Emissions and Source Gas Monitoring Technologies

The Thermo Scientific iQ Series Instrument Platform is a smart environmental analytical technology for ambient and source gas monitoring that affords greater control over instrument performance and data availability. Built-in predictive diagnostics and preventive maintenance schedules identify problems before they occur. 

The iQ Series Platform supports Modbus, streaming and VNC protocols over serial and Ethernet as well as analog and digital I/O for easy integration into most data management systems. Three standard USB ports afford convenient data download capability as well as the ability to connect additional hardware, such as a computer keyboard or mouse.  The iQ Series GUI runs on a 7” color touchscreen display. The GUI is highly flexible and can be customized to enable a tailored experience to simplify daily operations. Custom designed ePort software allows remote access to the analyzer with a PC. The ePort control mirrors the same GUI look and feel as the instrument touchscreen providing a speedy and familiar operational experience.

When combined, certain gases produce high energy chemical reactions that emit light energy (photons), known as chemiluminescence.  Specifically, light emission results when electronically excited molecules decay to lower energy states. These emissions are detected by photomultiplier tubes and, by measuring the intensity and characteristics of the light emitted, the presence and concentration of various gases can be accurately determined.  Our analyzers that operate using this principle employ advanced optical technology for high sensitivity and reliable readings.  Explore them here:

Our continuous emissions monitoring systems allow you to continuously collect, record, and report data on the emissions of pollutants from industrial sources. Our CEMS are designed to help ensure compliance with environmental regulations by providing real-time monitoring of emissions levels.

The crucial components in the CEMS measure the concentration of specific pollutants. Various types of gas analyzers are used, employing different techniques like these: non-dispersive infrared used for measuring gases like CO₂ and CO; chemiluminescence used for measuring NOₓ; ultraviolet (UV) absorption used for measuring SO₂ and NOₓ; flame ionization detection (FID) used for measuring hydrocarbons, and electrochemical sensors used for measuring gases such as O₂.

Our CEMS include gas analyzers, a sampling system, a data acquisition system, a calibration system, and a reporting system to help you monitor and control the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, thereby protecting air quality and public health.

Gas filter correlation (GFC) is a form of Nondispersive Infrared detection. Like NDIR, GFC operates on the principle that carbon monoxide (CO) absorbs infrared radiation at a wavelength of 4.6 microns. Filtering isolates the detected wavelength range to that of the gas target. Because infrared absorption is a non-linear measurement technique, it is necessary to transform the basic analyzer signal into a linear output. The analyzer uses an exact calibration curve to accurately linearize the instrument output over any range up to a concentration of 10,000ppm.

Gas scrubbing technology combines filtration, catalytic conversion, and oxidation to produce pollutant free air (zero air) from ambient air.  Zero air is then used for instrument calibration and as a diluent air supply for spanning ambient air analyzers.  Gas scrubbing technology removes NO, NO₂, O₃, SO₂, CO, and hydrocarbons. Our gas scrubbing technology passes pressurized air into a column of Purafil (potassium permanganate on alumina) which oxidizes NO to NO₂. From there the air passes through a column of activated charcoal which removes NO₂, SO₂, O₃ and hydrocarbons. Lastly, the air is moved into the reactor where it is heated to 350°C over a catalytic surface which converts CO to CO₂ and converts any remaining hydrocarbons, including methane, to water and CO₂. This process results in a pollutant-free stream of air.

The relative simplicity of NDIR technology provides precise, long-term gas analysis while lowering operating cost throughout the life cycle of the instrument. NDIR analyzers operate on the principle that gases absorb radiation in specific infrared wavelength ranges. As infrared light passes through a container of gas, a non-dispersive infrared sensor detects how much of the filtered light wavelength the gas absorbs. A measurement of gas concentrations is obtained. Thermo Scientific analyzers combine this technology with advanced optical filters to enable even more precise measurements.

Our pulsed fluorescence analyzers operate on the principle that H₂S can be converted to SO₂ under certain conditions. After conversion, the SO₂ molecules can be detected through the use of ultraviolet (UV) light. The SO₂ molecules excited at one wavelength of UV light, and subsequently the molecules then relax to a lower energy state and emit UV light of a different wavelength. The pulsing of the UV source lamp serves to increase the optical intensity and a impart greater UV energy throughput, and lower detectable SO₂ concentrations are realized.

Because this technology uses reflective bandpass filters, which are less subject to photochemical degradation and are more selective in wavelength isolation than transmission filters, increased detection specificity and long-term stability are achieved.

Thermographic imaging, or thermal imaging, uses infrared cameras to detect and visualize heat emitted by objects. These cameras capture infrared radiation, which is invisible to the human eye, and convert it into an electronic signal. This signal is then processed to create a thermal image or thermogram, displaying temperature variations in different colors or shades. Warmer areas appear brighter or in warmer colors (like red or yellow), while cooler areas appear darker or in cooler colors (like blue or purple). Thermographic imaging is used in various applications, including building inspections, medical diagnostics, and industrial monitoring.