Specac Storm 10H User manual

Storm™10H Heated Gas Cell
User Manual
2I-05670 Issue 10

List of Safety Symbols
Safety Symbol
Meaning
General Caution.
(Reference ISO 7000-0434B, 2004-01)
Caution – Hot Surface.
Reference IEC 60417-5041, 2002-10)
Caution – Possibility of Electric Shock
Indoor Use Only
Electrical Safety
Warning: The temperature controllers supplied with the
Golden Gate accessory has a designed protection method
of Class 1 (earthed) construction and must be connected
to an earthed mains socket outlet.
Warning: Disconnect the mains from the temperature
controller before cleaning. Clean only with a soft, lightly
moistened with water cloth.

Storm™10H Heated Gas Cell
User Manual
2I-05670 Issue 10

User Manual
2
Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell P/N GS05670
STORM™ 10H HEATED GAS CELL USER MANUAL
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 4
2. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................ 6
3. UNPACKING AND CHECKLIST ............................................................. 7
4. INSTALLATION ................................................................................... 9
5. OPERATION OF THE STORM™ 10H HEATED GAS CELL ..................... 10
SUGGESTED GAS LINE CONNECTION TO THE STORM™ 10H HEATED
GAS CELL FOR SAFE OPERATION .................................................... 10
FITTING OF WINDOWS INTO THE STORM™ 10H HEATED GAS CELL ... 13
BUILD CONFIGURATION OF THE STORM™ 10H HEATED GAS CELL ... 14
FITTING OF THE MONITORING THERMOCOUPLE ................................ 16
CONFIGURATIONS OF BUILD FOR THE STORM™ 10H HEATED GAS
CELL WITH THE MONITORING THERMOCOUPLE FITTED ..................... 18
BUILD CONFIGURATION (A) MONITORING THERMOCOUPLE AND
PIN ROD ........................................................................................ 18
BUILD CONFIGURATION (B) MONITORING THERMOCOUPLE AND
1/16" O.D. FLOW TUBING ............................................................... 20
BUILD CONFIGURATION (C) MONITORING THERMOCOUPLE AND
LIQUID/GAS SEPTUM INJECTOR ASSEMBLY ...................................... 22
DETAILS OF THE LIQUID/GAS SEPTUM INJECTOR ASSEMBLY.............. 23
BUILD CONFIGURATIONS OF THE STORM™ 10H HEATED GAS CELL
WITH NO GAS TEMPERATURE MONITORING ENVIRONMENT ............... 25
BUILD CONFIGURATION (D) PIN ROD AND PIN ROD ......................... 25
BUILD CONFIGURATION (E) PIN ROD AND 1/16" O.D. FLOW TUBE .... 26
BUILD CONFIGURATION (F) PIN ROD AND LIQUID/GAS SEPTUM
INJECTOR ASSEMBLY ...................................................................... 27
BUILD CONFIGURATION (G) 1/16" O.D. FLOW TUBE AND 1/16" O.D.
FLOW TUBE .................................................................................... 28
BUILD CONFIGURATION (H) 1/16" O.D. FLOW TUBE AND LIQUID/GAS
SEPTUM INJECTOR ASSEMBLY ........................................................ 29
SUMMARY OF BUILD CONFIGURATIONS AND SAMPLE MEASUREMENT
APPLICATIONS ................................................................................ 30

Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
3
CHANGING A BUILD CONFIGURATION OF THE STORM™ 10H HEATED
GAS CELL....................................................................................... 31
SUMMARY FOR OPERATION OF THE STORM™ 10H HEATED
GAS CELL ...................................................................................... 32
CLEANING THE STORM™ 10H HEATED GAS CELL ............................ 33
NOTES ON CLEANING ..................................................................... 34
6. OPERATING PARAMETERS OF THE STORM 10H HEATED GAS CELL ... 36
7. LEGEND (BUBBLE PART NUMBER IDENTIFICATION) ........................... 43
8. STORM™ 10H HEATED GAS CELL SPARE PARTS ............................. 43
© April 2016 Specac Ltd. All rights reserved.
Brilliant Spectroscopy is a trademark of Specac Ltd.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks
of their respective owners.

