FEATURES
6
Considerations in the Selection of
Vapor Delivery Sub-Systems
THOMAS A. KARLICEK & DAVID H. LEE
This article examines the three most common types of vapor delivery sub-systems
and explains their basic theory of operation and typical hardware configuration..
12
Monitoring Methane in Landfills
TOM PROBST
As methane is generated from a landfill to power five engine-driven generators from
generate electricity, “electronic canaries” monitor the engines and control room.
14
Miniature Proportional Solenoid Valves: A “Hot” Topic
RICHARD PARKER
An overview of valve choices regarding orifice sizes and flow capability, how to
evaluate and determine valve flow, and design features that promote consistent flow
18
TDL Technology Promises Improved Process Control
in Gas Plants
SAM MILLER
Ultra-fast and highly accurate, a new Tunable Diode Laser analyzer technology is
replacing conventional sensors at refineries and gas processors, saving on mainte-
nance while providing enhanced control over process integrity
22
Executive Views: Vacuum Pumps and Their Application
An exclusive interview with James Pumfrey in a discussion of the wide array of
vacuum pump technology and their application
DEPARTMENTS
4
5
5
25
27
30
Editorial
News
Calendar
Product Focus
Products
Ad Index
On the Cover: Cover photo courtesy Sensor Electronics:
A sensitive sensor stands guard in the
blower/filter cooler room processing methane
vacuumed from landfill wells a block away.
Gases & Instrumentation Magazine™ (ISSN 1937-6774) is published six times per year, by Vicon Publishing, Inc., 4
Limbo Lane, Amherst, NH 03031 and at additional mailing office. A requester publication, Gases & Instrumentation
Magazine™ is distributed free to qualified subscribers in North America. Non-qualified subscription rates in the U.S
and Canada: $120 per year. All other countries: $180 per year, payable in U. S. funds. Back issues may be purchased
at a cost of $15 each in the U.S. and $20 elsewhere. While every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained herein, the publisher and its employees cannot accept responsibility for the correctness
of information supplied, advertisements, or opinions expressed. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gases &
Instrumentation Magazine™, 4 Limbo Lane, Amherst, NH 03031.
©2008 Gases & Instrumentation Magazine™ by Vicon Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. Permission is granted for those registered with
the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (CCC), 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923 (phone: 978-750-8400; fax:
978-750-4470) to photocopy articles for a base fee of $1 per copy of the article plus $.35 per page.
Canadian Agreement number: PM40063731; Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A P.O. Box 54
Windsor, Ontario N9A 6J5; Email: returnsil@imex.pb.com
Editorial
Paul Nesdore
Associate Publisher / Editorial Director
pnesdore@gasesmag.com
Gail Glintenkamp
Associate Editor
gglintenkamp@gasesmag.com
Editorial Advisory Board
John Baxter,
Manager, Product & Technology
Swagelok Semiconductor Services Company
Lloyd Brown, Ph. D.
Semiconductor Process Gases R&D Manager
Praxair
Robert Ford
Bulk Specialty Gas Manager
Air Products
Carter Hall
Director of Technical Services
SSC
Kavita Murthi
Sub-Atmospheric Gas Products Marketing
Manager
Matheson Tri-Gas
Andrew Tipler
Senior Staff Scientist, Chromatography
PerkinElmer
Stephen Vaughan
President
Custom Gas Solutions
Art and Production
Alice Scofield
ascofield@viconpublishing.com
Administration
Patrick Murphy
CEO/Publisher
pmurphy@viconpublishing.com
Advertising Sales
Luann Kulbashian
Sales Director
kulbashian@gasesmag.com
Jared Fletcher
Sales Representative
jfletcher@gasesmag.com
Customer Service
service@gasesmag.com
Executive Offices
Vicon Publishing, Inc.
4 Limbo Lane
Amherst, NH 03031
603-672-9997 fax 603-672-3028
www.gasesmag.com
www.gasesmag.com
March/April 2008
3