Site ContentAnalyzer - CleverStat

CleverStat is a nifty tool I've been using recently for web site content analysis. Unlike numerous online apps, CleverStat makes a copy of the site on your hard drive and analyzes the entire thing and not only individual pages

SPECTROMAXx

The new SPECTROMAXx can be configured as a bench top or floor model. With three versions to choose from, individual requirements are sure to be met.
With the new sample excitation system SPECTRO Plasma Generator, CCDs selected especially for emission spectrometry, a high-performance read-out system, a novel spark stand, innovative optical systems, and the unique ICAL logic system, the SPECTROMAXx provides analytical capabilities previously achieved only with conventional photomultiplier systems. The novel spark stand of the SPECTROMAXx is distinguished by minimal maintenance requirements and argon consumption that has been reduced by nearly half.

All of the chemical elements requiring analysis by the metal industry can be determined - including traces of carbon, phosphorus, sulfur, and nitrogen. Completely defined calibration modules are available for the relevant matrices (base metals), like Fe, Al, Cu, Ni, Co, Ti, Mg, Zn, Sn and Pb. They include the complete element range and can be adapted individually.

The SPECTROMAXx is well suited for applications like die cast or injection molding as well as for standard requirements in steel or non-ferrous foundries, also multi-matrix applications for incoming and outgoing inspection and all applications in the automotive industry.

Structural health monitoring

The process of implementing a damage detection strategy for aerospace, civil and mechanical engineering infrastructure is referred to as Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). Here damage is defined as changes to the material and/or geometric properties of these systems, including changes to the boundary conditions and system connectivity, which adversely affect the system’s performance. The SHM process involves the observation of a system over time using periodically sampled dynamic response measurements from an array of sensors, the extraction of damage-sensitive features from these measurements, and the statistical analysis of these features to determine the current state of system health. For long term SHM, the output of this process is periodically updated information regarding the ability of the structure to perform its intended function in light of the inevitable aging and degradation resulting from operational environments. After extreme events, such as earthquakes or blast loading, SHM is used for rapid condition screening and aims to provide, in near real time, reliable information regarding the integrity of the structure

IPHost Network Monitor

IPHost Network Monitor is a reliable network and server monitoring tool that allows availability and performance monitoring of mail, db and other servers, web sites and applications, various network resources and equipment using SNMP (on UNIX/Linux/Mac) and WMI (on Windows), HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, POP3, IMAP, ODBC, PING...
IPHost Network Monitor is usable and affordable Windows software that facilitates the task of detection and elimination of failures and problems with your network and network equipment, servers, workstations and critical applications installed on them. IPHost Monitor enables you to reduce downtime (or slowdown time) because the system administrator and other concerned parties get prompt information on network resource inaccessibility or critical application performance problems. Detailed information helps to recover from the failure or remedy the performance problem quickly. With IPHost Network Monitor you can also setup actions for automatic failure recovery. Web-enabled reporting lets you monitor your network resources via a web browser to take a quick look at the state, problems and trends. IPHost Monitor does not require expensive hardware and can run at full power on a typical workstation.

To maintain the availability and performance of the network, servers and applications, to plan upgrades and maintenance, the administrator should get real time data and reports on the actual state of the enterprise’s IT infrastructure. IPHost Network Monitor provides you with a suitable and affordable solution for network, servers and applications monitoring. This tool suits both the professional administrators and all those who perform administrator’s tasks from time to time. The tool is quick and easy to set up and use. IPHost Network Monitor is efficient even when a company does not employ a full-time administrator. User interface has been developed keeping in mind that all significant information should be accessible on one screen.

Oxygen O2 Analyzer - H2S

An oxygen analyzer sensor, or lambda sensor, is an electronic device that measures the proportion of oxygen (O2) in the gas or liquid being analyzed. It was developed by Robert Bosch GmbH during the late 1960s under supervision by Dr. Günter Bauman. The original sensing element is made with a thimble-shaped zirconia ceramic coated on both the exhaust and reference sides with a thin layer of platinum and comes in both heated and unheated forms. The planar-style sensor entered the market in 1998 (also pioneered by Robert Bosch GmbH) and significantly reduced the mass of the ceramic sensing element as well as incorporating the heater within the ceramic structure. This resulted in a sensor that both started operating sooner and responded faster. The most common application is to measure the exhaust gas concentration of oxygen for internal combustion engines in automobiles and other vehicles. Divers also use a similar device to measure the partial pressure of oxygen in their breathing gas.

