Application Highlights

Industry Segment

Chemical and Petrochemical Manufacturing
Semiconductor Manufacturing
High-Tech Manufacturing
Environmental Engineering and Technology

Chemical and Petrochemical Manufacturing

Development of custom Agilent MSD ChemStation data analysis and reporting macros for petroleum refining applications

Mass spectrometric analysis of complex petroleum refining samples yields a large amount of data. Diablo developed a custom data analysis macro for the Agilent MSD ChemStation that automated the conversion of that data into useful information. The macro performs extensive spectral manipulations and library searches to categorize each peak in the chromatogram into it's compound class and degree of unsaturation. This automated data analysis macro saves the customer a great deal of time in characterizing their process streams.

Development of custom Agilent MSD ChemStation data acquisition macros for in-situ and process mass spectrometry

No commercially-available mass spectrometry systems exist for performing high-speed Transfer-Line GC-MS (TLGCMS) for process analysis. Diablo developed custom macros for the Agilent MSD ChemStation to allow the MSD to perform TLGCMS process analysis. The macro controls data acquisition, valved injection of the sample stream, integration and quantitation, and reporting via a link to Microsoft Excel for statistical analysis and trend plotting.

Development and presentation of a highly customized Agilent ChemStation Macro programming course for for client personnel

Multi-element simulated distillation by GC-AED

Diablo has developed file-handling and data analysis macros for the GC-AED Pascal ChemStation. These macros eliminate hours of manual data analysis and provide summary information that can be used to evaluate GC-AED performance. These tools enhance our customer's productivity on the GC-AED system.

Development of Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic applications for creating petroleum refinery QA lab daily report with links to LIMS

Diablo has implemented custom tools for data reduction, summary and delivery into the site LIMS system. Laboratory instruments often produce a high volume of high quality data, but this data can overwhelm lab personnel. Useful information can be quickly extracted from this data if efficient data handling tools are implemented in the lab. This project has resulted in a plant-wide daily report of lab results for engineering review and process evaluation.

Sulfur in Gasoline Validation

Diablo performed a validation of sulfur in gasoline measurements for on-line and laboratory x-ray fluorescence analyzers. Sampling studies, analyzer calibration, and performance control charting were included in the validation study. The new validation allows reliable process control of gasoline blending by our customer in compliance with new California regulatory limits.

Raw Material or Product Confirmation by FTIR

Diablo has developed custom Visual Basic applications for raw material and product screening using the Nicolet Omnic FTIR data system. The system provides quality assurance through statistical analysis and control charting. The automated system allows our customer to perform more reliably the quality assurance function with reduced training. This system is scheduled for implementation in several locations throughout the world.

Semiconductor Manufacturing

Development and implementation of ion-chromatography methods for characterization of process streams

An Ion Chromatography (IC) method was needed for routine reagent qualification. Diablo developed and validated the IC method for Dionex IC systems. Diablo implemented the method in the QA lab and trained local personnel to perform the IC method. Local personnel were provided with a documentation package and analytical support. This method is still used today by local personnel.

On-site problem solving for troubleshooting process problems

Diablo used valid analytical approaches in conjunction with an engineering team to identify possible sources of process problems. Critical performance criteria were suddenly not achieved in the process and product yields became unacceptable. The work of the engineering team and analytical problem-solving improved the product yields. These analytical methods are still used today in a monitoring role.

Development and implementation of gas chromatography methods for analysis of process streams during a process changeover

Diablo developed a GC method and worked with process engineers to assure complete removal of an old solution from the process in a 24 hour period. Storage and processing of chemicals and mixtures must be modified periodically in a facility. The introduction of a new materials, scheduled maintenance in an established process or process troubleshooting can require a complete system cleaning. The old material was sufficiently removed and new material performed successfully in the process.

High-Tech Manufacturing

Technical consulting on applications of new silicon-micromachined devices to gas chromatography

Diablo identified critical performance criteria for this new device in three different instrument locations and eight different commercial GC systems.

Design of an in-situ mass spectrometry sampling system for characterization of a high-pressure mini-plant reactor

Diablo designed a mass spectrometry sampling system for monitoring low molecular weight gases from a mini-plant reactor. Commercially available MS systems were not designed for this application and extensive customization was required for hardware, sampling, and software.

Developed calibration procedures for monitoring performance of Ozone generator systems

Diablo performed wet chemical experiments to confirm the ozone concentrations from a generator system. The results of these wet chemical experiments allowed other instrumentation to be calibrated for future measurement. The local personnel were provided with documentation, training and analytical support.

Environmental Engineering and Technology

Development and implementation of a portable, high-speed GC method for the characterization of new environmental control devices

Diablo utilized high-speed GC for on-site testing of vapor recovery and control devices. The system was portable, flexible, easy to use, and collected simultaneous data from two sampling points. Analytical results for multiple components were plotted at one minute intervals on a lap-top computer system. The quantitative analytical data was produced for an engineering team for process optimization. The analytical results identified timing problems and temperature control problems in the environmental control device.

Hydrocarbon Identification Macros for EnviroQuant:

Diablo developed enhancements to Agilent's EnviroQuant software to meet CLP reporting requirements for our customer. These macro enhancements allow EnviroQuant to report automatically the top 30 tentatively identified compounds excluding any hydrocarbons. This "solution" has saved the customer hours of manual processing.

Design and Implementation of an Analytical Program for Environmental Remediation Process Research

A start-up environmental company required an analytical program for process research as well as regulatory discharge to the local waste treatment plant. Diablo designed a phased analytical program to meet company goals within the available budget. The analytical program included regulatory analysis at external labs, on-site analysis for process monitoring, and waste water coordination with the local wast treatment plant.