Installation and User Guide

Long-Path Gas Cell

The information in this publication is provided for reference only. All

information contained in this publication is believed to be correct and
complete. PIKE Technologies, Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein
nor for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
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Copyright 1991-2015 by PIKE Technologies, Inc., Madison, WI 53719. Printed in
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Address Comments to:
PIKE Technologies, Inc.
6125 Cottonwood Drive
Madison, WI 53719
Phone
Fax
E-mail
Web Site

Jan. 1, 2015

(608) 274-2721
(608) 274-0103
info@piketech.com
www.piketech.com

Contents
Introduction
Unpacking Your Accessory
Packing List
Installation
Accessory Installation

1
2
2
3
3

Heating Option
Accessory Alignment

3
4

Performance Verification
Sampling Procedure

4
5

1-16 m Variable Gas Cell, Changing Pathlength

Maintenance
Changing Windows/O-rings

5
6
6

2.4 m Model

5, 10, 20, 30 and 1-16 Variable m Models

Cleaning
Disassembling 2.4 m Pathlength Gas Cell

8
8

Disassembling 5, 10, 20, 30 and 1-16

Variable m Pathlength Gas Cell
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

8
9

Introduction
PIKE Technologies manufactures several Long-Path Gas Cells for analysis of trace components in gas
samples typical concentrations may range from the percent to ppb levels. The long-path cells feature a
folded path design providing an extended pathlength within a compact dimension. The FTIR beam enters
the cell through an IR transparent window and reflects a number of times between the accessory mirrors
before exiting to the detector. The number of reflections is determined by the optical configuration of
the cell and may be selected as a permanently aligned version or a user-adjustable version (variable-path
cells). Typical applications of the long-path gas cells include air pollution studies, gas purity
determinations, monitoring of industrial processes, exhaust gas analysis and many others.
The fixed and variable long-path gas cell assemblies have a nickel-coated aluminum cell, stainless steel
cell, or a heavy wall borosilicate glass cell. Gas cells may be operated in a vacuum or up to a pressure of
45 psig with the appropriate IR windows. The top of the cell is enclosed by the valve/gauge assembly with
stainless steel Swagelok valves. Tube compression fittings are available upon request.
For optimal performance the mirrors have been diamond turned and coated with the highest quality gold
for the maximum reflectivity and inertness. The accessory mirrors are mounted permanently with
mechanical mirror mounts at the bottom of the cell and the facing part of the top enclosure to eliminate
out-gassing chemicals that may occur when using cements to secure the mirrors. Infrared transparent
windows serve as beam entry and exit ports. Windows are easily replaceable and different window
materials are available.
The anodized aluminum base includes spectrometer specific transfer optics allowing placement of the
accessory in the FTIR sample compartment. As a standard feature, the optical base is fully purgeable
allowing for the elimination of atmospheric water vapor and CO 2 interference in the spectrum.
The construction and main components of the variable-path gas cells are identical with those described
above, with an exception of the internal mirror assembly. The cell has an adjustable mirror located at the
top of the enclosure (position controlled with a micrometer) and one stationary mirror. Adjustments to
mirror position allow selection of different pathlengths supported by the cell. To determine the
pathlength at different settings, the variable pathlength gas cell has an integrated laser that enables the
determination of the pathlength by counting the number of laser reflections on the bottom mirror.
Some gas measurement applications require temperature control for higher precision or to prevent
condensation of specific components. PIKE Technologies offers heated versions of our fixed and variable
path gas cells up to 200 C. For high temperature accuracy, the temperature sensor has been imbedded
inside the gas cell as opposed to mounted on the exterior of the cell.

PN 350-1631000-06

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Unpacking Your Accessory

In order for you to quickly verify receipt of your accessory, we have included a packing list. Please inspect
the package carefully. Contact PIKE Technologies immediately if any discrepancies are found.

Packing List
Gas Cell Manual

Gas Cell

Wrench Set

350-1631000-00

Quantity 1

Quantity 1

Purge Tubing Kit

Temperature Controller

Power Cord

PN 025-3055

(for heated units only)

(for heated units only)

Quantity 1

Quantity 1

Quantity 1

Quantity 1

NOTE: The appearance of the gas cell will depend on the pathlength and body type (glass or metal).

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Installation
The FTIR gas cell accessory has been aligned and tested in the PIKE Technologies facility on the make of
your FTIR spectrometer to ensure that it performs to specifications. However, some variation in optical
alignment can occur from spectrometer to spectrometer. To allow for this difference, the exit mirror
directing the IR beam into the detector of the FTIR instrument may be adjusted. Adjusting the input
mirror is not recommended because this may change the pathlength of the cell. Please note that some
gas cells mount vertically and some mount horizontally, depending upon the gas cell/spectrometer
configuration.

