Parker Hannifin Introduces The Parker THM Analyzer For Rapid, On-Site Measurement Of EPA-Regulated Trihalomethane Compounds
Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, introduces the Parker THM Analyzer, a new on-site analytical system that measures trihalomethane concentration at ppb levels in less than 30 minutes without tedious sample preparation. An EPA-regulated disinfection by-product, trihalomethanes, or THMs, are carcinogenic environmental pollutants that can occur in drinking water as a result of chemical reactions between naturally occurring organic material and chlorine added as a disinfectant. Drinking water treatment plants and water distribution facilities routinely monitor THMs.
Developed by the Parker Instrumentation Products Division (IPD), the THM Analyzer is an integrated Purge-and-Trap Gas Chromatograph (GC) that provides results without sample preparation. Parker's new analyzer can help operators optimize water treatment at the plant and evaluate water age in the distribution system for improved control over the formation of THMs. The Parker THM Analyzer provides drinking water treatment plants and water distribution facilities with an important tool to help deliver safe drinking water to the public.
The THM Analyzer was designed for high-precision, high accuracy measurement of THM and offers a full complement of calibration and quantitation routines. With the push of a button, the analyzer provides sample purging, THM component separation, and data analysis.
Offered in a complete analytical package, the Parker THM Analyzer features a touch screen for status indication and basic data results display. Analyzer calibration is streamlined with detailed menu options, while push-button operation simplifies building calibration curves and quantifying sample results.
Designed with the input of water industry experts and end users, the Parker THM Analyzer is unlike any other product of its kind, according to Dr. Kazi Hassan, Water Applications Engineer for Parker IPD. "Typical THM analysis is normally conducted away from the source by either outside certified laboratories or on-site plant laboratories, both requiring sample preparation on the part of laboratory technicians or water plant operators. While the data generated from these laboratories is highly reliable, it is time-consuming and can be expensive," Dr. Hassan said.
"The Parker THM Analyzer's ability to measure trihalomethanes without sample preparation gives the drinking water industry immediate access to critical disinfection by-product information that would generally take days or weeks for outside laboratories to provide," Dr. Hassan continued. "The ability to obtain trihalomethane data quickly and reliably provides the water plant operator with valuable information for the delivery of safe drinking water. This information allows them to take immediate action to reduce the formation of disinfection by-products, as well as optimize the chlorine usage in the water plant and booster pump locations throughout the water distribution system," he said.
With regard to cost considerations, Dr. Hassan noted, "The Parker THM Analyzer is a cost-effective approach to disinfection by-product (DBP) optimization, with lower operation and maintenance costs than other commercial Purge-and-Trap Gas Chromatograph systems. When combined with its simplicity and ease of use, the THM Analyzer is an important tool for analytical chemists and water plant operators."
While there are other options available on the market for the measurement of EPA-regulated trihalomethane compounds, Dr. Hassan said that Parker's THM Analyzer is the only instrument with the capability to provide critical THM information within 30 minutes without sample preparation. "Currently, most plant operators rely on information that is historical in nature at best, unlike the rapid-monitoring capabilities of the Parker THM system. Traditional analytical techniques such as TOC (Total Organic Carbon) do not yield a direct correlation to THM precursors, because when TOC reacts with chlorine, it may produce other halogenated compounds, including THM," Dr. Hassan explained.
For more information, visit www.parker.com/thm.
The Instrumentation Products Division is dedicated to being the global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of high quality, critical flow and ultra-high purity components for the petrochemical, chemical processing, oil and gas, power generation, water analysis, biopharmaceutical, semiconductor, and analytical equipment industries.
About Parker Hannifin Corporation
With annual sales of $10B in fiscal year 2010, Parker Hannifin is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs approximately 55,000 people in 46 countries around the world. Parker has increased its annual dividends paid to shareholders for 54 consecutive years, among the top five longest-running dividend-increase records in the S&P 500 index. For more information, visit www.parker.com or www.phstock.com.
SOURCE: Parker Hannifin Corporation