Effective mercury emissions monitoring certified.

The Gasmet Continuous Mercury Monitoring system (CMM) is the first instrument to be certified for monitoring at the low levels required by industry and regulators.

“This is extremely important news,” says Ken Roberts,  Managing Director of their British subsidiary Quantitech. “In the past the low concentration levels in industrial emissions have represented a challenge to monitoring technology, and instruments have been unable to monitor at the low levels that are required. This announcement means that, at last, monitoring technology is available that will enable effective regulations to be implemented in the fight against global mercury pollution.”

The Gasmet CMM has successfully completed EN15267-3 testing using CVAF (Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence) technology for the analysis of Mercury. The CMM now provides the world’s lowest EN15267 certified range for measurements of Mercury. The instrument is certified for operation across a number of different ranges up to 1000 µg/m3, but importantly, the lowest range is 0 to 5 µg/m3.

Meeting regulatory requirements
The award of an MCERTS EN15267 QAL 1 certificate means that the Gasmet CMM meets the monitoring range requirements of EU Directives, and is considered suitable for use on waste incineration and large coal-fired combustion plant applications. It also presents an opportunity for effective mercury emissions monitoring at other types of combustion plant.

Large combustion plants (LCPs) are combustion plants with a total rated thermal input equal to or greater than 50 MW. The Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1442 established best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, under Directive 2010/75/EU for LCPs and the BAT conclusion was published on 17th August 2017 in the Official Journal of the EU and will come into effect with a four year transition period.

The LCP BREF (Best Available Technology Reference document) includes new BAT-associated emission levels (BAT-AELs) e.g. for mercury, and helps European countries to lower the environmental impact of around 3500 LCPs.

“The new ELVs (Emission Limit Values), set by national authorities, will be based on BAT-associated emission levels. The BAT AEL-ranges will be the reference for setting the ELVs, taking into account fuel type, combustion technology and other relevant conditions,” says Roberts. “According to the new BAT conclusions, Mercury should be measured continuously in the LCPs with a thermal input equal to or greater than 300MW. Also, ammonia needs to be measured continuously if SCR (selective catalytic reduction) and/or SNCR (selective non-catalytic reduction) are used.”

“Now that proven technology is available for continuous mercury monitoring at low levels, the operators of combustion plants have an opportunity to implement control measures and demonstrate effective mercury emissions control. It is clear that stricter emission limits will be in place, as described in the LCP BREF document, so process operators can now take steps to ensure that their monitoring is future-proof.”

The Gasmet CMM is a complete emission monitoring system designed to meet the regulatory requirements for continuous mercury measurement at different combustion sources. The new certification also confirms that the Gasmet CMM offers the lowest measurement uncertainty of any other continuous mercury monitor. The system also has a low maintenance requirement and has been designed for the most demanding industrial measurement conditions.

@Gasmet_Tech  #PAuto  @Quantitech @_Enviro_News 

New products in gas & emissions products.

Quantitech will unveil a number of major new product initiatives at AQE 2017 (24/25 May 2017) that will be of great interest to anyone involved with gas analysis and emissions monitoring.

“Since the last AQE event, we have been acquired by Gasmet Technologies and invested in new resources so that we are now able to offer complete integrated continuous emissions monitoring systems,” says Managing Director Ken Roberts. “In addition, we will launch a new range of MCERTS approved FID analysers, offering fixed, portable and EX versions.

“Quantitech’s new integrated system capability is built around the Gasmet CEMS II e MCERTS approved FTIR multigas analyser, with options for additional measurements of oxygen, TOC, particulates, temperature, pressure and flow.”

The same MCERTS approved technology is employed in the Gasmet DX4000 portable heated FTIR analyser, and this will also feature on the Quantitech stand, in addition to the DX4040 FTIR ambient gas analyser.

Visitors to the Quantitech stand (62 & 63) will also be able to see MCERTS approved FID analysers, including the PT63 Portable FID, from SK Elektronik and, for the first time in Britain, new laser gas analysers for a wide range of process gas monitoring applications.

@Quantitech #PAuto #AQE17

White paper on FTIR.

