FAQ
Q: The Fast Isoprene Sensor seems like a good fit for my isoprene monitoring program, but can I get it customized to suit our particular needs?
A: Yes, the FIS is normally built on demand and this affords the luxury of the end-user being able to spec certain details that may be non-standard. This could be flow ranges encountered or other unique needs.
Q: I see a list of optional equipment, do I need to purchase for example this ozonizer to successfully operate the FIS?
A: No, all of the options are just that options. The ozonizer, calibration standard and transport case are offered for sale but need not be purchased if procuring an FIS. For example if the user has a high fractional output (>4%) ozonizer, it will work for operation with the FIS. Our ozonizers are specifically engineered to get the best performance out of an FIS system however. For example they are ballast stabilized virtually eliminating short term ozone jitter which also eliminates short term FIS noise.
Q: Can air be substituted for oxygen when making the ozone chemiluminescing reactant?
A: No, passing air through an ozonizer results in massive production of HOx and NOx species (such as HNO3) which results in a high chemiluminescence background and rapid contamination of the optics. Using high purity or UHP oxygen preserves FIS long-term stability and sensitivity.
Q: What periodic maintenance is required for the Fast Isoprene Sensor?
A: About every 3000 hours of operation the FIS optical cell should be removed and washed/rinsed. The latest instruments are serviced in less than 1 hour. Full instructions are given in the Operational Manual that accompanies each instrument. No additional maintenance is required–the FIS is built to be bombproof.
Q: Is an FIS easy to operate?
A: Yes. After a reading the operational manual–scientific and technical personnel can operate the instrument and begin continuous isoprene measurements. About half of our users purchase the instruments via the web and are able to set up and begin their measurement program in one week.
Q: What other equipment is needed to do isoprene monitoring with an FIS?
A: A PC with a serial port. We provide free software (both executable and source code in LabVIEW) to operate the FIS and display/record the isoprene signal and also provide a suitable cable for connecting the FIS to your PC.
Q: How is the FIS signal related to isoprene concentration in air or in a cuvette cell?
A: An FIS signal is relatable to a certain concentration of isoprene, by the sensitivity factor. The sensitivity factor is automatically determined by an automated or manual calibration which measures the response of the FIS to a known concentration of isoprene. Since the method is highly linear it is simple to relate the FIS signal to an accurate isoprene concentration. Calibration details are shown in the Operation Manual which accompanies each instrument. A built-in microprocessor completely handles instrument zero and calibration. Alternatively, the user can perform manual calibrations which take several minutes to perform. The FIS is highly linear so a 1 or 2 point calibration provides an excellent reference and determines instrumental sensitivity.
Q: What can I expect for delivery time.
A: If we have an instrument in inventory it can be sent out in 2 weeks. If not the delivery time is 12 weeks.
Q: The instrument shipping case looks good but I can’t afford to purchase one at this time, can I have my Fast Isoprene Sensor delivered in one of the cases and then return it to Hills-Scientific?
A: Yes; we routinely ship the instruments worldwide in these cases, and then have the customers return the empty cases.