The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards 2024: #6
Syft Technologies’ William Pelet introduces the Syft Explorer – the world's first fully mobile, real-time, and direct trace gas analyzer
| 3 min read | Technology
6 – Syft Explorer
The world's first fully mobile, real-time, and direct trace gas analyzer
Produced by Syft Technologies
The Syft Explorer enables real-time trace gas analysis with its portable mobile trolley design. With a runtime of up to 1.5 hours, this mobile mass spectrometer detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and inorganic compounds directly at the point of interest. Designed for contamination control engineers, researchers, production technicians, and environmental engineers, the Syft Explorer provides rapid analysis of airborne molecular contaminants (AMC), industrial pollutants, and toxic compounds at their source. By enhancing operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and enabling direct analysis, the Syft Explorer empowers real-time decision-making across a variety of industries.
William Pelet
Meet William Pelet, Head of Product Management and Marketing at Syft Technologies, which focuses on the development of analytical instrumentation based on selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS).
What impact could your innovation have?
The Syft AMC Explorer is the only fully mobile, real-time and direct trace gas analyser capable of monitoring almost any volatile compound. This innovation will enable contamination control teams in the Semiconductor industry to respond with a comprehensive analytical instrument to emergency events, help pinpoint contamination sources faster, and understand how airborne molecular contaminants (AMC) impact their processes.
Was there a key breakthrough or major “eureka” moment during development?
There’s nothing like having the first prototype built in our R&D facility. This makes all the designs, requirements, and hard work tangible. It boosts the team, grounds our conversations, and paves the way to launch day.
Did you collaborate with any external teams during development? If so, how important was the collaboration in achieving the end result?
We collaborated with our South Korean team and a key customer which was critical in providing a rich understanding of how our product would be used. Thoroughly understanding the problem ensures we develop the right solution. Plus, collaboration is always fun!
Do you have a “philosophy of innovation”? Or any recent innovation lessons learned?
Recognizing that many people at multiple different layers contribute to innovation is critical. Therefore, teamwork is critical. For example, several Syft colleagues from different technical specialties were involved in ideating and executing on this work. Innovations happened across the mechanical, electrical, and software designs to enable this product to exist. It speaks to the talent and dedication of the team here at Syft.
Are you driven more by scientific curiosity or the desire to make an impact?
I’m driven by the desire to make an impact – I think this is also true for many people at Syft. This is why we have such a focus on providing products and premium after sales support to solve people’s everyday challenges.
Is there anything missing from the analytical scientist’s toolbox today?
Well, how about the Syft Tracer! Flexible and targeted analysis for almost any volatile compound that’s designed for low operating cost, 24/7 use, and untrained users. What analytical scientist wouldn’t want one?
What’s next for your team?
We’re continuing the journey to leverage our core technology to solve customer problems. Whether this is in airborne molecular contamination monitoring in semiconductor fabs, environmental analysis across monitoring networks, routine genotoxic analysis for pharmaceutical manufacturers, or analysis of toxic volatiles for worker safety – we’ll continue to work closely with current and future customers.
