Oxygen Analysis and Control System addresses EPA's MACT requirements

Through the Clean Air Act of 1990, the EPA has established the M.A.C.T. (maximum achievable control technology) program for chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers. This program requires that chemical and pharmaceutical companies reduce their toxic emissions using the M.A.C.T. criteria. Compliance deadlines for chemical and pharmaceutical companies are October 21, 2003, and October 21, 2002, respectively, while fines for compliance violations begin at $25,000 per day, per violation.

Neutronics' Ntron (Exton, PA) has developed the Oxytron 2000, a M.A.C.T. specific oxygen analyzer system to measure oxygen within the vent headers, pre-burn thermal oxidizers, and process reactors, where reducing toxic air emissions is critical. The system is designed to minimize off-line time thus avoiding potential penalties for unmonitored toxic emissions.

The Oxytron 2000 oxygen analyzer's sample conditioning system

Ntron's solution
The key to reliability in Ntron's analyzer is a sample conditioning system. MACT was designed with inert wetted sample train components, which allow the system to handle harsh chemical process streams including acids, ketones, alcohols, and other toxic substances without damage to the oxygen sensor.

Oxytron 2000 from Ntron

Other design features include climate controlled instrument enclosures and heat traced sample lines – features that extend the operating range of the system and, if necessary, allow it to be installed outdoors. An optional redundant oxygen sensor can be installed to provide an added level of protection and reliability. Customers can choose between two commonly used methods of sample gas extraction: sample pump or eductor.

For more information: Brian Shaughnessy, Ntron Product Manager, Ntron, 456 Creamery Way, Exton, PA 19341. Tel: 610-524-8800, ext. 148. Fax: 610-524-8807.

Edited by Angelo DePalma
Managing Editor, Pharmaceutical Online and Drug Discovery Online