2. AT-LINE A Practical Application of Smart Modular Sampling Components IFPAC 2001 ABB

3. OUTLINE n Introduction n At-line Operational Requirements n At-line System Hardware Requirements n Pertinent Analytical Issues for At-line n Current Technologies n Future Technologies n Conclusion

4. INTRODUCTION n At-line is loosely defined as the replacement of common laboratory analyses with On-line field ready analyzer equipment and sample preparation systems n For the purposes of this discussion, GC will be the analysis basis

5. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS n Low pressure gas samples - Tedlar ® Bag n High pressure gas samples - Cylinder n Low pressure / vapor pressure liquid samples - Glass jar with septum lid n High pressure / vapor pressure liquid samples - Cylinder with outage tube

6. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS n With all At-line sample techniques, limited amounts of sample are available for analyses. n Finite sample volume drives the need for low overall volume in sample preparation equipment n Minimization of dead volumes and optimum mixing is critical in equipment

7. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Diagram of dual function gas At-line system

8. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Diagram of multiplex liquid At-line system

9. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS n The previous slides offer insight into the complexity of the sample preparation systems utilized for At-line applications n Flexibility in terms of the flow paths, component selection and operating conditions is key n Are small smart modular components available / compatible / cost effective?

10. YES - THEY ARE!

11. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS CONVENTIONAL CONSTRUCTION n INTERNAL VOLUME > 20 CC n DEAD VOLUME > 5CC n 40+ TUBE FITTINGS n COMPONENT REMOVAL FOR MAINTENANCE MORE DIFFICULT MODULAR CONSTRUCTION n INTERNAL VOLUME < 10 CC n DEAD VOLUME < 1CC n 8 TUBE FITTINGS n EASILY MAINTAINED

12. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS n Classic semiconductor modules are linear - commonly referred to a gas “sticks” n Conventional On-line analyzer sample systems contain sections easily translated into linear modules and sections requiring multiplex capability n At-line systems, like their on-line counterparts will require the use of linear and multiplex substrate modules

13. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS, 12” x 7.5”

14. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS, 11” x 5”

15. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS n Linear module for gas At-line

16. DESIGN ISSUES n Conventional construction leads to: - Large overall size - High dead volume - Limited accessibility - Low integrity tubing connections - Limited maintainability wrt repeated make and break on connections

17. DESIGN ISSUES n Modular construction leads to: - Minimal overall size - Low dead volume - Full accessibility - High integrity seals on components - Maintainable

18. ANALYTICAL ISSUES n Low dead volumes mandatory n Seal memory must be minimized n Sampling, handling and extraction methods must be compatible n Capabilities to evacuate, purge and solvent wash are recommended n Calibration performed through the system

19. ANALYTICAL ISSUES n Close coupling sample system to analyzer n Minimizing system residence time n Limiting overall amount of sample needed n Lower support costs for purging or solvent washing n gas analysis atmospheric reference

20. CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES n It’s a whole new ball game! n Flexibility is key n Engineered n Not commodity n Multiplex capable n Ergonomic?

21. CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES n Analog Sensors n Intrinsic Safety for Passive Sensors n Hazardous location construction for active devices n Pneumatics n I/O modules

22. CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES n Man Machine Interface (MMI) provides user friendly graphical representation of system status n Maintenance and troubleshooting performed by touch screen

23. MONITOR OR CONTROL

24. BEAUTY AND BRAINS...

25. FUTURE? n Fieldbus n Profibus - intrinsic safety - miniature wire interconnects n Unified Code? n Electrical safety

26. CONCLUSION n At-line provides a platform for growth of the small smart modular sampling system concept n Multiplex substrates required n Passive sensors available n Active components to be developed n Plug and play requires unification of communication protocols and electrical safety codes n Engineered to design n Higher integrity components n Saves initial installation cost n Maintainability