Oxygen generators are designed to replace traditional oxygen bottles with equivalent purity, making them an essential tool in various analytical applications. One of the primary uses of oxygen in analytics is as burner gas, such as in Gas Chromatography with Sulfur Chemiluminescence Detection (GC-SCD). Additionally, oxygen plays a crucial role in both organic and inorganic spectroscopy. Instruments like NOx, NO2/NO, sulfur, and protein analyzers utilize significant amounts of oxygen to function correctly.

The Role of Oxygen Generators

The primary function of oxygen generators is to produce high-quality oxygen necessary for the proper operation of NOx analyzers. These analyzers require a consistent supply of oxygen to ensure accurate readings. Moreover, oxygen is also essential for equipment like the NO Converter Tester, which verifies the performance of NO analyzers. By providing a reliable source of oxygen, these generators support the precise measurement of various gases.

Advanced Oxygen Production Technology

Oxygen generators employ a combination of SMART O2 PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) and Hot O2 Catalysis technologies. This patented system is exclusive to specific companies holding the rights to manufacture and sell these advanced generators. NO2/NO analyzers, for instance, use chemiluminescence to analyze gas samples. In NO mode, a reaction between ozone (O2) and nitric oxide (NO) produces nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and oxygen (O2), emitting light measured to determine NO concentration. This process is slightly different for NO2 but also relies on chemiluminescence.

Applications in Spectroscopy

In both organic and inorganic spectroscopy, oxygen acts as a combustible to burn samples. In 2021, the investment in oxygen generators was the third-largest budget item in many laboratories. The return on investment (ROI) for new oxygen generators is remarkably quick, often less than six months, making them a cost-effective choice for enhancing laboratory efficiency and accuracy.