User Manual
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1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Specac Product.
The Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell is a 10cm pathlength gas cell used
for the Infrared spectral transmission analysis of vapour and gas phase
samples from ambient to 250°C temperatures, and from low vacuum
(10-2 torr) to 1 Bar pressures (+14.7psi above ambient), irrespective of
the window material type used in the Gas Cell. Specific gas
containment will depend on the durability of the window material type
and seals for their chemical resistance to the vapour conditions. The
Gas Cell can also be used to measure vapour and gas spectra
obtainable from substances that are normally liquids, solids, or semi-
solid compounds at room temperature and atmospheric conditions.
The Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell has been designed for safe use
from a low 30 Volts for 120-Watt heaters power operation within the
Gas Cell body. The power is provided by a dedicated 4000 Series™
Temperature Controller with a WEST 6100+ controlling unit. The Gas
Cell incorporates a K-type, NiCr/NiAl thermocouple, permanently
inserted into the body of the Gas Cell, to control the heating via the
4000 Series™ Temperature Controller.
The Gas Cell can be evacuated prior to any gas vapour or liquid
sample introduction via a stainless-steel needle type valve. The
evacuation port connection for its operation is independent of any build
configuration of the Gas Cell with respect to it being set up as a flow
cell for gas vapour measurement, static cell for gas vapour
measurement, or for liquid sample injection via a septum injector
assembly connection fitted to the body of the Gas Cell.
A variety of window materials can be used within the Storm™ 10H
Heated Gas Cell to alter the frequency transmission characteristics for
the Cell and to best suit a particular chemical material. There is a
choice of standard windows from NaCl, KBr, CaF2, BaF2 and ZnSe
material options that are supplied separately for fitting into the Storm™
10H Heated Gas Cell. The variety of window material options allows

Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
5
for the study of many gas/vapour sample types, although the choice of
a particular window material will be dependent upon the vapour and
gas conditions to be studied with respect to an allowable transmission
range and chemical compatibility resistance offered by the window
material itself.
The window materials to use are as follows: -
P/N GS05020 Pair of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) windows.
P/N GS05121 Pair of Potassium Bromide (KBr) windows.
P/N GS05022 Pair of Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) windows.
P/N GS05023 Pair of Barium Fluoride (BaF2) windows.
P/N GS05096 Pair of Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) windows.
The standard window seals for the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell are
in Silicone and PTFE materials. The Silicone O-ring seal is used
between the Gas Cell body and the window material surface exposed
to the Gas Cell environment and the PTFE gasket is fitted between the
window material surface exposed to the external environment and
seals with the end cap assembly. Similar to fitting of particular window
materials for certain spectroscopic studies, there may be a need to
change this internal window seal material if the gaseous sample to be
measured will chemically attack Silicone. If in doubt, please consult
Specac for advice.
The overall dimensions of the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell P/N
GS05670 are: -
Overall length with both window end cap screw assemblies in place
and fitting of 5mm thick windows is 122mm.
Overall width at heated cell body (diameter) is 70mm.
Overall height to top of the evacuation valve assembly is 148mm.
Overall volume of the internal gas cell chamber is 113.5cm3 (mls).
The Storm™ 10 Heated Gas Cell can be installed into the sample
compartment of many commercially available IR spectrometer systems
via use of its own Gas Cell Mount Holder as supplied.

User Manual
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2. Safety Considerations
With use of any spectroscopic accessory that involves the study of a
wide range of chemical samples, the associated risk in handling may
mostly be attributed to the specific sample type to be handled itself. As
far as it possible you should follow a procedure for safe handling and
containment of the type of sample to be used.
With respect to safety of use specifically for the Storm™ 10H Heated
Gas Cell, apart from taking necessary precautions when heating the
gas cell to elevated temperatures, different window materials can be
used for containment of a specific gaseous/vapour type within a
stainless-steel body for the Gas Cell itself. As standard, NaCl, KBr,
CaF2, BaF2 and ZnSe windows are the five window materials of choice
that can be used.
Caution: ZnSe is the most potentially hazardous material
with respect to toxicity risk in use and handling.
NaCl, KBr, CaF2 and BaF2 window materials can be considered
relatively safe to use, although all of them may be harmful to the body
if ingested in significant quantity. The general rule when working with
any window/crystal material (and sample) is to always wear gloves
and safety gear (e.g., safety spectacles) when handling to obviate the
risk of contact with the skin.
Provided with each choice of window material that can be fitted for use
in the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell is a window material safety data
sheet for the specific material itself that can be consulted for safe
handling. A copy of each of these datasheets can also be found in this
User Instruction Manual in the Notes on Cleaning Section found on
pages 34 to 40.

Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
7
General Operational Safety Use
Caution: Always follow local laboratory safety protocols
and procedures when using potential toxic or flammable
substances with this equipment.
Caution: The equipment is intended for use by suitably
trained personnel only.
Caution: No user serviceable parts within, contact the
manufacturer or approved service agent for advice if the
product is not functioning correctly or is visibly damaged.
Caution: If the equipment is used in a manner not
specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by
the equipment may be impaired
Warning: Risk of burns when operated at high
temperatures on accessible parts surrounding the puck
assembly. Always wear suitable PPE equipment when
operating this device.
End of Lifetime Equipment Use
If any parts have reached their limit of lifetime and need to
be replaced, use appropriate WEEE and other local
regulations for the safe disposal of electrical equipment
and toxic chemicals.

User Manual
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3. Unpacking and Checklist
On receipt of the equipment please check that the following have been
supplied.
 Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
with fixed thermocouple and
power cable connection fitted,
both adapter ports fitted with
stainless steel sealing pin rods,
evacuable valve assembly fitted
and a set (pair) of window end
caps fitted. The silicone O-rings
are already fitted into the Gas
Cell body and the PTFE gaskets
are retained within the window
end caps.
 Gas Cell Mount Holder with
circular aperture and 3" x 2"
backplate.
 Spare NiCr/NiAl
(K-type) Thermocouple
assembly for
monitoring gas
temperature.

Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
9
 Liquid/gas septum injector assembly adaptor.
 2 Stainless Steel Tubes
100 mm long x 1.6 mm
O.D. / 0.51 mm I.D.
 Second pair of window
end caps.
 4000 Series™ Temperature Controller, instruction manual and
cables.
 Pair of Storm™ 10H windows (if ordered).
Carefully remove the Gas Cell and associated components from the
carry case. Remove the 4000 Series™ Temperature Controller from its
packaging.
Where hygroscopic windows, such as KBr, are to be used it is
important not to expose them to the atmosphere for longer than
necessary. Keep the windows in their container until ready for use.
Note: The Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell is supplied with two pairs of
window end caps. One pair are 13.6 mm thick and the other pair
are 16.5 mm thick. When using thicker KBr windows (GS05121)
with the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell the thicker window end
caps must be used.

User Manual
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4. Installation
The Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell must be positioned correctly within
the sample compartment of an IR spectrometer before a spectral
analysis of gaseous sample can be made. The Gas Cell can be
installed into the sample compartment of many commercially available
IR spectrometer systems via use of its own supplied Gas Cell Mount
Holder. (See Fig 1.)
This part consists of a 3” x 2” size metal plate fitted with a support
frame. The metal plate slides into a standard 3” x 2” mount offered
from the IR spectrometer system and the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas
Cell sits horizontally within the support frame in the correct position for
spectral transmission gas/vapour analysis. (See Fig 1.)
Fig 1. Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell with its own
Gas Cell Mount Holder

Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
11
5. Operation of the Storm™ 10H Heated
Gas Cell
The Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell can be used with a variety of
different window materials (1) for the study of high concentrations of
gases over a 10cm pathlength from ambient temperature conditions to
a maximum of 250°C and pressures up to +14.7psi.
The Storm™ 10 Heated Gas Cell allows for introduction of a
gas/vapour or a volatile liquid sample into a low-pressure environment
to be analysed from different fittings that can made to the stainless
steel Gas Cell body (2). There is a vacuum valve assembly (3)
permanently attached to the top of the Gas Cell body (2) which is used
to create a low pressure (vacuum pressure 10-2 torr) environment
within the cell chamber after any windows (1) of choice have been
fitted to the Gas Cell.
Suggested Gas Line Connections to the Storm™ 10H Gas
Cell for Safe Operation
Whenever raising the temperature for an operation of the Storm 10H
Gas Cell, it is advisable to have a pressure safety device plumbed into
a gas line connection that is made to the vacuum valve assembly (3).
The gas line connection to the valve tap (3) is made using 1/8” O.D.
tubing through the 1/8” BSP threaded nut and compression fitting.
Additional 1/8” O.D. tubing could be used throughout for the particular
gas lines to be plumbed into a system for operation, but alternative
“union” connections (e.g. 1/8” to 1/16” reduction) could be used once
an initial connection to the valve tap (3) using 1/8” O.D. tubing has
been made.
This safety device with associated gas line connectivity is needed to
vent away any potential excess build-up of the pressure in the gas cell
chamber area (specifically for a fixed volume state of the gas cell)
when elevated temperatures from ambient conditions are being used,
to prevent any accidental damage to the windows that have been fitted
or compromising of the sealing from the window end cap assemblies.

