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PPB Moisture Measurement Capability in a Transmitter Package - GE Sensing offers the HygroTrace Moisture Meter
BILLERICA, MASSACHUSETTS, NOVEMBER 17, 2006
Moisture measurement in low parts-per-billion measurement ranges for ultra-high purity (UHP) gases is critical to a variety of semiconductor, LCD, and other manufacturing processes. HygroTrace uses a newly patented technique to provide accurate and reliable measurement for 0-100 PPB moisture levels with the sensitivity and speed of response matched only by current technology analyzers that are much larger in size and more expensive in price. Typical semiconductor applications include measurement of moisture in UHP gas delivery and distribution systems and point-of-use moisture measurement protection.
Current technologies for low PPB moisture measurement include tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), vibrating quartz crystal, and phosphorous pentoxide. However, these technologies typically require a rack mount instrument package that is relatively large in size and includes complicated parts and temperature control. As a result, these analyzers cost $20,000-$50,000 per point of measurement. The new HygroTrace meter from GE Sensing uses aluminum oxide technology with a newly patented technique that vastly improves sensor speed of response to provide PPB moisture measurement in minutes. In addition, HygroTrace has the form factor of a transmitter package with the only wetted parts being essentially a flow-through ¼" VCR tee fitting. The HygroTrace package is 80-90% smaller than competitive analyzers and cost 50-70% less.
"Customers have always liked the form factor of aluminum oxide moisture
sensor technology for moisture
measurement in UHP gas systems because it’s small and it can be
mounted closer to the sample point than other technologies," says
John Kerney, Moisture Product Manager for GE Sensing. Continuing his
discussion of the new technology, Traditional diffusion-based aluminum
oxide sensors have proved just too slow in terms of response time
that customers need. We took a fresh approach knowing that these sensors
tend to wet-up very rapidly. The new sensor technology employed in
the HygroTrace applies a temperature pulse to ‘dry’ the sensor. Then
the re-adsorption rate is measured while holding a constant sensor
temperature. This measurement is proportional to the moisture concentration
in the sample gas and provides the sensitivity and response time needed
to effectively measure parts per billion levels of moisture.
HygroTrace features a large integrated backlit display, which users can easily read from several feet away. An integral six-button keypad allows users to program the unit for output range and to check on performance. The unit is powered using a 20-28 VDC source and provides a 4-20 mA output proportional to a user-programmed range.
To download a high resolution image of the HygroTrace click here.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work—a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world’s toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
About GE Sensing
GE Sensing is a world leader in advanced measurement and sensor-based technology solutions. GE Sensing designs and produces precision instruments and systems that measure temperature, pressure, liquid level, humidity, gas concentration, and flow rate for the most demanding customer applications. GE Sensing serves customers around the world in the aerospace, healthcare, transportation, process and industrial businesses.
Druck, General Eastern, Kaye, NovaSensor, Panametrics, Telaire, Thermometrics and Ruska are now part of one team, under one name: GE Sensing.
For more information, visit
http://www.gesensing.com.
For more information about the product, contact:
John Kerney, Moisture Product Manager
Email: john.kerney@ge.com
For more information on GE Sensing, contact:
Poupak Sepehri
Tel: +1 978-437-1127
Email: Poupak.Sepehri@ge.com
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