Membrane interface mass spectrometry for environmental monitoring
November 2007
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Industries producing hazardous substances, or using such substances in their manufacturing process, are required to monitor the environment in and around the plant to ensure that the concentrations of known pollutants remain below the exposure limits.
Of particular concern is a class of compounds known as volatile organic carbons (VOCs). These include the hazardous VOCs: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, which are collectively referred to as BTEX. Also included are the highly reactive VOCs: ethylene, propylene, 1-3 butadiene and butanes.
The BTEX chemicals are produced on a large scale as solvents or intermediates and occur together in gasoline as well as other petroleum products. They all have some acute and long-term effects to human health, while benzene is also a known carcinogen.
The ProMaxion process mass spectrometer from Ametek offers fast on-line monitoring of VOCs in ambient air in a reliable, easy-to-use package. The membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) equipped spectrometer provides data at 10 to 15 s per sample stream. This is 10 to 50 times faster than most GC methods, which require separation prior to analysis.
The ProMaxion process mass spectrometer from Ametek offers fast on-line monitoring of VOCs in ambient air
This mass spectrometer uses a dimethylsilicone membrane inlet coupled directly to its ion source. The speed of the ProMaxion facilitates the analysis of multiple streams. Up to 80 inlet ports are available providing the option of a centrally located, high stream count, multiple sample point configuration.
The Process 2000 software provides easy set-up, operation and calibration together with advanced alarm and automation capabilities. Self-diagnostics and a modular design ensure ease of maintenance, and modem support is available for additional factory diagnosis and troubleshooting.
Data can be exported using all common industrial protocols as well as dedicated analogue lines to bring the data to a common point for collection. Alarms are available for every stream, and a mathematical package allows data to be presented in various ways.
Mass spectrometry offers direct quantification of the species of interest, as well as a total reading. A single mass ion can be chosen specific to each compound and these masses can be continuously monitored. If a total concentration is required, the mass spectrometer can survey all VOCs or BTEX, total them within the software, and output realtime concentration. This technique also avoids sounding false alarms.
The analyser can periodically scan for mass intensities across the operating range and can detect abnormal conditions such as leaks or other problems.
For more information contact Noel Bauchop, OEN Enterprises, +27 (0)11 675 4447, [email protected], www.oenenterprises.co.za
Further reading:
Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.
Read more...
Sustainability of surface water
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.
Read more...
Keeping an eye on invisible radiation
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.
Read more...
Effective dust control in sugar processing
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
BLT WORLD specialists work in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team to offer dependable solutions for specific problems at the transfer points of conveyor systems in many industries where dust and material spillage are concerns, including the sugar sector.
Read more...
A benchmark for lubricant reliability in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
According to Craig FitzGerald from ISO-Reliability Partners, mines can save R500 000 or more on their yearly mill cleaning costs, while electricity consumption can be reduced by up to 12%, and lubricant consumption lowered up by up to 60% when using Bel-Ray Clear Gear lubricant.
Read more...
Safeguarding precision in industrial radiometric measurements
Mecosa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In the complex landscape of industrial plant operations, precision is paramount, especially when it comes to weld inspections to test for structural integrity of pipes. Berthold has the ideal answer to this challenge – X-Ray Interference Protection.
Read more...
New indoor air quality monitor
RS South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
RS South Africa has available a new indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor that provides continuous, easy-to-read, and accurate real-time monitoring of air quality in indoor environments.
Read more...
A quick guide to disinfection
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The distribution system in a drinking water network provides a reliable supply of high-quality water to consumers. Endress+Hauser’s range of robust, low-maintenance sensors are ideal for monitoring disinfectant levels in the water.
Read more...
Multi-parameter measuring system for water quality monitoring
KROHNE
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring different parameters in water treatment processes can lead to a situation where different measuring points are scattered across the plant.
Read more...
Optimising energy consumption in the chemical industry
Anton Paar
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To optimise energy consumption and save valuable resources on chemical process plants, operators have to continuously measure parameters such as concentration, raw density, sound velocity and refractive index. With Anton Paar’s wide product range, the process application team has many options for cutting-edge laboratory measurement technologies, and can develop tailor-made mathematical models for every application.
Read more...
printer friendly version