Electronic Noses

Electronic Noses (eNoses) consist of a gas sampling apparatus and an array of gas sensors interfaced to a personal computer. They are also known as e-noses, smellers, and electronic nose instruments. The distinguishing feature of Electronic Noses is the ability of the sensor array to respond differently to a various aromas, or odors. An electronic nose instrument or e-nose examines a changing pattern of response across its sensor array to differentiate between members of a predefined set of odorants. The first e-nose experiments used metal oxide sensors. Later researchers used resonating quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs). Today, surface acoustic wave sensors (SAW sensors) and optical sensors are used in some laboratories. Modern Electronic Noses perform three primary functions: data acquisition (detection of volatile flavor chemicals with specialized electronic sensors); data presentation (statistical graphic plots - polar plots, offset polar plots, bar charts, difference plots); and data interpretation (software to assist the user in understanding the practical significance of the graphical outputs, usually accomplished through applications of artificial neural networks).

Electronic Noses are available in benchtop or portable versions. Portable versions are useful for on-site gas sensing measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors. Depending on the technology used, Electronic Noses can analyze the chemistry of an odor or vapor in seconds, with parts-per-million or parts-per-trillion sensitivity. Electronic Noses can also be used in homeland security and law enforcement, in environmental monitoring, in life sciences applications, and in the chemical, petrochemical, food and beverage industries. Specific applications for an e-nose or smeller go beyond odor removal and the ability to help eliminate odor. These applications include the dentification of spilled chemicals,quality classification of stored grain, water and wastewater analysis, detection and diagnosis of pulmonary infections, diagnosis of ulcers by breath tests, and bacterial growth on foods such as meat and fresh vegetables.

Electronic Noses that use quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs) are covered by ASTM International (formerly called the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), standard ASTM B808 (Standard Test Method for Monitoring of Atmospheric Corrosion Chambers by Quartz Crystal Microbalances). Electronic Noses that use surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors are covered by U.S. military specifications (MIL-SPEC) MIL-S-49433 and by standards published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), such as IEC 60862.

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Part Numbers for Electronic Noses