A free White Paper on the simultaneous measurement of multiple gases in a wide variety of applications using FTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed) technology has been published by Quantitech.

With the ability to measure almost any gas, FTIR monitoring technology is employed in an enormous variety of applications including Continuous Emissions Monitoring, Stack Testing, Process Control, Industrial Hygiene, Engine Emissions, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Emergency / First Response, Greenhouse Gas Monitoring, Carbon Capture, Fire Testing, Research and many more.

The same FTIR technology can be deployed in fixed, mobile or portable versions and configured to analyse specific target compounds. However, FTIR can also be used to look for unknown compounds.

The White Paper answers the 22 most commonly asked FTIR questions, such as:

• How is the IR spectrum used for the gas quantification?
• What is the performance of FTIR in emissions monitoring?
• When should a Gasmet FTIR be calibrated?
• What is the typical response time?
• What is a reference spectrum and what effect is there from the use of a reference spectrum from a different analyser?

The FTIR White Paper can be downloaded for free from the Quantitech website here!

@Quantitech #PAuto #Environment

FID analyser retired.

Quantitech has supplied large numbers of MCERTS approved FID analysers for many years. These instruments are employed for the monitoring of TOC gas emissions in regulated processes. However, the Bernath 3006 analyser that was supplied for this purpose has been discontinued and Quantitech MD Ken Roberts says: “We are delighted to announce that we have replaced the 3006 with the portable SK Elektronik Thermo-FID PT, which is also manufactured in Germany to high standards, offers improved performance and enjoys MCERTS approval.

“Naturally, we are continuing to service the 3006 units that are still in the field, but customers wishing to upgrade their FID or to replace an ageing instrument will now be offered the portable Thermo-FID PT.”

The Thermo-FID PT weighs just 14Kg including a gas bottle holder, or 10kg as the free-standing version. Consequently, this portable FID is ideal for stack test houses and for users with multiple monitoring locations. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are commonly monitored in the emissions of combustion processes and those which involve the evaporative emissions of solvents and petrochemicals, including the Part B processes that are regulated by Local Authorities.

The Thermo-FID instruments measure TOC across an extraordinarily wide range of concentrations – from ppm to Vol% and also include fixed gas analysers. All models feature automatic start-up/ignition, built-in zero gas and burner air catalyst, automatic calibration, automatic adjustment of sample flow and require very low levels of maintenance. In addition to a choice of models, customers are also able to select from a number of options including Non-Methane Hydrocarbon measurement, internal data logging, heated sample line length, etc.

@Quantitech  #PAuto 

FID gas analysers distributorship in Britain.

The German manufacturer of gas analysers SK Elektronik (SKE), has appointed Quantitech as its exclusive distributor in Britain. SKE is a leading global provider of gas analysers based on the principle of Flame Ionisation Detection (FID). Key applications for the company’s analysers include emissions monitoring, process gas monitoring, and the monitoring of abatement efficiency and emissions from wastewater treatment.

Quantitech MD Ken Roberts says: “We are delighted to be working with SKE for a number of important reasons. Firstly, SKE enjoys an excellent reputation for quality and reliability, secondly the core FID technology is available in a number of formats to suit a wide variety of applications, and thirdly these instruments have performance certification - MCERTS for all versions and ATEX for certain models.”

FID analysers provide readings of total organic carbon (TOC), and one of the major strengths of the SKE instruments is their ability to measure TOC across an extraordinarily wide range of concentrations – from ppm to Vol%. The SKE range includes both portable and fixed continuous extractive gas analysers, in addition to an IP rated in-situ model which is mounted directly on a stack or duct. There is a Field Housing option for mounting in a convenient location on a wall close to the sampling point; reducing heated line cost and the cost of integration into a cabinet. In addition to a choice of models, customers are also able to select from a number of options including Non-Methane Hydrocarbon measurement, internal data logging, heated sample line length, etc.

Explaining the importance of the agreement with SKE, Ken Roberts says: “Quantitech’s MCERTS approved FTIR analysers are able to measure TOC by integrating measurements for known organic compounds. However, FID is the standard method for the measurement of TOC in the emissions of regulated processes, so in addition to stand-alone FID analysers, we will also offer the SKE FID technology as part of our integrated continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS).”

