Danet Vrazel - KIN-TEK Analytical, Inc.

EcoFlex™ Gas Standards Generator

September 21, 2015 by Danet Vrazel

The EcoFlex™ gas standards generator provides:

Modes of Operation: span only
Flow path suitable for reactive gases
Accepts disposable permeation tubes, diffusion tubes, wafer tubes, and prefilled gas fed permeation tubes
Single-oven module can create mixtures with up to 8 components
High mass oven with electronic PID control

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Overview

The EcoFlex™ Permeation System is designed for creating trace concentration gas mixtures. Mixtures are produced by diluting the minuscule flow of vapor emitted by Trace Source™ permeation (or diffusion) tubes with a much larger flow of inert matrix gas, typically nitrogen or zero air. Mixtures contact only suitably inert materials, Teflon®, coated stainless steel, or glass. The EcoFlex™ manual system is built on the same readily transportable platform as the microprocessor controlled FlexStream™ Base Module. The EcoFlex™, however, is a simple, stand-alone, non-expandable, single oven permeation system.

The EcoFlex™ holds the Trace Source™ Permeation Tube(s) at a constant temperature and introduces a small controlled flow of dilution gas over the tube. Pure component compound vapor emitted from the permeation tube(s) mixes with this small flow to form a ‘base’ concentration gas mixture. This base mixture then joins a larger main dilution flow to form the final mixture. The mixture concentration is set by adjusting that main dilution flow.

Permeation tubes of various emission rates are available for over 500 compounds. By choosing a tube suited to the application, mixtures having concentration from low ppb to over 1000 ppm can be generated and the concentration can then be adjusted over a 20:1 range. A single permeation tube, for instance, might be used for concentrations from 1 ppm in 250 cc/min or down to 50 ppb in 5 slpm. Using the mixture immediately after preparation eliminates storage loss.

EcoFlex™ features:

Modes of Operation: span only
Flow path suitable for reactive gases – mixture contacts only glass, Teflon® and stainless steel (other materials available)
Accepts disposable permeation tubes, diffusion tubes, wafer tubes, and prefilled gas fed permeation tubes
Accepts up to 8 disposable tubes with maximum 6 inch length x 1/4 inch diameter (KIN-TEK HRT, SRT and EL tubes), or
Accepts one of KIN-TEK refillable LFH, or Prefilled 57S
High mass oven with electronic PID control
Temperature Control Range: 5 °C above ambient from 30 to 150 °C (heat only)
Temperature Set Point Resolution: 0.1 °C across control range
Temperature Display Resolution: 0.1 °C
Standard Flow Range: 0.25-5.0 standard liters per minute
Flow Control over Calibrated Range: ≤ ±1.5 % of reading
Output Concentration Range: below 1 ppb to over 1000 ppm depending on permeation tube emission rate and dilution flow rate
Power Requirements: Standard: 115 VAC, 2 A
Power Requirements: Optional (specified at time of purchase): 230 VAC, 1 A
Dimensions: 6 inch Width x 13.5 inch Height x 20 inch Depth
Weight: Approximately 27 lbs, shipping 44 lbs

Specifications

EcoFlex™ Specifications

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Industrial Gas Standards Generators

September 21, 2015 by Danet Vrazel

Span Pac I – Industrial Gas Standard Generators provide:

For use in hazardous atmospheres

Single & dual oven models
Concentration adjustable over 10:1 range
High ppm to low ppb range
Multi component mixtures (up to 16 compounds with 2-oven system)
Simple to operate

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Overview

KIN-TEK Industrial Gas Standards Generators [SPAN PAC I Industrial Standard Generator brochure] are used in industrial environments. These instrument systems use Trace Source™ permeation tubes to deliver calibration gas standards directly to your Process GC, GC-MS, or any type of gas analyzer.

KIN-TEK Gas Standards Generators provide the temperature controlled environment for equilibration of the permeation tubes and carrier gas control for generating the desired concentrations.

