PureAire Introduces New Dual Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide Monitor

 PureAire Monitoring Systems is excited to introduce its new Dual Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide Monitor, an important addition to our full line of Oxygen Deficiency Monitors, Carbon Dioxide Monitors, and Combustible/Toxic Gas Detectors.  Our new Monitor is designed for continuous monitoring of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels  across a wide variety of applications, including cryogenic facilities, breweries, food processing plants, cannabis grow rooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, laboratories, hospitals, and universities.

Our Dual Monitor can sample O₂/CO₂ levels from up to 100 feet away and is ideal for facilities that use inert gases, including, but not limited to, nitrogen, helium, and argon. Its NEMA 4X/IP66 dust-tight and water-tight enclosure will protect the Monitor against dust, water, and damage from ice formation.

PureAire’s new Dual O₂/CO₂ Monitor continually measures oxygen levels from 0-25%, and carbon dioxide levels from 0-50,000 parts per million (ppm), with both O₂ and CO₂ measurements readily visible on the Monitor’s easy-to-read backlit displays. Depending on our customers’ specific requirements, the Monitor can be linked to a programmable logic controller (PLC), a multi-channel controller, or tied into building systems themselves.

The new O₂/CO₂ Monitor features dual built-in LED visual alarms, two alarm level set-points for both O₂ and CO₂, as well as two relays for each monitored gas. The Monitor responds in seconds to changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and it will remain accurate over a wide range of temperature and humidity levels.

PureAire’s Dual Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide Monitor offers thorough air monitoring, with no time-consuming maintenance or calibration required. Built with durable, non-depleting, zirconium oxide sensor cells, and non-dispersive, infrared (NDIR) sensor cells to ensure longevity, PureAire’s Dual O₂/CO₂ Monitor can last, trouble-free, for 10+ years in normal working conditions.

When Freshness Counts – Modified Atmosphere Packaging

 

Centuries ago, merchants and shippers would place a lit candle inside barrels used to store biscuits before closing the lid. The idea was that the candle flame would deplete the oxygen inside the barrel to help keep the biscuits from spoiling. These days, the candle flame has been replaced by processes called Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), which can be either active or passive. By altering the atmosphere inside food product packages, or by using specialized packaging films, today’s food processors can preserve freshness and taste; extend shelf-life; prevent oxidation, which can lead to food spoilage; and protect against crushing the food contents inside the packaging, all without the use of chemical additives, stabilizers, or even candles.

Why Use Modified Atmosphere Packaging?

Consumers want food that not only looks, tastes, and smells good, but is also convenient and lasts longer than a few days after purchase. In order to satisfy consumers, food packagers need to eliminate or, at least, control factors that contribute to food spoilage, including improper levels of moisture, temperature, or light; excessive oxygen (i.e., oxidation); and the growth of microorganisms (such as mold or pathogens that can lead to food-borne illnesses).

Spoiled food means lost revenues and lower profits for producers and intermediaries, higher food prices passed on to the consumer, and an environmental burden, as food waste reportedly contributes to some 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

How Does MAP Work?

Active modified atmosphere packaging works by changing the atmosphere inside food packaging, typically by the introduction of gases. For instance, carbon dioxide is often used to remove oxygen from inside the packaging of breads and other baked goods, in order to keep the products from going stale, prevent mold growth, and extend shelf-life.

Packaged foods with high-fat content, such as certain cheeses or fish high in fatty acids, require a high concentration of carbon dioxide to prevent mold growth and to prevent the cheese or fish from tasting rancid. However, excessive levels of carbon dioxide can make certain foods taste sour. To prevent that from occurring, food packagers may elect to use nitrogen, or a mixture of gases, instead of carbon dioxide alone.

Conversely, while certain meat, fish, and poultry require that all or almost all oxygen be removed from inside packaging and replaced with carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen to prevent microbial growth and spoilage, oxygen is actually added to some packaged meats, low-fat fish, and shellfish to prevent fading or loss of color, as well as to inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria.

Adding nitrogen gas to packaging not only helps salty snack foods stay crispy and fresh by displacing the oxygen inside food packaging, but it also helps protect the contents from getting crushed or broken during transport of the products from manufacturing facilities to stores and, ultimately, to consumers’ pantries.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are often packaged by using a passive form of MAP which includes specialized, permeable packaging films. The permeable film allows the fresh produce to continue to respire (that is, breathe) after being harvested, but at a much slower rate than if it were still on the plant. Low oxygen levels, combined with carbon dioxide or nitrogen, help to preserve the freshness, taste, and appearance of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Proper Monitoring Can Preserve Food Products and Protect Packaging Personnel

Balancing the correct mixture of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen is vital when it comes to food packaging. Too much or too little of a required gas can lead to foods that have unappetizing taste, smell, or appearance and, in baked goods, can promote mold growth, and staleness.

Moreover, food packagers and others working around carbon dioxide and nitrogen need to be aware of the potential safety risks associated with these odorless and colorless oxygen-depleting gases. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an environment in which oxygen levels fall below 19.5 percent is considered an oxygen-deficient atmosphere and should be treated as immediately dangerous to health or life. When there is not enough oxygen in the air, persons working in the affected area may become disoriented, lose consciousness, or even suffocate due to the lack of sufficient oxygen.

Because carbon dioxide and nitrogen are devoid of odor and color, individuals working around these gases might well, in the absence of appropriate monitoring equipment, be unaware that a safety risk situation has developed.

PureAire Monitors

PureAire Monitoring Systems’ Dual Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide Monitor offers thorough air monitoring, with no time-consuming maintenance or calibration required. A screen displays current oxygen and carbon dioxide levels for at-a-glance reading by food packaging employees, who derive peace of mind from the Monitor’s presence and reliable performance.

In the event of a carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas leak, and a decrease in oxygen to an unsafe level, PureAire’s Monitor will set off an alarm, complete with horns and flashing lights, alerting personnel to evacuate the area.

PureAire’s Dual Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide Monitor is well-suited for facilities where gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen are used. Our Dual O₂/CO₂ monitor includes both a non-depleting, zirconium oxide sensor cell, to monitor oxygen levels, and a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor cell, to monitor carbon dioxide levels. PureAire’s O₂/CO₂ monitors can last, trouble-free, for over 10 years under normal operating conditions.

