Zero Air Generator

The Process	Features	Applications
Buying Tips

Zero air generators are generators producing a continuous flow of ultra purity zero grade air from an existing compressed air supply. The generator is a simple, light-weight, self-contained system designed to replace gas cylinders as a source of calibration standard. These generators are much easier to install than high pressure gas cylinders. With constant compressed air supply and an electrical outlet, the generator can be used with stationary analyzers but its portability makes it very suitable for use with remote monitoring sites and mobile testing facilities. Compounds treated by this generator include hydrocarbons, acid vapors, CO, NOx, SOx, water vapor, odors, and bacteria. Thus, the zero-air generator (ZAG) is a capable of producing high purity, particle free, dry air, used in various industrial applications.

The process
The operation of the ZAG is explained below:

• Step 1: Compressed air is fed into the system through a flter. The filter removes particulates and bulk moisture with the help of an auto drain.
  
  
• Step 2: The air is then passed over a low power heater element.
  
  
• Step 3: The air after that comes in contact with the catalytic converter. Here, any hydrocarbons are · burned into trace levels of moisture and CO₂.
  
  
• Step 4: The hydrocarbon-free air now passes through a cooler.
  
  
• Step 5: The air then returns to ambient temperature and the outlet later removes any residual moisture.

Installation diagram of zero air generator.


Features
Some common features available in all zero air generators are as follows:

• Constant delivery of pressure.
• Constant delivery of flow.
• Delivery of low dew point dry air.
• Fully automatic system.
• Used special grade adsorbant.
• Quick & Easy Maintenance.

Applications

• Zero air generators are used in gas chromatographs with following detectors:
  • Fuel air for flame ionization detectors (FID)
  • uel air for flame photometric detectors (FPD)
  • Fuel air for nitrogen phosphorus detectors (NPD)
• They are used in vehicle emissions analyzers
  
  
• Used in continuous emissions analyzers, dilution and cal-gases
  
  
• The generators source gas to LC/MS exhaust pump, heated nebulizer and ion spray.
  
  
• Zero air is used in TOC Analyzer
  
  
• Auto Samplers & Head Space Sampler for Analytical Instrument
  
  
• N₂/O₂ Generator
  
  
• Chemical Analyzer

Buying Tips
Specifications to consider are as follows:

• Product outlet purity
• Maximum zero air flow rate
• Pressure drop
• Max/Min inlet air pressure
• Max inlet air temperature
• Inlet/outlet ports
• Electrical requirements
• Power source
• Dimensions