Span Pac™ H₂O Trace Moisture Gas Standard

September 21, 2015 by Danet Vrazel

The Span Pac™ H₂O Trace Moisture Gas Standard Generator provides:

H₂O concentrations adjustable over 20:1 range with single oven; 400:1 with dual oven system; 10,000:1 with secondary dilution mass flow.
Concentrations within 0.01 to 10,000 ppm H₂O range depending on model selection.
H₂O concentrations below 100 ppb with welded model.
Industrial models have NEMA 4 cabinets and optional Z or X purge capability.
Uses KIN-TEK Trace Source™ disposable and user-refillable water permeation tubes.

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Overview

Trace concentration moisture is an extremely important parameter in gases used in a wide range of processes. But there is no absolute analytical method that can be used in all applications. For most sensing methods, the response to moisture is affected by the background gas and most current methods are subject to “poisoning” by certain contaminants. Basically, all trace moisture sensing systems require calibration to external standards and they must be frequently challenged with standards to demonstrate continued accuracy.

There are three special problems associated with trace moisture calibration:

At the lowest concentration levels, there is no real zero reference point for moisture. Standards prepared by simply adding water vapor to a dry gas actually have unknown uncertainty.
Water interacts readily with almost all materials, so changes in pressure or temperature can appear as transient concentration changes and may take a very long time to stabilize.
Water is pervasive in our atmosphere, so even the most accurate standard may be contaminated in the delivery process.

The Span Pac™ H₂O instrument works on a differential principal. Application of this principle is meaningful when the moisture content of the background diluent gas exceeds 10 percent of the minimum concentration to be generated. Calibration is based on the change in analyzer response caused by the addition of a known water vapor concentration from a KIN-TEK Trace Source™ water permeation tube to a flowing stream of the diluent gas. This differential method overcomes the “no zero” problem, and the problem of the background gas affecting the response.

The permeation tube emission rate is certified by the Factory traceable to NIST by gravimetric weight loss over time. This provides a close approximation to a primary standard, even in situations where primary standards are not available.

KIN-TEK takes special care in design, construction and choice of hardware components to minimize errors due to atmospheric contamination and interactions with other materials in the system.

Low Level of Moisture Concentrations (100 ppb to 10 ppm)

KIN-TEK manufacturers several Span Pac™ H₂O models to insure an economical solution to every moisture calibration problem.

Single Oven (Span Pac™ 61-H₂O)The single-oven model can produce moisture concentrations over a 20:1 range within an overall bounds of 0.1 to 10,000 ppm (depending on the permeation tube emission rate and dilution flow rate) in nitrogen and other inert background gases. The standard primary dilution mass flow rate range is 0.25 to 5 lpm. Other flow range options are available.The component flow path features all electropolished stainless steel tubing with heat tracing.A cabinet purge port is available to:

Purge the cabinet with dry inert gas to minimize outboard-to-inboard contamination from atmospheric moisture when generating low moisture concentrations. Dry nitrogen or zero air is recommended.
Maintain an acceptable nitrogen level within the cabinet when using hydrogen as the diluent gas to eliminate any possibility of an explosive mixture. The user must supply a continuous controlled flow of nitrogen to the purge port.

Dual Oven (Span Pac™ 261-H₂O)

The dual-oven model is similar to the single-oven model, but can generate concentrations over a 400:1 range depending on selection of permeation tube emission rates.

For both of the above instruments (Single Oven and Dual Oven), a cabinet purge port is available to:

Purge the cabinet with dry inert gas to minimize outboard-to-inboard contamination from atmospheric moisture when generating low moisture concentrations. Dry nitrogen or zero air is recommended.
Maintain an acceptable nitrogen level within the cabinet when using hydrogen as the diluent gas to eliminate any possibility of an explosive mixture. The user must supply a continuous controlled flow of nitrogen to the purge port.

Trace Levels of Moisture Concentrations (Below 100ppb)

Welded Models Available for Trace Moisture Below 100 ppb

Single Oven(Span Pac™ 61-W-H₂O)
Single Oven with Secondary Dilution (Span Pac™ 61-W-H₂O-SD)

The welded (W) instrument is required for applications that generate one or more moisture concentrations below 100 ppb. (Welded models can also be used for higher moisture concentrations.)