Accessory Installation
1. Set your FTIR spectrometer to collect data at 4 cm-1 spectral resolution (including the FTIR J-stop).
2. The gas cell accessory fits into the sample compartment of the FTIR spectrometer. Your accessory is
provided with the appropriate sample compartment baseplate for the model FTIR instrument you
specified. Before inserting the accessory in the sample compartment, ensure that your spectrometer
is aligned. If the instrument is not aligned, maximize the interferogram signal (the IR energy
throughput) of your FTIR spectrometer. This should be performed by following the manufacturers
instructions.
3. Fasten the accessory directly into the FTIR sample compartment or onto the FTIR sample
compartment baseplate.
4. Tighten the mounting screws to firmly position the accessory baseplate onto the FTIR sample
compartment baseplate.

Heating Option
For gas cells configured for heating, connect the heater/RTD cable to the temperature controller.
Connect the power cord between the temperature controller and a wall electrical outlet. The heater is
configured for operation at 110V or 230V, which is specified at the time of ordering.
To heat, turn the temperature controller on. The on/off switch is located on the side of the controller.
Press the green infinity key to return the controller to its home page, which displays the set temperature
and the measured temperature. Set temperature may be adjusted by pressing the up or down arrow
buttons. For additional temperature controller instructions, see the temperature controller quick start
guide and the Watlow controller manual.
Allow at least thirty minutes equilibration time prior to running gas samples. Larger gas cells (10, 20 and
30 m) may require longer times. Use care when handling the gas cell when heated as it may be hot.
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Accessory Alignment
The gas cell accessory may not require any alignment when installed (see Table 1, page 5 for minimum
energy throughput values). However, should you choose to fine-tune the accessory, follow these steps:
1. Remove the front panel of the gas cell accessory by loosening the four hex-head retaining screws.
2. Display the live interferogram of the FTIR spectrometer and adjust the output optic only. Do not
change the input optic. Adjusting the input optic may change the pathlength of the cell. The position
of the input optic and the output optic is dependent on the FTIR spectrometer. Please check with
your spectrometer manufacturer to determine the direction of the infrared beam within your bench
(Figure 1).
3. Once energy has been maximized, replace the front cover.

Output optic adjustment

for right to left beam
path spectrometers

Output optic adjustment

for left to right beam
path spectrometers

Figure 1. Output optics alignment screws.

Confirm beam path direction of the spectrometer prior to alignment.

Performance Verification
1. Collect an open beam background spectrum before the accessory is placed in the sample
compartment.
2. Place the aligned gas cell accessory into the instrument.
3. Collect a transmission spectrum using the same parameters as used to collect the background
spectrum. This resulting spectrum is termed a throughput spectrum and measures the IR spectrum
through the gas cell accessory.
4. Place a cursor on the throughput spectrum at 1000 cm-1 and record the value in % transmission.

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Table 1. Energy throughput for long-path gas cell accessories.

Gas Cell Accessory Pathlength

2.4 m
5m
10 m
1-16 Variable m
30 m

% Transmission Energy Throughput

4%
15%
15%
10-15%
7%

NOTE: Energy throughput values are based on KBr windows installed in the gas cell.
Variable pathlength gas cell energy throughput value based on a pathlength of 16 m.

Sampling Procedure
To sample gas connect the incoming gas to the inlet port, which is labeled, and the exit gas to the outlet
port. The gas cell is equipped with Swagelok fittings. Swagelock fittings are open when the valve is in line
with the gas line fitting and closed when perpendicular.
When using KBr windows, operating pressure must be less than 3 psig for the 2.4 m gas cell, less than 5
psig for the glass bodied gas cells, and less than 7 psig for metal bodied gas cells greater than 2.4 m
pathlenth. Higher pressures may be obtained by using other window types and metal bodied gas cell.
Contact PIKE Technologies for more information.

1-16 Variable m Gas Cell, Changing Pathlength

The 1-16 variable m pathlength gas cell has been designed with a micrometer positioned on the top of
the gas cell, which adjusts the mirror position. In turn, the mirror position affects the pathlength of the
gas cell.
To determine the pathlength of the variable gas cell, a laser has been built into the base optics. Slide the
laser knob out to engage the laser. The pathlength is a function of the reflections observed on the lower
mirror; count all laser dots (both rows). Table 2 lists the pathlength as a function of the number of
reflections.
Table 2. 1-16 variable m pathlength

Number of dots
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23

PN 350-1631000-06

Pathlength (m)
1.33
2.66
4.00
5.33
6.66
8.00
9.33
10.66
12.00
13.33
14.66
16.00

Figure 2. Eleven laser dots on lower mirror.

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Maintenance
The gas cell maintenance should be performed when the energy throughput the cell drops below half of
its original value shown in Table 1. It is recommended that maintenance begin with inspecting the
windows followed by cleaning the cell if necessary.

