Because the analyzer response time is critical, large pre-conditioning filters in the sample line are to be avoided. The delay in a filter can be estimated by dividing the filter volume by the sample flow rate through the filter.
A major delay in the response time of the analyzer comes from the length and inner diameter of the sample tubing.
The sample transport delay is increased by the square of the sample tube’s inside radius, and in direct proportion to its length. Doubling the inside diameter of the sample tube will quadruple the time delay it causes. Although the maintenance interval can be increased by the use of a large inner-diameter tube, such delays are usually unacceptable.
Any tendency for leaking in the sample tubing or analyzer is to be avoided, as it will directly affect the accuracy of the reading. For this reason stainless steel or a similarly strong and durable material should be used for sample tubing.
Leaks can be detected by a "probe injection" of calibration gas. In this method calibration gas is injected close to, or directly at, the very end of the sample tube, and the reading is compared to that reading obtained from the routine calibration method (injection directly at the analyzer).
Each solvent has a characteristic “flash point.” This is the minimum temperature at which the solvent can produce sufficient vapors to form a flammable concentration in air at its surface. The flash point is determined by several test methods, giving some small variation in the published values.
The ability of the analyzer to measure the solvent concentration depends on the delivery of the solvent vapor to the analyzer through a sampling system in which all elements in contact with sample are above the dew points and flash points of all substances in the process.
