Q:  How do the accuracy and precision of 2B Tech Ozone Monitors compare with larger, conventional ozone monitors such as those manufactured by Thermo Fischer and API? 

A:  The accuracy is the same or better while the precision is not quite as good, but the precisions of ±1.5 ppb for the Model 202 and ±1.0 ppb for the Model 205 for 10-second averaging times are more than adequate for atmospheric monitoring where ozone is usually in the tens of ppb.

Q:  How are the 2B Tech Ozone Monitors able to achieve a high level of precision in such a small package?

A:  The 2B Tech instruments make use of state-of-the art components and electronics that provide a much more stable measurement of the light intensity.  The much larger, conventional instruments were designed 20-30 years ago mainly for monitoring of ozone as required by the Clean Air Act.  The basic designs of those instruments have been frozen because of costs of recertification by the EPA.

Q:  Are the 2B Tech Ozone Monitors approved by the EPA for compliance monitoring?

A:  Yes.  The Model 202 and Model 205 Ozone Monitors are approved as Federal Equivalent Methods (FEMs). The Model 106-L, Model 211 Ozone Monitors and the POM are currently undergoing testing by an external laboratory as part of the process of being designated as FEMs as well..

Q:  What is the difference between the Model 202 and Model 205?

A:  The Model 202 is a single beam instrument, while the Model 205 is dual beam.  The main advantage of the second detection cell is that measurements can be made much faster.  The Model 205 is capable of reporting new measurements every 2 seconds, while the Model 202 reports measurements every 10 seconds.  The Model 205 also has slightly better precision and better baseline stability.  In other respects (instrument case, outputs, logging, internal clock, units, etc.) the two instruments are identical.

Q:  Which instrument should I buy, Model 202 or Model 205?

A:  The Model 205 is recommended for measurements from aircraft and balloons where high spatial resolution is required.  The Model 205 is the fastest responding instrument of all commercially available ozone monitors.  However, if you are making measurements at a fixed location, and especially if you plan on averaging the data, the Model 202 is more than adequate for your needs.

Q:  Can I upgrade my old Model 202 for a Model 205?

A:  Yes, if your Model 202 has a serial number larer than 300.  For serial numbers less than 300 we offer a trade-in of your old Model 202 for a new Model 205.  The old Model 202s are refurbished with new lamps, pumps, valves, etc. and either rented or sold as used instruments.

Q:  Do the 2B Tech Ozone Monitors compensate for temperature and pressure?

A:  Yes, the temperature and pressure of the detection cell is continuously measured and the results used to calculate ozone as a mixing ratio in parts-per-billion (ppb) by volume (molar ratio of ozone molecules to total air molecules) or in one of 4 other sets of units selectable from the menu.  Internal temperature and pressure is output over the serial port and stored in internal memory in case the investigator wants to convert ozone concentration to any other units at a later time.

Q:  What units of concentration do the instruments report?

A:  Within the menu you can choose units of ppb, ppm, pphm, μg/m³ and mg/m³.  For internal temperature you have the choice of °C or K, and for internal pressure the choice of Torr or millibar.

Q:  Are there any interferences in the measurement of ozone using 2B Tech Ozone Monitors?

The 2B Tech Ozone Monitors make use of UV absorbance at 254 nm, the most accepted means of ozone measurement and the same method used in EPA-certified instruments for compliance monitoring.  In highly polluted atmospheres (e.g., Mexico City), it is known that UV absorbance can overestimate ozone concentration by a few ppb due to presence of other air pollutants that absorb UV light at the same wavelength.  In rural and remote areas and for most industrial applications of ozone, these interferences are considered to be negligible.  There is a water vapor interference in UV absorbance measurements for most commercially available ozone monitors based on UV absorbance, but this interference is eliminated in the 2B Tech instruments by means of our DewLine™.  See: DewLine™

Q:  What are the data recording options?

A:  Data may be recorded in 5 ways:

1)   There is a BNC connector on the back of the instrument case that supplies a 0-2.5 V analog voltage proportional to the ozone concentration being measured.  The menu allows one to apply any scaling factor within the measurement range of the instrument; for example, you could choose 1 volt to correspond to 10 ppb, 200 ppb, 500 ppb, 100,000 ppb, or any other value you wish.

2)   Lines of data containing ozone concentration, internal temperature, internal pressure, time and date are output over a RS232 serial port and may be collected directly into your computer.

3)   An internal data logger will store up to 14,336 lines of data, which may be output to your computer over the serial port.