In single-oven models with only primary dilution (i.e., no secondary dilution), the minimum moisture concentration of 5 ppb is set by the minimum practical permeation tube emission rate and maximum allowed dilution flow rate. The secondary dilution model can generate moisture concentrations much lower.

The welded model has the same features and functions as the non-welded model including purge port and heated electro-polished stainless steel tubing. In addition, the tubing is seamless with orbitally-welded joints to further reduce the possibility of outboard-to-inboard atmospheric moisture contamination. The addition of special hardware components insures high-purity service.

Industrial-Grade Models

All non-welded models are also available in NEMA 4 enclosures for use in industrial environments. Optional capabilities include (1) Z-purge for Class 1, Group C or D, Division II and (2) X -purge for Class 1, Group C or D, Division I.

Specifications

Span Pac™ H₂O Trace Moisture Gas Standard Generator Specifications

FlexStream™ Gas Standards Generator

September 21, 2015 by Danet Vrazel

The FlexStream™ Gas Standards Generator provides:

Permeation tube oven with wide temperature range controlled to 0.01 °C
High-accuracy primary dilution mass flow rate
Front panel color touch-screen human interface
Automation of all calculations; key in the target concentration and the FlexStream™ sets the flow rate
Single-oven module can create mixtures with up to 8 components
External computer monitoring and control
Expandable

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KIN-TEK FlexStream Base Module Gas Standards Generator — FlexStream™ Base Module

A power supply unit on a white background. — FlexStream™ PM Module

A gas feed module on a white background. — FlexStream™ PM/GF Module

KIN-TEK FlexStream SD Secondary Dilution Module Gas Standards Generator — FlexStream™ SD Module

KIN-TEK FlexStream HD Humidification Module Gas Standards Generator — FlexStream™ HG Module

KIN-TEK FlexStream IM Interface Module Gas Standards Generator — FlexStream™ IM Module

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Overview (Additional Modules)

The FlexStream™ is ideally suited for creating trace concentration – ppm, ppb, and pptr – mixtures. The FlexStream™ uses KIN-TEK Trace Source™ disposable, refillable and diffusion permeation tubes for over 550 Supported Chemicals.

The FlexStream™ is composed of one or more of the following modules, depending on application requirements:

FlexStream™ Base Module (FlexBase) (shown above and below): The “Base” module is required in every FlexStream™ system. This module provides (a) front panel color touchscreen, (b) permeation tube oven, (c) primary dilution mass flow rate and (d) Ethernet and serial RS-232 connectivity to an external computer. [FlexBase™ Gas Standards Generator Base Module brochure]

FlexStream™ Auxiliary Permeation Oven Module (FlexPM) (shown below): Additional permeation tube ovens allow generation of a multi-component gas stream for cases in which (a) the tubes must be maintained at different temperatures, (b) differing permeation technologies (disposable tubes vs. refillable tubes) are required, (c) more components are needed than can be held in a single oven, or (d) for applications in which various components will be switched in and out of the gas stream. Up to 5 PM oven modules can be added wherein each oven can hold up to eight disposable permeation tubes or one factory-refillable tube. An added benefit is that any combination of ovens can be kept on standby to keep various tubes at temperature while not adding their emission to the output gas stream. [FlexPM™ Auxiliary Permeation Oven Module brochure]

FlexStream™ Gas Fed Permeation Oven Module (FlexGF) (shown below): Most applications can use liquid-filled permeation tubes. However, some compounds (e.g., NO, CO, O₂, etc.) have very high vapor pressures and require a special mechanism to achieve desired concentration levels. The Gas Fed Module contains the same oven as an auxiliary Permeation Oven Module (PM) but with additional controls that allow the customer to refill a “customer-refillable” gas-fed permeation tube and to set the operating pressure of the tube. These are special tubes, typically made of stainless steel. Prior to shipment, KIN-TEK determines the tube membrane’s certified emission rate for one or more components. In use, the customer typically supplies component gas from a cylinder to initially fill the tube and to periodically recharge it. [FlexGF™ Gas Fed Permeation Oven Module brochure]

