The
ATOMOX HeLIUM ANALYZER® (Image)
operates by comparing the thermal conductivity of the sample gas to the thermal conductivity of a
reference gas housed in a sealed cell. This technique to determine helium was first reported in the scientific literature in 1908 and is still used today.
Improvisation (e.g. "rule of thumb", "fudge factor") and experimentation are no longer necessary when mixing gases with helium. Knowing the helium
content of a mix eliminates an unknown and will allow the user to keep better track of their gas blending skills.
Having an accurate (within 1%) reading of the helium content allows better decompression planning, and can enhance diver safety.
The greatest benefit of the analyzer will be realized in gas blending operations. The analyzer will allow the use of continuous
gas blending of trimix when combined with an oxygen analyzer.