@Quantitech #PAuto #SKS

Emissions monitoring certification awarded.

The Gasmet Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS II e) and the portable (DX4000) FTIR analysers have been awarded an MCERTS certificate (Sira MC030014/08) demonstrating compliance with the MCERTS Performance Standards EN15267-3 & QAL 1 as defined in EN 14181. The certificate demonstrates enhanced performance across an extended range of gases.

The MCERTS certificate confirms the performance of Gasmet’s FTIR analysers for the measurement of CO, NO, SO2, NO2, N2O, HCl, NH3, H2O, HF, CO2, O2, CH4 and CHOH. However, Quantitech MD Ken Roberts says: “Customers will be particularly interested in this certificate because of the exceptionally good figures for Hydrogen Fluoride, and the data for Nitrogen Oxide and Formaldehyde are also very significant because no other FTIR is certified down to 150 mg/m3 NO in 40 vol-% water and no other instrument is approved for Formaldehyde at all.”

FTIR is an extremely popular multiparameter emissions monitoring technology; able to monitor almost any gaseous compound. This means for example, that the Gasmet CEMS II e and the DX4000 are able to provide monitoring data for up to 50 compounds simultaneously.

The technology in all of Gasmet’s FTIR analysers is essentially the same and benefits from continual product development. It is this work that has enabled the dramatic improvements that are demonstrated by the MCERTS award.

• More about MCERTS

See also Quantitech acquired by Gasmet Technologies (April 2016)

@Quantitech #PAuto #FTIR #MCERTS #Gasmet

New MD at leading environmental monitoring & occupational hygiene testing company.

Following the acquisition of Quantitech by Gasmet Technologies, Ken Roberts has been appointed as the company’s new Managing Director.

Ken Roberts

“This is an exciting and challenging role,” Ken says. “Keith Golding ran this business for over 33 years, creating a strong reputation for high quality products with outstanding levels of service, and I am greatly looking forward to the next phase of Quantitech’s development.

“There are significant growth opportunities in the UK and Ireland, particularly in the emissions monitoring sector, and we will be investing in the resources needed to make that happen.”

Ken has over 35 years of experience in the monitoring instrumentation sector, beginning in 1981 as a junior service engineer and progressing rapidly to senior management positions. His career to-date has included 11 years as Managing Director of a British gas detection and emissions monitoring business, which experienced high levels of growth under his guidance.

Looking forward, Ken says: “As a subsidiary of Gasmet, FTIR analysers will be a key focus for Quantitech, however, we will also offer an important range of other technologies and systems as part of our strategy to help customers demonstrate regulatory compliance, improve process efficiency, and protect health, safety and the environment.”

@Quantitech #PAuto #Gasmet

Emissions testing!

Engine emissions analyser further improves Intertek’s emissions testing capability

An advanced FTIR analyser installed at Intertek’s engine test facility in Milton Keynes (GB) is enabling engineers to improve the quality of their tests on the gaseous components of engine exhaust emissions.

The gas analyser manufactured by Gasmet Technologies and installed by Quantitech, measures multiple organic and inorganic components simultaneously from a large library of compounds, enabling Intertek’s engineers to quickly and easily change the measured compounds; to change the fuel type or cycle conditions, and to see the impact on the emitted gases. The FTIR gas analyser is also highly portable so that it can be employed in any of the test cells at Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider.

Intertek’s engine test facility, which accommodates every type of motor vehicle engine covering all fuel types and including both hybrid and battery powered vehicles, provides its customers with the ability to conduct research on prototype engines and evaluate developments in engine technology. Intertek works with vehicle manufacturers, tier suppliers and high performance driveline development businesses.

The work in the test cells is complemented by Intertek’s ability to conduct on-road emissions testing using its state of the art Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) to measure Real World Driving Emissions (RDE).

Intertek test engineer Cory Graham said: “Vehicle manufacturers are focused on improving both the performance and the emissions of their vehicles. FTIR provides a greater insight into exhaust emissions so that Intertek can assist manufacturers with their goals of improving air quality and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.”