FlexStream™ Secondary Dilution Module (FlexSD) (shown below): The SD module extends the range of concentration attained from permeation tubes by providing an additional stage of dilution of the gas stream. Very low concentrations – ppb or ppt – can be generated depending on the emission rate of the tubes and the flow rate range of the primary and secondary dilution mass flow controllers. Overall dilution ratios of 10,000:1 can be achieved. [FlexSD™ Secondary Dilution Module brochure]

FlexStream™ Humidification Module (FlexHG) (shown below): Many applications require the calibration gas standard to simulate “real world” conditions including the presence of humidity. The FlexStream™ HG is used to add that humidity. The computer system automatically adjusts flows to maintain %RH at varying total flows, or adjusts to change %RH as required. The trace concentration mixture does not contact liquid water. The HG module is operated from the Base Module touchscreen. [FlexHG™ Humidification Module brochure]

FlexStream™ Interface Module (FlexIM) (shown below): The Interface Module contains gas stream interfacing components needed to assure constant gas stream output conditions independent of variations in flow and pressure. The Interface Module is ideal for applications where flow capacity of end use is limited (e.g., filling of gas bags), or when back pressure is required to introduce the output gas stream sample to the device under test. Controls are provided on the front panel for adjusting the output pressure. [FlexIM™ Interface Module brochure]

FlexStream™ Modular Gas Standards Generator (shown below): The FlexStream™ Base module and any additional modules can be packaged in stand-alone carrying cases or packaged in one or two 3-module expansion cases as shown below (unused module slots in the expansion case are filled with blank panels). The modules are electronically connected to each other by a short cable on the rear panel.

FlexStream™ Modular Gas Standards Generator

The FlexStream™ can also be locally or remotely monitored and controlled by a PC or process computer using ModBus® connectivity. This connectivity allows reading and writing of oven temperature, temperature alarm limits, mode of the instrument (standby, zero, and span), permeation tube properties (component name, emission rate, and certification temperature), flow rate(s), target concentration unit and value, and so forth.

KIN-TEK supplies a Windows® application named FlexLink™ with each FlexBase module. This program controls and monitors the FlexSteam™ by an RS-232 serial or Ethernet link between the PC and the FlexStream™. Using FlexLink™, the FlexStream™ can also be controlled and monitored over the internet (or company intranet). The FlexLink™ executable software is supplied as a standard item with each FlexStream™. Although FlexLink™ is written in National Instruments LabView®, LabView® is not required to be installed on the host PC. Scroll up and click the “FlexLink™ Software” tab to see more features of the software.

KIN-TEK also provides Modbus driver software free-of-charge. This driver is a LabView® VI program for interfacing the FlexStream™ to a LabView® program and is located on the FlexLink™ executable software CD. If you would like to review a copy of the driver, send your request to KIN-TEK’s Software Development department at the “Contact us” link in the sidebar above.

FlexStream™ features:

Complete, integrated, ready-to-use turnkey system
Automated operation with direct readout of concentration in units of ppm, ppb or ppt
Modes of Operation: standby, zero, span and purge
Touch screen interface for local setup and front panel control
Modbus connectivity for integration with other computer systems for local or remote control
Designed for expandability
Flow path designed for maximum flexibility with minimum error
Flow path suitable for reactive gases – mixture contacts only glass, Teflon® and stainless steel (other materials available)
Accepts disposable permeation tubes, diffusion tubes, ultra-high rate liquid filled tubes, wafer tubes, and prefilled gas fed permeation tubes
Accepts up to 8 disposable tubes per oven with maximum 6 inch length x 1/4 inch diameter (KIN-TEK HRT, SRT and EL tubes)
Accepts one of KIN-TEK refillable LFH, and 57 Series tubes per oven

Please click the “Specifications” tab to see more features and specifications of the FlexStream™.

