ChemTron EVO Hybrid Nitrogen & Zero-Air Generator
| Brand | ChemTron |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | EVO |
| Nitrogen Flow | ≤12 L/min at 80 psi (5.5 bar) |
| Air Flow (Zero Air) | ≤24 L/min at 100 psi (6.9 bar) |
| Exhaust Air | ≤8 L/min at 60 psi (4.1 bar) |
| N₂ Purity | 98–99.9% |
| Dew Point (atmospheric) | −40 °C |
| Pressure Stability | ±0.1 bar (±0.5%) |
| Power Supply | 110 V / 60 Hz or 230 V / 50 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 1800 W |
| Operating Temperature | 15–40 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 0–99% (with condensate removal above 80% RH) |
| Noise Level | <55 dB(A) |
| Display | 128 × 64 px graphical LCD |
| Enclosure Rating | IP2X |
| Dimensions (L×D×H) | 482 × 835 × 641 mm |
| Weight | 90 kg |
| Output Fittings | 1/4" compression or 6 mm push-to-connect |
| Certifications | CE |
Overview
The ChemTron EVO Hybrid Nitrogen & Zero-Air Generator is an integrated, laboratory-grade gas supply system engineered for high-reliability operation in analytical instrumentation environments—particularly LC-MS platforms from AB SCIEX and other OEM mass spectrometry systems requiring both high-purity nitrogen and hydrocarbon-free zero air. It employs a dual-stage, pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) architecture combined with carbon molecular sieve (CMS) technology to separate nitrogen from ambient compressed air while simultaneously conditioning the residual airstream into zero air—free of hydrocarbons, CO₂, moisture, and particulates. Unlike conventional standalone generators, the EVO Hybrid eliminates cross-contamination risks between nitrogen and air streams via physically segregated adsorption beds and independent flow control circuits. Its design conforms to ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2:2:2 for compressed air quality and meets ASTM D6216 requirements for zero air used in trace-level environmental analysis. The unit operates continuously under regulated backpressure (up to 80 psi for N₂; up to 100 psi for zero air), ensuring stable delivery without external buffer tanks.
Key Features
- Integrated dual-output architecture delivering both nitrogen (≤12 L/min @ 80 psi) and zero air (≤24 L/min @ 100 psi) from a single footprint
- Two-stage PSA process with pre-filtration (coalescing + activated carbon + desiccant) followed by CMS-based O₂ and H₂O removal
- Real-time monitoring of inlet pressure, outlet pressure, flow rate, internal temperature, and dew point via built-in 128×64 px graphical LCD
- Automated alarm system with relay outputs (250 VAC / 16 A max) for pressure deviation, thermal anomaly, and scheduled consumable replacement (e.g., filter cartridges, CMS beds)
- IP2X-rated enclosure with vibration-damped chassis and integrated castor wheels for under-bench installation or repositioning
- Programmable auto-restart function following power interruption—configurable via front-panel interface
- No liquid phase components; fully dry operation compliant with USP and ISO 15189 requirements for non-contaminating gas sources
- Zero-air stream certified to meet EPA Method TO-15 and ASTM D6216 specifications for VOC analysis
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The EVO Hybrid is validated for use with electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) sources in LC-MS systems, where consistent gas composition and ultra-low hydrocarbon content are critical for signal stability and detection limit reproducibility. Its nitrogen output meets ISO 8573-1 Class 1.2.1 for particle count and moisture content, supporting GLP/GMP-compliant laboratories conducting regulated bioanalysis. The zero-air stream achieves total hydrocarbon levels <0.1 ppm C₁–C₁₀ (measured by flame ionization detection), satisfying stringent requirements for ambient air monitoring and calibration gas generation. All wetted materials—including stainless-steel manifolds, fluoropolymer-sealed valves, and CMS beds—are phthalate-free and extractables-tested per USP . The device carries CE marking per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and its firmware supports audit trail logging compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated with compliant LIMS or instrument control software.
Software & Data Management
While the EVO Hybrid operates autonomously via its embedded microcontroller and local LCD interface, it provides analog (0–10 V) and digital (RS-485 Modbus RTU) outputs for integration into centralized facility monitoring systems. Optional ChemTron Connect™ software (Windows-based) enables remote status visualization, historical trend logging (pressure, flow, temperature), and predictive maintenance alerts based on cumulative runtime and sensor drift thresholds. All operational events—including alarm triggers, filter saturation warnings, and manual override actions—are timestamped and stored in non-volatile memory for ≥12 months. Audit trails comply with ALCOA+ principles and support retrospective review during regulatory inspections. No cloud connectivity or proprietary drivers are required; communication protocols adhere to open industrial standards.
Applications
- LC-MS nitrogen nebulizer and drying gas supply for AB SCIEX TripleTOF®, QTRAP®, and X500B systems
- Zero-air source for GC-FID, GC-ECD, and ambient air samplers requiring VOC-free background gas
- Standby gas for ICP-MS collision/reaction cell operation where argon alternatives are cost-prohibitive
- Lab-wide utility gas for glovebox purging, sample preparation enclosures, and inert atmosphere reactors
- Replacement for high-pressure cylinder banks in core facilities seeking reduced logistical overhead and improved safety compliance
FAQ
What is the expected service life of the CMS bed under continuous operation?
CMS beds are rated for ≥20,000 hours of operation at nominal flow and inlet air quality meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 4. Replacement intervals are dynamically calculated by the onboard controller and displayed on the LCD.
Can the EVO Hybrid be installed in a fume hood or confined space?
No. It requires minimum ambient airflow per IEC 61000-3-12 and must be placed in a well-ventilated area with ≥10 cm clearance on all sides for heat dissipation and service access.
Is the zero-air stream suitable for calibration of ozone monitors?
Yes—provided the downstream analyzer uses a UV photometric detection method compliant with EN 14625, as the zero-air output contains no ozone precursors and exhibits <1 ppb ozone generation potential.
Does the unit require external cooling water or chilled air?
No. It is air-cooled only and designed for ambient temperatures between 15 °C and 40 °C with relative humidity ≤99% (non-condensing).
How is compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 documented for routine verification?
ChemTron provides a factory-issued Certificate of Conformance with traceable calibration data for pressure, flow, and dew point sensors, plus a validation protocol template aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.1 for user-executed performance qualification.
