Fast response from process moisture analyser

October 2003 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

Ametek's Model 3050-OLV Process Moisture Analyser uses a fundamentally different technology to measure moisture. It measures trace levels of moisture in a gas through the use of a quartz-crystal oscillator sample cell. With this technology, moisture molecules sit on the surface of the sensor. After a high moisture event, excess water is swept away quickly. With a sudden drop from 1000 to 10 ppm, the Model 3050-OLV reaches 90% of steady state reading within minutes.

The analyser measures moisture concentration directly in parts per million by volume, parts per million by weight, or mass of water per standard volume. There is no need for pressure or temperature compensation as the true moisture concentration is totally independent of these parameters.

A quartz crystal microbalance sensor and sampling system are the heart of the 3050-OLV analyser. The sampling system provides a high degree of accuracy, repeatability and speed of response compared to other moisture analysers.

With its quartz-crystal microbalance method, the sensor is periodically cycled between the process gas and the dried reference gas. During the reference gas cycle, the water molecules are swept off the sensor. This cycling action allows the 3050-OLV to respond to high moisture events and then 'dry down' within minutes, not hours or days like aluminium-oxide sensors.

Using an integral moisture generator that is NIST-traceable, the 3050-0LV uniquely verifies the accuracy of its measurements. This verification can be programmed at regular intervals, or accomplished by a manual command at any time. During the verification process the analyser can make any necessary small corrections to its calibration automatically. If a severe calibration problem exists, the analyser will provide an alarm. Each 3050-OLV is supplied with system configuration software that provides a graphical user interface to set up analyser parameters.

Accuracy is 10% of the reading from 1 to 2500 ppmv with standard calibration, and sensitivity is 0,1 ppmv or 1% of the reading, whichever is greater, giving rise to the claim that the 3050-OLV is the fastest and most accurate moisture analyser available.

For more information contact Mike Andrews, OEN Enterprises, 011 792 2859, [email protected], www.oenenterprises.co.za

Further reading:

Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.

Read more...

---

Sustainability of surface water
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.

Read more...

---

Keeping an eye on invisible radiation
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.

Read more...

---

Effective dust control in sugar processing
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
BLT WORLD specialists work in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team to offer dependable solutions for specific problems at the transfer points of conveyor systems in many industries where dust and material spillage are concerns, including the sugar sector.

Read more...

---

A benchmark for lubricant reliability in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
According to Craig FitzGerald from ISO-Reliability Partners, mines can save R500 000 or more on their yearly mill cleaning costs, while electricity consumption can be reduced by up to 12%, and lubricant consumption lowered up by up to 60% when using Bel-Ray Clear Gear lubricant.

Read more...

---

Safeguarding precision in industrial radiometric measurements
Mecosa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In the complex landscape of industrial plant operations, precision is paramount, especially when it comes to weld inspections to test for structural integrity of pipes. Berthold has the ideal answer to this challenge – X-Ray Interference Protection.

Read more...

---

New indoor air quality monitor
RS South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
RS South Africa has available a new indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor that provides continuous, easy-to-read, and accurate real-time monitoring of air quality in indoor environments.

Read more...

---

A quick guide to disinfection
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The distribution system in a drinking water network provides a reliable supply of high-quality water to consumers. Endress+Hauser’s range of robust, low-maintenance sensors are ideal for monitoring disinfectant levels in the water.

Read more...

---

Multi-parameter measuring system for water quality monitoring
KROHNE Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring different parameters in water treatment processes can lead to a situation where different measuring points are scattered across the plant.

Read more...

---

Optimising energy consumption in the chemical industry
Anton Paar Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To optimise energy consumption and save valuable resources on chemical process plants, operators have to continuously measure parameters such as concentration, raw density, sound velocity and refractive index. With Anton Paar’s wide product range, the process application team has many options for cutting-edge laboratory measurement technologies, and can develop tailor-made mathematical models for every application.

Read more...

---