Technical Paper: The MIDAC "Puff by Puff" Cigarette Filtered and Whole Smoke Process Analyzer for Continuous On-Line Applications
MIDAC Corporation
MIDAC has developed a "Puff by Puff" Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) validated smoke analyzer for measuring as many as 30 different compounds in cigarette smoke. The system can measure "whole" smoke, filter pad transported smoke and side stream smoke. Analysis is performed using a 35 or 55 cc puff by puff sample as fast as every 20 seconds. The system can be used to simultaneously analyze target gases at different orders of magnitude in association with high moisture levels. Simultaneous measurements of H2O, CO2, CO, HCN, NO, COS, CH4, NH3, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, acrolein, 1,3- butadiene, isoprene, ethane, ethylene, acetone, propylene, nicotine, and many others can be made. Additional cigarette manufacturing needs such as phosphine analysis can also be performed. Analytical minimum detection limits (MDL) are approximately 500 ppbv (0.5 ppmv). Maximum detection limits are in the percent levels. The software will correct for moisture to a dry ppmv basis and report numbers as total mg/cigarette or other parameter. The AutoquantPro software will communicate with the smoking machine to start and stop analyses. The sample flow rate range is variable. The cell temperatures can be set as high as 230C. The sample volume is 190 cc. The total make-up smoke is achieved by smoking five cigarettes on a KC Automation smoking machine. The system only requires instrument nitrogen and power.
Systems have been incorporated into cigarette manufacturing plants where smoke analysis is needed for regulatory analysis, quality control/quality assurance, and research needs. The system was validated against spiking studies and laboratory wet chemistry results. Results from installed systems prove high accuracy and precision. Process streams can be accommodated at high pressure and high concentrations. The system can be configured to operate in Class I Div II environments.
Introduction
Analysis of undiluted cigarette smoke has been a challenge for many instrumental technologies. Whole
smoke is not compatible with many of the measuring techniques employed by cigarette manufacturing
where long time delays, laboratory contamination, and expensive laboratory prep time is needed....