Most recently the FTIR has been deployed in one of Intertek’s most sophisticated cells, which hosts a complete drive line including an engine, a gearbox and also a rig, which creates a complete ‘virtual’ car.

The regulatory tests that are undertaken on vehicles to check their emissions against international standards, have recently been under the spotlight, and the latest developments in the European Union will result in a move to vehicle emissions testing while the car is being driven (RDE) and this is now provided by Intertek.

Quantitech’s Dominic Duggan says: “Engine emissions testing is an ideal application for FTIR technology, because it provides automotive research and development engineers with a broad spectrum of measured compounds, creating a more complete picture of the products of combustion.”

@Quantitech #PAuto #FTIR

Gas analysis company acquired.

Gasmet Technologies has acquired Quantitech Limited. Gasmet’s products are employed globally in regulatory monitoring, process control and environmental/safety applications, and Quantitech has been its sales and service partner in Britain and Ireland since 1995.

“Quantitech has an excellent reputation and has established a comprehensive customer base, and with the retirement of the current owner, this acquisition is designed to secure the long-term future of the business and to exploit the growth opportunities that we see in the UK market,” commented Mikko Ahro, CEO Gasmet Technologies Oy.

Established in 1983, Quantitech represents a small number of leading global manufacturers including Gasmet. Providing advanced environmental and process monitoring instrumentation in Britain and Ireland, the company's success is built upon the quality of the products and customised systems that it is able to offer, coupled with outstanding levels of service.

Following the acquisition, Quantitech will remain at their Milton Keynes (GB) location, trading under the same name and continuing to supply the same range of products. Looking forward, Mikko Ahro continued: “We believe there are significant growth opportunities for FTIR analyzers in the UK, so it is our intention to strengthen the resources at Quantitech to further improve the experience and expertise that drive the company’s high levels of customer support.”

#Gasmet @Quantitech #PAuto 

Process Oxygen gas monitoring.

Quantitech has prepared a comprehensive White Paper on the measurement of Oxygen gas in furnaces and other industrial processes.

Click to download

Quantitech’s Craig Day says: “Oxygen gas concentration measurements are essential for the effective management of many industrial processes, providing an important indicator of combustion performance, fuel usage and process safety. In many processes, oxygen measurement enables process operators to monitor the progress of chemical reactions; thereby enabling optimisation of product yield.”

The White Paper explores the benefits of oxygen monitoring and examines the technologies available for continuous oxygen monitoring. These include Zirconia and Paramagnetic sensors and Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS).

The relative merits of each technology are discussed and a number of applications for oxygen monitoring are discussed. These include: waste incineration, furnace control, sulphuric acid manufacture, process heaters / FCC regenerator off-gas in refineries, and re-heat furnaces and hot rolling mills in the iron & steel industry.

 @Quantitech #PAuto 

TOC analysers Distributership announced.

ErsaTec GmbH, the manufacturer of gas analysers for the measurement of organic gases (TOC) such as solvents and fuels, has appointed Quantitech as exclusive distributor of their products in Ireland and Britain.

Designed and developed by former employees of Bernath Atomic (manufacturer of the well-known Bernath 3006 FID), the ErsaTec analysers employ Flame Ionisation Detectors (FIDs) to measure total organic carbon. The product range includes both continuous and semi-continuous analysers for use in a wide variety of industrial applications.

“We are delighted to be given this opportunity,” says Sales Director Dominic Duggan. “Quantitech has been selling FID instruments for around 20 years and we are very excited to be able to offer a choice of fixed and transportable versions.

“The ErsaTec products are ideal for Part B Processes and Test Houses; offering advanced FID technology at highly competitive prices. The range offers a number of very attractive advantages; for example, the SmartFID instruments have internal dataloggers and are very easy to set up and run with an intuitive touchscreen.”

FID analysers require a fuel source and with dual range capability (low range to 10ppm and high range to 100,000ppm) the ErsaTec FIDs can operate on either hydrogen or a hydrogen/helium mix. However, hydrogen consumption is very low and this is the most economical choice.

