ATARICO PUREA120 Oil-Free Air Generator

Overview

The ATARICO PUREA120 is an oil-free, high-capacity laboratory air generator engineered to deliver clean, dry, hydrocarbon-free compressed air for sensitive analytical instrumentation—including gas chromatographs (GC), GC-MS systems, nitrogen generators, FTIR spectrometers, and automated sample handling platforms. Unlike conventional oil-lubricated compressors, the PUREA120 employs a premium-grade, imported oil-free scroll compressor as its core pneumatic element—eliminating the risk of oil vapor contamination and ensuring compliance with ISO 8573-1 Class 1:2:1 (solid particles, water, oil) for instrument-grade air. Its integrated multi-stage purification architecture combines coalescing filtration, membrane-based desiccant drying, and optional catalytic hydrocarbon removal—enabling consistent dew point stability at −15 °C and particulate retention down to <0.01 µm. Designed for continuous 24/7 operation in regulated laboratory environments, the system meets foundational requirements for GLP and GMP-aligned air supply infrastructure.

Key Features

• Oil-free scroll compressor with sealed bearing design—zero lubricant migration, no scheduled oil changes, and reduced maintenance intervals.
• Optimized thermal management via proprietary airflow channeling—maintains stable compressor head temperature below critical thresholds, preventing thermal shutdown even under sustained load.
• Acoustic enclosure with labyrinthine sound-dampening geometry—achieves ≤52 dB(A) operational noise, suitable for shared lab spaces and open-plan facilities.
• Membrane dryer with pressure-swing regeneration capability—delivers stable −15 °C dew point across variable flow conditions (45–120 L/min at 5 bar), minimizing condensation risk in downstream analyzers.
• Multi-stage mechanical isolation system—comprising elastomeric mounts, inertia-matched mass dampers, and dynamic balancing of rotating components—to suppress vibration transmission and extend service life of internal mechanisms.
• Modular filter housing with standardized 1/4″ NPT inlet/outlet ports—enables seamless integration with existing lab gas distribution networks and future upgrades (e.g., optional hydrocarbon scrubber or additional particulate polishing stage).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PUREA120 supplies instrument-grade air compliant with ASTM D6344 (Standard Practice for Compressed Air Quality in Laboratories), ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 1:2:1, and USP environmental air quality benchmarks for pharmaceutical compounding labs. It is validated for use with flame ionization detectors (FID), thermal conductivity detectors (TCD), and electron capture detectors (ECD), where hydrocarbon background interference must remain below 0.1 ppmv. The system’s non-metallic wetted path (stainless steel 316L header + PTFE-lined membranes + glass-fiber coalescers) ensures chemical inertness and eliminates leachable metal ions—critical for trace-level elemental analysis workflows. CE marking and RoHS compliance are certified per EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2011/65/EU.

Software & Data Management

While the PUREA120 operates as a standalone hardware unit without embedded firmware or touchscreen interface, it includes analog monitoring outputs (4–20 mA) for real-time pressure, temperature, and dew point telemetry—compatible with third-party building management systems (BMS) and LIMS-integrated environmental dashboards. Optional RS-485 Modbus RTU communication module enables remote status polling, fault logging, and preventive maintenance scheduling within ISO/IEC 17025-accredited QA/QC frameworks. All operational logs—including runtime hours, filter service intervals, and pressure deviation events—are timestamped and exportable in CSV format to support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trails when paired with validated electronic record systems.

Applications

• Carrier and makeup gas supply for gas chromatography systems requiring low-hydrocarbon, low-moisture air.
• Zero-air generation for calibration gas dilution systems and ambient air monitoring stations.
• Pneumatic actuation source for automated liquid handlers, autosamplers, and robotic workcells where oil carryover would compromise valve integrity.
• Instrument purge gas for FTIR spectrometers, Raman systems, and optical benches sensitive to hydrocarbon film deposition on mirrors and lenses.
• Support gas for plasma-based instruments (e.g., ICP-OES, ICP-MS auxiliary gas lines) where particulate-induced torch instability must be mitigated.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous operating pressure of the PUREA120?

The unit delivers rated flow at 5 bar (72.5 psi); maximum safe working pressure is 8 bar (116 psi) with appropriate downstream pressure regulation.
Can the dew point be lowered beyond −15 °C?

Yes—optional dual-stage membrane dryer or integrated refrigerated dryer modules can achieve −40 °C dew point; contact technical support for configuration validation.
Is the PUREA120 compatible with high-altitude laboratories?

Rated for stable operation up to 2000 meters above sea level; derating of output flow is not required within this elevation band.
How often do the filters require replacement?

Coalescing and particulate filters are rated for 6,000 hours of continuous use; membrane dryer lifespan exceeds 20,000 hours under nominal conditions.
Does the system meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?

The base unit does not include electronic signature or audit trail functionality—but when integrated with validated external data acquisition software and access-controlled network infrastructure, full Part 11 compliance is achievable per organizational SOPs.