SBIR-STTR Award

Circular Mass Spectrometer for High Speed Gas Analysis
Award last edited on: 3/22/2004

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
NASA : KSC
Total Award Amount
$650,000
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
-----

Principal Investigator
Guenter Voss

Company Information

Monitor Instruments Company LLC

290 East Union Road
Cheswick, PA 15024
Location: Single
Congr. District: 17
County: Allegheny

Phase I

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase I year
2003
Phase I Amount
$75,000
The circular cycloidal mass spec (our patent application 10/981,511) is derived from the standard linear cycloid analyzer. Instead of crossed uniform electric and magnetic fields, the electric field has circular symmetry. Thus the ion trajectories proceed periodically around the center. This provides long trajectories (high resolution) within a small analyzer, typically 50 mm in diameter (low weight, low cost). We propose the arrangement of two concentrically arranged analyzers, the inner one for H2 and He separation and the outer one for N2, O2, and Ar. Five collectors allow the simultaneous continuous registration of all gases without scanning the field (high speed analysis). The pumping system will contain an ion getter triode pump and a non-evaporable getter pump combination. As an inlet we propose a fast 1-step membrane inlet. The complete unit will require less than 3500 cm3 with a weight of ca. 10 kg. POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS -Fast process control in petrochemical and chemical plants -Portable instruments for onsite analysis -Isotope ratio analyzer for medical and biological investigations -Security control, portable detector for explosives and toxics -Environmental monitor

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase II year
2004
Phase II Amount
$575,000
___(NOTE: Note: no official Abstract exists of this Phase II projects. Abstract is modified by idi from relevant Phase I data. The specific Phase II work statement and objectives may differ)___ The circular cycloidal mass spec (our patent application 10/981,511) is derived from the standard linear cycloid analyzer. Instead of crossed uniform electric and magnetic fields, the electric field has circular symmetry. Thus the ion trajectories proceed periodically around the center. This provides long trajectories (high resolution) within a small analyzer, typically 50 mm in diameter (low weight, low cost). We propose the arrangement of two concentrically arranged analyzers, the inner one for H2 and He separation and the outer one for N2, O2, and Ar. Five collectors allow the simultaneous continuous registration of all gases without scanning the field (high speed analysis). The pumping system will contain an ion getter triode pump and a non-evaporable getter pump combination. As an inlet we propose a fast 1-step membrane inlet. The complete unit will require less than 3500 cm3 with a weight of ca. 10 kg. POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS -Fast process control in petrochemical and chemical plants -Portable instruments for onsite analysis -Isotope ratio analyzer for medical and biological investigations -Security control, portable detector for explosives and toxics -Environmental monitor