TO-Clean Canister Cleaning System

Need

As environmental regulations tighten, accurately analyzing trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air becomes increasingly critical. Canisters serve as the preferred collection medium for air samples because of their inert interior lining, extended sample stability, and capacity for vacuum sampling without requiring pumps. Since canisters undergo repeated use, maintaining their cleanliness is essential — any residual contamination can significantly compromise analytical results. While many laboratories have developed in-house manual cleaning systems, these can be time consuming for laboratories with high throughput.

The TO-Clean provides a fully automated cleaning solution based on EPA Method TO-15 specifications. The system can accommodate up to twelve 6L Summa-type canisters and ten customized methods ensuring all canisters receive the necessary cleaning.

Qualification

Wasson-ECE designed this system for a customer who had purchased a turn-key GC/MSD/Air Concentrator system to perform TO-15 analysis. Seeking to improve both the efficiency and reliability of their canister cleaning operations, the customer approached Wasson-ECE for a custom-engineered solution. The system has since proven valuable to numerous other environmental laboratories.

Differentiation

The TO-Clean adheres to EPA Method TO-15 specifications while employing a dry pump and molesieve trap to remove the need for cryogen. The spacious oven and flexible tubing simplify cylinder connections. An on-board touch screen allows for easy method customization, without the need for a separate computer.

Topline Specifications

• Isothermal oven, controllable up to 110°C
• Scroll vacuum pump, accommodates pressures down to 40 mTorr
• Capacity for twelve, 6L canisters
• Custom-built trays for different canister sizes
• Embedded touch-screen controller
• Customizable method parameters, including cycles, vacuum/pressure settings, and hold times