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

Aluminum Extrusion: Staying Cool with Nitrogen

Aluminum is a highly malleable material, which is readily shaped for any number of purposes. The aluminum extrusion process is key to shaping aluminum, and it must be completed in an inert environment to reduce the formation of oxides. Learn why this is important and how facilities can reduce the risks of health hazards in an inert environment. 

How Aluminum Extrusion Works

Billets of aluminum are first heated to above 800 degrees Fahrenheit to become malleable, then coated with a lubricant so the molten metal will not stick to the extruding ram. 

The ram presses the aluminum billet through a die, which is cast in a given shape. As the aluminum passes through the die, liquid nitrogen flows over the metal to prevent oxides from adhering to the aluminum. This also extends the lifespan of the die by cooling it. In some operations, nitrogen gas is used instead of liquid. While the overall purpose is the same -- to keep out oxides, which can cause the extruded aluminum to crack -- the gas does not cool the die. 

The shaped aluminum passes through the die, then exits the press where its temperature is taken. Temperature records help maintain press speeds, for plant efficiency. The extruded aluminum pieces are then transferred to a leadout table and a puller, where the metal is cooled using fans. Some mixtures of aluminum are cooled with water as well as air. 

The cooled and cut aluminum is then stretched via a stretcher, a step that increases the hardness and strength of the finished piece. Finally, extruded aluminum pieces are cut for precision and aged under controlled temperatures via heat treatment. 

The entire process resembles a play-doh modeling kit, where the dough is squeezed through a press and comes out in a tube or a star shape, for instance. 

Extruded aluminum pieces are used in a variety of industries, including railway cars, lightweight automobiles, bridge decking, solar panels, and coaxial cables. 

Whether liquid or gaseous nitrogen is used, there is a risk of a nitrogen leak causing an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Nitrogen is naturally heavier than oxygen, so it displaces the oxygen molecules in the atmosphere. Since nitrogen has no color, odor, or scent, employees are unable to tell there's a leak. A leak poses health hazards in addition to work disruption and revenue losses. Fortunately, there's an easy way to protect facility staff. 

Why Oxygen Sensors Should Be Used With Aluminum Extrusion 

When nitrogen displaces oxygen, oxygen levels start to fall unbeknownst to anyone present. Eventually, oxygen levels will grow dangerously low. In an oxygen deficient environment, employees may start to feel dizzy or confused. Some may sweat, start to cough, or experience rapid breathing and increased heart rate. Death via asphyxiation is a real risk. 

An oxygen sensor provides assurance that there is no leak, since it tracks levels of oxygen in the room 24/7. As long as oxygen levels are above the OSHA threshold of 19.5, the monitor will be silent. If liquid or gas nitrogen starts to leak, leading oxygen levels to fall, the monitor will sound an air horn and flash lights. Staff will understand there is a problem and will have time to evacuate to safety. Staff can also check the monitor face at any time to see oxygen levels at a glance. 

PureAire offers oxygen monitors that feature zirconium sensors, which last long and withstand shifts in barometric pressure and temperature. These monitors can operate for over 10 years with no annual maintenance or calibration. PureAire's monitors work in temperatures from -40 Celsius to 55 Celsius and even function in confined spaces, such as basements or freezers.  Learn more about PureAire's products at www.pureairemonitoring.com. 

How Do Potato Chips Stay So Fresh In The Bag?

Chip bags have all that air in them for a valid reason — and it's not air, anyway, it's nitrogen gas. 

So what is this gas doing in your bag of crisps? First, the gas acts as a preservative so your chips are as crispy when you open the bag as the day they were packaged. Next, the gas also gives the chips a cushion. In what's known as slack fill, chips manufacturers intentionally inflate the package with nitrogen gas to protect it from damage in transit. Without the cushion of nitrogen gas, chips would likely wind up at their final destination as a bag of crumbs, because the chips inside the bag would break through being stacked in transit or packed onto a grocery store shelf. 

