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Response time, lag time, and when it matters
Interscan provides detailed sensor response data in our Tech Center. Rise time to 90% of final value, rise time to 50% of final value, and fall time to 10% of original value
- 2005-04-19 - Similar Articles
Using Interscan Analyzers For Method 21 Studies
EPA's Method 21, entitled "Determination Of Volatile Organic Compound Leaks," calls for a portable instrument to be used for this purpose, and details certain specifications a
- 2005-08-11 - Similar Articles
Continuous Monitoring vs. Stream-Switching Monitoring
First, let's define the terms: "Continuous" monitoring means that each sampling point is being monitored all the time, and in most cases, the concentration displayed reflec
- 2005-08-12 - Similar Articles
When is a part-per-billion (ppb) NOT a part-per-billion (ppb)?
As if it weren't bad enough that clueless environmental authorities try to impose their ignorance on the field by using so-called "metric" units of gas concentration, another
- 2006-04-10 - Similar Articles
Alcohol and Electrochemical Sensors
For any gas to be detectable by an electrochemical sensor, it must first be "electroactive." As defined by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUP
- 2008-12-11 - Similar Articles
Minimum Detectability
"Minimum Detectability" is one of those instrumentation terms that is used frequently, but is seldom defined. Indeed, even though you will encounter this term on many data she
- 2006-09-20 - Similar Articles
In Search of Zero
As discussed in the Calibration Basics Knowledge Base article, Interscan's gas analyzers, and virtually all other direct-reading gas analyzers are not absolute methods. Rathe
- 2006-12-08 - Similar Articles
Where should I set the alarms on my toxic gas monitoring system?
Note: All exposure limits cited in this article are current as of 31 December 2006   Ultimately, the entire matter of wh
- 2009-05-18 - Similar Articles
Can the detector be calibrated at one concentration to cover the entire range? Since the response is linear, I think the answer is yes. Please confirm. Thanks.
The answer to your question is YES. You are correct in noting that the response of our instruments is linear. More than that, electrochemical voltametric sensors (such as we
- 2008-12-11 - Similar Articles
More on Expressing Gas Concentrations
This is a follow-up to our earlier article on Using Common Sense and Science in Expressing Gas Concentrations, inspired by a real-life adventure of one of our sales engineers.
- 2008-12-11 - Similar Articles
Detector Tubes And When To Use Them
A detector tube is a graduated glass tube filled with a chemical reagent that will produce a color change, when exposed to the gas in question. It is used with a hand pump tha
- 2007-03-07 - Similar Articles
Calibration Basics
Introduction It is quite unlikely that you will ever use an absolute method for gas detection. Rather, you will employ any one of dozens of "relative" [or "ref
- 2008-01-09 - Similar Articles
What's a Better Methodology for a Toxic Gas Detection System—Sample Draw or Remote Diffusion?
Definitions A sample draw system uses a pump to draw sample back into the instrument, where it enters the sensor for analysis, and is then exhausted to the atmosphere or vent
- 2007-04-18 - Similar Articles
Best practices for certain ethylene oxide cylinder operations
This article is based on a request from Frank Denny, Director of the Office of Occupational Safety and Health of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. During a re
- 2007-07-08 - Similar Articles
Are there any documents available that provide a frame work or guidance on when a gas detection system should be installed?
It should be noted that long before OSHA, and long before direct-reading instruments were available, people were doing toxic gas detection to protect their employees; combusti
- 2007-07-21 - Similar Articles
Using Common Sense and Science in Expressing Gas Concentrations
Go directly to conversion spreadsheets Early on, in our first chemistry classes, we learn about solutions, and different ways of expressing their concentrations. Since a solu
- 2007-09-25 - Similar Articles
Data Logging and Data Acquisition in Gas Detection
Virtually every industrial facility has some kind of gas detection in place: Millions of portable units are in service, and at least a million points of continuous gas detecti
- 2010-05-01 - Similar Articles
Hazardous Locations
Background Gas detection instruments must often be used or installed in areas considered to be "hazardous locations." Generically, all sorts of hazards might be rec
- 2008-02-20 - Similar Articles
Complying with 40 CFR Part 63 subpart WWWWW--National Emission Standards for Hospital Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers
Background In the continuing regulatory assault on ethylene oxide, more rules now apply. Fortunately, these latest statutes are not at all difficult to comply with. The new r
- 2009-05-06 - Similar Articles
What are the calibration techniques available for quantifying a gas? Suggest a few methods for quantifying ammonia in particular.
See our article entitled "Calibration Basics."  For ammonia, we would recommend permeation tubes.
- 2008-12-11 - Similar Articles
Is It Necessary To Monitor Ozone Around An Ozone Sterilizer?
With the advent, in 2005, of a practical ozone-based sterilizer by TSO3, Inc. (Model 125L), and its subsequent installation into sterile processing facilities, ChemDAQ added o
- 2008-12-11 - Similar Articles
Surrogate Calibration
The term "surrogate calibration" refers to a practice in instrument calibration whereby a standard different from the entity to be measured is utilized. For example
- 2008-07-30 - Similar Articles
When I'm buying a toxic gas detection instrument or system, why do I need applications engineering?
Very simply, since no two toxic gas detection applications are the same. We admit that this concept has been obscured under the quite false rubric that "All gas detection
- 2008-12-12 - Similar Articles
The Fallacy Of "No Safe Level"
In the wake of the FEMA trailers and the recalled toys from China—to say nothing of the hype surrounding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA)&mdas
- 2009-02-02 - Similar Articles
Using smart gas detection to comply with GSA's indoor air quality standards
As landlord for the civilian federal government, the Public Buildings Service—a principal division of the General Services Administration (GSA)—owns and leases ove
- 2009-06-16 - Similar Articles
Using Interscan analyzers in tainted Chinese drywall inspection and remediation
Following the active hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, there was an upsurge in home construction. Demand for drywall exceeded the domestic supply, and a certain amount of dr
- 2009-10-28 - Similar Articles

  

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