Scientists use oxygen sensors to measure respiration or production of oxygen and use a different approach. Oxygen sensors are used in oxygen analyzers which find a lot of use in medical applications such as anesthesia monitors, respirators and oxygen concentrators.

There are many different ways of measuring oxygen and these include technologies such as zirconia, electrochemical (also known as Galvanic), infrared, ultrasonic and very recently laser. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Oxygen sensor

An oxygen sensor, or lambda sensor, is an electronic device that measures the proportion of oxygen (O2) in the gas or liquid being analyzed. It was developed by Robert Bosch GmbH during the late 1960s under supervision by Dr. Günter Bauman. The original sensing element is made with a thimble-shaped zirconia ceramic coated on both the exhaust and reference sides with a thin layer of platinum and comes in both heated and unheated forms. The planar-style sensor entered the market in 1998 (also pioneered by Robert Bosch GmbH) and significantly reduced the mass of the ceramic sensing element as well as incorporating the heater within the ceramic structure. This resulted in a sensor that both started operating sooner and responded faster. The most common application is to measure the exhaust gas concentration of oxygen for internal combustion engines in automobiles and other vehicles. Divers also use a similar device to measure the partial pressure of oxygen in their breathing gas.

Scientists use oxygen sensors to measure respiration or production of oxygen and use a different approach. Oxygen sensors are used in oxygen analyzers which find a lot of use in medical applications such as anesthesia monitors, respirators and oxygen concentrators.

There are many different ways of measuring oxygen and these include technologies such as zirconia, electrochemical (also known as Galvanic), infrared, ultrasonic and very recently laser. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages

Operation of the probe

The zirconium dioxide, or zirconia, lambda sensor is based on a solid-state electrochemical fuel cell called the Nernst cell. Its two electrodes provide an output voltage corresponding to the quantity of oxygen in the exhaust relative to that in the atmosphere. An output voltage of 0.2 V (200 mV) DC represents a lean mixture. That is one where the amount of oxygen entering the cylinder is sufficient to fully oxidize the carbon monoxide (CO), produced in burning the air and fuel, into carbon dioxide (CO2). A reading of 0.8 V (800 mV) DC represents a rich mixture, one which is high in unburned fuel and low in remaining oxygen. The ideal point is 0.45 V (450 mV) DC; this is where the quantities of air and fuel are in the optimum ratio, called the stoichiometric point, and the exhaust output mainly consists of fully oxidized CO2.

The voltage produced by the sensor is so nonlinear with respect to oxygen concentration that it is impractical for the engine control unit (ECU) to measure intermediate values - it merely registers "lean" or "rich", and periodically adjusts the fuel/air mixture to keep the output of the sensor alternating between these two states. The time period chosen by the ECU to monitor the sensor and adjust the fuel/air mixture creates an inevitable delay, which makes this system less responsive than one using a linear sensor (see below). The shorter the time period, the higher the so-called "cross count"and the more responsive the system.

The zirconia sensor is of the 'narrow band' type, referring to the narrow range of fuel/air ratios to which it responds.

Oxygen Sensor Types

Today’s oxygen analyzers use one of a several types of oxygen sensors. As industrial process applications call for improved measurement accuracy and repeatability, users are also demanding analyzers that require a minimum of maintenance and calibration. To this end, users of oxygen analyzers are encouraged to evaluate the merits of a particular oxygen sensor type in context to the application for which it is intended. There is no one universal oxygen sensor type.

The synoptic review of the various gas phase oxygen sensors provided below should be used in conjunction with information gathered from manufacturers of oxygen analyzers. This combination will help to ensure the selection of the right sensor type for the application under consideration.

* Ambient Temperature Electrochemical Oxygen Senors
* Paramagnetic Oxygen Sensors
* Polarographic Oxygen Sensors
* Zirconium Oxide Oxygen Sensors