Air Delivery of Super-Cooled COVID-19 Vaccines

There are several potential COVID-19 vaccines that may soon be available for widespread distribution. In particular, the United Kingdom has recently approved Pfizer’s vaccine, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering extending Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

That is certainly promising news, but storage, transportation, and delivery of these potentially game-changing vaccines will be quite challenging, with the CEO of the International Air Transport Association describing the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines as “the largest and most complex logistical exercise ever” undertaken.

It is not just the huge numbers (literally, in the billions of doses) and vast geographic scope (worldwide, requiring delivery to every country on the planet) that make the COVID-19 vaccine distribution task so daunting, but both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines must be stored and transported in strict climate-controlled environments (reportedly, at some -70 degrees Celsius for Pfizer, and -20 degrees Celsius for Moderna) as integral parts of the vaccines’ “cold chains.”

COVID-19 Vaccine Cold Chain

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (the “CDC”) describes a cold chain as a temperature-controlled supply chain that includes all vaccine-related equipment and procedures. The vaccine cold chain begins with a cold storage unit at the vaccine manufacturing plant, extends to the transport and delivery of the vaccine (including proper storage at the provider facility), and ends with the administration of the vaccine to the patient. A breakdown in protocols anywhere along the cold chain could reduce the effectiveness of, or even destroy, a vaccine.

Given the extreme cold temperatures required within their cold chains by the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines (and, perhaps, other COVID-19 vaccines that may now be under development by other firms), various companies within the vaccine delivery network (including temperature-controlled container manufacturers, logistics specialists, storage facility operators, commercial airlines, and dry ice producers) have been hard at work for months to meet the challenges associated with safely storing and transporting billions of vaccine doses once, as now appears to be at hand, they finally become available for international distribution.

Creating Super-Cold Environments

Dry ice, which is the common name for solid (i.e., frozen) carbon dioxide, is often used in cold chains to maintain the very cold temperatures required to keep certain vaccines viable. At a temperature of approximately -78.5 degrees Celsius (equating to -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit), dry ice is significantly colder than frozen water (that is, conventional ice), making it ideal for transport and storage of those vaccines which require an extremely cold temperature environment.

Safety precautions are critical when shippers use dry ice in the transportation and storage of vaccines. Unlike conventional ice, dry ice does not melt into a liquid. Instead, dry ice “sublimates” (changes from a solid to a gas state), turning into carbon dioxide gas. In poorly ventilated, confined spaces, such as storage rooms, railway cars, trucks, and cargo holds in airplanes, carbon dioxide can build up, creating a potentially serious health risk to transportation workers, including ground and flight crews.

Certain vaccine manufacturers may elect to ship their vaccines in multi-layered, storage canisters chilled with liquid nitrogen, rather than dry ice. We note that the potential health risks associated with nitrogen leaks are similar to those that may be caused by dry ice sublimation.

Oxygen Deficiency Risks Associated with Super-Cooled Environments

Carbon dioxide (as is nitrogen) is an oxygen-depleting gas that is both odorless and colorless. As such, absent appropriate monitoring, personnel working with the transportation of COVID-19 and other vaccines kept frozen with dry ice or liquid nitrogen likely would be unable to detect if dry ice were to sublimate (causing CO2 levels to rise), or if there were a nitrogen gas leak, and an associated decrease in oxygen.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an environment in which oxygen levels fall below 19.5 percent is considered an oxygen-deficient atmosphere and should be treated as immediately dangerous to health or life. When there is not enough oxygen in the air, persons working in the affected area may become disoriented, lose consciousness, or even suffocate due to the lack of sufficient oxygen.

FAA Guidance/Increased Air Shipment Capacity/Risk Mitigation

On May 22, 2009, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (the “FAA”) issued Advisory Circular No. 91-76A to specifically address the risks associated with the sublimation of dry ice aboard aircraft and, historically, the FAA has permitted even widebody aircraft to carry only relatively small amounts (typically not exceeding 1-1.5 tons per flight) of dry ice in refrigerated and insulated containers.

However, The Wall Street Journal (the “WSJ”) reported on November 29, 2020, that, in order to maintain the ultra-cold temperatures required by Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, United Airlines has recently sought, and obtained, FAA approval to carry up to 15, 000 pounds (7.5 tons) of dry ice per flight. In a December 2, 2020 interview with CNN, Josh Earnest, Chief Communications Officer with United Airlines, noted that the FAA approval will allow United to ship as many as 1.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines on each flight of its commercial 777 airplanes.

Notwithstanding the FAA’s relaxation of dry ice weight limits to permit United Airlines to help bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control, it remains focused on risks associated with air shipments of dry ice. In its November 29, 2020 reporting, the WSJ noted that “regulators restrict the amount of dry ice that can be carried on passenger jets because they typically lack the equipment to monitor and mitigate any leaked carbon dioxide.”

Fortunately, by utilizing a top-quality oxygen-deficiency monitor, vaccine storage and transportation personnel, including flight crews, can safely track levels of oxygen and detect (and react to) potentially dangerous low oxygen levels, whether caused by dry ice sublimation or a nitrogen gas leak.

PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc.

PureAire Monitoring Systems’ Oxygen Deficiency Monitor offers thorough air monitoring, with no time-consuming maintenance or calibration required. A screen displays current oxygen levels, for at-a-glance reading by crew members, who derive peace of mind from the Monitor’s presence and reliable performance.

Built with zirconium oxide sensor cells, to ensure longevity, the Monitor can last, trouble-free for 10 years in normal working conditions.

Our Oxygen Deficiency Monitor does not rely on the partial pressure of oxygen to operate, meaning that the Monitor is not affected by the changing pressure inside an aircraft due to altitude changes. In the event that dry ice begins to sublimate (causing carbon dioxide levels to rise), or if there is a nitrogen leak, and oxygen decreases to unsafe levels, PureAire’s Monitor will set off an alarm, complete with horns and flashing lights, alerting flight personnel to take corrective action.

