Archive: Aug 2025

Thermal Conductivity Analyzers

Thermal conductivity analyzers contain a sensing unit (transmitter), a control unit (receiver), and a power supply for analyzing a sample gas. These three components facilitate sensitive and reliable thermal conductivity analysis with quick turnaround times. This overview from Nova Analytical Systems will outline what gases thermal conductivity analyzers measure, how they work, and why they are beneficial for many industries and applications.

Gases Analyzed by Thermal Conductivity Analyzers

Thermal conductivity analyzers can be optimized to provide incredibly accurate analysis of hydrogen, hydrogen purity, or sulfur hexafluoride. In this section, we review how these different analyzers function and for what applications they are most often utilized.

Hydrogen (H₂)

Since it has the highest value of thermal conductivity amongst all gases, hydrogen is most commonly analyzed using thermal conductivity detection technology. Because it is not possible for another gas to have a higher value of thermal conductivity, this unique characteristic ensures a high rate of accuracy during analysis and makes determining whether hydrogen is present in a sample gas mixture a relatively simple task. When it comes to measuring hydrogen within a gas process gas mixture, however, thermal conductivity analyzers are most beneficial and efficient when combined with an electrochemical sensor or non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) analyzer to analyze the sample gas mixture’s other characteristics.

Analyzing a sample gas mixture for hydrogen is useful for many industries. Hydrogen gas analysis can be used in hydrogen fuel cell production, manufacturing equipment, calcining furnaces, syngas, and many other industrial applications where hydrogen is commonly used.

Hydrogen Purity

The purer a sample of hydrogen is, the better its thermal conductivity will be. Undiluted hydrogen is better at conducting heat than everyday air, making it essential for applications that require the removal of excess heat from an area. Even a small 1% change in purity can have an exponential effect on the efficiency of applications such as power generators.

The explosiveness of hydrogen when combined with air presents a major challenge for using it as a cooling medium. If exposed to an ignition source, pure hydrogen may explode if it has been contaminated by even a small amount of standard air. Without contamination, however, high-purity hydrogen will not explode even under direct contact with an open flame. Hydrogen purity analyzers ensure that the hydrogen used in power generators is in an appropriately undiluted state.

Operating Principle of Thermal Conductivity Sensors

The thermal conductivity sensors present in analyzers function by assessing the differences in thermal conductivities of a sample gas as compared to a reference gas. The analyzer possesses a reference chamber and a measuring chamber, each containing a thin platinum wire that facilitates analysis of the respective gases. As the thermal conductivity of the gases responds to temperature changes in the chamber, the concentrations of the gases react, allowing the analyzer to measure these changes and report them back as changes in electric resistance.

How Do Thermal Conductivity Sensors Work with Multi-Gas Analyzers?

Thermal conductivity analyzers often get combined with other types of analyzers to measure a sample more effectively. Because each gas in a sample contributes its own thermal conductivity value to the aggregate value of the sample, these gases (or the main gas being measured) must be isolated from the rest to ensure the most accurate reading possible. In most industries, gas samples will contain some variation of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen. By measuring the concentration of all gases in the sample including hydrogen, the error in the thermal conductivity measurement due to the presence of the other gases can be calculated and adjusted out of the hydrogen reading for optimal accuracy.

Thermal Conductivity Analyzers from Nova Analytical Systems

Thermal conductivity analyzers offer a means to analyze the thermal conductivity levels of a sample gas mixture quickly and accurately. At Nova Analytical Systems, we have more than 40 years of experience designing and manufacturing gas analysis systems, including thermal conductivity analyzers, for an assortment of industries. For more information on our available analyzers, please contact us or request a quote today.

Combustion Gas Analyzers

Combustion gas analyzers are indispensable tools for monitoring and optimizing combustion processes in various industrial and laboratory environments. The goal of combustion is to obtain energy from burning fuels as efficiently as possible while meeting environmental requirements regarding emissions. At Nova Analytical Systems, we design and deliver combustion gas analyzers, backed by decades of expertise and innovation, to meet the needs of diverse industries.

Benefits of Combustion Gas Analyzers

Combustion gas analyzers from Nova Analytical Systems offer a range of advantages that improve process efficiency, safety, and compliance to help companies reach their operational goals. Combustion gas analyzers provide real-time measurements of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other gases such as nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These measurements assist operators to optimize fuel-to-air ratios in boilers, furnaces, and engines. Maintenance teams in various industries can use the information from our analyzers to fine-tune combustion processes and reduce fuel consumption while maintaining optimal performance.

Some flue gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide may be subject to environmental regulations, such as set out by US EPA or other global emission standards. Combustion analyzers can monitor these gases and assist with pollutant reduction and reporting efforts.

Applications of Combustion Gas Analyzers

Nova’s combustion gas analyzers are used in various industries and applications where accurate and reliable measurements are critical. Key applications include:

• Power Generation. Monitoring combustion efficiency and exhaust gases from boilers, turbines, and engines to optimize combustion processes.
• Furnace Operations. Fine-tuning combustion processes in industrial furnaces to guarantee consistent heat and minimize fuel consumption.
• Emissions Monitoring. Accurately detecting the levels of various hazardous gases to reduce the environmental impact of combustion and meet regulatory standards.
• Manufacturing Processes. Analyzing combustion in continuous manufacturing equipment, like kilns, dryers, and ovens to help guide combustion control and fuel efficiency.
• Research and Development. Providing accurate gas measurements for experimental combustion processes or new technology developments.

Nova’s Combustion Gas Analyzer Offerings & Capabilities

At Nova Analytical Systems, we offer a broad selection of advanced gas analyzers designed to meet the demanding requirements of industrial and laboratory applications. Nova’s combustion gas analysis products stand out for their durability, reliability, and user-focused features. Our key capabilities include:

• Multi-Gas Measurement. Simultaneously measure various gases, including oxygen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide to gather comprehensive data for optimizing combustion processes.
• Continuous Monitoring. Real-time monitoring allows users to quickly identify and correct inefficiencies to prevent downtime and maximize productivity.
• Durable Design. Our analyzers are built to withstand high temperatures and harsh industrial environments to maintain accuracy and performance for prolonged use.
• Customizable Solutions. We can configure our products to meet specific industry needs.
• User-Friendly Operation. Our gas analyzers feature intuitive interfaces and clear displays to make them easy to operate and integrate into existing systems.

As a substitute for fossil-derived natural gas, RNG meets the diverse needs of various applications and has many potential uses. The versatile energy source has the potential to reshape energy systems and advance global sustainability goals.

Why Choose Nova Analytical Systems?

With over 40 years of industry expertise and a commitment to quality and innovation, Nova Analytical Systems is a trusted leader in the industry. Our deep understanding of combustion gas analysis allows us to deliver advanced solutions that meet industry-specific requirements. Every analyzer undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee exceptional durability and accuracy, even in the most demanding environments. Our dedicated team provides ongoing technical support from consultation to maintenance. As a result, we can guarantee optimal performance and peace of mind for our customers.

Choose Nova Analytical Systems for Your Combustion Gas Analyzer Needs

Experience unmatched accuracy and reliability with Nova Analytical Systems’ combustion gas analyzers. Our integrated approach to design and manufacturing allows us to configure our products for each specific application while offering industrial durability and long-term dependability. Whether your goals are to optimize fuel efficiency, meet emissions regulations, or ensure workplace safety, our advanced solutions are designed to exceed customer expectations.

Trust Nova Analytical Systems to deliver the tools you need for success. Contact us today to learn how our expertise and innovative products can elevate your combustion processes.