Ambient Temperature Electrochemical Oxygen Sensors

The ambient temperature electrochemical sensor, often referred to as a galvanic sensor, is typically a small, partially sealed, cylindrical device (1-1/4” diameter by 0.75” height) that contains two dissimilar electrodes immersed in an aqueous electrolyte, commonly potassium hydroxide. As oxygen molecules diffuse through a semi-permeable membrane installed on one side of the sensor, the oxygen molecules are reduced at the cathode to form a positively charge hydroxyl ion. The hydroxyl ion migrates to the sensor anode where an oxidation reaction takes place. The resultant reduction/oxidation reaction generates an electrical current proportional to the oxygen concentration in the sample gas. The current generated is both measured and conditioned with external electronics and displayed on a digital panel meter either in percent or parts per million concentrations. With the advance in mechanical designs, refinements in electrode materials, and enhanced electrolyte formulations, the galvanic oxygen sensor provides extended life over earlier versions, and are recognized for their accuracy in both the percent and traces oxygen ranges. Response times have also been improved. A major limitation of ambient temperature electrochemical sensors is their susceptibility to damage when used with samples containing acid gas species such as hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, etc. Unless the offending gas constituent is scrubbed prior to analysis, their presence will greatly shorten the life of the sensor. The galvanic sensor is also susceptible to over pressurization. For applications where the sample pressure is > 5 psig, a pressure regulator or control valve is normally recommended.

Polarographic Oxygen Sensors

The polarographic oxygen sensor is often referred to as a Clark Cell [J. L. Clark (1822- 1898)]. In this type of sensor, both the anode (typically silver) and cathode (typically gold) are immersed in an aqueous electrolyte of potassium chloride. The electrodes are separated from the sample by a semi-permeable membrane that provides the mechanism to diffuse oxygen into the sensor. The silver anode is typically held at a potential of 0.8V (polarizing voltage) with respect to the gold cathode. Molecular oxygen is consumed electrochemically with an accompanying flow of electrical current directly proportional to the oxygen concentration based on Faraday’s law. The current output generated from the sensor is measured and amplified electronically to provide a percent oxygen measurement. One of the advantages of the polarographic oxygen sensor is that while inoperative, there is no consumption of the electrode (anode). Storage times are almost indefinite. Similar to the galvanic oxygen sensor, they are not position sensitive. Because of the unique design of the polarographic oxygen sensor, it is the sensor of choice for dissolved oxygen measurements in liquids. For gas phase oxygen measurements, the polarographic oxygen sensor is suitable for percent level oxygen measurements only. The relatively high sensor replacement frequency is another potential drawback, as is the issue of maintaining the sensor membrane and electrolyte.

A variant to the polarographic Oxygen Sensor is what some manufacturers refer to as a non-depleting coulometric sensor where two similar electrodes are immersed in an electrolyte consisting of potassium hydroxide. Typically, an external EMF of 1.3 VDC is applied across both electrodes which acts as the driving mechanism for reduction/oxidation reaction. The electrical current resulting from this reaction is directly proportional to the oxygen concentration in the sample gas. As is the case with other sensor types, the signal derived from the sensor is amplified and conditioned prior to displaying. Unlike the conventional polarographic oxygen sensor, this type of sensor can be used for both percent and trace oxygen measurements. However, unlike the zirconium oxide, one sensor cannot be used to measure both high percentage levels as well as trace concentrations of oxygen. One major advantage of this sensor type is its ability to measure parts per billion levels of oxygen. The sensors are position sensitive and replacement costs are quite expensive, in some cases, paralleling that of an entire analyzer of another sensor type. They are not recommended for applications where oxygen concentrations exceed 25%.

Zirconium Oxide Oxygen Sensors

This type of sensor is occasionally referred to as the “high temperature” electrochemical sensor and is based on the Nernst principle [W. H. Nernst (1864-1941)]. Zirconium oxide sensors use a solid state electrolyte typically fabricated from zirconium oxide stabilized with yttrium oxide. The zirconium oxide probe is plated on opposing sides with platinum which serves as the sensor electrodes. For a zirconium oxide sensor to operate properly, it must be heated to approximately 650 degrees Centigrade. At this temperature, on a molecular basis, the zirconium lattice becomes porous, allowing the movement of oxygen ions from a higher concentration of oxygen to a lower one, based on the partial pressure of oxygen. To create this partial pressure differential, one electrode is usually exposed to air (20.9% oxygen) while the other electrode is exposed to the sample gas. The movement of oxygen ions across the zirconium oxide produces a voltage between the two electrodes, the magnitude of which is based on the oxygen partial pressure differential created by the reference gas and sample gas. The zirconium oxide oxygen sensor exhibits excellent response time characteristics. Another virtue is that the same sensor can be used to measure 100% oxygen, as well as parts per billion concentrations. Due to the high temperatures of operation, the life of the sensor can be shortened by on/off operation. The coefficients of expansions associated with the materials of construction are such that the constant heating and cooling often causes “sensor fatigue”. A major limitation of zirconium oxide oxygen sensors is their unsuitability for trace oxygen measurements when reducing gases (hydrocarbons of any species, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide) are present in the sample gas. At operating temperatures of 650 degrees Centigrade, the reducing gases will react with the oxygen, consuming it prior to measurement thus producing a lower than actual oxygen reading. The magnitude of the error is proportional to the concentration of reducing gas. Zirconium oxide oxygen sensors are the “defacto standard” for in-situ combustion control applications.

