In this article we show you how to conduct measurements with our new portable GT5000 Terra FTIR gas analyzer. Watch the video below to learn how to take your gas analyses to the next level:

Getting Familiar with The GT 5000 Terra

Before detailing how to use the device, it is important to be aware of certain features.

First, on the front side of the device, on the panel along the top of the device, you can locate four inlets and outlets which can be used to connect sample lines:

  • Purge Air – to connect the nitrogen tank and purge the interferometer
  • Sample Out – to expel the sample out of the analyzer
  • Sample In – to connect your sampling probe  
  • Zero Gas – for background nitrogen

Next on the panel is a connection for your choice of a communication cable, USB or Ethernet cable.

There is also a knob that allows you to select your method for communication between the analyzer and a PC or tablet. You can adjust the knob from the “Off” position to enable communication via cable mode, Wi-Fi access point, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi station.

Lastly, beneath the cable connection and the communication knob, there are lights that indicate the status of the battery when the device is in the Wi-Fi access point, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Station modes.

Powering The Device

The battery hatch, which is located on the side of the analyzer, can be opened by lifting up the two black levers on the hatch and pulling the door open. The battery is easily accessible at the bottom of the hatch. The power inlet for external power supply is located immediately above the battery.   

Wearing The Device

A back-bag harness can be attached to the analyzer using the four metal loops positioned at the four corners of the back of the device.

Turning on The GT 5000 Terra FTIR Gas Analyzer

  1. Remove the protective cover from the inlet, outlet and communication connections on the top panel.
  2. Switch the communication knob from the “Off” position to the communication method you are using.
  3. Using a PC or tablet, open the Calcmet software and select “Hardware” at the top of the screen. If the hardware status of the analyzer indicates that it is in working order, the analyzer is ready for use. If the hardware status indicates that it is not in working order, allow additional time for the analyzer to stabilize.

How to Conduct A Background Check

NOTE: Background measurements should be done with 5.0 purity nitrogen.

  1. Connect the nitrogen tank to the “Zero Gas” inlet.
  2. Open the nitrogen bottle and the valve in the regulator, adjusting the flow to almost 2 liters per minute.
  3. Ensure that there is flow coming out of the “Sample Out” outlet. This is an indication that the flow is working properly.
  4. Allow 5 minutes for the sample cell to completely fill with nitrogen.
  5. After 5 minutes, click on “Background” in Calcmet to begin the background measurements.  The interior pump will not be in use while there is flow.
  6. While background measurements are being conducted, Calcmet automatically switches to the Background Spectrum window. After the background measurements have completed, examine the Background Spectrum window to ensure that the background is in good condition. NOTE: Typical background measurements take 3 minutes to complete. Background measurements should be completed at least once a day before gas measurements are taken.
  7. To start a measurement/to prepare for measurements, stop the nitrogen flow and detach the tubing. Then connect the probe to the “Sample In” inlet.
  8.  Make sure this sample line is connected if you are using the pump; otherwise, the valve will remain closed.Make sure to use a filter to avoid absorbing particles into the sample cell.

How to Take Continuous Gas Measurements

  1. In the “Settings” window, select the measurement time you want to use. Sixty seconds is the recommended time interval for optimal signal-to-noise ratio. Shorter measurement times can also be used.
  2. To start a measurement in the Calcmet software, select “Continuous”.
  3. To view the results of the continuous measurements, which are automatically updated in the Calcmet software, you can select: 
    a. “Spectrum” view, to examine the sample spectrum, 
    b. “Results” view, to see the concentrations of the components that are measured, or 
    c. “Trend” view, to examine the concentration changes of selected components.
  4. A green banner will appear at the bottom of the window if the results are satisfactory. A red banner will appear if there is a warning or alarm, such as a high concentration alarm or residual alarm, indicating that the system has found an unknown component. Warning or alarm is displayed at the bottom of the screen in red. You can click on the banner to obtain more information on the warning. 

Do you have more questions about using the GT5000 Terra FTIR gas analyzer or any of the other services and products we provide? Contact us today to learn how Gasmet can help with your on-the-go gas monitoring needs.