For over 20 years, PureAire Monitoring Systems has been an industry leader in manufacturing long-lasting, accurate, and reliable Oxygen Deficiency Monitors. We have dedicated ourselves to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our clients, many of which have very sophisticated operating requirements. We are proud to note that NASA’s SOFIA-Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy--a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to carry a 2.7 meter (106 inch) reflecting telescope--carries onboard a PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitor.

Nitrogen Blanketing

Overview

Nitrogen (N2) blanketing is a process by which nitrogen is added to fill the headspace (the area between the fill line of a tank’s contents and the top of the storage vessel) to eliminate oxygen and moisture from storage tanks. Nitrogen is commonly used to blanket due to its extremely low reactivity with other substances, as well as its availability and relatively low cost. Other gases can also be used; however, some may be more reactive, and the costs higher,than nitrogen.

Why Blanket with Nitrogen?

Many industries, including oil, gas, and ethanol refineries, as well as chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processors, use nitrogen blanketing to prevent fires and explosions, and to preserve product quality.

Nitrogen blanketing can protect facilities from potentially catastrophic accidents when manufacturing combustibleand explosive chemicals, such as ethanol and other volatile materials, since removing oxygen eliminates the possibility of a fire and/or an explosion. Moreover, tank blanketing with nitrogen prevents oxygen, water, and other unwanted substances from coming into contact with the contents of the storage tanks, and/or causing undo wear of the tanks themselves, as oxygen and moisture inside storage tanks can cause evaporation and corrosion that may result in structural damage to the tanks.

Cooking oil processorstypically blanket with N2 to remove oxygen, which could otherwise oxidize the contents and negatively affect the tasteand,might decrease the shelf life of the oils.

Monitoring Mitigates Risks in Nitrogen Blanketing

Depending upon the needs of the facility and the type of tank, nitrogen is commonly supplied by one of the following methods: continuous purge (a constant flow of nitrogen), pressure control (N2 is added to maintain a set pressure within the tank), and concentration control.

The concentration control methodworks by using an oxygen detection monitor, in conjunction with a nitrogen generator, to continuously measure the level of oxygen inside the storage tank, and, if necessary,owing to elevated oxygen levels, add nitrogen to eliminate excess oxygen in the tank.
To ensure facility safety, protect personnel, and preserve the integrity of the tanks’ contents while blanketing with nitrogen, employees in facilities utilizing concentration control must maintain proper oxygen levels within storage tanks, as too much oxygen can cause an explosion.

Proper oxygen monitoring equipmentshould be placed inside storage tanks to measure and control oxygen levels.  Oxygen monitors should also be placed in any area where nitrogen is stored or used. Further, the O2 detection equipment should be capable of activating visual and audible alarms and, in the event of a nitrogen leak, stop the flow of nitrogen.

The same property–oxygen displacement –that makes nitrogen blanketing such a valuable process,can be deadly if nitrogen leaks from the supply lines or storage containers. Employees could suffocate from breathing oxygen-deficient air and, since N2 lacks color, and odor, there is no way, absent appropriate monitoring, to determine if there has been a leak.

PureAire Monitors

PureAire Monitoring Systems’ Explosion-Proof Oxygen Deficiency Monitor is perfect for facilities that use inert gases including, but not limited to, nitrogen, helium, and argon. The enclosure is specifically designed to prevent ignition of an explosion. The monitor is well suited for environments such as ethanol refineries, chemical manufactures, corn and grain processing facilities, powder coatingplants, and the oil and gas industry, where combustible materials, dust, and ignitable fibers are present.

The Explosion-Proof Oxygen Monitor’s built-in pump continuously samples oxygen levels from up to 100 feet away, making it ideal for use with storage tanks, confined spaces, and other hard to reach areas where oxygen monitoring is essential.

The monitor constantly measures changes in oxygen levels and can be programmed to control the flow of nitrogen as needed to ensure safe blanketing.  Additionally, should oxygen levels outside the storage tank drop to an OSHA action level,PureAire’s monitor will set off alarms, complete with horns and flashing lights, alerting personnel to evacuate the area.

The monitor will remain accurate at temperatures as low as -40C. PureAire’s durable, non-depleting, zirconium oxide sensor will last up to 10+ years in a normal environment without needing to be replaced.PureAire oxygen monitors measure oxygen 24/7, with no time-consuming maintenance or calibration required.

In short, PureAire’s Explosion-Proof Oxygen Monitor enablesoil, gas, and ethanol refineries, food processors, and other industries blanketing with nitrogen, to preserve, in a cost-effective manner, the well-being of their employees, the integrity of their products and safety of their facilities.

Protecting Precious Cargo: Safety Monitoring at IVF and Cryogenic Facilities

Overview

In March 2018, at two separate fertility clinics, one in Clevelandand the other in San Francisco, the cryogenic tanks storing eggs and embryos malfunctioned, resulting in devastating losses for couples hoping to conceive children.

Nationwide, as of December 2019, there were more than 440 sites that store embryos or eggs in specialized storage tanks of liquid nitrogen, but there are no national laws--and few state standards--governing how, or for how long, the reproductive materials contained therein must be stored.

Publicized failures that have caused the destruction of over 4000 patient eggs, embryos, sperm, and reproductive tissue have heightened the awareness of patients, laboratories, and storage entities to the potential risks and liabilities of cryostorage.

In recent years, as certain health plans and insurance companieshave increased coverage offertility treatments, more couples have turned to fertility clinics to improve their chances of starting families.

How Oxygen Monitors Protect IVF and Cryogenic Facilities 

Wherever liquid nitrogen (LN₂) is used, there are risks associated with nitrogen leaks. Nitrogen displaces oxygen, and a leak deprives the air of oxygen, thereby creating a potential health hazard for storage facility staff. When there is not enough oxygen in the air, persons working in the area can become disoriented, lose consciousness,or even suffocate due to the lack of oxygen. Since nitrogen lacks color and odor, there is no way for employees to detect a leak using the senses. Moreover, a nitrogen leak could lead to failure of the cryopreservation tanks storing genetic materials. In order to ensure the safety of employees, and the viability of the materials, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and cryopreservation facilities rely on oxygen monitors.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, facilities using liquid nitrogen should implement a series of quality control steps to monitor LN₂ levels and refill tanks as necessary for proper cryostorage maintenance. Among the recommendations is the installation of oxygen monitors to avert or minimize the effects of potentially serious cryostorage accidents caused by LN₂ leaks.

