Michell Instruments
has introduced a method to verify the accuracy of the OptiPEAK TDL600 moisture in natural gas analyzer in the field using certified cylinders of
moisture in nitrogen, rather than a methane calibration gas.
Because moisture
content in natural gas is a critical quality parameter, the performance of the
moisture analyzers is always under scrutiny. Gas transmission pipeline
operators will often require periodic field verification of
analyser performance to confirm the validity of on-line measurements. For the
end user, being self-sufficient in carrying out these routine operations is
important.
However, the high precision of the OptiPEAK TDL600 presents
a technical challenge. On its
introduction in 2015, it offered a new class-leading benchmark
for on-line Tuneable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) analysis of
moisture content in natural gas in terms of lower detection limit to 1ppmV
and accuracy of ±1ppmV or 1% of reading.
Whilst this
accuracy is beneficial to ensuring the quality of natural gas, it means that
any verification needs a cylinder of certified moisture content. And
because TDLAS analyzers are configured for a defined background gas type, in
this case natural gas, then the cylinder gas required is moisture in methane.
Unfortunately, cylinders of methane are not always easily available in all
regions and shipping a flammable high-pressure gas cylinder between countries
is problematic.
Realising that there was a potential problem, Michell
Instruments developed a simple solution into the functionality of the TDL600
analyzer. If no certified moisture in methane calibration gas is available, the
user can select a second spectroscopy profile in the analyzer for nitrogen
background gas. The verification is then carried out using a cylinder of
certified moisture in nitrogen: these are readily available around the world
and are far easier and safer to ship between countries.
• Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology.
@Michell_Inst #PAuto
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