into the monitor containing a microprocessor which automatically reads the data.
In this way, one detector can go from phosphine to ammonia measurements in less than one minute.
The C16 Portasens II detector was originally designed to help exterminate tobacco beetles.
ATi has worked with many of the world’s leading tobacco companies who have purchased and influenced the development of this portable hand-held gas detector.
ATi has extended the scope of the monitor, resulting in the order from the global association of governments.
The international community finances the introduction of alternative fumigant gases and as a consequence phosphine is increasingly being used to replace methyl bromide in the elimination of parasites on, amongst other uses, the couscous harvests.
The purchasing body recognises some key benefits of the C16 portable gas monitor, not least the fact that it runs off a standard battery and contains a rechargeable battery pack.
Mike Strahand, General Manager Europe at ATi, comments: ‘This order is a source of great pride to ATi.
We hope to have many opportunities for future dealings with global associations of governments, as the versatility and the outstanding performance of the C16 is recognized.
Witt Gas launches new website
Witt-Gasetechnik and Co, the Witten, Germany based gas safety, control, mixing and analysis equipment supplier, has just updated the Witt Gas website in 6 languages with more data.
Witt-Gasetechnik and Co, the Witten, Germany based gas safety, control, mixing and analysis equipment supplier, whose UK company Witt Gas Techniques , based in Warrington has just updated the Witt Gas website. This new website can be read in 6 different languages, including English. It provides comprehensive details of all the Witt Gas products including gas control and gas safety equipment.
Downloads include technical specification sheets, brochures and videos.
Details of new products through press information is regularly updated, along with details of exhibitions that the company will be attending around the World.
Also available is information for maintenance personnel on how to install gas mixers.
An easy to complete enquiry form allows the website visitor to request more information on specific products or industries.
Carl Long, General Manager at Witt Gas Techniques in Warrington said: ‘The information available on the new site is much more comprehensive than the original site.
It has been designed in consultation with many of our customers, so that it is now much easier to navigate.’
‘Wet’ or ‘dry’ option for process gas analysis?
When specifying a process gas analyser and associated sampling system for high dewpoint gases, the first decisions to make is whether the analysis should be done on a ‘wet’ basis or a ‘dry’ basis.
When specifying a process gas analyser and associated sampling system one of the first decisions to make is whether the analysis should be done on a ‘wet’ basis or a ‘dry’ basis. While making the measurement on the wet basis will give the true gas concentration, it requires the sample system and analyser cell to operate at a higher temperature in order to avoid problems associated with condensation. On the other hand, to make the analysis on a dry basis - at a lower temperature - requires a sample system that removes the condensates, and the reading for the gas concentration needs to be adjusted to take account of those condensates.
David Fahle, VP of Hydrocarbon Processing, states ‘Clearly both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, but careful consideration of a particular application usually steers the specifier towards one basis in preference to the other.
In a recent visit to key customers in the Middle East, it was clear that careful evaluation of the total stream composition needed to be looked at when specifying and installing a new gas analysis system’.
Take the example of the measurement of oxygen concentration as a means of reducing the explosion risk of a flammable process gas - such as in the inerting of centrifuges or reactors.
The sample gas will typically include various flammable organic solvents and/or water at a temperature above ambient, as well as nitrogen usually introduced for inerting (that is reducing the oxygen level to below the level that ignition can occur, even in the presence of flammable vapours).
Cooling the gas before analysis will condense and remove some or all of the solvents or water, giving a higher oxygen measurement; on rising oxygen levels, this will generate an alarm prematurely.
However, since this gives enhanced safety, the dry analysis technique will usually be acceptable to the plant operator.
It should also be mentioned that often in centrifuge applications when the solvents and or water have been driven off, there is dry powder left in the centrifuge (the product) which may itself be flammable, so the low level of oxygen must still be maintained by the injection of nitrogen in order to prevent ignition.
Another example is the reporting of emissions from combustion processes.
This often requires measurement to a standard set of conditions, which may include making the analysis on a dry basis.