Nitrogen gas is piped into the chip bag before packaging. The gas displaces oxygen from the bag, which is then filled with chips and sealed. Without this step, chips would have a much shorter shelf life. Oxygen in the bag would cause the chips to stale and humidity found in air would lead to soggy crisps — no signature crunch.

While nitrogen gas does play an important role in keeping chips fresh and full-sized, there is a danger in using this gas. Not to the chips — since nitrogen lacks odor, color, and flavor—but to the employees in the processing plant. Nitrogen preserves the chips' texture because it displaces oxygen. If nitrogen leaks in the packaging facility, it will displace ambient oxygen — eventually causing levels to fall so low they threaten employee health. 

Workers become confused and dizzy when they breathe air that lacks sufficient oxygen. Oxygen-deficient air also causes respiratory problems and can lead to death via asphyxiation. 

The same properties that made nitrogen a good choice for preservation — lack of color, odor, and taste — mean employees cannot detect a leak until it is too late. 

Fortunately, there's a simple and reliable way to make sure food packaging facilities aren't leaking nitrogen: Using oxygen sensors to measure the amount of oxygen in the air. 

How an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor Protects Food Packaging Plant Workers

An oxygen monitor tracks oxygen levels in the facility, which should be stable as long as there is no gas leak. Since nitrogen gas displaces oxygen, oxygen levels will fall in the event that nitrogen starts to leak. When oxygen levels fall below safe thresholds — which are defined by OSHA as 19.5 percent — the oxygen monitor will sound an alarm. Employees will be able to leave the packaging floor and alert emergency personnel before the situation turns deadly. 

For peace of mind, employees can check the levels of ambient oxygen by looking at the face of the monitor. A silent monitor — with no loud alarms or flashing lights — indicates that all is well. Lights and loud noises mean staff should stop what they are doing and vacate immediately. 

To properly protect employees, one oxygen deficiency monitor should be installed in any room where nitrogen gas is used or stored. Facilities that use nitrogen generators to produce nitrogen on demand also need an oxygen sensor near the generator. 

PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitors are a cost-effective long-term solution to nitrogen leaks in food packaging plants. These monitors provide accurate readouts even when temperatures are as low as -40 Celsius, and operate reliably even in confined spaces, including freezers and basements. 

PureAire's monitors feature a zirconium sensor, which requires no maintenance and no calibration after installation. PureAire's O₂ monitors provide consistent readouts regardless of the weather or barometric pressure, which makes them reliable solutions for safety-minded employers. 

If you are looking for an oxygen monitor that is easy to use, accurate, and built to last, look to PureAire to provide solutions that protect your employees and deliver peace of mind. Browse products at www.pureairemonitoring.com.

Taste the Difference with Nitrogen Packed Coffee Grounds

When it comes to flavor, coffee purists prefer whole beans, which retain their flavors longer than ground coffee. Yet there's no denying the convenience factor of ground coffee, which is why it's so popular in offices. Ground coffee has a short shelf life -- hence the push to use airtight containers, which keep the flavors in the coffee -- and off flavors may develop if the coffee grounds are left on the shelf too long. Some coffee companies are trying a new trick to add shelf stability to their ground coffee: a nitrogen flush.

How Nitrogen Flushing Preserves Coffee Grounds

Oxygen is the enemy of ground coffee: When coffee grounds come into contact with oxygen, they go stale faster. This is why coffee grounds are sold in vacuum-sealed containers, and why consumers are encouraged to use airtight containers. For best flavor, coffee beans should also be stored in dark containers (so light does not pass through).

Some amount of oxygen is produced (in the form of CO₂) as the ground coffee degasses, a naturally occurring process. To release these gases and preserve coffee flavor, many coffee bags contain a one-way valve. Oxygen escapes through the valve, but cannot come back into the bag.

Some coffee companies are taking it one step further by flushing the bag with nitrogen gas during the coffee packaging process, which ensures that no oxygen is in the bag with the coffee where it would cause spoilage. Nitrogen gas is heavier than oxygen, so when it is pushed into the empty coffee bag, it displaces oxygen. The bag is then filled with coffee grounds and sealed with no ambient oxygen in the sack. This preserves coffee flavor.

