Demand for portable gas analyzers that incorporate IR sensors has gradually grown into a sizeable market. Technological improvements now allow for the combination of multiple types of sensors into easily portable instruments. The potential implementation of carbon dioxide emission regulations is likely to be the largest driver of demand.

IR-based portable gas analyzers typically use non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensors, which are simple photometric sensors that analyze specific gases and compounds, such as carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. NDIR sensors are more stable, more resistant to contamination and require less maintenance than other types of gas sensors. Portable gas analyzers increasingly pair an NDIR sensor for analyzing selected gases with other types of sensors for analyzing oxygen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic gases. Single-gas electrochemical sensors are the most common of these. Zirconia and galvanic cells are quite common for oxygen analysis, and photoionization detectors (PIDs) are often used for VOCs. Although the basic technology behind these analytical technologies has remained relatively unchanged in recent years, the miniaturization of electronics and improvements in battery technology have allowed for the development of lighter, smaller portable gas analyzers.

Portable gas analyzers that incorporate IR sensors are used to detect methane and other hydrocarbons in order to identify explosion hazards. This application has led to demand from crude oil, liquid natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas transportation and storage facilities for the monitoring of tanks for explosive hazards. The ability of IR to analyze carbon dioxide is also beginning to make portable gas analyzers popular for emissions and combustion gas monitoring. The potential regulation of carbon dioxide at US power generation plants has already led to demand for both fixed and portable analyzers and will accelerate when such regulation is adopted.

The market for portable IR-based gas analyzers will total more than $30 million in 2012. Growth is expected to be flat or in the low single digits in 2013, but annual growth should accelerate over the next several years. The rapid development of the energy industry in China and other developing countries is the largest driver of demand. Also, the expansion of the energy sector in North America will also be a positive. Despite political wrangling, it appears as if carbon dioxide emission regulations are inevitable. A rebound in industrial hiring will also contribute to demand as portable gas analyzers are also used for human health and safety.

HORIBA, AMETEK and Thermo Fisher Scientific compete in this market, but the leaders are firms that specialize in industrial gas analysis. In addition to Riken Keiki, Industrial Scientific Corporation (ISC) and Crowcon Detection, MSA and Dräger are also significant competitors.

Automated Patch Clamp Systems at a Glance:

Leading Suppliers

• Riken Keiki

• Crowcon Detection (Halma)

• Industrial Scientific

Largest Markets

• Emissions Monitoring

• Petroleum

• Human Health & Safety

Instrument Cost

• $1,000–$5,000