Gas Detection - UK Focus Portable Gas Analyser Tests Satellite Launch System
Europe's leading space technology company Astrium, has employed a sophisticated portable FTIR gas analyser as part of a test programme for satellite launch systems. The analyser, a 'Gasmet DX4030', was supplied by instrumentation specialist Quantitech (UK).
Astrium Propulsion Test & Launch Services Manager, Greg Richardson, says: "Many of the satellites that we design, build and launch are worth millions of Euros, so our test methods have to be extremely rigorous.
"The DX4030 was chosen because of its ability to provide highly accurate results for almost any gas. However, its intuitive software, compact size and portability were significant considerations because we use the technology at a number of our locations around the world."
One of the tests that are performed on the propulsion systems is to check the integrity of the chambers that contain rocket fuel. To achieve this, the tanks are filled with a simulant (often isopropyl alcohol and demineralised water) and exposed to launch simulation conditions - pressure, heat, vibration etc. The simulant is then removed and the DX4030 is used to check for contamination or leaks.
The DX4030 was first utilised in the testing of the LISA Pathfinder; a project for which Astrium was selected by the European Space Agency to build and launch a spacecraft that will be packed with radical instrumentation and technology to pave the way for LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna), the world's first space-based gravity wave detector which will open a new window on the Universe by measuring gravitational waves generated by exotic objects such as collapsing binary star systems and massive black holes. In doing so, this project will be able to test a phenomenon predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity in 1916.
The analyser has also been used in testing the Gaia satellite which will conduct a census of a thousand million stars in our Galaxy, monitoring each of its target stars about 70 times over a five-year period. Gaia will precisely chart their positions, distances, movements, and changes in brightness. It is expected to discover hundreds of thousands of new celestial objects, such as extra-solar planets and failed stars called brown dwarfs. Gaia should also observe hundreds of thousands of asteroids within our own solar system.
The DX4030 employs FTIR gas detection technology to obtain infrared spectra by first collecting an ‘interferogram’ of a sample signal with an interferometer, which measures all infrared frequencies simultaneously to produce a spectrum. This means that data is collected for the required parameters in addition to spectra for almost all others.
Sample identification is possible because chemical functional groups absorb light at specific frequencies. As a result, the DX4030 can measure any gas, with the exception of noble (or inert) gases, homonuclear diatomic gases (e.g., N2, Cl2, H2, F2, etc) and H2S (detection limit too high).
Commenting on the work at Astrium, Quantitech's Dr Andrew Hobson said: "This has to be one of the more unusual applications for the DX4030. It is more commonly used for chemical spill, security and forensic investigations, and for occupational health, anaesthetic gas monitoring and research. The same technology is also employed to monitor industrial processes and gaseous emissions. However, Astrium's work clearly demonstrates the flexibility of the device and we are delighted to have been involved."
Reader Reply Card No. New Personal Ozone Monitors
Amidst growing concern with the consequences of ground level ozone on health, and the continued failure of the UK to meet European air quality directives, Air Monitors (UK), a specialist instrumentation company, has launched a new portable UV-based ozone monitor which significantly enhances the ability to measure the air that people breathe.
The handheld Personal Ozone Monitor (POM) allows accurate and precise (2ppb) measurement of ambient ozone in air across a wide concentration range (2 ppb to 10 ppm). The instrument has an inbuilt display, so users can view real-time data. Small, lightweight (0.34kg) and with a low power requirement, it is suitable for diverse applications such as Health and Safety monitoring at industrial sites, personal exposure monitoring, vertical profiling with balloons etc. and urban arrays of ground- based detectors.
Other functions include on-board GPS, providing location data with each ozone
measurement, and a memory capacity of 341 days (when taking hourly measurements) – all data can be transferred to a PC at a later time. This makes the POM suitable for long-term monitoring at remote locations where power is limited.
Air Monitors is the sole distributor in the UK, and Managing Director Jim Mills says “Most people are aware of the fact that stratospheric ozone is beneficial to humans because it protects us from harmful UV radiation. However, the dangerous effects of ozone at ground level are less well known; it causes eye, nose and throat irritation, chest discomfort, coughs and headaches, particularly in people who exercise or suffer from bronchitis, respiratory allergies or asthma. Ozone also damages crops and materials such as rubber, paint and textiles.
“The major advantage of the POM is that it provides a means with which ozone can be monitored in the air that people breathe.”
Reader Reply Card No.
Gas Analysers Chosen for their Turnkey Solutions
University College Dublin (UCD) is involved in several research projects that aim to provide detailed information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ecosystems. This information contributes directly to the national reporting requirements under the UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol.
The role of ecosystems in the mitigation of climate change and the measurement of GHG emissions
such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) forms an integral part of policy driven climate change research. UCD required a piece of equipment that could suitably provide accurate field based measurements of GHGs at a high temporal resolution and that could sequentially sample, analyse and return gas samples from multiple static chambers.
a1-cbiss (UK) were chosen because of the bespoke turnkey solutions that they offer. The INNOVA 1412 photoacoustic gas analyser was selected in addition to an a1-cbiss eight channel auto-sampler
to measure emissions of CO2, CH4, N2O and water vapour using both profile towers and static chamber techniques. This system was selected by the UCD as it provides accurate, field based measurements of GHG emissions at a higher temporal resolution than had previously been possible with gas chromatography techniques. Having designed and delivered the system to UCD, a1-cbiss then trained UCD research staff on the use of both the photoacoustic analyser and the auto- sampling system allowing them to be deployed to remote experimental research stations
“I have been involved in the development of this system from the outset” Commented Dr Matt Saunders of UCD “and have been impressed not only by the level of professionalism offered by a1- cbiss but also of the utility of the product provided. The analytical system provided by a1-cbiss has been extensively used, it has performed reliably during each experimental campaign, and we are confident that any potential technical issues we may have will be resolved quickly and efficiently by the a1-cbiss engineers should the need arise.”
Reader Reply Card No. 161 Reader Reply Card No. 162
www.envirotech-online.com IET November / December 2012 160 159
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