Other types of oxygen measuring techniques are under development and in some cases being used for specific applications. They include, but are not limited to, luminescence polarization, opto-chemical sensors, laser gas sensors, et al. As these techniques are further developed and improved, they may represent viable alternatives to the major oxygen sensor types currently in use.

Extorr XT residual gas analyzer

The Extorr XT residual gas analyzer is a quadrupole mass spectrometer complete with a built-in Pirani gauge and Ion gauge. It is an essential measuring device which may be used in any vacuum system. The Extorr XT residual gas analyzer (RGA) models come in 100, 200 and 300 amu packages. All RGA models attach to a single 2 3/4 inch flange. Each package has automatic start-up and shut down and will constantly monitor from atmospheric pressure to ultra high vacuum. The built-in Pirani gauge and ion gauge constantly monitor total pressure and regulate and protect the RGA. These functions are seamlessly integrated into the Extorr software package.

Closed ion source

With applications requiring measurement of pressures between 10 − 4 and 10 − 3 Torr, the problem of ambient and process gases can be significantly reduced by replacing the OIS configuration with a CIS sampling system. Such an ionizer sits on top of the quadrupole mass filter and consists of a short, gas-tight tube with two openings for the entrance of electrons and exit of ions. The ions are formed close to a single extraction plate and exit the ionizer. Electrically insulative alumina rings seal the tube and the biased electrodes from the rest of the quadrupole mass assembly. The ions are produced by electron impact directly at the process pressure. Such design has been applied to gas chromatography mass spectroscopy instruments before adaption by quadrupole gas analyzers. Most commercially available CIS systems operate between 10 − 2 and 10 − 11 Torr and offer ppm level detectability over the entire mass range for process pressures between 10 − 4 and 10 − 2 Torr. The upper limit is set by reduction in mean free path for ion-neutral collisions which takes place at higher pressures, and results in the scattering of ions and reduced sensitivity.

The CIS anode may be viewed as a high conductance tube connected directly to the process chamber. The pressure in the ionization area is virtually the same as the rest of the chamber. Thus the CIS ionizer produces ions by electron impact directly at the process pressure whilst the rest of the mass analyzer is kept under high pressure. Such direct sampling provides good sensitivity and fast response times.

Open ion source

OIS is the most widely available type of RGA. Cylindrical and axially symmetrical, this kind of ionizer has been around since the early 1950s. The OIS type is usually mounted directly to the vacuum chamber, exposing the filament wire and anode wire cage to the surrounding vacuum chamber, allowing all molecules in the vacuum chamber move easily through the ion source. With a maximum operating pressure of 10 − 4 Torr and a maximum detectable partial pressure as low as 10 − 14 Torr when used in tandem with an electron multiplier.

OIS RGAs measure residual gas levels without affecting the gas composition of their vacuum environment, though there are performance limitations which include:

* Outgassing of water from the chamber, H2 from the OIS electrodes and most varieties of 300-series stainless steel used in the surrounding vacuum chamber due to the high temperatures of the hot-cathode source (> 1300°C).
* Electron Stimulated Desorption (ESD) is noted by peaks observed at 12, 16, 19 and 35 u rather than by electron-impact ionization of gaseous species, with the affects similar to outgassing effects. This is frequently counteracted by gold-plating the ionizer which in turn reduces the adsorption of many gases. Using platinum-clad molybdenum ionizers is an alternative.

Residual Gas Analyzer

A residual gas analyzer (RGA) is a small and usually rugged mass spectrometer, typically designed for process control and contamination monitoring in the semiconductor industry. Utilizing quadrupole technology, there exists two implementations, utilizing either an open ion source (OIS) or a closed ion source (CIS). RGAs may be found in high vacuum applications such as research chambers, surface science setups, accelerators, scanning microscopes, etc. RGAs are used in most cases to monitor the quality of the vacuum and easily detect minute traces of impurities in the low-pressure gas environment. These impurities can be measured down to 10 − 14 Torr levels, possessing sub-ppm detectability in the absence of background interferences.

