Developments in Process Gas Analysis

Robert Wright, Thermo ONIX

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Introduction – Developments in Gas Analysis

• Sampling from variable pressure – VOD process analysis

• Sampling using low flow – respiratory gas analysis with mammalian cell cultures

• Sampling from liquids – for dissolved toxic gases

• Integrating several techniques – to provide complete solution

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Sampling from Variable Pressure

VOD process analysis

sample pressure varies 1000 mbar – 0.3mbar

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VOD/RH Process Gas Analysis

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How a Mass Spectrometer Works

Sample gas

Inlet (filtering and pressure adjustment)

Ion Source

Mass Filter

Detector

MS Controlle

rVacuum

Chamber

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VG Prima Process Mass Spectrometer

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VG Prima VOD/RH Inlet

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RH Process

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Hit Ratio

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Sampling using Low Flow

Respiratory gas analysis with mammalian cell cultures or anaerobic microbial cultures

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Mammalian Cell Cultures & Anaerobic Microbial Cultures

Low Sparge Flow In

Low Sample Flow Out

Animal cells are very ‘shear-sensitive’ and cannot tolerate high impeller speeds or large gas bubbles in the growth media.

Anaerobic processes may require very low flow or zero sparge gas.

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Capillary Inlet With Molecular Leak and Bypass

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Very Low Flow Modification

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Sampling from Liquids

For environmental monitoring of organic chlorides in process water streams

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Membrane Inlet - 100x Enhancement of VOCs - for Low Detection

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Supported Capillary Membrane Probe

Probe is designed to work in a process line monitoring trace organics

About 2m of silicone rubber tube is in direct contact with process water

Organics permeate through the silicone

Carrier gas in

Carrier gas out

5” (127mm)

Hollow –Fiber Pervaporation Membrane

Dow Chemical US Patent 5,317,932 Licensed to FIA Solutions

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Installation Arrangement

Air flow 20 ml/min at 10 psi

4m of 1/8” stainless steel tube, trace heated to 60OC

Cooling water out

Cooling water in

VG RMS Rapid Multistream

Sampler

RMSExhaust

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Typical Multi-Probe Installation

Sample Water In

Sample Water Out

Carrier Gas In

Carrier Gas Out

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EDC in Water

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Analysis of Impurities in Beverage Grade CO2

Measurements of the following:-

• Total Sulphur

• Total Hydrocarbons

• Total Aromatics

• Moisture

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On-line Analyser with PUVF, NDIR and FID detectors

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Multiple Detector Results

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Conclusions

New applications in Process Analysis

demand special adaptations of existing techniques

Examples shown include:-

• Variable pressure VOD process

• Low sample flows in certain fermentations

• Sampling of organic pollutants in water

• Analysis of impurities in CO2

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Acknowledgements

Graham Josland

Stuart Mackenzie

Mark Wilson

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Thank you for listening!

Any Questions?