AVS 51st International Symposium
    Manufacturing Science and Technology Wednesday Sessions
       Session MS+AS-WeA

Paper MS+AS-WeA9
Optimizing and Managing Calibration Gas Inventories to Address Accuracy, Analysis Shelf Life and the Cost of Ownership

Wednesday, November 17, 2004, 4:40 pm, Room 303B

Session: Non-Destructive Analysis and Metrology for Advanced Manufacturing
Presenter: P. Somssich, Osram Sylvania, Inc.
Correspondent: Click to Email
Today's analytical laboratories must meet ever-stricter quality controls and tracking requirements to maintain accreditation. Maintaining the usability of certified gas standards can be both time-consuming and costly. An ACCESS-based database was developed at Osram Sylvania Inc. to serve both cost management needs and the scientific requirements. The essentials of such a database required addressing critical issues: e.g., the shelf life of the certification, the traceability and cost of ownership. Almost 28 certified gas mixtures have since been recertified with initial fill and analysis dates going back 16 years. While some older mixtures were initially thought to be no longer useable, actual analysis results indicated that in most cases the vendor stated shelf life was far too short. However, there were a few dramatic exceptions. In addition to the costs associated with maintaining the certification, significant costs can occur by way of cylinder rentals, i.e., long term rental. This data is currently being evaluated to minimize the cost of ownership of the inventory, which includes 140 mixtures. The importance of good and accurate (or even very accurate) gas calibration standards has recently been highlighted by the use of EPA protocol gases associated with continuous emission monitors (CEMs). Since the Clean Air Act of 1990 makes the use of such monitors necessary, proper calibration standards and procedures can contribute to a sizeable financial windfall, while poor calibration can result in possible stiff penalties. Applications from lamp manufacturing will also be discussed showing a significant quality and financial benefit when lighting products are filled accurately resulting in optimal light output and performance as well as energy savings.