4)   Data may be stored on an optional Type 1 flash card.  In this case, data storage is virtually unlimited, as many years of 10-s data lines may be stored on a single flash card.

5)   A current output of 4-20 mA can be provided as a custom option.

There is an extra charge for options 4 and 5.

Q:  Can I log data from other instruments using the internal data logger of the Ozone Monitor?

A:  Yes, there is provision for up to 3 analog inputs (0-2.5 V) from your other instruments.  Customers commonly log external temperature, pressure and humidity along with the ozone values, internal temperature, internal pressure, date and time; however the voltage output of any instrument can be logged as well.

Q:  What battery options are available?

A:   Any 2B Tech Ozone Monitor may be used with any dc voltage source in the range of about 10-14 V.  A power pack is included for powering the instrument from a 110 or 220 V ac source.  The ac plug is specific to the country to which the instrument is shipped.  The plug is exchangeable with other types.  Ozone Monitors are often powered in the field with 12-V lead acid batteries such as automobile and marine batteries.  The instruments consume only 4 to 5 watts (about 5% of that of a common light bulb) and thus are very energy efficient compared to conventional ozone monitors.  2B Tech sells a light-weight metal hydride battery that will operate the instrument for up to 12 hours.  See: Options

Q:  Will 2B Tech customize the software and/or hardware for me?

A:   Yes, let us know your needs, and we will provide you with an estimate.  As a small company, we have the flexibility to work with you to modify our instruments to meet your requirements.

Q:  Are 2B Tech instrument RoHS compliant for import into the European Union.

A:  Yes.

Q:  What is the delivery time?

A:  We quote 2-4 weeks following receipt of purchase order, although we often can ship within a few days of receiving the order.

Q:  Does the instrument come with a warranty?

A:  Yes, we provide a 1-year warranty on parts and labor that begins from the time you receive the instrument.

Q:  How are 2B Tech Ozone Monitors calibrated?

A:  The instruments are calibrated in the range 0-300 ppb by comparison with a transfer standard whose calibration is NIST traceable.  Instruments may be calibrated at a higher concentration range if requested.

Q:  How often do the Ozone Monitors need to be re-calibrated?

A:  We recommend that the instruments be returned to 2B Tech at least once a year for cleaning, installation of a new ozone scrubber and re-calibration.  Because the instruments are small and light, shipping is quite reasonable; and, the calibration fee is reasonable as well.  See:  Calibrations

Q:  What instrument maintenance is required?

A:  The instrument should be cleaned, the internal ozone scrubber replaced and re-calibrated at least once per year.  The air pump is rated for 5,000 hours of continuous operation and will need be replaced when it fails.   New instruments come with a backup air pump which turns on when the main air pump fails.  A Backup Pump upgrade is available for older instruments as well.  The air pump is a user serviceable part.  Other user serviceable parts that fail much less frequently are the UV lamp and solenoid valve.  We recommend having spare parts on hand, especially during field experiments.  However, we can ship spare parts overnight if necessary.

Q:  Does 2B Tech rent ozone monitors?

A:  We rent refurbished Model 202 Ozone Monitors subject to availability.  Rented instruments are provided with a fresh calibration and meet all of the specs for a new instrument.  The rental rate is $300/month with a minimum rental period of 3 months.  Please contact us for more details.  If you choose to purchase the rented unit, the full cost of rental will be credited toward the purchase.  If you want to buy a new instrument, 50% of the rental cost will be credited toward purchase of the new unit.

Q:  Will 2B Tech loan me an Ozone Monitor for evaluation?

A:  No.  However, you may rent a refurbished Model 202 Ozone Monitor, and if the instrument meets your needs you may apply half of the rent paid toward the purchase of a new Model 202 or Model 205.

Q:  Does 2B Tech sell internationally?

A:  Yes.  Approximately half of our sales are outside the U.S.  In most cases, you may buy direct from us.  For most Asian countries, we prefer to sell through our distributors.  We have distributors in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok and Taipei.  We have distributors in Europe, the Middle East and South America as well.  Please contact us if you are interested in becoming one of our international distributors.

Q:  What payment terms do 2B Tech offer?

A:  Net 30 for purchases within the U.S.  For international orders, we generally require pre-payment.  Please contact us to discuss payment terms.

Q:  What forms of payment do 2B Tech accept?

A:  Cash, check, money order, bank transfer, Visa and MasterCard.  For international orders we prefer bank transfers; please contact us for our banking information.  For credit card payments, please call or fax us your credit card information:  type of card, name on credit card, credit card number and expiration date.  We prefer credit card payments for small purchases such as spare parts and repairs.