MGA iSCAN, the first process unit with double focusing magnetic scanning, promises to expand process applications
The first double focussing, magnetic scanning process analyser - featuring technology and reliability from the manufacturer's military and space businesses - has been introduced by Applied Instrument Technologies (formerly a division of Perkin-Elmer, now part of Orbital Sciences Corporation).
The new MGA iSCAN provides real-time compositional analysis of process gas streams with superior stability, sensitivity, and resolution, delivering the highest levels of performance for demanding applications.
It expands a multi-gas mass spectrometer line (including the MGA 1200EC and 1600ES) that has an installed base of over 1200 customers worldwide.
The new spectrometer provides dynamic range that allows components to be measured at detection limits ranging from 100% to below 1ppm, and increased specificity to distinguish between compounds with similar molecular weights, particularly important in hydrocarbon processing.
The investigative scan feature covering 1 to 200amu provides the ability to identify unknown compounds and evaluate spectra to better characterise processes.
A proprietary ion source design, reported by the manufacturer to be the first of its kind in the industry, allows measurement of reactive gases, such as H2S and HCl, which are difficult to measure with other technologies.
The MGA iSCAN is appropriate for new and retrofit applications requiring high sensitivity and specificity in many process industry segments, including pharmaceutical (fermentation and biotechnology); steel (blast furnace top gas, electric arc furnace, BOF, coke ovens); agricultural chemicals (ammonia and urea processes); petrochemical (ethylene oxide, hydrocarbons, refining, etc.); and general chemical and polymer processes.
"The MGA iSCAN is designed to provide comprehensive monitoring for tighter process control with extensive application versatility," says product manager Mark Koslin.
Its reduced needs for calibration and maintenance provide a lower overall cost of ownership.
If maintenance is required, the unit's modular design allows easy access to minimise downtime.
The new spectrometer's control system, based on Windows NT compatible software, is easy to learn.
It can control analyses of up to 40 compounds simultaneously on each of as many as 50 sample ports.
The operator can set the port sequence and select the gases, mass peak information, calibration and valve controls - all through the graphical user interface.
Measuring 56cm wide x 58cm deep x 152cm high, the unit is small enough for process industry requirements.
It meets all area classifications including explosion-proof and CE requirements.
