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Air monitoring

New equipment selector helps laboratory users make the most of gas analysis

Jun 17 2009

A new intelligent, online equipment selector, developed by Air Products (UK), aims to make choosing the right equipment for all types of analytical applications, including emissions monitoring, easier for everyone.

Gas analysis is becoming more complex and choosing the right equipment for individual applications can be difficult, even for the most experienced analyst or laboratory manager. As a result, users increasingly rely on expert advice to identify the best analytical model. Following on the success of its online gas mixture selector, Air Products is launching a complementary online tool, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing a step-by-step guide to selecting the right equipment for each analytical application. The analyst simply enters data about the application, including information about the gases used and the outlet pressure required. They can then instantly view the recommended equipment model, complete with detailed technical specifications, before confirming their selection. There is also an online equipment catalogue, so if analysts and laboratory managers already know which piece of equipment they need, they can source up to date information quickly and easily. Isabelle Laurent, Market Specialist Analytical and Laboratories Europe at Air Products, said: “Gas equipment such as regulators, valves and manifolds perform a critical function in ensuring that the quality of the gas is maintained at the point of use. If air contamination occurs at any stage, this can affect the overall performance and accuracy of all kinds of gas analysis applications. “The new equipment selector brings added peace of mind for the user by making intelligent recommendations about the equipment and preferred options according to each specific analytical application.” Gas analysts and laboratory managers are increasingly reliant on expert advice, due to the complexity and extent of equipment available. The Experis® range includes 35 combinations of regulators and 55 combinations of line regulators. Depending on the application, each piece of equipment needs to be carefully selected. For example, when using corrosive gases, stainless steel equipment is needed, whereas for applications using oxygen or oxidising mixtures, brass equipment is preferred. Similarly, where high levels of constant stable outlet pressure and flow accuracy are required, double-stage regulators are usually recommended.