Moisture Analyzers and Natural Gas
At first, moisture analyzers were mainly used to measure H2O in fluorocarbons. They came into wider use when experts in the natural gas industry found that monitoring moisture in gas pipelines helped avert corrosion, compressor breakdowns, and freeze-ups caused by large pressure drops. In response to the need for on-site pipeline testing, MEECO created a portable moisture analyzer for field technicians. Tennessee Gas bought the first of these units in 1959. Since then, MEECO has sold over 10,000 portable units to the “Southwest Oil Patch”. In addition, natural gas utilities depend on continuous, accurate moisture readings because gas prices are based on BTU ratios, which are in turn affected by moisture levels.

MEECO Enters a New Era
The market for moisture analysis technology expanded further as utilities, industrial gas manufacturers, and other industries began using the instruments. In one instance, electric utilities, like the Philadelphia Electric Company, must eliminate moisture in their instrument air systems to avoid corrosion. In another, Praxair, Air Liquide and other industrial gas manufacturers monitor moisture content to meet industry specifications for pure, dry gas. Likewise, semiconductor manufacturers, like IBM, must control moisture down in the high-purity gases used to assure IC quality.

MEECO Markets Diversify and Grow Worldwide
In 1983, Lisa Bergson took over the business from her father. By then, moisture analyzers were the company’s primary business. After instituting new quality and service procedures, she focused the company on product development, on-going technical innovation, global expansion, market diversification, and progressive management and manufacturing practices. By the late 1980′s, her management team successfully diversified the company into a leading purveyor of moisture analyzers for the emerging semiconductor market worldwide.

MEECO Stands for Cutting Edge Innovation
MEECO’s growth derives from constant innovation. In 1987, it launched the world’s first ppb moisture analyzer for ultra-pure electronic gases used in the semiconductor industry. It came to dominate the market. Thereafter, in early 1991, MEECO rolled out several new, state-of-the-art analyzers. These comprised the TURBO™, for online, low ppb moisture monitoring; the L’EAU PRO™, the world’s first commercially available, low ppb moisture generator; and the ACCUPOINT™, also a first. The ACCUPOINT, a transducer for industrial and natural gas, allows multi-point readings using an electrolytic sensor, a capability never before available.

By 1995, MEECO was ready with the TURBO 2™, capable of detecting down to one ppb and lower, and the WATERBOY™, an inexpensive easy-to-use, new portable for the natural and industrial gas industries. And, in 1997, another product outpouring occurred with the advent of the TRACER™, the first low-cost, modular ppb moisture analyzer; the NASTYBOY™, an innovative design for moisture in chlorine; the ACCUPOINT LP, a transmitter for measuring moisture at low pressures; and the UHP SPRITE™, a very simple, inexpensive go/no-go device for tracking moisture breakthroughs on the ultra-high-purity gas lines.

By 1999, MEECO introduced the WATERBOY 2™, ACCUPOINT 2™ and ACCUPOINT LP 2™, updated versions of their microprocessor-driven predecessors. A fourth device, the ICEMAN™, designed in collaboration with DuPont, measures moisture in Freon substitutes, a growing market. Further, MEECO launched a line of percent humidity devices, the AQUATEK™ series, for demanding industrial environments.

At the end of 2001 MEECO introduced the AQUAVOLT™ and AQUAVOLT+™, which were updates of the AQUAMATIC.

The TRACER 2™, an update of our flagship model, was introduced in 2005. It pairs 0.5 parts-per-billion (ppb) moisture detection with improved speed of response.

In 2010, MEECO launched the M-i™ online mini moisture monitor. Designed for use directly on the gas supply line, the M-i measures an ideal range of 0.5 ppm to 1000 ppm (parts-per-million). A breakthrough in mini-sensors, the M-i packs high-powered clean technology into a small, innovative, and affordable package. Utilizing MEECO’s accurate and linear electrolytic technology, the M-i guarantees peace of mind with no-drift analysis. For the first time ever, you can rely on a mini-monitor with the confidence only an absolute technology provides.

Longevity, Loyalty and the Secret of MEECO’s Success
Ms. Bergson explains MEECO’s remarkable endurance by pointing to its adaptability and to the exceptional contributions of its staff. MEECO’s employees work as a team in a free-wheeling, entrepreneurial environment that encourages the sharing of ideas and solutions. Ms. Bergson describes her experience with MEECO as “unusual, almost like starting a new company.” At the same time, she stresses, “My father left a great foundation — excellent products, many loyal customers, and virtually no debt.” Now we embrace the challenge of leading MEECO into the future.

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