Product Adoption Case No. 10: Installation in Ultra-Compact Gas Chromatograph

A power-saving miniature manifold was designed for a super small gas chromatograph developed for space exploration in collaboration with JAXA.

Ballwave is a startup company originating from Tohoku University that conducts research and development of sensors, as well as the manufacturing and sales of devices using these sensors. Ballwave's ball SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) sensors utilize the property of waves traveling along the surface of a sphere while maintaining the same width over long distances, achieving compact size, high sensitivity, and fast response. Products utilizing ball SAW sensors include ultra-trace moisture meters and ultra-compact gas chromatographs. **Challenges and Solutions** Ballwave's ultra-compact gas chromatograph was developed through collaborative research with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). When considering applications for space exploration, challenges such as compact size, lightweight, and low power consumption arose, leading to interest in our latch-type compact corrosion-resistant solenoid valve NLV series. Additionally, through our expertise in customization, we designed a miniature manifold to match the desired flow pattern. After repeated prototyping, we successfully developed a gas chromatograph for space exploration applications. A portable, palm-sized (A5 size) gas chromatograph for terrestrial applications has also been developed, and prototype offerings have now begun.

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