Helium analyzer

Helium analyzer is a type of gas analyzer that is specifically designed to measure the concentration of helium in a gas mixture. This device is commonly used in various industries and scientific research, including scuba diving, ballooning, and nuclear physics.

History

The helium analyzer was first developed in the mid-20th century, as a result of the increasing use of helium in various industrial and scientific applications. The need to accurately measure the concentration of helium in gas mixtures led to the development of this specialized device.

Function

A helium analyzer works by detecting the unique spectral lines of helium. When a sample of gas is introduced into the device, it is exposed to a high-energy light source. The helium atoms in the sample absorb specific wavelengths of light, which are then detected and measured by the analyzer. The concentration of helium in the sample is determined based on the intensity of these spectral lines.

Types

There are several types of helium analyzers, each with its own specific uses and advantages. These include:

• Thermal conductivity analyzers: These devices measure the thermal conductivity of a gas mixture to determine the concentration of helium. They are commonly used in industrial applications where large volumes of gas need to be analyzed quickly and accurately.

• Mass spectrometry analyzers: These devices use a mass spectrometer to separate the different components of a gas mixture based on their mass-to-charge ratio. They are highly accurate and can detect very low concentrations of helium, making them ideal for scientific research.

• Optical emission spectrometry analyzers: These devices use a high-energy light source to excite the atoms in a gas sample, causing them to emit light at specific wavelengths. The intensity of the emitted light is then measured to determine the concentration of helium.

Applications

Helium analyzers are used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Scuba diving: Divers use helium analyzers to ensure that their breathing gas mixtures contain the correct proportion of helium, which is used to prevent nitrogen narcosis and oxygen toxicity.

• Ballooning: Helium analyzers are used to monitor the purity of the helium used in hot air balloons and weather balloons.

• Nuclear physics: In nuclear research facilities, helium analyzers are used to monitor the concentration of helium in cooling systems and to detect leaks in containment structures.

See also

• Gas analyzer
• Spectral line
• Thermal conductivity
• Mass spectrometry
• Optical emission spectrometry