Spark CH4
Trace-level methane detection
With the Spark CH4, powerful advanced spectroscopy is available at a popular price for a host of applications, from process control to quality and safety assurance in Air Separation Plants. Other applications include monitoring of cylinder filling, bulk delivery and distribution transfer points, as well as welding, medical, industrial and high-purity gas production, and more. Sensitivity as low as 6 ppb with full range measurement as high as 80 ppm CH4 makes the Spark an ideal solution for these applications.
Say goodbye to cumbersome, complex, costly and labor-intensive mid-20th century technology. Gone is the need for calibration, spare parts, limited measurement ranges, and worries about drift and downtime usually associated with NDIRs. And without the need for H2 fuel gas and with plug-and-play installation within minutes, the Spark CH4 is a faster and safer alternative to FIDs. Plus, it’s a joy to start up and to operate.
Designed for trace methane analysis, the new, affordable Spark CH4 offers:
- Powerful, proven Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) technology
- Drift-free measurement
- Increased laboratory safety without the need for fuel gas
- Self-tuning and auto-calibration
- Extremely low Cost of Ownership
- Ethernet, 4–20 mA and RS-232 connectivity
- Fast response with low gas consumption
- CH4 analysis over a vast range: 6 ppb to 50 ppm (in O2)
Applications
| Detection and Matrix | Range | LDL (3σ) | Precision (1σ) @ zero |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH4 in N2 | 0 – 80 ppm | 7.5 ppb | 2.5 ppb |
| CH4 in O2 | 0 – 50 ppm | 6 ppb | 2.0 ppb |
| CH4 in Clean Dry Air (CDA) | 0 – 80 ppm | 7.5 ppb | 2.5 ppb |
| CH4 in Ar | 0 – 70 ppm | 6.5 ppb | 2.2 ppb |
| CH4 in He | 0 – 50 ppm | 6 ppb | 2.0 ppb |
| CH4 in H2 | 0 – 80 ppm | 7.5 ppb | 2.5 ppb |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Operating range | See Detection Capability table |
| Detection Limit (LDL, 3σ/24h) | See Detection Capability table |
| Precision (1σ, greater of) | ± 0.75% or 1/3 of LDL |
| Accuracy (greater of) | ± 4% or LDL |
| Speed of response | < 1 minute to 90% |
| Environmental conditions | 10°C to 40°C, 30% to 80% RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage temperature | -10°C to 50°C |
| Gas Handling System and Conditions | |
| Wetted materials | 316L stainless steel, 10 Ra surface finish |
| Gas connections | 1/4" male VCR inlet and outlet |
| Inlet pressure | 10 – 125 psig (1.7 – 9.6 bar) |
| Flow rate | ∼0.7 slpm (in N2), gas-dependent |
| Sample gases | Most inert, toxic, and passive matrices |
| Gas temperature | Up to 60°C |
| Dimensions, H x W x D | |
| Standard sensor | 8.73" x 8.57" x 23.6" (222 mm x 218 mm x 599 mm) |
| Sensor rack (fits up to two sensors) | 8.73" x 19.0" x 23.6" (222 mm x 483 mm x 599 mm) |
| Weight | |
| Standard sensor | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
| Electrical and Interfaces | |
| Platform | Max series analyzer |
| Alarm indicators | 2 user programmable, 1 system fault, Form C relays |
| Power requirements | 90 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption | 40 Watts max. |
| Signal output | Isolated 4–20 mA per sensor |
| User interfaces | 5.7" LCD touch screen, 10/100 Base-T Ethernet |
| USB, RS-232, RS-485, Modbus TCP (optional) | |
| Data storage | Internal and external flash drive |
| Certification | CE Mark |
| Patents | |
| U.S. Patent #7,277,177 | |