Controlled by an internal microprocessor, AUTOTRAC® utilizes a unique combination of specialized electron capture gas chromatographic and self-calibration hardware that makes accurate measurements of tracer gas concentration a routine procedure. The microprocessor allows AUTOTRAC® to perform many simple ventilation and flow rate measurements, thereby minimizing or eliminating extrinsic assistance.

Self-calibration is achieved through an on-board cylinder of calibration gas that is sampled by the monitor and controlled by the microprocessor. The typical life of a calibration cylinder is six months to one year depending on use.

All measured data and calculated output is displayed on an LCD screen and can be exported to a PC via an RS 232C data port. AUTOTRAC® comes with a data output software package which allows the information to be displayed in either metric or common engineering units.

The standard AUTOTRAC® is configured for use with sulfur hexafluoride, SF6, tracer gas. SF6 is an inert, non-toxic, non-ozone depleting gas that can be easily detected at very low concentrations by AUTOTRAC®, Configurations for other gases such as perfluorocarbon vapors can be provided by special order. The flexibility of the design permits adaptations for a wide range of custom requirements.

As delivered, AUTOTRAC® can perform tracer concentration and simple air exchange rate measurements. The prompts displayed on the LCD screen walk the user through test setup and performance. Thus, the new or inexperienced user can begin performing tracer gas tests almost immediately. Ventilation studies using tracer gas no longer require the user to be concerned with the myriad details necessary for the successful completion of a test. AUTOTRAC® handles the details automatically.

The AUTOTRAC® has been specifically designed to perform air exchange rate measurements using the concepts outlined in ASTM Standard E741 "Standard Test Method for Determining Air Change Rate in a Single Zone by means of a Tracer Dilution" with minimal input from the operator.

Users with experience in tracer gas techniques will discover that AUTOTRAC® provides unparalleled flexibility in performing complex sampling and injection simply by using the AUTOTRAC® keyboard to enter experiment parameters. The AUTOTRAC® can reliably perform air exchange rate, duct flow rate, fresh air ventilation rate, exhaust entrainment, and fume hood containment tests. (Some tests require additional accessories and internal options which are easily installed.)

With an optional flow rate measurements accessory system, AUTOTRAC® is capable of undertaking flow rate measurements using, the concepts provided in ASTM Standard E2029 "Standard Test Method for Volumetric and Mass Flow Rate Measurements using Tracer Gas Dilution."

In sum, AUTOTRAC® provides a reliable, cost effective solution for any measurement problem requiring tracer gas techniques.