• Under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010, local authorities must regulate certain types of factory. This is to reduce any pollution they may cause and, in particular, to help improve air quality. Businesses which operate these premises must seek a permit and in doing so, will need to demonstrate compliance with emission limits, so for most of these (over 17,000) processes monitoring will be necessary, and for many of them that will include the measurement of organic gases such as solvents.
The British Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published Process Guidance Notes for a wide range of affected processes.

@Quantitech #ERsaTech #PAuto #Britain #Ireland

For oil troubling water!

Distribution deal for oil in water analyser.

Spectro Scientific has appointed Quantitech, as exclusive distributor for Britain and Ireland for a portable infrared analyser, the InfraCal 2. Based on the original highly popular InfraCal, (formerly manufactured by Wilks Enterprise who were purchased by Spectro in 2013) the latest version offers a host of new features such as multiple calibrations, lower detection limits, faster analysis, data logging and a new touch screen with security features.

Providing easy, reliable, measurements in typically less than one minute, the InfraCal 2 is a rugged analytical instrument with a very low maintenance requirement. As a result, it has become standard test equipment in applications such as produced water monitoring at offshore installations and on-board ships. It is also used for applications such as sub-ppm detection of fats, TPH or oil in water, monitoring cleaning efficiency of metal parts, measuring barrier layers in flexible films, textiles and fibre finishes, research and quality control.

The ability to produce accurate readings in the field offers users a number of important benefits including faster results, lower cost per test and avoidance of the problems associated with the preservation of samples during transport.

Quantitech’s Dominic Duggan says: “We have been providing this technology and its precedents for over 30 years, so we have a good understanding of the applications for which it is ideal and we are delighted to be reappointed as Distributor.”

@Quantitech #PAuto @SpectroSci #Laboratory

TOC analysers for Britain & Ireland.

Quantitech has been appointed exclusive distributor in Britain and Ireland for ErsaTec  gas analysers for the measurement of organic gases such as solvents and fuels.

Designed and developed by former employees of Bernath Atomic (manufacturer of the well-known Bernath 3006 FID), the ErsaTec analysers employ Flame Ionisation Detectors (FIDs) to measure total organic carbon. The product range includes both continuous and semi-continuous analysers for use in a wide variety of industrial applications.

The ErsaTec SmartFID instruments have internal dataloggers and are very easy to set up and run with an intuitive touchscreen. The instruments have both a low range to 10ppm and a high range to 100,000ppm, and with very low fuel consumption they offer low capital and operational costs.

MCERTS key to emissions monitors’ rental popularity.

Quantitech has reported a surge in demand for its rentable emissions analysers. The company’s Dominic Duggan says: “This is undoubtedly for two reasons; first and foremost, the two main analysers are MCERTS approved and secondly, they are both transportable and simple to carry from one site to the next.”

The two most popular instruments are a portable MCERTS approved FTIR multigas analyser; the Gasmet DX4000, and an MCERTS approved heated FID. The FTIR technology enables users to measure almost any compound and provides the facility to monitor up to 50 gases simultaneously. The DX4000’s corrosion resistant sample cell is heated to 180°C, which ensures that the sample gas stays in the gaseous phase even with high concentrations of moisture and corrosive gases.

While the DX4000 FTIR is able to measure almost any gaseous compound, the MCERTS certificate relates to the monitoring of CO, NO, H2O, SO2, HCl, NH3, NO2, N2O, CO2, O2 and HF. This instrument is also capable of monitoring speciated organic compounds but an MCERTS approved FID is currently required for the measurement of total organic compounds (TOC).

“As portable MCERTS approved instruments, these analysers monitor emissions using the same technology as fixed instruments, so they are used by test houses to check the performance of online monitors and by process managers to provide semi-continuous monitoring for multiple stacks and process applications,” adds Dominic. “Some of our customers rent this equipment in order to try it out before buying, but others rent it for short-term applications, or to provide emergency cover.”

Laser gas analyser specialist appointed.

Following the launch of a range of process gas analysers, Quantitech has announced the appointment of Craig Day as Product Specialist to support the introduction of tuneable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) technologies in the British and Irish markets.

