Alytech Zephyr High-Precision Dynamic Gas Dilution System
| Brand | Alytech |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | Zephyr |
| Configuration | Portable Dual-Channel Dynamic Gas Dilutor |
| Display | Integrated Touchscreen Interface |
| Power Options | AC Mains or Rechargeable Battery (8 h runtime) |
| Diluent Gas | Purified Air (5 L/min built-in compressor) |
| Maximum Output Flow | 3000 NmL/min |
| Accuracy | < ±1.5% of setpoint |
| Repeatability | < ±1.0% |
| Operating Temperature Range | Ambient to 40°C (external environment) |
| Compliance | Designed for ISO 6145-7 (dynamic dilution), ASTM D6166 (calibration gas generation), and GLP-compliant traceable calibration workflows |
Overview
The Alytech Zephyr is a portable, dual-channel dynamic gas dilution system engineered for high-fidelity generation of trace-level calibration standards in field-deployable and laboratory environments. Unlike static cylinder-based reference gas delivery, the Zephyr employs precision mass flow control and real-time feedback regulation to dynamically blend primary standard gases (e.g., permeation tubes, certified cylinders, or vaporized liquid standards) with purified air—enabling continuous, on-demand synthesis of stable, low-concentration gas mixtures from parts-per-trillion (ppt) to percent-level ranges. Its core architecture follows the principle of constant-ratio serial dilution, where two independent thermal mass flow controllers (MFCs) regulate both the active component flow and the diluent stream under closed-loop pressure and temperature compensation. This ensures metrologically traceable output concentrations without reliance on high-pressure source cylinders—making it ideal for ambient air monitoring calibration, sensor validation, emissions analyzer verification, and method development per EPA Method 205, EN 14625, and ISO 16000-29.
Key Features
- Portable dual-channel design with integrated 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface and embedded firmware for standalone operation
- Onboard zero-air generator (5 L/min, hydrocarbon-free, <1 ppb THC, particle-filtered) eliminates dependency on external compressed air or nitrogen tanks
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack supporting up to 8 hours of continuous field operation; hot-swappable and CE-marked for intrinsically safe transport
- Dual independent thermal MFCs with NIST-traceable calibration certificates, full-scale ranges from 1–500 mL/min, and temperature-compensated digital control
- Real-time concentration calculation engine with automatic correction for gas-specific compressibility (Z-factor), humidity, and barometric pressure
- Modular firmware architecture supporting user-defined dilution protocols, multi-step gradient sequences, and scheduled calibration events
- Robust aluminum-magnesium alloy chassis (IP54 rated), shock-absorbing silicone feet, and MIL-STD-810G compliant mechanical design
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Zephyr accommodates a broad spectrum of gas-phase analytes—including VOCs (e.g., benzene, formaldehyde), inorganic gases (NOx, SO2, NH3), greenhouse gases (CH4, CO2), and halogenated compounds—via compatible inlet modules. It supports direct integration with Alytech PerMix ATMO permeation tube ovens (40–70°C, ±0.1°C stability) and AURA II LPG evaporators (40–160°C, pressure/flow mode selection). All hardware and software components comply with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC), IEC 61010-1 (safety), and are validated for use in GLP and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. Data integrity meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements via electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control within the optional Alytech ControlSuite™ software.
Software & Data Management
The Zephyr operates natively with embedded firmware but integrates seamlessly with Alytech ControlSuite™—a Windows-based platform supporting remote configuration, real-time concentration logging, trend visualization, and automated report generation (PDF/CSV). All measurement data include timestamp, environmental metadata (T/P/RH), MFC raw signals, and uncertainty propagation per GUM (JCGM 100:2008). Audit logs record operator ID, parameter changes, calibration events, and firmware updates with SHA-256 hashing. Exported datasets conform to ASTM E2655-21 (digital data exchange for gas analysis) and support direct ingestion into LIMS platforms via OPC UA or RESTful API.
Applications
- Calibration of ambient air quality monitors (e.g., DOAS, FTIR, PID, electrochemical sensors)
- Verification and linearity testing of CEMS (Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems) per EN 15267 and EPA PS-18
- Development and validation of new gas sensing methodologies under controlled exposure conditions
- Trace gas standard generation for research in atmospheric chemistry, indoor air quality, and occupational hygiene
- Mobile source emissions testing support—field deployment alongside portable GC-MS or PTR-TOF systems
- Reference material production for interlaboratory comparison studies organized under WMO/GAW or EMPIR frameworks
FAQ
Does the Zephyr require external zero-air or calibration gas cylinders?
No. It includes an integrated zero-air generator with activated carbon + catalytic scrubber and optional permeation tube or evaporator modules—eliminating need for high-pressure gas supply.
Can the Zephyr be used for multi-component gas mixtures?
Yes—when paired with the NOMAD or GMRACK series controllers, it supports synchronized multi-channel dilution with independent concentration programming per channel.
What is the minimum detectable concentration achievable?
Dependent on source purity and MFC resolution, but routinely achieves sub-ppb levels for VOCs using PerMix ATMO permeation sources and optimized dwell times.
Is firmware update capability available over-the-air?
Firmware updates are performed via USB or Ethernet connection using signed binary packages verified by embedded secure boot loader.
How is traceability maintained during field operation?
Each unit ships with individual MFC calibration certificates (NIST-traceable), and all concentration calculations embed uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC Guide 98-3.
