BTA Frontier
BreakThrough Analyzer

Benefits

Comprehensive Adsorption Analysis:

Conduct both single and multi-component sorption experiments, including sample regeneration and cycling, to gain detailed insights into adsorption properties and material performance.

Real-World Multi-Component Testing:

Analyze competitive adsorption by assessing the uptake of one gas or vapor in the presence of others (e.g., CO₂, VOCs alongside water, N₂), simulating real-world conditions for accurate results.

Enhanced Throughput and Efficiency:

The dual-column design allows parallel activation, increasing throughput by enabling sequential experiments and reducing downtime, maximizing lab productivity.

Broad Measurement Range:

With the ability to measure VOCs from ppb to high % and CO₂ from ppm to high %, the BTA Frontier supports precise analysis across a wide range of concentrations, meeting diverse research and testing needs.

Adaptability to Sample Types:

Accommodates sample masses from 30 to 3000 mg and various morphologies (e.g., pellets, monoliths), making it highly versatile for different materials and applications.

Precision and Control:

Features an optimized flow path with automated dead volume determination, dedicated mass flow meters, and pressure transducers for consistent, accurate measurements, enhancing the reliability of every experiment.

 

Capabilities

• Single and multi-component sorption, sample regeneration, and cycling experiments.

 

• Sample locally heated between 5-60 ^oC to simulate real-world conditions.

 

• Up to five gas mixing inlets on the feed side for solvent, humidity, and gases.

 

• Accommodate samples masses from 30 to 3000 mg and a range of sample morphologies (e.g., pellets, monoliths).

 

• Sample columns available in multiple internal diameter sizes: 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 1 cm and in both stainless steel & silanized glass.

Applications

• Carbon Capture, Utilization, & Storage

 

• Material Characterization

 

• VOC Capture & Remediation

 

• Adsorbent Process Scale-up

Specifications

Construction Materials

Custom-built manifold: 316 stainless steel

Seals: Viton. or equivalent, Kalrez. optional

Tubing: 1/16 or 1/8 inch 316 stainless steel

Inlet Flow Control

Up to six gas inlets

Control Range per MFC: FS up to 200 sccm

Turn-down Ratio up to 1000:1

Calibrated gases include:

N₂, CO₂, He, O₂, Ar, & more

Temperature Control

Incubator Control

Controls entire gas mixing, vapor generation and measurement system

Control Range: 5 °C to 60 °C

Control Accuracy: ±0.1°C

Column Oven

Control Range: Up to 500 °C

Control Accuracy: ±.2 °C

Sample and Configuration

Two-column quick-connect system

Small sample amounts (~30 to 3,000 mg) 

Column Sizes:

Length: 165 mm 

Glass: 2, 3, 4, 10 mm ID

Stainless Steel: 3- 4 mm ID

Pressure Transducer

Pressure transducers at column inlet and outlets.

Full scale 0-2.5 bar

Accuracy better than 1.0 % F.S.

Temperature compensated

Vapor Generation

Liquid Reservoirs

Up to two 50 mL easy-change reservoirs

Heated to avoid evaporative cooling

Vapor Generation Range

0 – 90% for 5-60 ^oC ¹

Accuracy:  ± 0.5 p/p0 ² 

Gas & Vapor Sensors

Humidity Measurement

Measurement Range 0-100 %RH

Accuracy (5-40 ^oC) ± 0.8 %RH

Accuracy (40-85 ^oC) ± 1.5 %RH

CO₂ Measurement

% level 0-20% vol, atmospheric pressure, accuracy down to 0.1 %vol CO₂

Ppm level 0-30,000 ppm, accuracy down to ±40 ppm CO₂ 

Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD)

Quick response – T90 ≤ 3 sec

High corrosion resistance 

High temperature capability up to 180 °C.

Organics Measurement (PID)

0 – 98% for 5-60 ^oC

Low-range sensor: 1 ppb-40 ppm ³

Mid-range sensor: 0-4,000 ppm ³

High-range sensor: 0-10,000 ppm ³

System Information

Dimensions: 520 mm (W) x 980 mm (H) x 610 mm (D)

Weight: 80 kg (180 lb)

Electrical: 200 – 240 v, 50/60 Hz, 1,500 VA

System Software

Instrument Control Software 

Live data view and plotting

Full control over parameters 

Powerful custom methods and sequences 

Multiple component detection

Multiple concentrations or temperature cycles

Temperature changes in a single experiment

BTA Analysis Software 

Easy plotting of normalized and molar concentration and other custom plots. 

Dead volume corrected capacities of multiple components. 

User defined control of calculation parameters. 

Software equipped with the calculation of dead volume corrected capacities of multiple components. 

Footnotes

*10 – 40 ^oC

¹ Humidity factory calibrated at 25 ^oC and 60 ^oC. Calibrations at other temperatures upon request.

² Achievable with humidity – for other liquids depends on vapor pressure 

³ As calibrated with isobutylene

Schematics