MKS Instruments, Inc., a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, has introduced the Cirrus 3-XD Atmospheric gas analysis system in both benchtop and rack mounted models. These quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) based systems provide a step-change in performance and ‘eXtreme Detection’ capability to advance atmospheric gas analysis in a wide range of analytical applications and environments. The Cirrus 3-XD system features new, patented V-lens Ion Optics Technology that eliminates baseline noise associated with the effects of metastable neutrals (a by-product of bulk gas ionization), a common issue in conventional QMS instruments. This unique performance attribute enables users, for the first time, to achieve consistently low ppb level detection limits, irrespective of the bulk gas present. The compact system includes new software to streamline the process of carrying out accurate quantitation of trace and bulk gases, and a unique capillary inlet and oven design that ensures a rapid and ultra-stable response.
The Cirrus 3-XD system also incorporates a unique internal oven and capillary inlet design that provides high temperature uniformity and ultra-stable response for qualitative and quantitative applications. The oven design eliminates cold spots and features advanced insulating properties and convection heating characteristics that are optimized for temperature uniformity across the entire inlet and analyzer. The heated inlet assembly employs a low volume, low surface area and inert silica-lined capillary to maximize response speed (250 data points per second) while minimizing memory effects.
As in earlier models, the Cirrus 3-XD system is controlled by the proven and versatile ProcessEye Professional software, which now features a new ‘Multipoint Calibration’ methodology to enable users to confidently generate accurate gas concentrations (in %) from raw partial pressure measurements. The new workflow provides facile calculation and implementation of sensitivity and normalization factors that are essential for accurate gas quantitation in applications such as identification of trace gases in bulk gas or profiling simple or complex gas mixtures.
