Applications Stabilizer and AeroSphere canisters (flasks) are used for convenient and reliable collection of ambient air samples. These high purity, passivated, stainless steel canisters are designed to maintain the integrity and stability of the sample while it is being transported to a laboratory, and while it is being analyzed. Common uses include the sampling of volatile organic compounds in air according to EPA Methods TO14A and TO15. (Meriter is a listed supplier of sampling canisters within these compendium methods). Stabilizer canisters can also be used to prepare and store low-pressure, non hazardous calibration mixtures.

Prior to use, Stabilizer canisters are purged and evacuated with a vacuum pump. Sampling may be regulated with external components that control flow rate such as a critical orifice containing flow controller. For time integrated sampling and for collecting pressurized air samples, Meriter manufactures the MCS series canister samplers. Available as either portable or rack-mountable units, the systems include a sampling pump timers, and flow controls for self-contained easy, precision air sampling.

Warning: Stabilizer canisters should only be used with pumping systems in which the pressure is controlled to no more than 40 psia. Meriter?s canisters (and air sampling canisters in general) are designed for pressures not exceeding 41 psia. Any pressure above 41 psia is considered a compressed gas per U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR, Subpart D, 173.115(b) and must be stored in cylinders appropriately designed. This same regulation also prohibits Meriter?s canisters from being used with flammable, poisonous or liquefied gas.

Superior materials and workmanship

Meticulous attention to detail goes into the manufacture of each Stabilizer? and AeroSphere?
sampling canister. They are manufactured from carefully inspected 304L or 316L stainless steel
which meets our exacting specifications. The interior surfaces undergo a proprietary
electropolishing process that removes impurities from the metal's surface while creating a
thicker passive layer, enriched in chromium oxide. Once electropolished, the canisters are
thoroughly cleaned using multiple hot de-ionized water rinses and then dried with ultrapure
nitrogen. At each step in the manufacturing process, careful attention is paid to ensure that all
wetted surfaces are contaminant-free.

The low carbon 304L and 316L grades of stainless steel make it possible to achieve the highest
integrity welds by minimizing the problems associated with carbide precipitation. Furthermore,
all canister body welds are fully penetrated while purged with a continuous blanket of ultrapure
argon. The resulting oxidation-free and particle-free surface alleviates the potential for unswept
surface areas and the entrapment of contaminants.

The unique cylindrical design of Meriter?s Stabilizer canisters provides the highest quality
surface finish of any sampling canister available. Superior electropolishing results can be
achieved with Stabilizer canisters. The metallurgical uniformity and excellent surface
morphology translates into greater canister purity and overall sample stability. In addition,
Stabilizer canisters have no base ring that can become dented or damaged, as is the case with
spherical canister designs. For those customers who prefer the familiar summa-type spherical
canister, Meriter offers AeroSphere 6-liter canisters; standard with a Nupro SS-4H bellows valve.

For canisters that provide the most stable and conclusive sample analysis results, choose
products manufactured by Meriter.

Features that improve your sample analysis results

• Air samples remain stable over time.
• Superior surface morphology results in higher canister purity and significantly improved test data.
• 304L and 316L (low carbon - .03% maximum) stainless steel construction improves weld ability and provides optimal resistance to corrosion.
• Canister interiors are fully passivated, leaving an inert, chromium oxide rich layer that is free of impurities and adsorbed hydrocarbons.
• All canisters are thoroughly rinsed in hot de-ionized water and dried with ultrapure nitrogen.
• Fully penetrated and oxidation-free welds minimize the potential for contaminant entrapment.
• Canisters are available with a choice of valves all helium leak tested to 4 x 10 -9 std. atm. cc/sec. Stabilizer canisters feature a ultra-high purity bellows valve, with a Vespel seat.
• Each canister is purged with purified and humidified zero air during a bake-out process.
• Canisters are leak-tested, evacuated to approximately 10 millitorr, and shipped under vacuum.
• Stabilizer 3 and 6-liter canisters come standard with a capped second connection, for use as a gauge port. Gauges and other design modifications are readily available to meet our customer?s specifications.

Technical Specifications

Ordering Information