Changing Windows/O-rings
The 2.4 m gas cell accessory requires one 38 mm x 4 mm window and two Viton O-rings corresponding to
the window size. The 5, 10, 20, 30 and 1-16 variable m require two 25 mm x 4 mm windows and four
Viton O-rings of the appropriate size. For analysis of corrosive gases, Kalrez or perfluoroelastomer O-rings
are recommended.

2.4 m Model
Follow the steps below to remove and reinstall window for the 2.4 m model.
1. Remove the gas cell body from its base by removing
two screws on the base flange using a 3/32 hex
wrench. Now the gas cell body may be removed
from the base, exposing the window and the
threaded window securing cap.
2. Remove the black threaded securing cap to access
the window.
3. To reinstall the window, place an O-ring between
the gas cell body and the window. Another O-ring
is required between the window and the window
securing cap. A recess has been made in the cell
body and the securing cap to make positioning of
the O-ring easier during window installation.
4. After reassembling the gas cell, it is recommended
the cell be put under a vacuum to confirm the seal
of the replacement windows prior to running
samples.

O-ring
Window
O-ring
Window
Securing Cap

For heated versions, disconnect the ground wire before removing the cell from the body.

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5, 10, 20, 30 and 1-16 Variable m Models

Follow the steps below to remove and reinstall windows for the 5, 10, 20, 30 and 1-16 variable m models.
1.

Remove the gas cell body from its base by removing two protruding screws on the base flange
using a 9/64 hex wrench. Now the gas cell body may be removed from the base, exposing the
windows and the window securing caps.

2.

Remove the four screws from each securing cap and remove the O-rings and the windows.

3.

To reinstall the windows, place an O-ring between the gas cell body and the window. Another Oring is required between the window and the window securing cap. A recess has been made in the
cell body and the cap to make positioning of the O-ring easier during window installation.

4.

After reassembling the gas cell, it is recommended the cell be put under a vacuum to confirm the
seal of the replacement windows prior to running samples.

O-ring
Window
O-ring
Window Securing Cap

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Cleaning
The internal body of the gas cell and internal mirrors may be cleaned by washing with a soap and water
solution. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water and dry using a nitrogen flow. This requires removing the
body from the base. In addition, water soluble windows such as KBr should be removed to avoid contact
with the cleaning solution. The internal optical mirrors should not be removed from the optical carriage
or adjusted. Additionally, avoid touching any of the optical mirrors as they are easily scratched. For
heated gas cells, do not expose the heater wrap to liquid.

Disassembling 2.4 m Pathlength Gas Cell

1.

Remove the cell from the base optics as described in the window changing section of this manual.

2.

Unscrew the lower black screw cap holding the base of the body to the flange.

3.

Pull up on the cell body to separate the body from the optics carriage. The fit between the optics
carriage and the body is snug; slightly twisting the body while pulling apart may be necessary.

Disassembling 5, 10, 20, 30 and 1-16 Variable m Pathlength Gas Cell

1.

Remove the cell from the base optics as described in the window changing section of this manual.

2.

Remove the top valve plate from the cell by removing the screws from the upper flange. The top
valve plate also houses the pressure-release valve.

3.

Remove optics carriage from the cell body by removing the screws from the lower flange. The fit
between the optics carriage and the body is snug; slightly twisting the body while pulling apart may
be necessary.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The safety pressure relief valve installed on all long-path gas cells except the 2.4 m gas cell has been set
to 15 psig at the factory. A small bleed off will occur at 10 psig. Do not adjust this valve unless window
type other than KBr is being used and the cell is a metal body. Contact PIKE Technologies for procedures
for adjusting the pressure relief valve.
Check for leaks prior to analyzing toxic or hazardous gases.
Compression fittings are recommended when testing toxic or hazardous gases
Inspect cell integrity periodically especially O-ring condition when running hazardous, toxic, and corrosive
materials. Kalrez O-rings are recommended.
Prior to disassembly, be sure the gas cell is at ambient pressure.
For the heated gas cell versions, do not expose the heating element to liquids. Use care when handling
heated gas cells as the exterior may be hot.

Replacement Windows for Long-Path Gas Cells

Description
BaF 2
CaF 2
KBr
KCl
KRS-5
NaCl
ZnSe
ZnSe, Anti-Reflective Coating 1-Side
ZnSe, Anti-Reflective Coating 2-Sides

PN 350-1631000-06

Part Number
25 x 4 mm
37.5 x 4 mm
160-1217
160-1281
160-1211
160-1287
160-1133
160-1288
160-1178
160-1289
160-1127

160-1124
160-1290
160-1114
160-1291
160-1110
160-1286
160-1109

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6125 Cottonwood Drive Madison, WI 53719-5120 (608) 274-2721 (TEL) (608) 274-0103 (FAX)
info@piketech.com www.piketech.com