Formaldehyde measurement poses special analytical challenges: the molecule is reactive, tends to adsorb on cold surfaces and is difficult to capture selectively with conventional methods. Until now, gas chromatographs were the standard – expensive to purchase, complex to operate and with delayed results. The GA220 from Fresenius Instruments is the only analyzer worldwide that can measure formaldehyde online and extractively using NDIR technology – significantly cheaper than a chromatograph and with real-time results.

The key lies in the heated cuvette: the temperature-controlled measurement cell prevents condensation and adsorption of formaldehyde, which causes systematic measurement errors in conventional methods. By optimizing the infrared wavelength for the specific absorption of formaldehyde, the GA220 achieves high selectivity with minimal cross-sensitivity to other gases in the measurement stream.

The GA220 is particularly valuable for test institutes testing gas engines: formaldehyde is a critical emission component in the combustion of natural gas and biogas. With the GA220, the test bench can adjust the engine correctly right away – formaldehyde values are available in real time, without waiting for a lengthy chromatographic laboratory analysis. The final laboratory test then only confirms the result. This significantly accelerates the testing process and saves costs.

Further applications include the woodworking and furniture industry, where formaldehyde emission limits from particle boards and coatings must be monitored, and medical sterilization, where formaldehyde is used in controlled applications as a disinfectant. With patented zero-point correction without test gas and over 30 years device lifespan, Fresenius offers an economical, long-lasting solution for the most demanding of all gas measurement tasks.