Craig Day

“We are delighted to have secured Craig’s services,” says Quantitech MD Keith Golding. “He has over seventeen years of experience in fields driven by environmental legislation and industrial process efficiency gains delivered through improvements in measurement technology, so Craig is in an ideal position to bring the benefits of TDLAS from Focused Photonics Inc (FPi) to our markets.”

Craig has a first class honours degree in Chemistry and an MSc in Environmental Science, both from the University of Nottingham. He has also worked for some of the industry’s leading gas analyser manufacturers, so he has both the knowledge and experience necessary to be able to help process managers lower costs and improve efficiency.

Expressing his delight Craig says: “This is a very exciting role; we travelled to FPi’s impressive manufacturing facilities in China for training, and visited a selection of their (over 8,000) installations, some of which were saving enormous sums of money in the process efficiencies that the FPi analysers were delivering.

“It is clear that there are great opportunities in the UK and Ireland for FPi’s TDLAS technology and I am looking forward to playing a major role in fulfilling that potential.”

Process gas analysers.

Quantitech has launched a new range of process gas analysers based on tuneable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS). “Whilst these instruments are new to the UK and Ireland, the manufacturer Focused Photonics Inc (FPi) has an installed base of over 8,000 instruments, so this is a well-established technology and we are delighted to have been given exclusive distribution rights for our territory,” says Quantitech MD Keith Golding.

“By utilising ‘single-line’ spectroscopy, the Laser Gas Analyser (LGA) range can be configured for continuous analysis of a number of key compounds, with an enormous dynamic range from single figure ppm to % levels, without interference from other process components,” he adds.

Typical applications include ammonia slip control, HCl measurement for sorbent injection optimisation, furnace oxygen, flue gas monitoring in FCC catalyst regeneration, trace H2S and H2O in natural gas, H2S measurements in sulphur recovery, cross-duct CO monitoring for electrostatic precipitator safety, and many others.

“The LGA range of process gas analysers delivers the well-established benefits of TDLAS technology - high specificity, fast response, super-low maintenance, with proven reliability in harsh operating environments and very low ownership costs,” comments Keith. “Developed out of Stanford University California, the cradle of TDLAS commercialisation, FPi was established in China in 2002 and now employs over 3,000 staff. We have visited a number of LGA installations and were very impressed by the standards of quality and reliability being delivered by these instruments.”

"Stars of the show!"

Visitors to AQE 2015 in Telford (GB 22-23 April), were treated to a practical demonstration of real-time simultaneous multigas analysis when Quantitech’s Dominic Duggan enlisted the help of three attendees to assist in the demonstration of the Gasmet portable FTIR gas analyser, the DX4040.

"Will you try our analyser?"

Seeking to explode the myth that FTIR gas analysis is complicated, Dominic encouraged participants to conduct the analysis without any prior training. One person held the analyser, whilst another briefly pressed the button on a can of ‘Air Duster’ – a dust removal spray. At the same time, the third volunteer held out the instrument’s PDA so that live data from the analyser (via Bluetooth) could be displayed for the audience.

“The attendees were surprised to see how many compounds were in the ‘Air’ and how easily speciated data could be generated for a wide range of gases,” Dominic commented. “My presentation included descriptions of this instrument’s application in Greenhouse Gas research, hazardous incident assessment, environmental investigation and research at NASA, but the practical demonstration helped AQE visitors to see how this technology could help in their daily work.”

Reflecting on the success of the event, Dominic said: “As a specialist event, almost every visitor to AQE 2015 was a potential customer for Quantitech, so the quality of the leads that we received was extremely high.”

The Quantitech stand was also staffed by Antti Heikkilä from Gasmet Technologies in Finland. He said: “I am delighted with the number of enquiries that we received from outside of the UK. As a specialist event, AQE 2015 is obviously very attractive to anyone with a professional interest in air quality and emissions monitoring.”

Unique analyser certification claim vindicated!

The SICK 3006 is the only portable FID with MCERTS approval for using either hydrogen or hydrogen/helium fuel gas. This was a claim made recently by Quantitech. This claim was challenged, but Sira Certification has confirmed that the 3006 passed the MCERTS performance requirements for both gas options.

