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:
Importance of gas analysis in the petrochemical industry
Elemental Analytics
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Gas analysis plays a critical role in petrochemical operations, supporting process optimisation, product quality and plant safety. As an experienced and expert gas analysis supplier, Elemental Analytics can provide the correct analyser and sample system package to meet individual plant requirements.
Read more...
Fully integrated standalone thunderstorm warning system
Senseca
Sensors & Transducers Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca South Africa has introduced its BTD-1 fully integrated, standalone thunderstorm warning system, which detects lightning by monitoring the background quasi-electrostatic field. The system can generate alerts before the first lightning strike, with a detection raterange of up to 83 km.
Read more...
Environmental monitoring with testo Saveris 1
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The testo Saveris 1 environmental monitoring system has been in continuous use since 2010 at Jungbunzlauer, a biotechnology company in Germany, providing seamless temperature and humidity data for audit-ready, GxP-compliant processes across laboratories, warehouses and production areas.
Read more...
Reliability restored through systemic vibration analysis
Wearcheck
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Condition monitoring specialist, WearCheck uses a variety of testing techniques to enhance reliability in machinery components and prevent failures.
Read more...
Meteorological data logger with up to 32 analogue sensors
Senseca
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced its advanced data acquisition system for environmental monitoring, which has a universal data logger for up to 32 analogue, pulse and smart digital sensors.
Read more...
Yokogawa’s free chlorine analyser is gold standard for water treatment utilities
Yokogawa South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
One of the key factors in ensuring safe drinking water is the accurate monitoring of free chlorine residuals. This is where advanced online analysers, such as Yokogawa’s FC800 free chlorine analyser, are becoming increasingly valuable for water treatment operators and municipal utilities.
Read more...
Cooling tower bleed control
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Cooling towers rely on evaporation to remove heat, but this process also concentrates dissolved solids in the system. Left unmanaged, this buildup can lead to scaling, corrosion and fouling, reducing efficiency and increasing maintenance costs.
Read more...
Expanded test laboratory provides polymer users with more information
igus
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
igus has expanded its international testing facilities to accommodate its increasing product portfolio and enable continuous improvement of its product quality.
Read more...
Filters for zero-alcohol wine
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The market for zero-alcohol wine is creating fresh opportunities for wine producers, but processing these products creates new contamination challenges. Technical support from an established filtration specialist, such as Parker, can help wineries in overcoming the challenges posed by the increased risk of contamination.
Read more...
Remote monitoring solution for sewage plants
ifm - South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
With ifm’s remote monitoring solution, you can visualise the condition of the submersible pumps in your sewage plant and diagnose issues before they become serious problems.
Read more...
printer friendly version