Gas analyser offers counter-terror advance
9 Feb 2010
London – Sensors company Quantitech claims to have developed the world’s first truly portable FTIR multicomponent gas analyser. The device is designed to enable operators to measure multiple components simultaneously, including Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs), Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs).
Employing FTIR technology, the analyser is already helping professional investigations in a wide variety of applications including those for which it is not possible to determine, in advance, the gases that are likely to be encountered, said Quantitech. FTIR, it adds, offers advantages over other techniques because of its specificity and lower susceptibility to interference gases.
In the past, field-use instruments for the detection of toxic gases have sacrificed analytical performance for the sake of usability. As a result, many portable instruments have merely provided data that is indicative and non-specific, whereas analytical instruments have been difficult or impossible to operate in the field.
According to Quantitech’s Dr Andrew Hobson, the Dx-4030 device is able to measure any organic or inorganic gas with the exception of diatomic gases (O2, N2, etc), noble or inert gases, and H2S.
“The unique Dx-4030 provides accurate real-time multi-gas analysis within seconds of powering up; it is ideal for emergency response to any situation that calls for rapid reliable gas analysis,” said Hobson. “The robust battery powered back-pack system can be operated without the need for specialist training and analysis of saved infrared sample spectra allows result validation and unknown gas identification.”
An example of the applications for which the Dx-4030 can be employed is the testing of cargo containers at ports and airports. Cargo containers, wooden packing materials and foodstuffs are fumigated by shipping companies to control the spread of pests and micro-organisms, according to Quantitech.
Fumigant gases are toxic and containers are therefore monitored for health and safety purposes on arrival at each new port or destination. In addition, products shipped in containers can release VOCs from solvents and glues used in the manufacturing process, and their concentration may accumulate in the confined space of a container.
Hobson concluded: “Existing portable instruments are limited in the range of parameters that they are able to measure, so it is often necessary to take grab samples for subsequent laboratory analysis. In contrast, the DX4030 portable analyser is uniquely able to measure almost anything, providing fast measurements for customs inspectors and shipping company staff.
“From an occupational safety perspective, it is extremely important to be able to detect hazardous gases as quickly as possible and by avoiding the cost of laboratory analysis, operational costs are reduced considerably.
