The Model 6900 is designed for the measurement of gas mixtures produced in the industrial gas industry. The analyzer is designed to quickly (3 to 5 minutes) analyze a gas cylinder, without the use of calibration standards, wet chemicals, or special knowledge of gas analysis instrumentation. The analyzer is designed so that it may be used directly in the cylinder filling environment.
The analyzer may also be used to check gas mixing systems in the field. If desired, the analyzer may be ran continuously as an on-stream analyzer. A linear 4-20 mA output is available on all ranges.
The analyzer uses Thermco’s patented* thermal conductivity detector/microprocessor technology to directly readout numerous mixtures created for the welding, heat treating, and food packaging industries.
The analyzer contains 9 ranges, which are selected with the pushbuttons on the front of the analyzer. All 9 ranges are factory calibrated. A custom range for calibration by the user is also available.
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 read out on a meter.
Traditionally, a drawback to using the thermal conductivity method has been the non-linear signal created from virtually all binary gas mixtures. The user had to refer to a curve in order to correct for the non-linearity. The Model 6900 is a significant improvement in the technology of handling the signal from the thermal conductivity detector. The unique curves generated by the 9 binary gas pairs are each programmed at the factory into the microprocessor in the Model 6900. The user selects the range of interest from the front panel of the analyzer, and the analyzer is able to read out directly in the percent gas analysis for that particular gas mixture.
The calibration stability of the Model 6900 analyzer is exceptional, especially compared to infrared type or chemical cell type gas analyzers which may require recalibration on a daily basis. It is recommended that the calibration be checked once per year, if used on a spot checking basis.
Range | Mixture Example | Application |
---|---|---|
0-100% CO2 in Ar | 5% CO2 in Ar 25% CO2 in Ar |
MIG shield gas |
0-100% O2 in Ar | 5% O2 in Ar | MIG shield gas | 0-100% He in Ar | 25% He in Ar | MIG, TIG shield gas | 0-100% He in Ar | 75% He in Ar | MIG shield gas | 0-100% H2 in Ar | 5% H2 in Ar 35% H2 in Ar |
Plasma Cutting, Welding | 0-100% N2 in Ar | 10% N2 in Ar | Lamp Filling | 0-100% CO2 in N2 | 30% CO2 in N2 | Food Packaging | 0-100% O2 in N2 | 5% O2 in N2 | Special Atmosphere | 0-100% He in N2 | 10% He in N2 | Leak Detection | 0-100% H2 in N2 | 10% H2 in N2 75% H2 in N2 |
Furnace Atmosphere |
Valid over 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C) ambient temperature conditions.
± 0.3% of minor component over range of 0-10.0%, all ranges.
Example: for a 5% O2 in Ar mixture, the analysis will be between 4.7 and 5.3% O2.
±0.5% of minor component over a range of 10.1% to 30.0%, all ranges.
Example: for a 25% CO2 in Ar mixture, the analysis will be between 24.5% and 25.5% CO2.
±1% of minor component over a range of 30.1% to 60.0%, all ranges.
Example: for a 50% CO2 in N2 mixture, the analysis will be between 49.0% and 51.0% CO2.
±2% of minor component over a range of 60.1% to 100.0%, all ranges, except CO2 in Ar, which has an accuracy of ±8%.
Example: for a 75% He in Ar mixture, the analysis will be between 73.0% and 77.0% He.
Reference Gas: Commercial grade argon or nitrogen (depending upon the base gas in range used) is required to flow continuously at 0.5 SCFH during analysis.
Sample Gas: Moisture and oil free sample gas is required to flow continuously at 1.0 SCFH during analysis.
Sample, reference gas pressure: 1-100 PSIG Power: 115 VAC, 60 Hz., 1 Amp (220 VAC, 50/60 Hz. optional)
Calibration is recommended once per year when used under spot checking conditions; if run continuously will depend on conditions and range.
The user may encounter a gas mixture pair other than the nine standard ranges built into the analyzer. In this case, the user may perform an analysis by inputting his own calibration data into the analyzer. This can be accomplished by utilizing the pushbuttons on the front meter. Guidance is available from the factory concerning the thermal conductivity response of a wide variety of gas pairs.
Although the Model 6900 is not normally intended to measure a 3 part mixture, mixtures of Ar/CO2/O2 may be approximately measured if the user knows the oxygen level in the mix. Contact Thermco for details.
Thermco has been providing service for their analyzers since 1951. The Thermco repair department can normally complete repairs in two weeks.
The Model 6900 is not intended to measure oxygen/nitrogen mixtures for breathing air, oxygen purity, or other medical applications.
The Model 6900 is not designed to be used with toxic gases or gases corrosive to brass or nylon.
The Model 6900 is not designed to be used with toxic gases or gases corrosive to brass or nylon.
In the interest of continued product improvement, Thermco reserves the right to change design features without prior notice.
Along with the analyzer are supplied two 10 ft. lengths of tubing to run from the ports on the Model 6900 to cylinder regulators.
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.