Simple automated gas analysis

Peter Schoch

The OmniStar(tm) and ThermoStar(tm) are benchtop computer-controlled mass spectrometers providing simple automated gas analysis in the mass ranges of 1 to 100, 1 to 200, and 1 to 300 amu. The compact (foot print: 720 x 280 mm, height: 420 mm, weight 45 kg), robust and nevertheless not unattractive systems fit harmoniously into the lab environment. Up to 64 samples can be analysed simultaneously. A fast response time and a detection limit of 1ppm for non-interfering samples make them ideal for on-line process monitoring and quality assurance. This is supported by the easy definition of process windows and the setting of alarms.

Powered by the interactive Quadstar(tm) software package, the OmniStar and ThermoStar operate under Windows 3.1 or higher. The software makes qualitative analysis of all gases simple. Quantitative analysis is realised by the on-line calculation of concentrations. The feature for controlling digital and analog inputs and outputs simplifies integration of the gas analyser into existing systems. This allows for the presentation of mass spectrometer data as a function of process data. Optimal data evaluation is supported by a spectrum library, statistical and magnifying functions, and a cursor. To cater for data exchange with other programs, Quadstar supports DDE and exchange via binary and ASCII files. Application-specific user interfaces can be easily created.

The ThermoStar is specifically designed for coupling to commercial thermobalances, allowing for continuous and fast analysis of all evolved gases and their identification. The sampling line consists of a continuously open quartz capillary.

Typical industrial applications of the OmniStar are: monitoring of sintering furnaces, exhaust-gas and combustion-gas monitoring, verification of the tightness of gas filled containers, quality assurance of pure gases, monitoring of fermentation processes. In R&D, applications include gas analysis in materials research, in catalytic processes, in ground permeation, respiratory gas analysis, just to name a few. For many applications, the stainless-steel, temperature-controlled (up to 200 °C) sample gas line is a precondition for reliable gas analysis. If the application requires analysis of multiple gas streams simultaneously, the OmniStar can be expanded with the heated gas inlet system GSS 300 Gas Stream Selector allowing for fast and automatic analysis of up to twelve gas streams. Calibration gases can be switched on easily.

Preservation and improvement of the environment has become a global priority over the past years. Nitrogen oxides significantly contribute to ozone layer depletion in the stratosphere, the greenhouse effect, acid rain and photochemical smog. The main antropogenic sources of NOx are fuel combustion in power stations and motor vehicles. NOx emissions in chemical processes, such as nitric acid production and the adipic acid industry, have also been a focus of attention over the past years.

Selective catalytic reduction of NOx using NH3 (known as the SCR process) is generally recognised as the most effective commercial technology to remove the nitrogen oxides present in industrial stack gases. To study the efficiency of catalysers, the inlet and flue gases are analysed with the OmniStar mass spectrometer. The results correspond well with theory and measurements taken with specific NO and NH3 analysers.

Balzer and Leypold Instrumentation

Fax: ++41/388/54 16

Further informations to mass spectrometer

OmniStar cpp-295

Further informations to mass spectrometer

ThermoStar cpp-296