Since nitrogen gas has no color or odor, it does not affect the taste of the coffee. What consumers get, months later, is grounds that are as fresh as they were the day the coffee was roasted and ground.

While this is beneficial for the consumer, nitrogen flushing may prevent problems at the packaging plant. Just as nitrogen gas flushes oxygen out of the bag, so can it displace oxygen from the room. If a leak were to occur, employees would not be able to tell (remember, the gas has no smell, odor, or color). A leak could push so much oxygen out of the air that staff could suffer respiratory problems, death via asphyxiation being the worst-case scenario.

How an Oxygen Sensor Can Protect Your Employees

Since nitrogen displaces oxygen, it's easy to detect a leak by tracking the levels of oxygen in the room. Oxygen sensors -- also known as oxygen deficiency monitors -- continually monitor oxygen levels. As long as the room air remains stable, there's no leak. When the levels of oxygen in the air fall to the OSHA threshold of 19.5 percent, where a health threat is imminent, the sensor will go off. Employees will see a flashing light and hear a loud alarm that warns of the low levels of oxygen. Staff can exit the packaging facility without suffering adverse health effects; they also enjoy peace of mind every day by checking the O₂ monitor.

PureAire supplies coffee manufacturers with oxygen sensors that help them offer a higher-quality product without placing workers at risk. PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitor requires no maintenance and calibration once installed, thanks to a hardy zirconium sensor. Once installed, the O₂ monitor will provide accurate readouts and leak detection for 10 or more years. PureAire's oxygen deficiency monitors function properly despite changes to barometric pressure, thunderstorms, and other weather events. Suitable for use in freezers, basements, and other confined spaces, PureAire's monitors perform in temperatures from 55 Celsius to -40 Celsius.

To protect worker safety, an oxygen monitor should be used wherever nitrogen gas is stored or used. Learn more about PureAire's products at www.pureairemonitoring.com.

Gas Chromatography and Breathe Safely While Using Nitrogen

Gas chromatography is a process used to separate chemical compounds for analysis. The analytical chemistry process is used with gases that won't decompose when vaporized. Gas chromatography are used in a wide range of industries -- everything from forensic science to medical marijuana. While the procedure is highly useful, there are risks when working with nitrogen gas. Learn how gas chromatography works, the role nitrogen plays, and how an oxygen sensor improves safety. 

How Gas Chromatography Work

In chromatography, one gas moves over the sample substance. The moving gas is known as the mobile phase, and it's usually an inert gas, such as nitrogen or helium. As the mobile phase passes over the substance, it separates out into its component parts. Since accuracy is key, it's vital that the moving gas not react with the substance being analyzed. For this reason, inert gases are recommended for gas chromatography.

Gas chromatography takes place within a special machine, known as a gas chromatograph machine. The substance being studied is injected into the chromatograph with a syringe, then the material is heated to the vapor stage. The carrier gas -- e.g. nitrogen -- is then added to the chromatograph to push the sample up the central column. As the substance being analyzed passes up the column, it's absorbed by the carrier and then separated into its distinct components. The components emerge from the column and pass through a detector, where they are identified and noted on a chart.

When the process is complete, every part of the mixture is identified. At this point, for instance, a forensic scientist will have the raw data needed to analyze evidence found at the crime scene. While television shows may portray the process as instant, it's often time-consuming.

Within the medical marijuana industry, scientists are using gas chromatography to test for pesticide residue in cannabis. While the medical marijuana industry is still young, and pesticide levels are not heavily regulated, industry leaders expect this to change as the marijuana industry grows. Thus, the use of gas chromatography to check for pesticides will grow too.

Whenever gases is used in the chromatography process, there's a potential for gas leaks, whether from the supply lines, storage tanks, or from the chromatograph itself. Nitrogen gas displaces oxygen. If nitrogen were to leak, air levels would become deficient of oxygen and employees could suffer health problems. 