PureAire Oxygen Monitors

PureAire Monitoring Systems’ oxygen monitors continually sample the air, taking periodic readings of current oxygen levels. PureAire oxygen monitors are ideally suited for use in acryogenic storage facility, because the monitors can withstand temperatures as low as -40C.

In the event of a nitrogen leak, and a decrease in oxygen to a pre-set alarm level, thePureAire monitor’s built-in horn will sound, and lights will begin to flash, thereby providing notification to the facility staff of the possible impending danger to the precious stored materials. The same alert enables employees to take care of their own personal safety, including exiting the area, if necessary.

Best practice calls for oxygen monitors to be placed wherever nitrogen is used or stored.
PureAire Monitoring Systems monitors feature long-lasting zirconium sensors, which are designed to provide accurate readings, without calibration, for up to 10 years. Cryogenic facilities appreciate the ease of use and reliability of PureAire Monitoring Systems products.

Cryotherapy - Baby It’s Cold Inside

Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy (also known as cold therapy) is broadly defined as the use of very cold temperatures for medical or general wellness purposes.  Modern cryotherapy (which comes from the Greek kyro, meaning “cold” and therapeia,  meaning “healing”) can be traced back thousands of years, and some form of it was practiced by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, among other civilizations, which used extreme cold therapy to treat injuries and reduce inflammation.

In 1978, a Japanese rheumatologist, Toshima Yamaguchi, developed what is known as Whole Body Cryotherapy (“WBC”), in which, cryotherapy is applied to the entire body; that is, the whole body, except the head, is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Dr. Yamaguchi’s research found that rapid temperature decreases on the outer layers of individuals’ skin led to a rapid release of endorphins, which caused those individuals to become less sensitive to pain. To put his findings into practice, Dr. Yamaguchi and his associates built the world’s first cryochamber.

How Whole Body Cryotherapy Works

Whole body cryotherapy involves enclosing the entire body (excepting the head) in a cryochamber, with liquid nitrogen used to quickly chill the chamber to temperatures between -200 and -300 degrees Fahrenheit for a period not longer that 2-4 minutes. The extremely rapid cooling of the body causes blood flow to concentrate towards the body’s core, and away from the extremities, which, in concept, can reduce inflammation relating to soft tissue injuries.  At the same time, the body releases endorphins, which serve to decrease pain and increase feelings of euphoria.

Health Benefits Attributed to Whole Body Cryotherapy

Whole body cryotherapy is used to treat patients suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions, as well as, Olympic and other elite athletes experiencing muscle soreness, and to shorten recovery times from injuries and surgeries.

Cryotherapy is used to treat joint pain and inflammation due to arthritis and fibromyalgia, and for pain management, physical therapy, anti-aging, and weight loss treatments.

Oxygen Monitors Can Protect Cryochamber Workers and Users

In 2015, a cryotherapy facility employee in Las Vegas was found dead after she suffocated in a chamber.  The coroner’s office concluded that the death was caused by accidental asphyxiation, resulting from low oxygen levels, possibly resulting from a leak of the nitrogen gas used to rapidly chill the cryochamber. Nitrogen is an oxygen-depleting gas that is both odorless and colorless. Oxygen deprivation is called a silent killer because there are no indications that one is breathing oxygen deficient air until it is too late. As such, absent appropriate monitoring, workers would be unable to detect a nitrogen leak if one were to occur in a gas cylinder or line. Conversely, by utilizing a top-quality oxygen monitor, also known as an oxygen deficiency monitor, cryochamber personnel can track oxygen levels and detect leaks before a workers’ and users’ health is jeopardized.

PureAire Monitors

PureAire Monitoring Systems’ oxygen monitors continuously track levels of oxygen and will detect nitrogen leaks before the health of cryochamber operators or users is put at risk. Built with zirconium oxide sensor cells, to ensure longevity, PureAire’s O2 monitors can last, trouble-free, for over 10 years under normal operating conditions.  In the event of a nitrogen gas leak, and a decrease in oxygen to an unsafe level, the monitor will set off an alarm, replete with horns and flashing lights, alerting staff and users to evacuate the area.

Best practice calls for oxygen monitors to be installed anywhere there is a risk of gas leaks. The oxygen monitors should be placed wherever nitrogen is stored and, in all rooms where nitrogen is used.

PureAire oxygen monitors measure oxygen 24/7, with no time-consuming maintenance or calibration required.

Each PureAire O2 monitor has an easy to read screen, which displays current oxygen levels, for at-a-glance readings by cryochamber employees, who derive peace of mind from the monitor’s presence and reliability.

Freeze-Dried Food…Dogs Eat It Up

Overview

As dog owners, we treat our pets as we do our children, taking care that the food we give them is not only filling and nutritious but contains only high-quality ingredients sourced and processed in ways that meet our exacting standards.

For many owners, far in the past are the days of grabbing any old bag of kibble off the shelf and feeding it to Fido or Ginger. Dog owners today are making informed choices in their purchases of pet food, such as whether the ingredients are all-natural or organic, whether they contain allergens to be avoided, which proteins predominate in the mix, etc. Not only are owners increasingly educated about what goes into their dogs’ food, they are faced with many choices when it comes to exactly what form the food will take.

Types of Dog Food

Major pet food types available to contemporary dog owners, from a wide array of manufacturers, include dry food, semi-moist, canned, raw, and freeze-dried food.
Dry food, commonly known as kibble, is the most prevalent type of dog food on the market. Semi-moist food is served either on its own or added to kibble for a variety of tastes and textures. Canned food is a moist product with a long shelf life. Raw food appeals to owners who believe that an uncooked all-meat diet is closer to what dogs would have eaten in the wild, before they became domesticated. Raw foods may be produced and sold as either fresh, fresh frozen, or freeze-dried.

Freeze-Dried Dog Food

The freeze-dried dog food segment--including 100% freeze-dried meals, so-called “kibble+” (dry kibble mixed with freeze-dried components), and freeze-dried treats, such as beef liver and other types of training tidbits--currently commands only a niche share of the ~$30 Billion U.S. dog food industry, but it is rapidly growing in popularity among owners seeking, as in their own diets, to avoid highly processed foods.

