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:
Matching HVAC to the real demands of buildings and processes
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Industrial Climate Engineering director, Alin Gomes explains why effective HVAC goes beyond specifying equipment on capacity, covering load profiling, ventilation requirements, heat recovery and turnkey delivery for specialised manufacturing and processing environments.
Read more...
How SCE approaches sensor selection for critical environments
Specialised Climate Engineering
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Specifying the right sensor for a critical climate involves far more than matching a datasheet accuracy figure. As an authorised Vaisala HVAC partner, SCE explains how understanding the environment, the measurement purpose and sensor placement determines effective climate control.
Read more...
Changing gas quality calls for smarter combustion control
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
As South Africa prepares for a transition from declining Mozambican natural gas to a proposed methane-rich bridge, LNG, industrial users can no longer assume a constant Wobbe Index and calorific value. The compact RMG RGQ 5 provides fast, plant-level gas-quality data to support approved burner and engine settings.
Read more...
Getting the chemistry right
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Grace’s European production site has relied on analogue compression load cells from Minebea Intec for decades, with the long-proven measurement concept now serving as the reference for new silo projects as the company expands its capacity.
Read more...
Why measurement matters in smelting
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
South African smelters returning to operation after energy constraints face new demands for tighter control, better visibility and environmental compliance. Endress+Hauser explains how modern measurement technology supports safer, more efficient furnace operation and local beneficiation.
Read more...
Sun tracking with pinpoint precision
Senseca
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced the SEMS-2000 solar energy measurement system, a 2-axis solar tracker with pinpoint sun-pointing accuracy that automatically monitors direct, global and diffuse irradiance for unattended outdoor solar installations.
Read more...
AMETEK expands 993X gas analyser series with explosion-proof enclosures
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
AMETEK Process Instruments has added ATEX and IECEx Zone 1-certified explosion-proof enclosures to its 993X series of gas analysers, enabling reliable installation in Zone 1 hazardous locations where purge gas is unavailable.
Read more...
Why medical device leak testing matters for South Africa's MedTech future
ATEQ South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
As South Africa works to grow local medical technology manufacturing, non-destructive leak and flow testing is becoming a strategic quality assurance tool, helping manufacturers verify device integrity, meet regulatory requirements and improve production efficiency.
Read more...
Moving forward with reverse osmosis
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Rising water costs and pressure on infrastructure are changing the way industries view reverse osmosis. G-Chem Aquacare is developing tailored, containerised solutions that make the technology more accessible for South African industry.
Read more...
Meteorological data logger with up to 32 analogue sensors
Senseca
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced its advanced data acquisition system for environmental monitoring, which has a universal data logger for up to 32 analogue, pulse and smart digital sensors.
Read more...
printer friendly version