AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Emissions from urban environments; industrial or agricultural operations; and power generation are the main focus to prevent hazardous pollutants to pose a health risk for the population. HCl, NH₃, NO_x, CO, formaldehyde and many others contribute to environmental concerns, such as acid rain, ground ozone and smog, which cause many adverse health effects in humans. With our ultra-sensitive CRDS analyzers, you can monitor many of these hazardous pollutants precisely at low levels to ensure that any excess emissions are detected immediately.

GREENHOUSE GAS MONITORING

Methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are the most important drivers of climate change. Researchers use sophisticated computer models to predict the influence of these greenhouse gases on climate change. Such models require precise measurements of atmospheric concentrations, as well as quantification of sinks and sources of these gases. Our TIGER OPTICS™  CRDS (Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy) analyzers are highly sensitive and accurate instruments used for greenhouse gas monitoring, including the measurement of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapor (H₂O) in various applications.

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE IONIZATION MASS SPECTROMETER (APIMS)

Atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry (APIMS) can be used for air quality monitoring by measuring the concentration of organic compounds in the air, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). These compounds can be emitted from various sources, including industrial activities, transportation, and natural sources, and can contribute to air pollution and impact human health.  APIMS can be used for air quality monitoring by first collecting air samples using a sampling device such as a sorbent tube or a filter. The sample is then introduced into an APIMS instrument, where it is ionized and analyzed using mass spectrometry techniques. The resulting ion spectrum can be used to identify and quantify the organic compounds present in the air sample.

APIMS is a powerful technique for air quality monitoring because it can detect a wide range of organic compounds, including those that are present in trace amounts. It is also relatively fast, sensitive, and specific, which makes it an effective tool for identifying sources of air pollution and assessing the impact of air pollution on public health. Our EXTREL™ VeraSpec™ Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometer (APIMS) is designed for reliable and repeatable low parts-per-trillion detection limits for contamination control in Ultra-High Purity (UHP) gases used in semiconductor and other high-tech industrial applications. 

Our VeraSpec Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometer (APIMS) is a powerful tool used for monitoring airborne molecular contaminants (AMCs) in semiconductor manufacturing environments. Here’s how it works:

1. Sample Collection: Equipped with an inlet that draws in air from the semiconductor manufacturing environment. The air sample is then passed through a filter to remove any particulate matter and is directed to the APIMS system for analysis.

2. Atmospheric Pressure Ionization: Uses an atmospheric pressure ionization source to ionize the gas-phase molecules in the air sample. The ionization process generates both positive and negative ions, depending on the ionization conditions.

1. Mass Spectrometry: The ionized molecules are then introduced into the mass spectrometer, where they are separated and detected based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). The mass spectrometer consists of three main components: an ionization source, a mass analyzer, and a detector. The ionization source creates ions from the molecules in the air sample, the mass analyzer separates the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, and the detector detects the ions.

2. Data Analysis: The data obtained by the APIMS system is typically processed by computer software that provides real-time measurements and trending analysis of the AMCs detected in the semiconductor manufacturing environment.

AMBIENT AIR MONITORING

Globally, ambient air quality regulations are becoming stricter and the penalties for violating them are severe. The ability to accurately, quickly and efficiently monitor harmful chemicals and combustible gases is crucial in order to comply with these regulations.  Ambient air monitoring is the process of measuring and analyzing the quality of the air in the outdoor environment. It is done to determine the level of pollutants present in the air, identify sources of pollution, and assess the impact of air pollution on public health and the environment.

Ambient air monitoring is important for several reasons:

1. Protecting public health: Ambient air monitoring provides information about the quality of the air we breathe. Certain pollutants, such as particulate matter and ozone, can have harmful effects on human health, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. By monitoring these pollutants, officials can take action to protect public health.

2. Protecting the environment: Ambient air monitoring can also help identify sources of pollution and track pollution trends over time. This information can be used to develop policies and regulations to reduce pollution and protect the environment.

3. Supporting regulatory compliance: Many industries are required to comply with federal and state air quality regulations. Ambient air monitoring helps these industries ensure that they are meeting their regulatory requirements and can help identify areas where additional pollution controls may be needed.

4. Supporting emergency response: In the event of an industrial accident or other emergency, ambient air monitoring can provide real-time information about the levels of pollutants in the air. This information can help emergency responders make decisions about evacuation or other actions to protect public health and safety.

Ambient Air Monitoring for industrial hygiene and emissions monitoring can utilize our EXTREL™ MAX300 Series Process Mass Spectrometers provide high speed analysis of multiple chemical compounds from several locations with detection limits as low as 10 parts per billion (ppb). The MAX300-AIR™ Environmental Gas Analyzer also can be configured to monitor a larger number of samples, with the use of several different valve combinations. This gives the MAX300-AIR the largest sample capacity available for a process mass spectrometer.