User Manual
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A suggested schematic for plumbing of a safety pressure device gas
flow line, vacuum line and an additional “vent off” gas flow line to the
vacuum valve assembly (3) connection is seen as Fig 2.
Fig 2. Schematic for Suggested Vacuum/ Gas Line Connectivity
for Safe operation of the Storm 10H Heated Gas Cell
As shown in the schematic at Fig 2. a single tubing connection is made
to the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell vacuum valve assembly (3) via
1/8” O.D. tubing, but this tubing connection branches to three separate
line connections. One line is open all the time (no shut off tap/valve) to
a pressure safety burst disc device (BD line). A second line with an
open/shut valve tap runs to a vacuum pump system (VAC line) and the
third line with its own open/shut valve tap operates as an independent
flow line (F line), if switched open. Both the safety device (BD) line and
additional (F) line are routed to terminate in a safe containment area
such as a fume hood. Any exhaust port(s) from a vacuum pumping
system should also ideally be routed to vent off the gas to a safe area
too, such as a fume hood environment.
3
7

Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
13
From connection to the vacuum valve assembly (3) with appropriate
gas lines as suggested from the schematic, it does not matter which
type of gas fitting (monitoring thermocouple, pin rod, flow tube or
septum injector assembly) is made at the two inlet/outlet ports (7) on
the gas cell body (2) for a gas analysis measurement to be achieved
under a safe mode of operation.
Depending upon the circumstances of operation needed for the
Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell, the valve taps on the vacuum valve
assembly (3), (VAC) line and (F) line can be opened or closed
accordingly to control the pressure and allow for safe operation of the
equipment. The setting of the valve taps as open or shut can be
tabulated as follows for particular experimental conditions with regards
as to which line is operable.
Gas Cell
Operating
Condition
Vacuum Valve
Assembly (3)
Valve on
(F) Line
Valve on
(VAC) Line
Over Pressure
Monitoring
Open Shut Shut
Gas Flow Open Open Shut
Vacuum Open Shut Open
Note: From the suggested schematic set up, if the vacuum valve
assembly (3) tap is shut, none of the lines (BD), (VAC) or (F)
are operable.

User Manual
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Fitting of Windows into the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
A pair of windows (1) for the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell are fitted
into position as seen from Fig 3.
The stainless steel body (2) of the 10H heated Gas Cell carries two
end caps (4) which are screw threaded to the body (2). Any window (1)
to be fitted is sealed between a Silicone O-ring (5) that is fitted into a
circular grooved recess at the end of the body (2) and a PTFE gasket
(6) that seal fits inside the end cap (4). Use the following procedure to
fit a window into the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell.
Fig 3. Sequence of Silicone O-Ring, PTFE Gasket and Window
Fitting in Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
1
2
4
5
6
3
7
7

Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
15
1) Ensure that the face of the body (2), the Silicone O-ring (5) and the
screw threads (body (2) and end cap (4)) are clean and free from
foreign matter.
2) Fit the Silicone O-ring (5) into the groove on the face of the
threaded connection end of the Gas Cell body (2).
3) Place the PTFE gasket (6) inside and onto the flange of the end
cap (4).
4) Insert the window (1) into the end cap and PTFE gasket assembly
(4 and 6) for it to be held centrally and concentrically in the end
cap (4).
5) Holding the cell body (2) with Silicone O-ring (5) horizontally, take
the window/PTFE gasket/end cap assembly of parts (1, 6 and 4)
and screw tighten to the cell body (2). Tighten until firmly clamped,
but not too tight to prevent possible damage to the window (1).
Repeat the procedure from steps 1) to 5) for the other end cap (4),
PTFE gasket (6) and window (1) assembly.
Build Configuration of the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas
Cell for Operation
Before the windows (1) are placed into the gas cell body (2), the
Storm™ 10H Heated Gas cell itself will need to be adapted for its build
regarding the type of experimental measurement required in its
operation. There are a number of ways in adapting the Storm 10H
Heated Gas Cell for different operations, but essentially the build
configuration and subsequent way the Gas Cell can be used depends
upon whether direct monitoring of the gas temperature is a
requirement from inclusion of the supplied monitoring thermocouple.
As supplied from new, on the body of the Gas Cell (2) at both of the
inlet/outlet connection ports (7) are thermocouple mounting screw
fittings (8) that have been filled with a 1/16” O.D. stainless steel pin rod
(9). The pin rod (9) is held within the mounting screw fitting (8) by an
M3 x 3mm grub screw (10) tightened against the pin rod. (See Fig 4.).

