Alytech PerMix ATMO Portable Permeation Tube Dilution System

Overview

The Alytech PerMix ATMO is a portable, dual-channel permeation tube-based gas calibration generator engineered for trace-level, stable, and reproducible delivery of certified reference gas mixtures in field and laboratory environments. Unlike conventional cylinder-based dilution systems, the PerMix ATMO eliminates dependence on compressed standard gas cylinders by leveraging calibrated permeation tubes—solid-phase diffusion sources that release analytes (e.g., VOCs, SO₂, NO₂, H₂S, formaldehyde) at precisely defined, temperature-dependent rates. Its core principle relies on Fickian diffusion through polymer membranes under controlled thermal conditions, enabling gravimetrically traceable output concentrations ranging from sub-ppb to low ppm levels. Designed for compliance-critical applications including ambient air monitoring, stack emission verification, and instrument calibration, the system integrates an internal zero-air generator, dual independent permeation ovens, and real-time flow/temperature regulation—all housed in a rugged, lightweight chassis suitable for mobile deployment.

Key Features

• Dual independent permeation channels with individual PID-controlled ovens (40–70 °C, stability ±0.1 °C), ensuring simultaneous generation of two distinct calibration gases or replicates for uncertainty assessment.
• Integrated zero-air generator producing >99.999% hydrocarbon-free, CO/NOₓ/NO₂ <1 ppb air at 5 L/min—eliminating external cylinder dependency and reducing cross-contamination risk.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery supporting up to 8 hours of continuous operation; compatible with AC/DC input for extended field use or benchtop integration.
• High-precision mass flow control (0–3000 Nml/min) with digital feedback loop; accuracy <1.5% of reading, repeatability <1% over 24 h.
• Robust mechanical architecture: IP54-rated enclosure, shock-absorbing casing, and EMI-hardened electronics for reliable performance in industrial or outdoor settings.
• Touchscreen interface with embedded firmware (v3.2+) supporting user-defined protocols, audit trail logging, and automatic temperature ramping profiles.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PerMix ATMO supports a broad spectrum of volatile and semi-volatile organic and inorganic compounds via commercially available NIST-traceable permeation tubes—including benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX), ozone precursors, sulfur compounds, nitrogen oxides, and halogenated species. All permeation tubes are installed in standardized Swagelok®-compatible holders with thermal isolation sleeves to minimize axial conduction errors. The system complies with ISO 6145-8 (gas mixtures — preparation — permeation method), ASTM D6167 (standard practice for calibration of ambient air analyzers), and EU Directive 2008/50/EC (ambient air quality assessment). Data integrity meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements through electronic signature support, time-stamped event logs, and immutable audit trails exportable in CSV or XML formats.

Software & Data Management

The embedded PerMix Control Suite provides intuitive configuration of temperature setpoints, dwell times, flow ratios, and calibration schedules. Remote operation is enabled via USB-C or Ethernet (TCP/IP), allowing integration into centralized LIMS or SCADA platforms. All measurement sessions generate timestamped metadata—including oven temperature history, flow sensor diagnostics, battery state-of-charge, and permeation tube expiration alerts. Exported datasets include ISO/IEC 17025-compliant uncertainty budgets calculated per EURACHEM/CITAC Guide CG4, incorporating contributions from permeation rate drift, temperature instability, and flowmeter error. Firmware updates are delivered via signed OTA packages validated against SHA-256 checksums.

Applications

• Calibration and verification of fixed-site and mobile ambient air monitoring stations (e.g., DOAS, FTIR, GC-PID, chemiluminescence analyzers).
• Field validation of portable gas detectors and multi-gas monitors prior to occupational exposure assessments.
• Generation of dynamic challenge gases for QA/QC of continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) in accordance with EN 15267 and US EPA PS-18.
• Method development and inter-laboratory comparison studies requiring metrologically sound, matrix-matched standards.
• Support of GLP-regulated environmental testing laboratories requiring full traceability from SI units to field output.

FAQ

Does the PerMix ATMO require external zero-air supply?
No. It features an integrated zero-air generator delivering purified air at 5 L/min with total hydrocarbons <0.01 ppm and reactive species below detection limits.
Can I use non-Alytech permeation tubes?
Yes—provided they conform to ISO 6145-8 dimensional and material specifications and are individually certified with NIST-traceable permeation rates.
How is temperature stability maintained during battery operation?
Dual-stage thermal regulation combines high-resolution RTD sensing with low-power PID algorithms and passive thermal mass design, maintaining ±0.1 °C stability across full battery discharge cycle.
Is remote monitoring supported?
Yes. The system exposes a RESTful API over Ethernet or USB CDC ACM, enabling integration with third-party dashboards, alarm systems, or automated calibration workflows.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Zero-air filter replacement every 6 months (or after 2000 operating hours); permeation tube recalibration annually or per manufacturer’s certificate expiry; battery health check every 12 months.