Purchasing freeze-dried proteins, whether cooked or raw, as well as fruits and vegetables (which are typically freeze-dried in a raw state), allows owners to provide their pets with minimally processed, nutrient-rich, natural foods. Freeze-drying quality ingredients makes for an easily transportable, shelf-stable tasty food that does not require refrigeration.

Gas Usage in Freeze-Dried Food Processing and Packaging

Food safety is as important in the pet food industry as it is in the manufacturing and distribution of human-grade foodstuffs.  Proper temperatures must be maintained in order to prevent mold and bacteria growth resulting from, among other things, improper cooking and cooling temperatures, as well as insufficient or excessive moisture.

Quality control and safety concerns dictate that, because of their rapid cooling and freezing properties, liquid nitrogen (LN2) and liquid carbon dioxide (liquid CO2) be used in pet food production to uniformly cool proteins after cooking, and to freeze them as part of the freeze-drying process. Once properly chilled, the proteins and other ingredients that go into a freeze-dried dog food product are quickly frozen in blast freezers using LN2 or liquid CO2.  After freezing, they are placed into vacuum drying chambers for some 12 hours, until the drying process is complete (i.e., essentially all moisture has been removed), following which the food is ready for packaging.

To prolong dog food shelf life (by inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria which thrive in oxygenated environments), nitrogen is injected to displace oxygen from the product packaging.The addition of nitrogen during the packaging phase also provides a cushion to protect the contents from settling and breakage that can occur during shipping and handling.

Oxygen Monitors Can Improve Safety in Pet Food Manufacturing and Packaging

While their use is essential in the production of freeze-dried dog food, nitrogen and carbon dioxide can pose health risks (including death by asphyxiation) to employees working in the industry. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide are both odorless and colorless, and they displace oxygen. Absent appropriate monitoring, workers would be unable to detect a leak if one were to occur in a gas cylinder or line. Conversely, by utilizing a top-quality oxygen monitor, safety and production personnel can track oxygen levels and detect leaks before workers’ health is jeopardized.

PureAire Monitors

With PureAire Monitoring Systems’ dual oxygen/carbon dioxide monitor, pet food producers can track levels of oxygen and detect nitrogen or carbon dioxide leaks before workers’ health is at risk. PureAire’s O2/CO2 monitor measures oxygen and carbon dioxide 24/7, with no time-consuming maintenance or calibration required. PureAire’s monitors can handle temperatures as low as -40C, making them ideally suited for environments, such as pet food processing plants, that use liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Built with zirconium oxide sensor cells and non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR) cells, to ensure longevity, PureAire’s O2/CO2 monitors can last, trouble-free, for over 10 years under normal operation conditions.

3D Printed Auto Parts—The Future Is Now

Overview

3D printing (also known as “additive manufacturing”) affords manufacturers the ability to create custom parts that fit together perfectly.  Utilized for decades in the medical products and aerospace parts industries, 3D printing is increasingly being used in other industries as well, including the relatively recent advent of 3D printed metal auto parts.

 New and Replacement Auto Parts

Automakers have made use of 3D printing processes since the late 1980s, with the initial output comprised primarily of plastic parts.  Manufacturers such as Ford, BMW, Bugatti, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, among others, have embraced 3D printing in their research and development efforts, including the production of working prototypes.  While the automobile industry is currently unable to mass produce an all 3D printed vehicle, carmakers are already producing 3D printed parts, with the eventual goal, as soon as is feasible, of more fully integrating 3D printed parts into the original manufacture of future generations of automobiles.

Availing themselves of 3D printing processes for producing auto parts allows manufacturers to generate parts that are lightweight (which can improve fuel efficiency) and customizable, and that can be created quickly, enhancing the lean manufacturing focus on just in time inventory.  Although plastic has traditionally been the material most often used in printing parts, as advances in additive manufacturing have been made, so too has the use of alternative materials.

For instance, in 2018, French luxury automaker Bugatti announced that it had developed a new 3D printed titanium brake caliper prototype which, it claimed, was the largest functional titanium component produced with a 3D printer.  DS Automobiles, Citroen premium brand, has created 3D titanium printed parts for the ignition elements, as well as 3D printed titanium door handles, to give their DS 3 Dark Side edition vehicle a sleek, high tech feel.

Gas Usage In 3D Printing Process

To prevent corrosion, and to keep out impurities that can negatively impact the final product, 3D printed parts must be produced in an environment made free of oxygen, typically by the use of argon (and sometimes nitrogen) within the building chamber. That creates a stable printing environment, prevents fire hazards by keeping combustible dust inert, and controls thermal stress in order to reduce deformities.

Oxygen Monitors Can Improve Safety in Additive Manufacturing Processes

Dust from materials used in additive manufacturing, such as titanium, is, when exposed to oxygen, highly combustible and, therefore, requires monitoring to prevent possible explosions.Argon and nitrogen, while used in 3D printing for their oxygen depleting properties, require monitoring to ensure both the integrity of the finished part, and the safety of manufacturing personnel.

PureAire Monitors 

For quality control purposes, PureAire Monitoring Systems’ Air Check O2 0-1000ppm monitor has a remote sensor that can be placed directly within the printing build chamber, to continuously monitor the efficiency and purity of the O2 depleting gases (e.g. argon and nitrogen) used therein.

Moreover, to ensure employee safety, PureAire’s Oxygen Deficiency Monitors should be placed anywhere argon and nitrogen supply lines and storage tanks are located. In the event of an argon or nitrogen leak, a drop in oxygen will cause the built-in horn to sound and the lights to flash, thereby alerting employees to evacuate the area.  PureAire’s Oxygen Deficiency Monitors measure oxygen 24/7, with no time-consuming maintenance required. PureAire’s monitors feature long-lasting zirconium sensors, which are designed to give accurate readings, without calibration, for up to 10 years.

Winemaking - A Must Read

Background

The art and science of winemaking have been around for thousands of years. Winemakers rely on their instincts, palettes, and a thorough knowledge of the nuances involved in every stage of the winemaking process as they strive to achieve the flavors and qualities that they desire.Even a cursory overview of certain elements of the process underscores the critical role played by gases…from fermentation to first sip…in preserving the flavors created and nurtured by the winemaker’s skills.