Specifications

FlexStream™ Base Module Specifications

FlexStream™ GF/PM Module Specifications

FlexStream™ HG Module Specifications

FlexStream™ IM Module Specifications

FlexStream™ PM Module Specifications

FlexStream™ SD Module Specifications

FlexLink™ Software

KIN-TEK supplies a Windows® executable program named “FlexLink™” to monitor and control the generation of multi-component concentrations with the FlexStream™ gas standards generator. The FlexLink™ program is provided on CD with shipment of each FlexStream™ instrument. (Note: FlexLink™ is not required in order to operate the FlexStream™ instrument.)

FlexLink™ communicates with the FlexStream™ using the industry standard Modbus RTU protocol over serial (RS-232) and/or Ethernet (TCP/IP) physical interfaces. FlexLink™ can also interface to RS-485 with addition of an RS-232 to RS-485 converter (not supplied).

The program continually reads data from the FlexStream™, presents the data in various indicators on the PC computer, and allows the user, via the PC, to control the standby, zero and span functions of the FlexStream™. Additional functions include viewing the FlexStream™ configuration, setting oven temperature setpoints and alarm limits, uploading and downloading permeation tube properties to/from the FlexStream™ and logging acquired data to files.

An added benefit of using Ethernet (TCP/IP) is that the FlexLink™ program can be run in another room, or even off site, for applications in which the operator needs to be removed from the gas standard generation function. Plus, while one PC may be controlling the FlexStream™ locally with an RS-232 serial link, another PC may be monitoring the FlexStream™ remotely via the Ethernet link.

In Figure 1, a target concentration of 1 ppm has been requested. Figure 2 shows the actual generated concentration results for eight permeation tubes that have been loaded into the FlexStream™ Base module. Figure 3 shows the logged data results.

Figure 1 Setting the Target Concentration

Figure 2
Generated Multi-component Gas Stream Concentrations

Figure 3
Data Log

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491Flex™ Gas Standards Generator

September 21, 2015 by Danet Vrazel

The 491Flex™ Gas Standards Generator provides:

Industry-standard for over 40 years
Permeation tube oven with wide temperature range controlled to 0.1 °C
Primary dilution mass flow rate
Standby, zero and span modes
Single-oven module can create mixtures with up to 8 components
Expandable (limited)

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Overview (Additional Modules)

The 491Flex™ is ideally suited for creating trace concentration – ppm, ppb, and pptr – mixtures. The 491Flex™ uses KIN-TEK Trace Source™ disposable, refillable and diffusion permeation tubes for over 550 Supported Chemicals.

The 491Flex™ System is composed of one or more of the following manually-operated modules, depending on application requirements:

491Flex™ Base Module (shown above): The “Base” module is required in every 491Flex™ System. This module provides manual front panel (a) oven temperature setpoint and primary dilution flow rate adjustment controls, (b) standby, zero and span selection, and (c) permeation tube oven temperature and primary dilution mass flow rate digital readout. [491Flex™ Base Module brochure]

491Flex™ PM Auxiliary Permeation Oven Module (PM): The PM provides additional permeation tube ovens to allow generation of a multi-component gas stream for cases in which (a) the tubes must be maintained at different temperatures, (b) differing permeation technologies (disposable tubes vs. refillable tubes) are required, (c) more components are needed than can be held in a single oven, or (d) for applications in which various components will be switched in and out of the gas stream. One PM oven module can be added wherein each oven can hold up to eight disposable permeation tubes or one factory-refillable tube. Any combination of ovens can be kept on standby to keep various tubes at temperature while not adding their emission to the output gas stream. [491Flex™ PM brochure]

491Flex™ SD Secondary Dilution Module (SD): The SD Module extends the range of concentration attained from permeation tubes by providing an additional stage of dilution of the gas stream. Very low concentrations – ppb or ppt – can be generated depending on the emission rate of the tubes and the flow rate range of the primary and secondary dilution flow controllers. Overall dilution ratios of 10,000:1 can be achieved. [491Flex™ SD Module brochure]

491Flex™ IM Interface Module (IM): The IM contains gas stream interfacing components needed to assure constant gas stream output conditions independent of variations in flow and pressure. The Interface Module is ideal for applications where flow capacity of end use is limited (e.g., filling of gas bags), or when back pressure is required to introduce the output gas stream sample to the device under test. Controls are provided on the front panel for adjusting the output pressure. [491Flex™ IM brochure]

491Flex™ Modular Gas Standards Generator

The example 491Flex™ System above contains a 491Flex™ Base Module, 491Flex™ PM and 491Flex™ IM.

