Electronic Sensor Technology sniffs out new business

California-based Electronic Sensor Technology, provider of fast vapor analyzers, is benefiting from recent restrictions in California Air Quality and Nuisance Odor laws that require bad-odor-causing industries to measure and control their emissions.

The company's zNose, an electronic sensor device that can capture and analyse nearly any odour, fragrance or chemical vapour within ten seconds, has been selected by a local metal casting company for monitoring odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

"The zNose is an ideal solution for companies needing to adhere to the new restrictions," said Dr Edward Staples, chief technical officer of >Electronic Sensor Technology.

"This latest order demonstrates the versatility of the zNose as a new tool for detection and analysis of foundry odours," said Staples.

The Company has since released a Technical Paper on it's website discussing in detail the application of zNose to on-site measurement of VOCs and odors.

The zNose is the first electronic nose based on ultra-fast gas chromatography, whose results have been validated by independent laboratories, including the Environmental Protection Agency and White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The device has an unlimited number of specific virtual chemical sensors. The hardware and software along with the chromatograph provide a visual display of vapour analysis and produces images based upon aroma chemistry.

A library of retention time indices for over 700 volatile organics makes it easy to identify a specific pollutant.

Using the company's Model 3300 Handheld Wireless Remote Sampler Accessory to collect and concentrate environmental samples in the surrounding community, part per trillion sensitivity has been demonstrated in near real time.

"This highlights what sets the zNose apart from other air quality analysis equipment," said Staples.