Process Mass Spectrometers
The ProLine series of mass spectrometers offer unattended, real-time, multiport and multicomponent process analysis. With outstanding sensitivity, stability and unequaled clean mass separation across the whole mass range, these analyzers offer process MS at a process GC price. Available in benchtop, weatherproof and hazardous area configurations, the analyzers can sample from up to 32 inlet ports each of which can be assigned different analysis methods. Now you can afford to use MS for applications currently using GC, NIR, FTIR or multiple single component devices, or as a complement to multiple process analyzers. Available with 1-100, 1-200 or 1-300 amu range, applications include:
Process Analytical Technology (PAT) driven
Control of solvent drying processes to minimize cycle times
Fermentation studies (respiratory quotient RQ, biotechnology research, genomics and genetics, vaccines and antibodies, recombinant and therapeutic proteins, pharmaceuticals)
Biomass studies
Fuel cell research and production
Catalytic reactions and catalyst efficiency
Ethylene and ethylene oxide production (mass balance, reformer efficiency)
Ammonia, methanol and synthesis gas production
Gas blending and bulk gas analysis
General process troubleshooting and development
ProLine
A compact benchtop process mass spectrometer for general purpose locations. With a choice of 8 or 16 sample inlet ports, the ProLine can be configured for any application. Interchangeable quadrupole head and electronics with automatic tuning eliminate the need for specialist service technicians.
ProLine-FC
This version of the ProLine is designed for fuel cell design, development, research, pilot plant and production use. It allows rapid quantitative analysis of both fuel-side and air-side components, providing researchers with a previously unavailable real-time view of efficiency as parameters are changed to maximize cell performance.
ProLine-RQ
The ProLine-RQ is tailored to fermentation research and production and includes a sub-atmospheric sample system for sampling process pressures down to 500 Torr absolute. Fast response and multi-component analysis provides real-time concentrations of N2, O2, Ar and CO2 for accurate control of the respiratory quotient. One analyzer can monitor multiple fermenters and provide a cost-effective back-up to discrete probes or FTIR analysis.
ProMaxion
The weatherproof stainless steel enclosure (NEMA 4X/IP55) allows the ProMaxion to be located outdoors or in a wet or dirty environment. Purged versions are available for hazardous area locations. The analyzer can be placed closer to the process and eliminates the need for a specialized shelter. Up to 80 sample ports are available, each of which can be assigned a different calibration and analysis method.
ProMaxion for the Monitoring and Control of Pharmaceutical Processes
ProMaxion - Process Mass Spectrometer for the PAT (Process Analytical Technology) Initiative
‘PAT initiative’ conscious pharmaceutical manufacturers are consistently reporting excellent results from AMETEK’s ProMaxion process mass spectrometers in the following applications:
Pharmaceutical solvent drying - Dryer end-point detection
Fermentation off-gas analysis
Mammalian cell culture research
Real-time release analysis
Solvent swapping
Each of these tasks can be improved through PAT implementation and use of the ProMaxion. The ProMaxion saves time, increases process throughput, and improves process control through validated test procedures.
Being in this industry since 1975, I have seen a lot of progress in the ability to make fast, accurate and repeatable analysis. This is not to mention making my job a little easier.
Is there anyone still alive that remembers the old Beckman GC "cam" programmers or the Applied Automation's Model 12 optical programmer ? Get outta here, don't tell you are still using them dinosaurs !!
Anyway, we have evolved and technology has been good to us. Industry has become more efficient, increased product quality and made safer conditions by the use of on-line process analyzers.
I will be making product reviews on many analyzers and their related peripheral equipment. Obviously, these are my observations and experiences which may be only bench demos or may be actual live field reviews. From application to application products are presented with different sets of conditions that may vary the performance or reliability.
If you are considering any of the featured products and/or services, make sure you talk directly to the manufacturer or supplier about your specific needs and applications.
Editor
Perry "Pappy" Thomason
Mass Spectrometers, once only found in the most sophisticated laboratories, are now common place today for field installations performing realtime analysis.
AMETEK's recently (in the last two years) marketed
ProLine / ProMaxion
Mass Spec that has applications for many of our processes.
First of all, my exposure to this analyzer was limited to a bench demo.
I was quite impressed with the modular design of the quadrupole / detector / source (filaments). You can quickly change out the whole bench (with a spare ready to go). Within a short time you'll have the unit warmed up, vacuum meet, "auto tuned" and on-line. Yeah, you heard me right....Auto Tuned! And then, you DON'T even break the bench down and clean/rebuilt it. You mean no more messing with micro ceramic insulators? What bummer, I prided myself in the number of those little boogers I could loose or break.
AMETEK has an exchange program where you send in the old bench and they will ship you a replacement ..ready to go for the next breakdown.
Obviously, Operations is going to love this baby, since downtime will be at a minimum.
Now I don't know about all this, especially when AMETEK says that this "eliminates the need for specialist service technicians". I can only assume the engineer is a "Goner" too. This is starting concern me !!!
Interfacing is quite simple, from a local hookup of a laptop to the various communication options to feed a DCS data.
Data acquisition software is relatively straight forward and non-
intimidating.
The data can be displayed very graphically for easy of trending or for making comparisons.
Getting the sample to it? Well, most of us are not going to buy a Mass Spec and analyze only one stream. AMETEK can fix you up with a heated stream select configuration or it can be left up to you to use solenoids or rotory type valves.
If you think this analyzer could be a solution to some of your analysis' needs, give a "shout" to your local AMETEK Rep.
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