491Flex™ features:

Industry standard for over 40 years
Complete, integrated, ready-to-use turnkey system
Manually operated via front panel controls
Direct readout of oven temperature and mass flow rate
Modes of Operation: standby, zero and span
Designed for limited expandability
Flow path designed for maximum flexibility with minimum error
Flow path suitable for reactive gases – mixture contacts only glass, Teflon® and stainless steel (other materials available)
Optional component flow path materials available (sulfinert-coated, all stainless, etc.)
Accepts disposable permeation tubes, diffusion tubes, ultra-high rate liquid filled tubes, wafer tubes, and prefilled gas fed permeation tubes
Accepts up to 8 disposable tubes per oven with maximum 6 inch length x 1/4 inch diameter (KIN-TEK HRT, SRT and EL tubes)
Accepts one of KIN-TEK refillable LFH, and 57 Series tubes per oven

Please click the “Specifications” tab above to see more features and specifications of the 491Flex™.

Specifications

491Flex™ Specifications

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Comparison Specification of Modules

Trace Source™ Refillable Permeation Tubes

September 21, 2015 by Danet Vrazel

KIN-TEK Trace Source™ Refillable Permeation Tubes are:

KIN-TEK LFH Liquid Filled Refillable Permeation Tubes — 57H and 57S Gas Fed

KIN-TEK 57S/FK Prefilled Refillable Permeation Tubes — 57S/FK Prefilled

KIN-TEK 57H/57S Gas Fed Refillable Permeation Tubes — LFH Liquid-filled

Have a broader concentration range than the Trace Source™ Disposable Permeation Tubes.

Are recommended for long-term use and special applications requiring a wide range of calibration points.

Are available for chemicals that are not typically suitable for Disposable Permeation Tubes such as CO, CO₂, NO, methane, ethane, arsine & phosphine.

Emission rate of the tube membrane is certified by the Factory

Most tubes are periodically returned to KIN-TEK for refill and re-certification.

LFH Liquid-Filled Permeation Tubes

Generates moderate to high concentration mixtures of low vapor pressure liquids such as acrylonitrile, benzene, methanol and water.

Are usually filled by KIN-TEK before shipment but may be filled by the customer (with appropriate safety measures in place) for certain components (contact the Factory).

Tube dimensions: 1¾ inch diameter by 6 inch height plus approx. 2 inch height of protruding tubing.

57S Gas Fed Permeation Tubes

Requires use of KIN-TEK Gas Feed Module and user supplied pure gas cylinder source.
Generates low concentration gas standards of high vapor pressure gases such as CO, CO₂, NO, N₂O, CH₄ etc.

Typical concentrations: sub-ppb to >10 ppm depending on tube emission rate and dilution flow rate.
Factory certified NIST Traceable; tube ships empty.

Are usually filled by KIN-TEK but may optionally be filled by the customer (with appropriate safety measures in place) for certain components (contact the Factory). Customer-refill may require a gas feed “GF” module of the 491M or FlexStream Gas Standards Generator.

Tube dimensions: 1¾ inch diameter by 6 inch height plus approx. 2 inch height of protruding tubing.

57H Gas Fed Permeation Tubes

Generates high concentration mixtures of high vapor pressure gases CO, CO₂ , and NO.

Typical concentrations: 10 ppm to over 1,000 ppm depending on tube emission rate, dilution flow rate and operating pressure.

Are filled by the customer using the controls of a gas KIN-TEK Gas Feed “GF” module 491M or FlexStream Gas Standard Generator.

Tube dimensions: 1¾ inch diameter by 6 inch height plus approx. 2 inch height of protruding tubing.