RGAs would also be used as sensitive in-situ, helium leak detectors. With vacuum systems pumped down to lower than 10 - 5Torr—checking of the integrity of the vacuum seals and the quality of the vacuum—air leaks, virtual leaks and other contaminants at low levels may be detected before a process is initiated.

Residual gas analyzer

A residual gas analyzer (RGA) is a small and usually rugged mass spectrometer, typically designed for process control and contamination monitoring in the semiconductor industry. Utilizing quadrupole technology, there exists two implementations, utilizing either an open ion source (OIS) or a closed ion source (CIS). RGAs may be found in high vacuum applications such as research chambers, surface science setups, accelerators, scanning microscopes, etc. RGAs are used in most cases to monitor the quality of the vacuum and easily detect minute traces of impurities in the low-pressure gas environment. These impurities can be measured down to 10 − 14 Torr levels, possessing sub-ppm detectability in the absence of background interferences.

RGAs would also be used as sensitive in-situ, helium leak detectors. With vacuum systems pumped down to lower than 10 - 5Torr—checking of the integrity of the vacuum seals and the quality of the vacuum—air leaks, virtual leaks and other contaminants at low levels may be detected before a process is initiated.

Residual Gas Analyzer

Residual Gas Analyzer RGA100, RGA200 and RGA300

100, 200 and 300 amu systems Better than 1 amu resolution 6 orders of magnitude dynamic range in a single scan 5 x 10-14 Torr detection limit RGA Windows and LabVIEW software Field-replaceable electron multiplier and filament RS-232 interface Residual Gas Analyzer Analyzer Rear Panels The 100, 200 and 300 amu residual gas analyzers from SRS offer exceptional performance and value. These RGA's provide detailed gas analysis of vacuum systems at about half the price of competitive models. Each RGA system comes complete with a quadrupole probe, electronics control unit (ECU), and a real-time Windows software package that is used for data acquisition and analysis, as well as probe control. Rugged Probe Design The probe consists of an ionizer, quadrupole mass filter and a detector. The simple design has a small number of parts which minimizes outgassing and reduces the chances of introducing impurities into your vacuum system. The probe assembly is rugged and mounts onto a standard 2 ¾ inch CF flange. It is covered with a stainless steel tube with the exception of the ionizer which requires just 2 ½ inches of clearance in your vacuum system—about that of a standard ion gauge. The probe is designed using self-aligning parts so it can easily be reassembled after cleaning. Dual ThO2/Ir Filament Electron Multiplier Compact Electronics Control Unit The densely packed ECU contains all the necessary electronics for controlling the RGA head. It is powered by either an external +24 VDC (2.5 A) power supply or an optional, built-in power module which plugs into an AC outlet. LED indicators provide instant feedback on the status of the electron multiplier, filament, electronics system and the probe. The ECU can easily be removed from the probe for high temperature bakeouts. Unique Filament Design A long-life, dual thoriated-iridium (ThO2/Ir) filament is used for electron emission. Dual ThO2/Ir filaments last much longer than single filaments, maximizing the time between filament replacement. Unlike other designs, SRS filaments can be replaced by the user in a matter of minutes. Continuous Dynode Electron Multiplier A Faraday cup detector is standard with SRS RGA systems which allows partial pressure measurements from 10-5 to 5 × 10-11 Torr. For increased sensitivity and faster scan rates, an optional electron multiplier is offered that detects partial pressures down to 5 × 10-14 Torr. This state-of-the-art macro multi-channel continuous-dynode electron multiplier (CDEM) offers increased longevity and stability and can also be replaced by the user—a first for RGAs! RGA Heater Jacket Useful Features All RGAs have a built-in degassing feature. Using electron impact desorption, the ion source is thoroughly cleaned, greatly reducing the ionizer's contribution to background noise. A firmware driven filament protection feature constantly monitors (675 Hz) for over pressure. If over pressure is detected, the filament is immediately shut off, preserving its life. A unique temperature-compensated, logarithmic electrometer detects ion current from 10-7 to 10-15 Amps in a single scan with better than 2 % precision. This huge dynamic range means you can make measurements of small and large gas concentrations simultaneously. Complete Programmability Communication with computers is made via the RS-232 interface. Analog and histogram (bar) scans, leak detection and probe parameters are all controlled and monitored through a high-level command set. This allows easy integration into existing programs.