Since nitrogen gas has no color or odor, there is no way for lab staff to tell that the gas has leaked. The best way to safeguard the lab is with an oxygen monitor. 

How an Oxygen Deficiency Monitor Protects Employees 

Risks of breathing oxygen deficient air include dizziness, fatigue, unconsciousness, and death via asphyxiation. All it takes is a couple breaths of air to experience adverse health effects. 

Since there is no way to tell whether a leak has occurred, it's necessary to use an oxygen sensor to track oxygen levels at all times. The oxygen monitor or sensor measures oxygen and only reacts when levels fall below a predefined threshold. Oxygen sensors from PureAire have alarms for oxygen levels of 18 percent and 19.5 percent, for instance. 

The oxygen deficiency monitor includes a flashing light and loud alarm, so that staff and passerby receive prompt notification of the leak. When the alarm goes off, employees can vacate the premises and contact emergency personnel. 

Given the serious risks posed by a nitrogen gas leak, it's important to use oxygen deficiency monitors anywhere inert gases are stored or used. 

PureAire is an industry leader when it comes to oxygen monitors. O₂ monitors from PureAire are designed for long-lasting and maintenance-free use. They feature a zirconium sensor, which lasts for 10-plus years without calibration. PureAire's monitors can handle temperature changes, barometric shifts, and even freezing temperatures. Learn more about PureAire's monitors and how they promote safety at 

www.pureairemonitoring.com.

Source: http://www.explainthatstuff.com/chromatography.html

Nitro Coffee: A New Trend in Cold Brew

In cold brew coffee, grinds are infused into cold water to make a strong brew that reduces acidity and bitterness. Some coffee roasters have started using nitrogen gas to amp up their cold brew coffee's silky texture and add a creaminess to the basic black brew. The resulting nitro coffee has creamy, sweet, and smooth flavors without added milk or sugar -- although these can be added to taste. While nitrogen coffee offers a cool factor that's rapidly gaining converts, it isn't without risk. 

How Nitro Brew is Made

It all starts with the cold brew, where coffee grinds soak in distilled water to create a rich coffee concentrate. The mixture is then diluted with water. Coffee lovers claim cold brew coffee tastes better than hot coffee, because it captures the flavors of the brew without the acidic notes. The underlying fruity, floral, or spices notes within the coffee are allowed to shine for a deeper coffee drinking experience. 

In a nitro coffee process, nitrogen gas is added to the cold brew coffee. This can happen during canning or bottling, which creates a shelf stable product, or coffee shops can use a tap system to infuse cold brew with nitrogen. In either case, when nitrogen meets the water content in coffee, it doesn't dissolve readily, as another gas might. This gives the nitro coffee a rich mouthfeel and a creamy head, mimicking the creamy flavor of coffee with cream without the dairy. Tiny bubbles of nitrogen gas make the drink thicker for a better mouthfeel. It's almost like a dessert version of iced coffee, especially when the nitro coffee is served with sugar syrup and cream -- or as the base for an ice cream soda. 

While nitrogen gas enhances the flavor of coffee, there are risks associated with using this gas to infuse coffee. Nitrogen gas displaces oxygen from the environment -- part of the reason it makes that coffee taste so good -- and this can cause health hazards if the gas leaks into the air. 

Coffee shops that serve nitrogen coffee on tap or bottle the beverage for consumption must worry about the potential for a nitrogen gas leak. If a nitrogen dewar or supply line were to develop a leak, the leaking gas would reduce oxygen levels in the room. Since nitrogen has no color or odor, there is no way for employees or customers to know there is a leak. 

If the oxygen levels fall so low that the air is unsafe to breathe, employees and customers can experience respiratory distress, cognitive confusion or -- in a worst case scenario -- death via asphyxiation. One simple safety device can monitor oxygen levels to ensure there's enough breathable air in the room and provide sufficient warning of a nitrogen leak. 

