ISBT-Grade, Passivated LCO₂ & Feedgas Sample Containers Vaporizers-Pressure Regulators -  Support Equipment - Hardware

The most important aspect of any CO₂ purity testing program involves obtaining a truly representative sample from the bulk load and preserving this sample until an analysis can be performed. This may sound simple and straightforward, but in practice this requires careful planning, training and the proper sampling equipment

To properly obtain a “good” sample careful thought must be given to a few variables. For example, included in the planning must be consideration of exactly where to take the sample (e.g. storage tank, rail or tank car, transfer line, in-process point, etc.). This design should also consider what valve type, hardware materials, transfer lines and outlet fittings should being used. How the sample is taken can also influence test results. For example, if valve ports and transfer lines are not clean and thoroughly purged, dirt, foreign matter, water, or ambient air can be captured in a sample container, causing an “artifact” error in subsequent quality tests.

Recommendations about proper sampling techniques and equipment are presented in CGA and ISBT documents, and also by ALI. These instructions should be reviewed prior to attempting any CO₂ sampling program. These documents also describe the importance of using only passivated materials for all hardware that contacts a CO₂ sample. The reason is that non-passivated materials can lead to serious wall-adsorption effects and erroneously low values for many important impurities such as sulfur, aromatic and trace toxic agents.

In addition, consideration must be made into the CO₂ purity grade that must be met, as well as considerations involving sample shipments (hazmat vs non-hazmat) or line transfer distances from their origin to a measurement area. For example, an extensive ISBT bev-grade analysis program requires either a liquid CO₂ sample or vaporized liquid-phase CO₂. Certain ISBT tests such as NVR/NVOR, water vapor and certain optional sensory tests (e.g. Odor of Snow) require a significant amount of LCO₂ sample. A review of the required test program will determine the types and sizes of containers that are needed (e.g. 1L - 20 lb cylinder, 1-5L Polybags, “Minicyls”, NVR container, sorbent tubes, etc). If non-hazmat CO₂ sample shipments are required, then only small volumes of vaporized liquid CO₂ at containment pressures less than 25 psig or sorbent tubes can be accepted.

A review of the container types used for specific tests is also important. For example, Polybags are known to be permeable to water vapor and can trap a trace amount of air during filling and should not be used if an accurate water vapor or trace oxygen test is needed. Likewise, if a low pressure CO₂ source is being sampled and many detector tube tests are needed, a small steel cylinder will present many practical problems.The best advice is to thoroughly review your objectives and sampling plan with a certified laboratory or analyzer vendor before starting any CO₂ sampling program

Fortunately, based on modern analytical methods and our professional experience, only a few types of sampling containers are required for performing most desired CO₂ quality tests. For example, a Sulfinert passivated 1L cylinder (p/n SPC-1L) is sufficient for all extensive quality testing programs (except “Odor of Snow” test) involving LCO₂. We also offer both 2.5 (SPC-2.5L) and 4L (SPC-4L) Sulfinert passivated cylinders. Associated with this 1L cylinder are popular accessories (ST-3, ST-5, SPRA-1800, Cryo-Safety Gloves, cylinder support stands & rugged polymeric shipping cases ). These products make LCO₂ sampling easier and enhances sampling safety. We also offer Haz-Mat labels and shipping boxes for LCO₂ sample shipments. Detailed information on these products can be obtained by clicking on the “hot lines” shown below.

Because many customers are not “Hazmat-Certified” and also to reduce the cost and complexities associated with international liquid CO₂ cylinder shipments, ALI has developed a series of specialized sampling containers and accessories. These products allow you to sample your LCO₂ or CO₂ feedgas and properly ship them as NON-HAZARDOUS materials. The sample containers used for our “NO-HAZ” CO₂ sampling/shipping program include our “True Blue^TM” ISBT-grade “Polybag 1.2” Kits, Sulfinert passivated “Minicyl 1.0” Kits and 2L ss electropolished “NVR-8.0” Kits. Associated with these products are several popular accessories including our Sulfinert passivated vaporizer-pressure regulator (p/n VPR-120), and passivated snow-generating equipment (p/n SnowMaker 1.3 Kit).Detailed information on these productscan be obtained by clicking on the “hot lines” shown below.

ALI can supply a wide range of Sulfinert passivated valves, filters, fittings, pressure relief assemblies, check valves, specially passivated pressure regulators and 1/16” to 1/4” seamless transfer tubing in any desired lengths (coils of 200 ft & higher are available). This hardware is commonly used in both cylinder and line-sampling systems and meet ISBT requirements for inertness. Our products help to ensure that “good”, representative samples of your CO₂ are being taken for quality testing.

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