June 2009 Editor's Picks: Products from Bullard and Teledyne Tekmar

Bullard
Respirator maintains constant airflow
The Evolutionary Air (EVA) powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) from Bullard (Cynthiana, KY) incorporates the company’s Active Flow Technology that automatically maintains constant airflow. The unit’s quiet, brushless motor has a lifespan of about 10,000 h, according to Jeanette Gaunce, product specialist for Bullard’s respiratory line. A two-speed blower allows the user to choose more or less cooling and airflow.

An operator can check the status of the battery charge by pushing a button that displays a fuel gauge. The EVA sounds an alarm when the battery power is low and rings a second alarm when airflow is low. The alarm sounds travel through the breathing tube to the wearer’s ear. In addition, the EVA unit’s filter-locking tab notifies the user that the filter is in place with a visual indication and an audible click. The PAPR is appropriate for applications that pose particulate hazards.

Teledyne Tekmar
Total organic carbon and total nitrogen analyzer features high sensitivity
The Torch Combustion instrument from Teledyne Tekmar (Mason, OH) uses static pressure concentration to analyze total organic carbon and total nitrogen. Unlike a flow-through cell, the device’s detector outlet remains closed until all combusted carbon dioxide is in the detector. This technique provides a sensitive analysis because all carbon dioxide is read at once, says Tom Hartlein, the company’s product-line manager.

If a sample falls outside the instrument’s calibration range, an Intellidilution feature automatically dilutes the sample according to an algorithm to bring it within the calibration range. In addition, the machine automatically takes aliquots or dilutes from stock standards to generate calibration ranges. This feature reduces labor and removes the opportunity for human error.

The instrument’s software maintains sample logs and includes a leak-checking process. Operators can use the software to change flow and set the required pressures, thus improving test results’ reproducibility.