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.

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

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