From Harvesting to Fermentation

Since grapes do not continue to ripen after they have been picked, winemakers must carefully monitor the fruits when still on the vine, to ensure that they are harvested when flavor and ripeness are at peak levels. To protect the fragile grapevines, harvesting is typically done by hand, a laborious but important undertaking.

Once grapes are harvested, they are sorted and, sometimes, destemmed, and then crushed. At one time, grapes were crushed by hand (or, rather, by foot), but winemakers today crush them by using mechanical presses, which improves sanitation and the lifespan of the wine “must” (derived from the Latin phrase vinum mustum, or “young wine”), which is the industry term for the mixture of grape juice, seeds, and skins(and, in certain red wines, stems) that is the result of crushing.

The wine must is blanketed with nitrogen to reduce excessive levels of oxygen, which can oxidize the must, leaving it discolored and overly tart.For white wines, solids in the must are quickly removed after the crushing, in order to preserve the pale color of the juice.  For reds, solids are left in the must, to create a more flavorful wine.

Next, the young wine is transferred to fermentation tanks. The fermentation process begins when yeast is introduced to the must.  Most winemakers today use commercial yeasts, so they can control the predictability of the final product, though some winemakers (much like certain Belgian beermakers) continue to use the old-fashioned method of allowing wild yeasts to mix with the wine must. In either case, during fermentation, the yeast converts the grape sugars into alcohol. A byproduct of the fermentation process is carbon dioxide.  Too much carbon dioxide in the fermentation area can displace oxygen and create potential health and safety risks to employees.

The fermentation process can take anywhere from ten days to a month or more.  To maintain sweetness, some wines are not allowed to fully ferment, which leaves higher levels of sugar in the wine.

Once fermentation is complete, the wine is clarified or filtered, in order to remove residual solids and any other undesired particles. At that point, the fermented wine is transferred into aging vessels, most often either stainless-steel tanks or oak barrels.

Aging and Bottling

Exposure to oxygen can negatively impact a wine’s flavor, longevity, and overall quality. Inert gases, including argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, may be used to flush oxygen out of the environment during storage, to help preserve the flavor and quality of the wine.

Flushing fermentation vessels, aging tanks, barrels, and bottles with an inert gas before filling with wine helps prevent oxidation, which is much dreaded by winemakers, as it produces discoloration, unpleasant aromas, and off flavors reminiscent of vinegar.

Oxygen Monitors Can Protect Winemakers and Their Employees

The same property--oxygen displacement --that makes inert gases ideal for winemaking, can be deadly if gas leaks from the supply lines or storage containers, or if there is a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide during the fermentation stage. Employees could suffocate from breathing oxygen-deficient air and, since inert gases lack color, and odor, there is no way, absent appropriate monitoring, to determine if there has been a leak.

PureAire Monitors 

PureAire Monitoring Systems’ line of oxygen and dual oxygen/carbon dioxide monitors offer thorough air monitoring, with no time-consuming maintenance or calibration required. A screen displays current oxygen levels for at-a-glance reading by employees, who derive peace of mind from the monitor’s presence and reliable performance.

Built with zirconium oxide sensor cells and non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR)cells, to ensure longevity, PureAire O2 and O2/CO2 monitors can last, trouble-free, for over 10 years under normal operating conditions.

As such, the use of PureAire’s monitors will enable winemakers, in a cost-effective manner, to preserve both the quality of their wines and the well-being of their employees.

New Solar Cell Technology to Help lower prices for the consumer

Inkjet Perovskite solar cells may help shape the future of energy production by lowering costs, and transparency.

Solar panels used to be costly and time-consuming to produce—and quite expensive on the consumer side. New technologies have driven costs as well as production time down, to the benefit of consumers. See what's new with solar panels and where the solar cell technology is going. 

New Solar Panel Developments

In traditional solar panels, silicon acts as a semiconductor. By doping the silica material with gallium and arsenic impurities, the silicon-based solar panel is able to capture solar energy and convert the sun's energy to electricity. While there are other materials that can act as semiconductors for solar energy, silicon is ideal because is forms an oxide at high temperatures. The oxide makes it easy to product consistent, high quality solar panels. The latest generation of solar cells use perovskite rather than silicon.

In 2009, researchers first discovered that perovskite could also be used to make photovoltaic solar cells. Despite the potential of this discovery, perovskites weren't considered a good choice for solar panels, because the materials needed to be heated to such high temperatures that very few materials could be coated with the perovskite solution. Glass could withstand the high heat, but a glass solar panel would be an impractical product for obvious reasons.

A young scientist recently discovered a new way to work with perovskites. Using an evaporation method, Polish scientist Olga Malinkiewicz, was able to coat flexible foil with perovskites. To speed the substrate drying process, nitrogen was used. By blowing dry nitrogen gas over the wet perovskite film, the resulting evaporation happened faster and more consistently. Without utilizing nitrogen in the process, the panels could have an inconsistent coverage, which would lead to poor energy conversion rates. 

The resulting solar panels were thin and flexible, both in their material application and their use cases. Imagine a portable solar panel that could attach to a laptop, drone, or car, something that could capture the sun's energy indoors or outdoors and travel with you, to power whatever you needed. 

Since her initial discovery, Malinkiewicz has refined the approach. The latest generation of perovskite solar cells are created with an inkjet printing procedure which makes them faster and cheaper to produce. With mass production feasible from an economic perspective, the perovskite solar cells can be a popular option to add electricity to areas that do not have an underlying power grid, whether that's rural communities or developing countries.

The technology is still being refined, so you won't see widespread perovskite solar cells just yet. However, researchers are cheering the innovation and its potential to revolutionize energy distribution.

One thing to consider moving forward with perovskite solar panels is the use of nitrogen in the process. Anywhere nitrogen is used, there's a safety risk should the gas leak from supply lines. 

How an Oxygen Monitor Can Help Detect Nitrogen Gas Leaks

Nitrogen leaks create health risks because nitrogen displaces oxygen, which humans need to breathe. Undetected, a nitrogen leak could create oxygen-deficient air, leading to respiratory distress and eventually death via asphyxiation. Nitrogen gases is both colorless and odorless, which means it would be impossible to detect a leak relying on the senses.