The usual method is to condense the water vapour from the sample gas before measuring the pollutants.
Alternatively the analysis can be performed at a high temperature without removing the liquid water - a wet analysis - with a separate measurement of the water content to enable the pollutant concentrations to be corrected to give a dry basis equivalent reading.
Although this approach is not usually cost-effective, due to the extra analyser required to measure the water, it is occasionally necessary if one of the components to be measured, perhaps HCl, is soluble in water and would be removed with the condensate.
In safety-critical applications it is acceptable to ‘err on the side of safety’, but greater accuracy may be demanded where the analysis is performed as part of a process control system, with implications for product quality or yield.
In such cases, if the sample gas has a high dew point the measurement must be made without cooling the sample, as this would lead to an error due to the condensing of components.
An analyser is therefore used with a measuring cell heated to a temperature above the dew point.
A typical example is the air oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol, which is a stage in the production of caprolactam used for the manufacture of Nylon 6, where it is necessary to measure the oxygen content at various points to determine process safety and efficiency.
If, for instance, the reactor product stream has a dew point of about 103C and is cooled to ambient temperature, say 15C, for analysis, virtually all the cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone will condense out.
This will lead to a large change in sample composition and, consequently, a large and unacceptable error in the oxygen analysis.
To prevent this error the measurement needs to be made without cooling.
Instruments such as the Servomex 2200H analyser are suitable as a result of the measuring cell that can be heated to either 110 or 135C.
In addition, the analyser is connected to the process using heated sample lines and a heated sample conditioning system.
However, as some processes can polymerise at high temperatures, the temperature of the analyser cell must be carefully controlled to maintain the sample above its dew point, while ensuring that the sample is not heated to the polymerisation temperature.
The technology used within an analyser sensor cell clearly has an impact on its suitability for use at elevated temperatures or with samples containing solvents.
Magnetodynamic paramagnetic cells, as used in the Servomex 2200 series gas analysers for measuring oxygen concentration, benefit from excellent sensitivity and linearity, as well as being virtually immune to cross-interference from other gases and capable of operating at elevated temperatures.
Since the measurement principle is purely physical, with no electrolyte or chemicals consumed, the cell has a virtually unlimited life with minimal maintenance requirements.
For monitoring process reaction component concentrations, photometric (infrared) analysers, such as the established Servomex 2500 series, are often used.
Heated sensor cells can be used up to 180C for high dew point sample gases and the selectivity and sensitivity can be specified to suit the process gas.
David adds, ‘Clearly assessing the intended use of the analysis data is critical in deciding on the right type of analysis, be it wet or dry.
However, even more important is choosing the right technology that will provide long-term peace of mind’.
Rugged analyser certified vibration resistant
EP-IR analysers, capable of simultaneously measuring multiple gas components in the ppb to ppm range, have achieved military certification for vibration resistance.
Aspectrics, the innovator of Encoded Photometric Infrared spectroscopy (EP-IR) analysers, announces that its innovative EP-IR analysers have achieved Military 202G Method 204D certification for successfully passing the High Frequency Vibration Resistance Test. The test was performed to determine the effect of vibration on component parts of the analyser in sweeping frequency ranges of 0.5 to 30 Hz. The units demonstrated no degradation in electrical or photometric performance during or after the test.
In addition, the photometric performance was further tested by collecting spectra as these vibrations were applied to the analyser.
Even under the stress of such vibrations, the EP-IR analyser retained photometric performance and still meets RMS signal-to-noise specifications greater than 50,000:1.
The Aspectrics EP-IR analysers are the only systems available on the market that have successfully achieved this certification.
A video demonstrating this experiment is available via the website.
Jim Yano, VP of Marketing for Aspectrics, comments: ‘Our EP-IR technology is a breakthrough for the process monitoring industry.
That’s why our analysers have enjoyed a tremendously positive reaction since their launch.
Receiving certification to military specifications with regards to vibration resistance further demonstrates the ruggedness of our EP-IR systems compared with less vibration sensitive techniques such as FT-IR’.