How an Oxygen Monitor Protects Public Health 

By installing an oxygen monitor anywhere that nitrogen gas is stored or used, coffee shops can protect against the risks of a nitrogen leak. Oxygen monitors continually sample the air to determine oxygen levels. As long as the air has enough oxygen, the monitor remains silent. If levels of oxygen in the air fall to OSHA's critical threshold, which would suggest that nitrogen gas is displacing oxygen, the monitor will flash lights and sound a 90-decibel alarm to warn people of the imminent health threat. Staff and customers can then leave the cafe until emergency personnel arrive to contain the nitrogen leak.

PureAire's alarm has a digital display, which shows a constant readout of oxygen levels in the room. This can provide peace of mind that everything's working properly. Since these oxygen monitors resist drift from thunderstorms, barometric shifts or other incidents, they are reliable all year round. 

PureAire's line of oxygen monitors feature robust zirconium sensors, which last for 10+ years. PureAire products require no maintenance or calibration once set up, and offer a low-maintenance and long-lasting alternative to other oxygen monitors. To learn more about PureAire's products, please visit www.pureairemonitoring.com. 

The Overview on Inert Glove Boxes and How They Work

For businesses that work with inert gases or hazardous materials, glove boxes are essential. They allow employees to safely work with sensitive or hazardous materials without compromising either the material or their safety. While glove boxes are an effective solution to handling inert and hazardous materials, they are not failsafe. To ensure there are no leaks in the glove box, it's critical to pair a glove box with an oxygen monitor. 

How a Glove Box Works 

A glove box, sometimes known as a dry box, is a large box with at least one window and two ports. The ports allow workers wearing arm-length gloves to place their hands inside the inert environment, where they can work with hazardous materials or inert gases, such as argon or nitrogen. 

The interior of the glove box is filled with an inert gas -- usually nitrogen, although it could be argon or helium if the materials used inside the box react with nitrogen. While the glove box environment is intended to be closed, small amounts of oxygen can seep through the glove ports. Thus, it's essential that the glove box be purged nightly. 

There's an antechamber on one side of the glove box. This allows you to place materials in the chamber, then open the interior door and bring them into the glove box environment. To prevent the insert gas inside from seeping out through the antechamber, you must never have both the interior and exterior door open at the same time. 

Inert gases, such as nitrogen and argon, displace oxygen. If these gases were to leak into the air via the antechamber doors or through a hole in a defective glove box, it would push oxygen out of the room. Oxygen levels would begin to drop, eventually falling below the OSHA threshold. 

When oxygen levels drop below the OSHA threshold, it can cause respiratory and cognitive problems, as well as death via asphyxiation. To protect employee safety in a glove box environment, it's critical to use oxygen monitors onsite. 

How an Oxygen Monitor Protects Your Workers 

While your staff might see the antechamber doors open and understand that a leak has occurred, most leaks are undetectable until it is too late. 

Inert gases have no color or odor, so there is no way for someone working onsite to know at a glance or sniff there's been a leak. Meanwhile, the air in the room would slowly lose oxygen, eventually leading to an oxygen deficient environment that places your employees at risk of death by asphyxiation. 

A wall-mounted oxygen monitor samples room air 24/7. The monitor remains silent if there's sufficient air in the room. If there is a leak of nitrogen, for example, and oxygen levels fall, the monitor will sound an alarm and flash lights, so workers can see and hear there is a problem. 

Your employees will be able to leave the room before suffering adverse health effects. Staff will also be able to complete shifts with less stress when they know the environment is safe, because they trust the oxygen monitor is working properly. 

PureAire's oxygen monitors feature long-lasting zirconium sensors. Once installed, these oxygen monitors measure the oxygen in the air for 10 or more years, without needing annual calibration or maintenance. The monitors are unaffected by sudden shifts in barometric pressure or thunderstorms. The digital display provides legible, updated oxygen readings so employees can check ambient oxygen levels. PureAire's oxygen monitors can be used in confined spaces and in temperature extremes as low as -40 Celsius. All PureAire oxygen monitors come with a three year warranty for your protection. Review specifications or learn more about oxygen monitors from PureAire by visiting www.pureairemonitoring.com