The easiest way to detect a leak is to measure ambient oxygen using an oxygen monitor. Oxygen monitors continually track levels of oxygen, sounding an alarm if levels fall to the OSHA threshold where safety is at risk. With flashing lights and a loud alarm, workers will be able to exit the room before the onset of health problems. 

PureAire creates industry-leading oxygen monitors that last for 10 or more years, with no calibration or maintenance needed. Learn more or view product specs at www.pureairemonitoring.com.

Gas Distributors and Specialty Gas Suppliers Are the Key to Technology Companies

The technologies that power laptops, smartphones, LED televisions, and other technologies rely on one hidden ingredient: Gas. Compressed and inert gases help create a pure environment, control the temperature, and carry other substances for a high-quality end product. See how the different gases used play a pivotal role in technology product development and also how they introduce health and safety risks into the workplace. 

Compressed Gases Used in Technology Devices 

The most common compressed gases used in technologies include argon (Ar), helium (He), and nitrogen (N₂). 

Liquid and gas helium have a range of uses in science, laboratory, manufacturing, and technology settings. Within the semiconductor industry, helium keeps the manufacturing environment pure so that no unwanted chemical reactions occur. Since helium conducts heat efficiently, it stabilizes the temperature when silicon is introduced in the semiconductor manufacturing process. Helium's ability to cool quickly aids in a range of uses, from chilling semiconductor wafers to keeping an MRI magnet cool.  

Nitrogen (N₂₎ gas aids with the liquidous stage of semiconductor manufacturing, where the solder is wetting the surface to create a good bond. Since nitrogen flushes out oxygen, it's also used during the purging process. 

Some semiconductor manufacturing facilities have opted for nitrogen generations onsite rather than N₂ delivery from a commercial gas supplier. Since nitrogen is one component of air, it can be distilled for purity onsite using a generator. 

Like helium (He) and nitrogen, argon or Ar is inert. This gas is introduced in the sputtering phase of semiconductor manufacturing. Since argon maintains a highly pure environment, it prevents silicon crystals used in semiconductors from developing impurities. 

To source these gases, semiconductor, LED, and other manufacturers turn to compressed gas providers, who offer on-demand delivery of combustible gases. The chief gas distributors include Praxair, Airgas, Air Liquide, Linde, Matheson Tri-gas, and BOC.

The Hidden Dangers of Specialty Gas

While these specialty gases are highly useful, there is a danger associated with their use. Helium, nitrogen, and argon all deplete oxygen from the air. In the manufacturing process, this is a desired trait. Oxygen can cause flaws in the final product. 

Where trouble starts is when leaks occur and the specialty gas escapes into a closed room. Leaks can develop in supply lines, storage canisters, or nitrogen generators. These gases have no scent or color, so employees would not see or smell an argon leak. 

Within minutes of a leak, oxygen levels can fall from typical levels to deficient levels, which means that the air in the environment does not have enough oxygen for respiration. Employees can experience fatigue, dizziness, cognitive confusion, and respiratory distress. A few breathe of oxygen deficient air can render someone unconscious. Once an employee loses consciousness, the risk is death via asphyxiation. 

By tracking levels of oxygen using an oxygen monitor, employers can prevent workplace accidents and injuries and protect the well-being of their employees. An oxygen deficiency monitor tracks oxygen levels 24/7 and provides fast notification if oxygen levels plummet due to an inert gas leak. 

Just as these gases can leak in the semiconductor manufacturing plant, they can leak at the gas distributor as well. Leaks arise when storage equipment and supply lines develop holes, when storage dewars are not properly sealed, or when the equipment is used in a manner for which it was not originally intended or designed.

While end manufacturers are well aware of the risks of an oxygen deficient environment, there is less talk of the need for protection in gas distribution facilities. Wherever He, Ar, and N₂ are used or stored, oxygen monitors should be installed as a precaution. 

How an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor Works

An oxygen deficiency monitor has a built-in alarm to provide LED and sound alert when oxygen levels fall to the critical defined threshold, which is 19.5 percent. PureAire's monitors work in confined spaces, including basements and freezers, and function at temperatures of -40 C. PureAire's oxygen monitors are built to withstand 10+ years of use without subjectivity to barometric pressure shifts or temperature changes. The zirconium sensor needs no annual maintenance or calibration.

If you're looking for a reliable product that is easy to use out of the box, consider PureAire's O₂ monitor. Learn more about PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitor or read customer testimonials at https://www.pureairemonitoring.com or www.oxygenmonitors.com

Source:

http://summitsourcefunding.com/blog/helium-is-a-critical-part-electronics-supply-chain 
https://www.onsitegas.com/semi-conductor-nitrogen.html

Crispr and the Editing of Genes: To Help Revolutionize Biomedical Science

Scientists from MIT and Harvard University are placing their faith in a gene editing tool that may revolutionize the treatment of deadly diseases. CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, has the potential to unlock the next generation of treatments for conditions like cancer, ALS, or Alzheimer's. Learn how CRISPR is poised to change genome editing and biomedicine over the next few decades.

How Does CRISPR Work? 

Bacteria within the body have their own innate intelligence -- the fascination with the microbiome being one example of this scientific principle.

Scientists observed that bacteria was able to fight infections by retaining a slice of DNA from invading viruses, so they could recognize if the virus returned and mount a faster defense. If the intruder returns, the body's natural CRISPR goes after it. Scientists were able to create their own CRISPR, which they can use to edit genes.

You may remember all genes contain chemical basis, referred to by the letters C, G, A, or T. A genetic typo creates markers for disease. Scientists can search for specific bad combinations using CRISPR -- for instance, the gene that would cause ALS -- and then slice out the faulty gene and replace it with something innocuous. By doing this before someone gets sick, the theory goes, CRISPR can save lives. 

Already, scientists are using CRISPR to breed mosquitos that cannot transmit malaria, an application that would save thousands of lives. Others are working to create a stronger rice plant that can withstand floods and drought caused by climate change.

There are a few examples that illustrate the power of CRISPR.

Scientists are still figuring out the true potential of this genome editing tool, however, there is great promise and great enthusiasm for CRISPR's potential from scientists across the globe. In the meantime, laboratory workers must preserve genes and tissue samples for vitality using a nitrogen freezer.