Being capable of simultaneously measuring multiple gas components in the ppb to ppm range as well as an ultra-fast scan rate of 100 scans/second, the Aspectrics patented EP-IR analysers allow manufactures to monitor their processes in real-time.
The units do not utilise any hygroscopic optical components or internal lasers.
Furthermore, Aspectrics offers a complete suite of software solutions from application development to field deployable calibrations and control software.
Vibration testing is used to evaluate products and packages for design purposes and to simulate the effects of transportation or system vibration.
During the tests, environmental exposure to vibration is reproduced to ensure compliance with quality and safety requirements.
Gow-Mac Ireland changes name to AGC Instruments
After 40 years of gas analysis equipment manufacturing and sales as Gow-Mac Instrument Co (Ireland), a new dawn is on the horizon following the successful MBO and change of name to AGC Instruments.
After 40 years of manufacturing and sales as Gow-Mac Instrument Co (Ireland), a new dawn is on the horizon following a change of name to AGC Instruments, following the successful MBO (Management buy-out) by the present management team at the Irish operation. Marcus Creaven, Sales Director says ‘exciting times are ahead for AGC, as we can now focus and deal personally with the many industrial, electronic, specialty gas manufacturers, coupled with our petrochemical and pharmaceutical customers also around the globe. We are putting a strong emphasis into local ground support, particularly in Europe, Middle East and South East Asian markets, to provide the application and technical back-up that is so important to our customers’.
All current gas chromatographs, gas analysers, thermal conductivity, patented discharge ionisation and argon discharge detectors, hot wire filaments etc will continue to be produced by AGC.
With strong continued and renewed R and D investment planned, 2007 will see new products launched to increase the AGC turnkey capabilities, with particular emphasis on the Pacific Rim and Americas markets.
Creaven continues, ‘Through listening to our customers, we are aiming to provide new innovative instruments and solutions under the AGC banner, all under the one roof’.
4-part hydrocarbon gas analyses at ppb levels
Aspectrics, the innovator of Encoded Photometric Infrared Spectroscopy (EP-IR), introduces a new application explaining the analysis of various hydrocarbon gases using its MultiComponent analyser.
Aspectrics, the innovator of Encoded Photometric Infrared spectroscopy (EP-IR) analysers and winner of the 2006 R+D 100 award, introduces a new application for the analysis of various hydrocarbon gases using its MultiComponent analyser. This application note demonstrates how the EP-IR MultiComponent Analyser is able to conduct simultaneous quantitative analysis of several hydrocarbon gases (C1-C4) in a mixture at parts-per-billion (ppb) level concentrations. Designed to respond to scientists’ needs in petrochemical, chemical, environmental and process laboratories, this application note can be downloaded free-of-charge from the newly designed website.
One of the most striking features of the innovative Aspectrics analyser is the speed of data collection: a full spectrum every 10 milli-seconds.
Such scanning speed can translate into applications such as ultra-fast kinetics, parts-per-million (ppm) level quantitative analysis in less than 5 seconds, or, as demonstrated in this application note, measurement of parts-per-billion (ppb) levels of hydrocarbon compounds (methane [CH3], ethane [C2H6], propane [C3H8] and butane [C4H10]) and carbon monoxide [CO], with integration times of only 1-5 minutes.
Traditionally, infrared wavelength generation devices, such as the Non Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, are limited either in the simultaneous characterisation of more than one chemical compound, or by a lack of ruggedness, respectively.
In contrast, the Aspectrics MultiComponent EP-IR spectrometer is not only capable of resolving several chemical compounds even if they share a similar chemical composition (and subsequent spectroscopic features), but also is more cost-effective both in field implementation and ownership due to its NDIR-like ruggedness).
The EP-IR MultiComponent Analyser contains patented encoder disc technology that enables the encoding of full spectral information 100 times per second, resulting in 10 milli-second true refresh rate of the chemical information.
Moreover, dedicated on-board processors allow users to monitor processes in real time, even as often as 100 times per second.