Prefilled Permeation Tubes

Series 57 Prefilled Permeation Tubes are used in KIN-TEK gas standards generators to create gas standards ranging from less than 50 ppb to 5 ppm (depending on tube emission rate and dilution flow rate) for arsine and other hydride gases, as well as highly reactive gases such as HCl, HBr, O₂ and CO. The high vapor pressure of these compounds makes them unsuitable for use in disposable permeation tubes. [Brochure]

Description:

Factory-prefilled permeation tubes.

Factory-certified emission rate.

Small amount of toxic material (typically less than 4 grams of pure gas under 50 psig).

Capable of safely using the gas phase of high vapor pressure compounds.

Tube dimensions: 1¾ inch diameter by 6 inch height plus approx. 5.5 inch height of pressure gage and protruding tubing (requires removal of some KIN-TEK instrument covers).

Overview

The purpose of a gas standard is to establish accurate reference points for the verification of an analysis.

Static mixtures in gas cylinders are often unreliable and inaccurate at the levels (ppm to ppb) that analytical technology now demands.

In gas cylinders containing low level mixtures, the trace components often adsorb on to, or react with, the cylinder walls causing the standard to be inaccurate and unreliable.

Also, it may be impossible to get a matrix gas that is completely free of the trace component, thus making it impossible to get a true reference point with a cylinder mixture.

These problems are solved by using permeation tubes in lieu of gas cylinders.

Types of KIN-TEK Trace Source™ Permeation Tubes

KIN-TEK manufacturers permeation tubes in two basic types – disposable and refillable – for over 500 chemicals.

Disposable Tubes

Disposable Permeation Tubes are tubular devices about the size of a pencil with liquid component compound sealed inside. The component compound slowly permeates through the tubing wall creating a very small flow of component vapor. Disposable tubes have a finite operating life and are discarded at the end of that life. They are primarily used to make lower and medium concentration mixtures.

Refillable Tubes

Refillable Permeation Tubes generally offer a broader range of concentration than disposable tubes. They are often recommended for long-term service and for applications requiring a broad range of calibration points.

Refillable tubes are used for higher concentration mixtures. They are also used for high pressure gas components (CH₄, C₂H₄, O₂, H₂, etc.) where the gas must be frequently replenished. KIN-TEK offers factory refill and recertification services; however, some tubes may be refilled by the customer (with appropriate safety measures in place).

High emission tubes in gas service are refilled in-situ, using controls in various models of KIN-TEK Gas Standards Generators.

To learn more, read the following PDF document titled “Permeation Tubes: A simple Path to Very Complex Gas Mixtures.“

Reasons To Use Permeation Tubes

Accuracy

KIN-TEK Trace Source™ Permeation Tubes are reliable and accurate. Because the calibration standard delivered by the permeation tube method is used fresh (i.e., dynamically), adsorption and reaction problems are minimized.

Compliance

Our customers are increasingly concerned about compliance issues, OSHA, ISO 9000, GMP, and other industry requirements. Addressing these concerns, KIN-TEK supplies a certificate documenting traceability to NIST with every certified Trace Source™ Permeation Tube. Each tube is numbered and its emission rate is kept on file at KIN-TEK for up to 5 years

KIN-TEK also provides Technical Services for permeation tube recertification, annual instrument recertification, and periodic on-site calibration to help you maintain compliance with your internal standards.

Safety

Trace Source™ Permeation Tubes are very small compared to high pressure gas cylinders (disposable tubes are about the size of a pencil). Permeation tubes contain only a small amount of chemical thus limiting the possibility of acute exposure.

Eliminate The Danger of High Pressure Cylinders

Trace Source™ Permeation Tubes eliminate the hazards of handling high pressure cylinders. They contain analyte only under its own vapor pressure and have no valves to break off. Permeation tubes do not require special equipment to handle or transport them. Most permeation tubes can be shipped worldwide as non-hazardous goods.

Savings

One Trace Source™ Permeation Tube can often replace 10 or more gas cylinders. When used in a KIN-TEK Gas Standards Generator, one Trace Source™ Permeation Tube can typically deliver concentrations over a range of 20:1 with primary dilution and 10000:1 (or more) with secondary dilution.

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FlexStream™ Modular Gas Standards Generator

Types of KIN-TEK Trace Source™ Permeation Tubes

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