Gas Analysis Applications for Process Mass Spectrometers

Fast, multi-component analysis for accurate flare gas monitoring

Flare stacks burn off excess hydrocarbon gases that cannot be recovered or recycled, converting them into water vapor and carbon dioxide. With growing regulatory pressure, operators are now required to monitor the composition of flare gases in real time to minimize environmental impact and ensure compliance.

Thermo Scientific process mass spectrometers use scanning magnetic sector technology to deliver fast, flexible, and precise analysis of complex gas mixtures. Full flare gas composition is measured and reported within seconds, supporting efficient, compliant, and transparent operations.

This monitoring also enhances safety by detecting changes in flare gas that may signal process upsets. Ideal for oil refineries, chemical plants, and LNG facilities, these systems ensure operators stay ahead of emissions regulations while protecting both plant performance and the environment

Real-time hydrogen measurement

During the production of green hydrogen by electrolysis, safety, process efficiency and product quality is of utmost importance, so the accurate analysis of hydrogen and other gases is critical for the successful creation of this potentially clean energy fuel. Our process mass spectrometers offer a robust range of features and are ideal tools for gas analysis in the production of green hydrogen.

Real-time gas analysis to optimize every stage of steel production

Process mass spectrometers are essential in iron and steel manufacturing for their ability to deliver fast, accurate gas analysis across multiple process stages. From the blast furnace to the rolling mill, real-time data helps optimize combustion, improve efficiency, and maintain high product quality.

These systems analyze key gases such as CO, CO₂, N₂, and H₂ to optimize input materials and combustion in the blast furnace. Off-gas monitoring supports precise control of steel composition and impurity removal, while advanced gas cleaning oversight helps reduce pollutant emissions. In continuous casting and rolling mills, atmosphere control prevents oxidation and preserves steel quality. Emissions monitoring supports environmental reporting, and optimized fuel use leads to reduced energy consumption.

Thermo Scientific process mass spectrometers are built for the modern plant—offering broad component measurement on a single platform, advanced calibration, real-time data transmission, and self-diagnostic functionality for seamless integration and reliable performance.

Gas analysis with mass spectrometry for scalable, sustainable food innovation

Biotechnology is reshaping food production, driving the development of enzyme-rich and protein-based alternatives through microbial fermentation. Enzymes once sourced from animal by-products or plants are now produced via biotech, enhancing food texture and flavor. Mycoprotein and other alternative proteins are also gaining ground as sustainable replacements for conventional meat, seafood, and dairy.

To scale these innovations, the biofood industry is adopting Process Analytical Technology (PAT)—a model first refined in pharmaceutical manufacturing. PAT centers on real-time monitoring of critical quality attributes (CQAs) and process parameters (CPPs) to optimize yield, efficiency, and quality.

Mass spectrometry plays a pivotal role in PAT for bio-based food production. Thermo Scientific process mass spectrometers deliver high-precision, continuous gas analysis of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, methanol, ethanol, and other volatiles. Integrated with a multi-stream sample selector, a single analyzer can monitor multiple fermentors, reducing implementation costs while accelerating production insight.

As the industry rises to meet both consumer demand and environmental responsibility, mass spectrometry empowers manufacturers to meet sustainability goals while maintaining uncompromising product integrity.

Ultra-high sensitivity for uncompromising quality in semiconductor manufacturing

In advanced semiconductor production, even the smallest gas impurities can lead to performance failures, costly delays, and reduced yields. Thermo Scientific ultra-high purity gas analyzers deliver unmatched accuracy and lower detection limits than any other technology—empowering manufacturers to protect their processes in real time.

Designed for continuous online monitoring, these analyzers detect critical contaminants such as water and oxygen at single-digit parts per trillion (ppt) levels. This level of sensitivity ensures early detection and correction, safeguarding product integrity at every stage of manufacturing.

With fully automated operation and detection limits up to 100 times lower than traditional methods, our analyzers provide a powerful, cost-effective alternative to lab-based quality control—supporting the speed, precision, and reliability the semiconductor industry demands.