So, why is that important? Quantitech Director Dominic Duggan explains: “The hydrogen/helium fuel gas mixture is at least three times the cost of hydrogen gas, so one might assume that all FIDs would run on hydrogen. However, some FID manufacturers are unable to achieve the MCERTS performance requirements whilst running on hydrogen and have to resort to the more expensive mixture.

“The MCERTS field tests for the SICK 3006 were conducted with both fuel gas options, but Hydrogen is by far the preferable option. So this is uncomfortable news for our competitors because some of their instruments require a fuel gas flow rate of 9 times that of the SICK 3006, which runs at just 20cc/min. This means that our instrument is able to operate for a full working week from one small 1 litre bottle of hydrogen; at less than 5% of the running costs of some of our competitors.

“Furthermore, high flow rates necessitate a large supply of gas which can create logistical problems and safety issues when transporting heavy bottles in the field up and down stacks.”

• The 3006 FID instrument will feature on Quantitech’s stands (44 & 51) at AQE 2015 at Telford (GB), 22nd to 23rd April.

VOCs – why speciate?

The Quantitech stands  at AQE 2015 in Telford (GB), the air quality and emissions show (22/23 Apl 2015)., will feature three different technologies for measuring individual organic compounds. This is extremely important because VOCs mostly exist in a mixture of more than one organic compound, so measurements can be misleading unless the individual compounds are speciated.

Firstly, AQE2015 will provide the first opportunity in Britain for potential users to see the new FROG-4000™, a rugged, portable PID GC capable of analysing trace levels of individual VOCs in air, soil and water. This technology enables fast on-site analysis in a range of environmental, health and safety applications, which is a major benefit because samples containing volatiles are notoriously difficult to transport.

Secondly, Quantitech will demonstrate a unique portable gas chromatograph toroidal ion trap mass spectrometer (GC-TMS). The TRIDION™-9 combines a high speed GC with a miniaturised TMS in a lightweight, field-portable instrument, designed to rapidly detect an enormous variety of chemical compounds in liquid, solid or gaseous samples.

At 10am on Wednesday 22nd April, Quantitech will run a workshop in Room 3 outlining the identification and quantification of individual VOCs in applications such as contaminated land, pollution incidents, fenceline monitoring and environmental impact assessments. This workshop will include practical demonstrations of both the FROG-4000 and the TRIDION-9.

Thirdly, portable Gasmet FTIR analysers will be on display, offering simultaneous analysis of multiple compounds. The Gasmet product line includes online stack and process monitoring heated FTIR systems, portable heated FTIR analysers and a unique ambient FTIR gas analyser, the Gasmet DX4040. Application stories for these analysers will be detailed in a free Workshop entitled: ‘FTIR applications in this world and beyond?’ at 11am on Thursday 23rd April.

No oil to trouble water!

A portable oil in water monitor has proved extremely popular in the oil sector. It ought also be ideal for other industries where oil contamination is an issue.

Quantitech first launched the InfraCal 2, a portable oil in water analyser, in 2013 and the company’s Dr Andrew Hobson says: “There has been a heavy demand for this instrument in the oil sector because of the new functionality that now comes as standard. The InfraCal 2 can now be operated from an internal battery and also provides lower detection limits. However, the original InfraCal was not able to store multiple calibrations or to log readings, so the latest instrument can be more independent, making it better suited to remote operation. We are therefore hoping that it will also become popular in a wider range of other manufacturing and processing industries, including wastewater and fracking.”

The original InfraCal is still available, but with a touch-screen display, the InfraCal 2 is easier to use and delivers superior performance for sub-ppm detection of oil in water.

Measurements can be undertaken very quickly, and with no moving parts and a rugged metal case, the InfraCal 2 has a very low maintenance requirement. “Over 3000 InfraCal instruments have been sold worldwide, so the technology is well-proven,” says Dr Hobson. “However, the ability to produce accurate readings onsite offers a number of important benefits including faster results, lower costs per test and the avoidance of problems associated with preserving samples during transport. Costs are also lower in comparison with a laboratory FTIR Spectrometer, and because there are no sample transport costs.”