Keeping Tissue Safe in the Laboratory Setting

Nitrogen freezers maintain ultralow temperatures of -150 to -200 Celsius. When genetic material is frozen at such a low temperature, it goes to sleep. The material can be thawed and reanimated for use in the lab setting. Along with low temperatures, the key to maintaining the vitality of the tissue is a slow freeze and thaw. If cells were to freeze too quickly, their cell membranes would burst. The same holds true for thawing frozen tissue. Thus, nitrogen freezers are a mainstay of the lab setting because they provide a reliable, efficient way to keep genomic materials chilled until use.

Any time nitrogen is used, there is a risk of accident if the nitrogen leaks or spills. Nitrogen does not have a color, scent, or odor, which means lab workers wouldn't notice a leak -- although they might notice if, say, the freezer door did not fully close.

Like other inert gases, nitrogen displaces oxygen. If the nitrogen freezer were to leak, the laboratory could lose so much oxygen that workers would experience respiratory distress. To safeguard against a leak, laboratories must use an oxygen deficiency monitor.

An oxygen deficiency monitor tracks the level of oxygen in the lab through constant monitoring. Since nitrogen displaces oxygen, this monitor can detect a gas leak by noting falling levels of oxygen. A digital display indicates the current amount of oxygen in the room, providing assurance for lab staff that everything is working as it should. If oxygen falls to the critical threshold as defined by OSHA, an alarm goes off. Lab workers can exit the premises and wait for emergency personnel to respond.

PureAire creates robust oxygen monitors trusted within the scientific and biomedical communities. PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitors work in freezing temperatures and confined spaces, remain accurate despite barometric pressure shifts, and last 10 or more years without calibration. 

To learn more about PureAire's products, visit www.pureairemonitoring.com

sited sources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crispr-the-gene-editing-tool-revolutionizing-biomedical-research/

https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/references/gibco-cell-culture-basics/cell-culture-protocols/freezing-cells.html

NASA's Uses the Largest Airborne Telescope Observatory in the World

NASA's latest project, a joint collaboration with the German Aerospace Center, breaks new ground for scientific discoveries. The new Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (or SOFIA, as it's known) makes use of a modified Boeing aircraft and a reflecting telescope to enable spatial observations far more detailed than anything a land-based telescope could see. Get a sneak peak inside SOFIA and learn how an O₂ monitor plays a pivotal role in keeping SOFIA safe. 

SOFIA's Mission 

The airplane that powers SOFIA is a short-body 747, which is capable of burning through 3,600 gallons of jet fuel per hour. The plane has been extensively modified to support its new mission, which is to observe the universe using the infrared spectrum of light. This is light that is invisible to the human eye. Interestingly, many objects within space emit only infrared light, meaning that astronomers cannot perceive them with the naked eye. 

SOFIA uses a lot of specialized equipment to make these infrared emissions visible. The telescope on board has a 100-inch diameter. The instrument panel contains cameras, spectrometers, and photometers which operate along near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths to study different scientific phenomena. 

The telescope must be kept clean and properly chilled to see the infrared light. Bathing the telescope in liquid nitrogen keeps it properly chilled, so the telescope can detect midrange and far-out light sources. Nitrogen is used for both of these purposes because it is cost-effective, readily available, and will not damage the sensitive equipment. 

SOFIA will allow astronomers to observe star birth, star death, black holes, and nebulae. It's difficult to forecast what other findings SOFIA may facilitate. 

In some cases, distant objects are blocked by clouds of space dust, much like the sun can become blocked by clouds.  While the space dust prevents these far-off objects from being seem, their infrared energy still reaches SOFIA's powerful telescope. By studying the infrared light captured on SOFIA's instruments, astronomers can learn about new phenomena and come to a better understanding of complex spatial molecules, new solar systems, planets, and more. 

Why SOFIA Needs an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor 

One small but mighty piece of equipment onboard the special aircraft is an oxygen deficiency monitor. SOFIA's powerful telescope must be cooled with liquid nitrogen. The nitrogen storage tank is located inside the crew department. 

Nitrogen gas is heavier than oxygen. In the event of a leak, the nitrogen would actually displace oxygen molecules, causing the cabin air to become deficient of oxygen.

Oxygen-deficient air causes respiratory and cognitive problems within minutes, leading to death via asphyxiation. Since this gas has no color or odor, there is no way the crew can tell there is a leak onboard. This is where the O₂ monitor comes in: By taking continuous readouts of cabin oxygen, the oxygen monitor allows staff to check ambient oxygen levels at a glance. Staff receive peace of mind that everything is operating smoothly as well as a fast alert if oxygen approaches hazardous levels due to a leak of nitrogen gas. 

If a nitrogen leak does occur, the plane must make an emergency landing—aborting the mission to save the life of the personnel onboard. If something goes wrong while SOFIA is in flight, and the aircraft has to land before the mission is complete, the cost of wasted fuel is (pardon the pun) astronomical. 

Since there is so much riding on the oxygen monitor, NASA needed a reliable product, one that would not drift from changes in barometric pressure. While there are many oxygen deficiency monitors, several products on the market are sensitive to barometric pressure shifts. PureAire offers hardy O₂ monitors that are capable of maintaining reliable performance despite barometric changes. 

Our O₂ monitor lasts for 10 or more years after installation with no maintenance required, thanks to a robust zirconium sensor that outperforms the competition. After installation, our oxygen deficiency monitor needs no calibration to continue working accurately. If there is a nitrogen leak, the oxygen deficiency monitor provides two built-in alarms, which operate at 90 decibels. These alarms—which correlate to 19.5 percent and 18.0 percent oxygen—provide the SOFIA crew with sufficient notification of any problems, so they can return to safety. 

It's thrilling to have our products be a part of such a vital mission, and we cannot wait to see what new discoveries SOFIA facilitates. Closer to home, PureAire supports clients in a range of industries with high-value, long-lasting oxygen monitors suitable for use anywhere they are needed. Learn more about PureAire's products at pureairemonitoring.com.

Source

https://space.stackexchange.com/questions/12295/why-do-some-space-telescopes-require-cooling-sometimes-down-to-3k