The continuous thermal conductivity analyzer has wide application in industry where it is desirable to analyze a two gas mixture. The thermal conductivity method is very stable in regards to span and zero drift. Applications include welding shield gas mixtures, food packaging mixtures, leak detection mixtures and heat treating atmospheres.
Each gas has the ability to conduct heat at a specific rate. This is known as the thermal conductivity of the gas. This property is utilized in the Thermco thermal conductivity detector. Heated metal filaments are exposed to the zero and sample gases. The amount of heat carried away by the gases changes the rate of cooling of the wire filament and, therefore its temperature. This temperature change causes a resistance change. Since the filaments are arranged in a Wheatstone bridge, the resistance change can be converted to an electrical current that is available as an output signal.
The digital versions of the analyzer contain a linearizer which allows for a digital readout and a 4-20 mA signal output.
Range | Mixture Example | Application |
---|---|---|
0-50% CO2 in Ar | 5% CO2 in Ar 25% CO2 in Ar |
MIG Shield Gas |
0-10% O2 in Ar | 5% O2 in Ar | MIG Shield Gas | 0-100% He in Ar | 75% He in Ar | MIG Shield Gas | 0-50% CO2 in N2 | 30% CO2 in Ar | Food Packaging | 0-100% O2 in CO2 | 80% O2 in CO2 | Food Packaging | 0-20% H2 in N2 | 10% H2 in N2 | Furnace Atmosphere | 0-100% H2 in N2 | 75% H2 in N2 | Furnace Atmosphere | 0-50% N2 in Ar | 8% N2 in Ar 20% N2 in Ar |
Lamp Filling | 0-50% He in N2 | 25% He in N2 | Leak Detection |
Many ranges are available. See above for common ranges. Consult the Thermco sales engineer for details.
Example: For a 25% CO2 in Ar mixture, the analysis will be between 24.5 and 25.5% CO2.
This accuracy is valid over a temperature range of 50° to 90°F (10° to 32°C).
Reference gas: The background gas in the mixture is required to flow continuously at 0.5 SCFH. This should be a clean, dry, oil free gas. Gas pressure required is 1-150 PSIG.
Sample gas: The sample gas is required to flow continuously at 1.0 SCFH. This should be a clean, dry, oil free gas. Gas pressure required is 1-150 PSIG, except gases containing H2 are 1-50 PSIG.
Power: 104-126 VAC, 50/60 Hz. 1 ampere standard; 204-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. optional
4-20 mA, proportional to gas analysis range selected. This output is isolated and self-powered with a compliance of 10 VDC. This output is not available on the analog meter versions.
Model | Height | Width | Depth | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
7000 | 15.5" (39.4cm) | 13.6" (34.5 cm) | 10.3" (26.2 cm) | 44 lbs.(20 Kg) |
7010 | 15.5" (39.4cm) | 13" (33 cm) | 10.3" (26.2 cm) | 44 lbs.(20 Kg) |
Linearization data for 6 standard ranges are built into the digital analyzers. These are 0-100% CO2 in Ar, 0-100% O2 in Ar, 0-100% He in Ar, 0-100% H2 in Ar, 0-100% CO2 in N2, 0-100% H2 in N2. The user may reprogram the analyzer to any of these ranges, except non-H2 ranges can not be converted to H2 ranges. Single point recalibration will be required after a range change. The analyzer will be factory calibrated for the range selected. A custom range is available for binary gas mixtures not listed above. Data for the custom range may be programmed into the analyzer by the factory or the user.
Thermco has been manufacturing thermal conductivity gas analyzers since the establishment of Thermco in 1951. The complete process of manufacturing, starting with the production of the cell filaments, is performed at our factory in LaPorte, Indiana, U.S.A. Each step of the manufacturing process is planned to produce an analyzer that is rugged and highly accurate. Thermco detector cells are designed not to “burnout” under conditions where there is no gas flow through the cell. Analyzers which have been functioning for over 20 years without replacement of any major parts is common.
Improper use of this product can cause serious injury or property damage. Personnel dealing with this equipment should read and understand warning labels and instruction manuals provided by Thermco.
In the interest of continued product development, Thermco reserves the right to change design features without prior notice. Sale of this equipment is under the terms of the Thermco warranty available upon request.
Thermco gas analyzers are available through many local industrial gas suppliers. They may also be ordered directly from the factory. To get a quote, click here. It is specially important to order the correct pressure conditions for the application. If there are questions, please contact the Thermco sales engineer.