When sampling a small portion of a fluid in the interest of having it represent a larger whole, it is important that extreme effort and care is given to maintaining the integrity of the sample. These efforts, especially in reference to the design of the mechanics and flow paths of the sampling components, can be described as “analytical correctness.” Coined in 2007 by Don Mayeaux, “analytically correct” describes the extreme attention to detail that goes into designing sample components and sample conditioning systems. This term, and the components and methods it describes, is so important because it describes the first time this type of attention has been paid to designing and marketing sample conditioning components and systems.
Our analytically correct components and sample systems are carefully designed in such a manner that fluid compositions will not be altered in their passage through the system. Characteristics of such include low internal volume, essentially no dead volume, and rapid fluid composition equilibrium.
When using this term to describe a product, it implies that the component or system was designed for the express purpose of correctly sampling a fluid that represents a whole. This is important to note because most other components used in sampling are adaptations of other products or technologies used for applications materially different than sampling. These adaptations can result in improper results.