Varian 3800 GC/MS

The "star" of the Polar Cryogenics analytical fleet is the Varian Gas Chromatagraph/Mass Spectrometer. This allows Polar to offer the highest analytical capabilities of anyone in the specialty gas business. The Varian GC/MS is used in the low ppm impurity analysis of gases. The Varian 3800 GC is equipped with a PID and FID Methanizer. The PID has the detection limit of 10 ppb while the FID/Methanizer has a sensitivity of 20 ppb. Data handling is performed on the Varian Star Chromatography Work Station.

The Varian Saturn 2000 GC/MS is utilized in conjunction with the GC to perform qualitative and quantitative impurity analysis. The data handling is performed on the Star Chromatography Work Station in conjunction with the NIST Library.

H₂O Analysis

Performed on non-reactive, non-corrosive pure gases for moisture impurities.

Polar Cryogenics utilize the Meeko "Aquamatic" and Meeko "Tracer" in moisture analysis. The "Aquamatic" has a monitoring range of 0-2,000 ppm with a +/-5% accuracy of the indicated reading or +/-0.4ppm. It is equipped with a 3-1/2 digit LED readout and operates in an environment of 0-50 centrigrade with 20-80% humidity. It utilizes the electrolytic method for trace H₂0 determinate. In this method, the sample gas stream is passed through an electrolytic cell. The inner diameter of the cell is coated with a film of phosphorous pentoxide (P₂0₅) which then absorbs the water in the gas stream. A matrix of platinum wires embedded in the cell wall acts as electrodes for the DC electrolysis of the trapped water. For each water molecule removed from the sample, two electrons are passed:

2H₂0 = H⁺ + 2OH^-
2H⁺ = 2e = H₂
2OH = 1/2 O₂ = 2e^- + 2H₂0
H₂0 = 1/2 0₂ + H₂

Polar Cryogenics prides itself on consistently raising the bar regarding all aspects of the specialty gas business. This includes the manufacture and analytical portion of the business. To that end we have added the Meeko "Tracer" to our analytical arsenal. The "Tracer" has an operating range of 0-2000 ppb for inert gases, 0-1200 ppb for oxygen and a 0-500 ppb for hydrogen. The accuracy of the Meeko "Tracer" is impressive at 4% of the reading or +/- 4 ppb in the inert mode, 6% of the reading or +/- 5 ppb in the oxygen mode or when the reading is less than 50 ppb, 6% of the reading or +/- 5ppb. The environmental requirements are 10-40 C. The Meeko "Tracer" is equipped with a Meeko Counterflow cell for moisture detection.

THC (total hydrocarbon) Analysis

Used to detect THC, CO, CO₂ in free gases or air

The MSA THC Analyzer is equipped with an FID and methanizer for either THC or TC analysis. This instrument's sensitivity threshold is 0.2 ppm THC/TC with a 2% accuracy of the reading.

Gas Mixture Analysis

Gas chromatography is used to determine the concentrations of components in a wide variety of non-corrosive, non-reactive gas mixtures. The minor component is typically measured in low ppm to percentages.

The Shimadzu Gas Chromatagraph is equipped with a TCD and is run with argon as the carrier gas. This instrument is the workhorse for analyzing percentage helium and hydrogen as minor components in gas mixtures. This instrument is equipped to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the analytical process.

The MTI Gas Chromatagraph has a wide range of analysis. On helium carrier it has a sensitivity range of 10 ppm to the high percentage ranges, depending on the sensitivity setting. It is equipped with dual TCD's and dual columns for simultaneous analysis. This is one fast GC with a typical run time of just 65 seconds. The data handling system is the EZ Chrome.

Oxygen Analysis

Performed on non-reactive, non-corrosive pure gases for the oxygen impurity.

Polar has two oxygen analyzers both manufactured by Delta F. The original Delta F measures oxygen in inert free gases from 100 ppb to 500 ppm with an accuracy of the analysis of 2% of full scale. This depends on the setting chosen. The Delta F is equipped with non-depleting electrodes which eliminate false low oxygen readings. Operating temperature of the Delta F is 32-120° F.

The Delta F Platinum is optimized for low ppb oxygen analysis. The sensitivity on this instrument is 10 ppb. This analyzer utilizes a non-depleting coulometric principle for oxygen analysis. Simply put, the oxygen is reduced by an electrochemical reaction. This analytical technique provides the most accurate readings because there is no consumption of the electrodes or electrolyte.