Air Generator by Zhongkehuifen ZK-HG Series
| Brand | Zhongkehuifen (ZK-HG) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Type | Oil-Free Laboratory Air Generator |
| Output Flow | 0–3 L/min |
| Output Pressure | 0–0.4 MPa (adjustable) |
| Air Purity | Oil-free, Triple-Stage Purification |
| Noise Level | ≤30 dB(A) |
| Power Rating | 150 W |
| Protection | Overpressure, Overcurrent, Overtemperature |
| Construction | Fully Enclosed Compressor, Vibration-Free Operation |
Overview
The Zhongkehuifen ZK-HG Series Air Generator is an oil-free, laboratory-grade compressed air source engineered for precision analytical instrumentation requiring clean, dry, and hydrocarbon-free gas supply. It operates on a closed-loop compression principle using a hermetically sealed rotary vane compressor, eliminating lubricant contamination at the source. Air is conditioned through three sequential purification stages: a high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA-class pre-filter), a coalescing air–water separator, and a catalytic activated carbon chamber that adsorbs residual hydrocarbons, odors, and trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This architecture ensures consistent delivery of ISO 8573-1 Class 1.2.1 compressed air—meeting stringent requirements for gas chromatography (GC), FTIR, elemental analyzers, and other sensitive detection systems where oil carryover or moisture-induced baseline drift compromises data integrity.
Key Features
- Oil-free compression via fully enclosed, maintenance-optimized rotary vane compressor—no lubrication required, zero risk of oil vapor entrainment.
- Triple-stage purification train: 0.01 µm particulate filtration → condensate removal via gravity-driven coalescence → catalytic carbon adsorption for sub-ppb hydrocarbon elimination.
- Integrated safety triad: real-time pressure transducer monitoring with automatic shutdown at >0.42 MPa; thermal cutoff at ≥85 °C; current-sensing circuit breaker for motor overload protection.
- Acoustically damped enclosure achieving ≤30 dB(A) at 1 m distance—compatible with low-noise lab environments including cleanrooms and shared analytical suites.
- Stable, pulse-free airflow enabled by dual-stage pressure regulation and internal buffer volume; output pressure adjustable from 0 to 0.4 MPa with ±0.01 MPa repeatability.
- Front-panel digital display showing real-time output pressure, operating temperature, and system status indicators (green/yellow/red LED feedback).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
This generator is designed for continuous operation in ambient laboratory conditions (10–35 °C, <80% RH non-condensing) free of aggressive aerosols, abrasive dust, or corrosive gases (e.g., Cl₂, H₂S, NH₃). Its purified air stream complies with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 1 (solid particles), Class 2 (water), and Class 1 (oil) specifications. The unit meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). While not certified to FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its stable output supports GLP/GMP workflows when integrated into validated instrument platforms such as GC-FID, GC-TCD, or ICP-OES auxiliary gas modules.
Software & Data Management
The ZK-HG operates as a standalone hardware system with no embedded firmware or network interface. All operational parameters are monitored and controlled locally via analog sensors and discrete logic circuits—ensuring deterministic response time and immunity to software failure modes. No driver installation, cloud connectivity, or proprietary software is required. For audit-trail compliance in regulated labs, users may integrate external pressure loggers or PLC-based SCADA systems via 4–20 mA analog output (optional accessory port). Internal event logging is limited to LED-based fault indication only; long-term trend analysis requires third-party DAQ integration.
Applications
- Carrier and makeup gas supply for gas chromatography systems (including FID, TCD, ECD, and NPD detectors).
- Pneumatic actuation and purge gas for FTIR spectrometers, laser alignment systems, and optical bench enclosures.
- Zero-air generation for calibration gas dilution systems and environmental air quality monitors.
- Instrument air for automated sample introduction modules (e.g., autosampler purge lines, valve actuation in LC/GC hybrids).
- Lab-wide centralized air distribution when deployed in multi-instrument configurations with appropriate manifold design and dew point monitoring.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended continuous runtime?
The ZK-HG is rated for 24/7 operation under specified ambient conditions; thermal management and duty-cycle design support uninterrupted service for ≥12 months between routine filter replacement.
How often must the filters be replaced?
Particulate pre-filter: every 6 months or 2,000 operating hours; coalescer element: annually; activated carbon cartridge: every 12–18 months depending on ambient VOC load and usage intensity.
Can this unit supply multiple instruments simultaneously?
Yes—provided total demand remains within 3 L/min and downstream piping maintains ≤0.1 MPa pressure drop; use stainless steel or electropolished tubing and install individual pressure regulators per instrument.
Is the output suitable for mass spectrometry applications?
Not without additional conditioning: while oil-free and low-hydrocarbon, the standard ZK-HG lacks the ultra-low moisture (<−70 °C dew point) and sub-pptr oxygen control required for high-resolution MS ion sources; supplemental desiccant or membrane dryers are advised.
Does it comply with ASTM D6216 or ISO 8573-1 Annex A?
Yes—the triple-stage purification architecture satisfies the test methods and performance thresholds defined in ISO 8573-1:2010 Annex A for Class 1.2.1 compressed air, and aligns with ASTM D6216’s requirements for hydrocarbon-free air in analytical applications.