Aspectrics quantitative analysis software enables real-time characterisation of multiple chemicals in process streams.
The software also communicates analytical results and instrument health information to central network locations, and facilitates full automation of calibration and calibration maintenance in production mode.
New headquarters facility for Sentry Equipment
Sentry Equipment and Pabst Farms Development held a groundbreaking ceremony on 18 October for the Sentry Equipment new headquarters facility in Oconomowoc.
Sentry Equipment and Pabst Farms Development held a groundbreaking ceremony on 18 October for the Sentry Equipment new headquarters facility. The new 51,100-square-foot building will house company offices and manufacturing. The company manufactures sampling systems and components, automatic samplers, and specialty heat exchangers.
Industries that Sentry serves include utility/power generation, oil refining, pharmaceutical, chemical, plastics, food, mining and cement.
Sentry products are distributed worldwide and the company has been the recipient of multiple awards for export sales.
Sentry Equipment CEO Mike Farrell addressed the 100 Sentry employee owners during the groundbreaking: ‘For without each and every one of you we would not be here today starting on a new building to house our collective and individual creativity, hard work and effort.
In our company we machine, weld and assemble products, we solve problems for the people who use our products, we design new products, we make processes work better, and we do it best because every employee is an owner; every customer is a commitment’.
Dan Warren, development manager at Pabst Farms Development, said Sentry Equipment will be a welcome addition to the Commerce Centre at Pabst Farms.
‘We are particularly happy that a long-time, highly respected employee-owned business has decided to relocate within Oconomowoc’.
Sentry Equipment began as The Henszey Company in 1924.
The Henszey family sold the business to its employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust in 1986.
Currently, 100 employee owners are actively engaged in the expanding company.
Sentry’s continued growth, as well as two recent acquisitions, has given rise to the need for additional manufacturing and office space beyond what its current Oconomowoc site allows.
The resulting entity is the single company with the most diverse array of sampling equipment and solutions in the world.
Automatic aseptic sampling system for breweries
A contamination-free aseptic sampling system, initially developed for the milk processing industry by leading hygienic valve specialists Sudmo, is now gaining recognition in the beverage industries.
A contamination-free aseptic sampling system, initially developed for the milk processing industry by leading hygienic valve specialists Sudmo, is now gaining international recognition in the brewing and beverage industries, ensuring they maintain the highest possible quality for their products. Qualified laboratory personnel and a suitably equipped laboratory require aseptic sampling to prove that filling systems are themselves aseptic. The Sudmo sampling system prevents germs entering the sampling process from the environment and thereby avoids contamination, which can affect any results through secondary infection.
A germ-free environment during continuous 24-hour production is one of the principle demands the beverage industry makes on the process periphery of cold aseptic filling (CAF) systems.
In order to prove sterility, any corresponding sampling system must provide an aseptic mode of operation.
This fully-automatic system for contamination-free sampling can be used for products with a viscosity of up to 100 mPas.
Essentially, it consists of a dead space-free valve block with an inline housing connection and is equipped with three miniature fold bellows valves.
One of the valves and the pipeline system to be sampled are connected via an inline connection.
The two other valves serve to import steam and flushing water into the sampling system.
A sampling station is connected to this valve block via a pipeline, into which a sampling bottle can be inserted via a special sampling lock.
The system is sealed by a combination consisting of a PT-100 resistance thermometer, a steam trap and two aseptic valves via which the condensate, flushing water and the CIP (cleaning in process) media can be separated.
Easy Dismantling.
During the design phase special consideration has been given to the sampling bottle stopper.
It is designed similar to a keg flat fitting and consists of a minimum number of parts that can be dismantled and reassembled with the minimum of effort.
The stopper has a spring-loaded locking pin, which can only be pressed towards the inside.
In contrast to other competitive systems, the bottle can be removed after sampling without other components.
After processing the specimen, the bottle and the dismantled stopper are cleaned, re-assembled and subsequently autoclaved as a complete unit.
This guarantees the sampling bottle is in perfect hygienic condition before the next sampling.