User Manual
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Fig 4. Configuration of the Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell for the
Inlet/Outlet Ports Supplied from New
The pin rod (9) that passes through the mounting screw fitting (8) also
passes through a silicone rubber pad (11) underneath the screw fitting
(8). (See Fig 5.)
Fig 5. Complete Assembly of Mounting Screw Fitting, Pin Rod,
Grub Screw and Silicone Rubber Pad
8
9
10
8
9
3
9
10
8
11

Storm™ 10H Heated Gas Cell
17
The complete mounting screw fitting assembly of parts (8, 9, 10 and
11) is screw threaded into the Gas Cell body connection port (7) from
turning of the knurled part of the screw fitting (8) to seal the complete
fitting assembly of parts via the silicone rubber pad (11). A clockwise
turn tightens the fitting assembly of parts (8, 9, 10 and 11) into the gas
cell body connection port (7), whereas anticlockwise turning will enable
a complete removal of the fitting assembly of parts (8, 9, 10 and 11)
from the Gas Cell connection port (7).
To carry out any Gas Cell measurements where no monitoring of the
temperature of the gas environment is required, the pin rod (9) in one
of the mounting screw fittings (8) can be removed and replaced with
one of the supplied 1/16” O.D. stainless steel flow tubes (12), OR the
complete mounting screw fitting assembly of parts (8, 9, 10 and 11)
can be removed from the port (7) and replaced with the supplied
liquid/gas septum injector assembly (13).
Fitting of the Monitoring Thermocouple
To carry out any Gas Cell measurements where monitoring of the
temperature of the gas environment is required, one of the pin rods (9)
is removed from the screw fitting (8) and replaced with the monitoring
thermocouple assembly (14). (See Fig 6.)
To remove the pin rod (9) from mounting screw fitting (8), the complete
screw fitting assembly of parts (8, 9, 10 and 11) is loosened by a
couple of anticlockwise turns of the screw fitting (8) to reduce the
sealing of the silicone rubber pad (11) for the whole assembly. The
grub screw (10) that is gripping the pin rod (9) can then be loosened by
one full anticlockwise turn of the grub screw (10) and the pin rod (9)
can then be pulled firmly but smoothly out from its location within the
mounting screw fitting (8) and silicone rubber pad (11).
Now take the monitoring thermocouple (14) and very carefully
introduce the thermocouple tip (14) into the loosened mounting screw
fitting (8) such that the tip passes through the central hole in the
silicone rubber pad (11) and to a depth such that the thermocouple tip
(14) is just protruding into the internal chamber area of the Gas Cell

User Manual
18
body (2). If you wish to have more of the thermocouple tip (14)
projecting into the cell chamber, then you need to be careful that it is
not going to obscure any of the IR light beam that will pass through the
10cm pathlength of the gas cell when any spectral measurements are
being taken.
Fig 6. Monitoring Thermocouple Fitted to an Inlet/Outlet Port
(Pin Rod Fitted to the other Inlet/Outlet Port)
With the thermocouple tip (14) introduced into the screw mount fitting
(8) and through the silicone rubber pad (11) to the required depth,
tighten the grub screw (10) to hold the thermocouple tip secure. Then
screw turn clockwise the whole assembly of parts (8, thermocouple
tip (14), 10 and 11) using the knurling on the mounting screw fitting (8)
to seal/tighten the assembly to the Gas Cell port (7) via the silicone
rubber pad (11).
8
9
8
14
3