Handling the sampling bottle when placing it into the pick-up unit is extremely easy and can even be performed single handed.
A locking bar makes the operation ergonomic, simple and safe.
After the pick-up unit has been clamped and mechanically secured, the automatic sampling cycle can be started.
It automatically performs a series of steps, which carry out the following functions sequentially under temperature and/or time-controlled conditions:.
* Steaming of the inside of the sampling system at up to 150C in order to sterilize all areas.
* Defined cooling phase, in order to avoid a thermal change of the specimen when being transferred to the sampling bottle.
* Transfer of the specimen from the pipeline system to the sampling bottle, in which the drive of the pick-up unit presses the locking pin towards the inside during pulse/pause operation, thereby releasing the flow path of the liquid to be sampled into the sampling bottle.
* Flushing the sampling system to remove product residue.
The Sudmo aseptic sampling system unit is available in various design formats.
The simplest design is limited to the mechanical components.
The scope of delivery includes valve technology together with complete piping and adaptation in the process pipe.
This design offers customers the advantage of integrating the unit with an existing control system.
As an extended expansion level Sudmo offers automation and a switch cabinet with corresponding peripheral equipment.
In this case, the manufacturer also is able to carry out the commissioning.
A stand-alone unit, which is factory-fitted with a standard switch cabinet, can be integrated on site directly via aseptic flange connections with the higher-ranking process in accordance with the plug-and-play principle.
The operator has the option of choosing between individual and collective specimens and can start the function at the sampling system directly with the push of a button.
Overall, the complete system offers safe and simple operation providing companies with complete peace of mind; furthermore, the design fully meets all hygiene requirements.
Vehicle Emissions Monitoring Programme launched
Following the success of their Accuscan 4600 vehicle emissions monitoring demonstrations in London and Glasgow this June, Enviro Technology have launched a Vehicle Emissions Monitoring Programme.
Following the success of their Accuscan 4600 vehicle emissions monitoring demonstrations in London and Glasgow this June, Air Quality Monitoring specialists - Enviro Technology - have launched a bespoke Vehicle Emissions Monitoring Programme aimed at local authorities. The launch of this programme comes about due to the overwhelming attendance and information requests which the company received both in the run up to, and during, the Accuscan 4600 demonstration events. Over 4,000 vehicles were tested in both London and Glasgow over a four hour period in June 2006.
Representatives from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London Borough of Newham and Transport for London were just some of those in attendance.
Recorded findings from the sites showed the following.
* The percentage of vehicles emitting over 1,500 ppm NO was similar at both sites - around 7%.
* Of the two cities, Glasgow recorded the highest vehicle emissions, with an HGV recorded as emitting 5621 ppm NO and a 4×4 recorded as emitting 3334 ppm NO.
* In London the most prevalent vehicle, the black cab, averaged 800 ppm NO.
* It was noted that brand new (06) registrations were significantly lower.
Says Duncan Mounsor, Enviro Technology Operations Director: ‘These demonstration events showed local authorities just how rapidly vehicle emissions testing technology has developed in the past few years.
Technology has become more rugged and commercially available, and many local authorities were surprised at just how simple it was to set up the Accuscan 4600 and thus start generating results.
Following the success of these events, Enviro Technology has launched their first ‘Vehicle Emissions Monitoring Programme’.
This programme is specifically targeted at those authorities looking to embark on fleet characterisation studies.
ET will work with the authorities to identify suitable testing sites and will then provide the manpower and technology to monitor vehicles over a specific time period.
Says Duncan: ‘Our new programme will enable us, on behalf of the LAs, to monitor vehicles at various pre-determined sites over a specified time period.
We will be able to provide data for over 20,000 vehicles and also provide post processing information.
Enviro Technology has already been commissioned to work on two fleet characterisation surveys using the Accuscan 4600 technology during the next few months.
Enviro Technology is planning on staging more demonstration events later in the year for those local authorities who didn’t make it to London and Glasgow.
Further details will be available on the website.