Types of hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer
Hydrogen and nitrogen analyzers come in various types, and each is suitable for specific applications and measurement ranges. These are the most common types of hydrogen and nitrogen analyzers:
Chemical Durability
- Amperometric analyzers use corrosion-resistant materials, such as plastic or titanium, to protect sensor components from damage by aggressive process chemicals.
- Thermogravimetric analyzers typically use robust metals like stainless steel for case and weight collection components, but more durable alloys may be required for reactive gas exposure.
Gas oxidation and Water Vapour
The analyzer should not be affected by the water vapour or gas composition changes during any measurement. Thus, appropriate measures like an in-built desiccator or filter should be installed on the analyser, especially in environments with moisture exposure.
Temperature and Pressure Control
Stability at varied temperatures and pressures is necessary when the operating conditions change frequently. Temperature control and pressure regulation must be used to maintain the analyzers within their stable operating range.
Calibration
Continuous calibration using standards of known hydrogen or nitrogen concentrations helps in automatic compensation of drifts or changes in the analyzer's response over time, thus ensuring accurate measurements.
External calibration devices or internal reference cells may be utilized for this purpose.
Cross-Sensitivity and Interference
Hydrogen analyzers detect very small amounts of H2 in industrial environments. Therefore, they must be designed to discriminate between hydrogen and other gases that might produce similar signals. Cross-sensitivity can be eliminated through proper filtering, sensor design, or algorithmic compensation.
Fuels and Feedstocks
- Hydrogen and deuterium tracer were used to study hydrogen permeability in metals.
Water Detectors in Oil Wells
Hydrogen sulfide detectors in oil wells to determine the amount of water present and its effect on the oil extraction process.
Hydrogenation of Oils
- Hydrogenation process is one of the most common ways to solidify liquid vegetable oils by adding hydrogen gas to unsaturated oil molecules in the presence of a catalyst.
- Hydrogen analyzers are used to monitor the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the oil to prevent over-hydrogenation, which leads to the formation of unhealthy trans fats.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
- In the Questor hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are combined to produce electricity as an environmentally friendly energy source.
- A hydrogen analyzer measures how much hydrogen is left to predict when the fuel tank needs to be re-filled.
Ammonia Production
- Usually, ammonia production involves nitrogen and hydrogen combination from natural gas and air.
- Using a nitrogen analyzer to determine the amount of nitrogen in the amino acids helps estimate how efficient the process was and the remaining reactants.
- Also, any impurities like ammonia must be identified using a hydrogen purification plant before it reacts with lithium to form LiOH, which leads to battery production.
Industrial and Laboratory
- Various methods like thermal conductivity, mass spectrometry, or gas chromatography are employed by hydrogen sulfide analyzers in the laboratory to measure hydrogen concentration accurately.
- Mass spectrometer analytical methods utilize a mass spectrometer to separate the isotopes of hydrogen and deuterium and quantify their amounts based on the intensity of the electrical currents they produce.
Safety Monitoring in Various Industries
Petrochemical and Oil and Gas
- p, H2 analyzers are used to track hydrogen levels in refineries and gas processing facilities to avoid explosions and help during oil well water detection.
- Chemical plants where hydrogen is used for synthesis are monitored for leaks using a sulfur and hydrogen dioxide analyzer.
Pharmaceutical
- Hydrogenation is one of the drug manufacturing process; therefore, hydrogen analyzers are used to monitor the reaction to ensure proper amounts of hydrogen are utilized.
- This is done to prevent any accidents that might occur due to lack or excess of either of the reactants.
Metallurgy
- Mass spectrometry hydrogen analyzers for deuterium and hydrogen are used to measure hydrogen absorption in metal samples to study the effect of hydrogen on metal fatigue and cracking.
This helps in predicting potential failures in critical components and designing preventive maintenance schedules.
Aerospace
- Hydrogen and nitrogen analyzers are used to measure the amount of hydrogen absorbed by aerospace materials to determine how light they are while still having the strength of steel.
Product specification of hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer
Key Features
- Thermogravimetric:
- Detection Limit:
0.1 ppm to 10% hydrogen concentration, while nitrogen detection limits also vary depending on the specific configuration and technology of the analyzer used, but typically range from 1 ppm to 1% nitrogen.
- Resolution:
The hydrogen resolution is usually around 0.1 ppm to 0.01% H2, while nitrogen resolution is about 1 ppm to 0.1% N2.
- Working Principle:
A hydrogen sulfide analyzer uses thermal conductivity, surface acoustic wave, and vacuum extraction pressure differential methods to quantify the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the samples.
Mass spectrometry hydrogen analyzers use isotopic exchange, thermal conductivity, and equilibrium and non-equilibrium methods to measure the amount of deuterium and hydrogen via its isotope.
- Response Time:
Typical response time is around 1 to 5 minutes for hydrogen measurements and 2 to 10 minutes for nitrogen.
Installation, Operation and Maintenance
Installation
- Identify a suitable area with easy access to power and required services for hydrogen analyzer installation.
- Ensure the analyzer does not come in contact with direct heat, steam, or splash to avoid any accidents or damage to the instrument.
- Ensure proper interlocks and shielding are made to avoid contact with active hydrogen or nitrogen.
- Install the nitrogen and hydrogen analyzer near the point of measurement for efficiency and connect to the process line.
- Ensure correct tubing materials compatible with the analyzers and the process chemicals are used.
- The power socket used to connect the analyzer to the power supply should have a ground connection to avoid any electric accidents.
Operation
- Open the analyzer main menu to program the desired measurement parameters, such as temperature and pressure.
- Ensure the right standard gas mixtures are set for calibration and run the automatic calibration as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- The main play button, which is usually located at the center of the operational panel, should be pressed to start the analysis after installation and settings completion.
- The analyzer will start by pulling in the sample, which will be mixed with the reference gas, and then produce readings of hydrogen and nitrogen concentrations in real-time.
Maintenance
- Replace the filters at least once a month or as needed to prevent dust or other particles from clogging the gas lines.
- The internal components like pump, valves, and sensors should also be checked and replaced accordingly as per the wear and tear on them.
- Periodically running diagnostic checks helps identify potential issues before they affect the analyzer's performance. It is recommended to run the diagnostic check at least once a week.
Customization Options
- Hydrogen analyzer ranges can be customized to cater to specific requirements, from ultra-trace levels to higher concentrations.
- Users can also customize the analyzer by installing different sensor types, such as electrochemical, thermal conductivity, or mass spectrometry, depending on the application they want to utilize it for.
- Nitrogen and hydrogen analyzers come with adjustable measurement parameters like flow rate, temperature, and pressure to meet specific process conditions.
This affects the sensitivity and accuracy of the measured concentrations.
- The analyzer's output display format, whether graphical or numerical, can be customized to suit different operational needs.
How to Choose the hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer
In this section, the business buyer's various options for the hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer are narrowed down. Since there are so many different types and models of this device, one should take several key criteria into account.
Precision
The required level of accuracy will depend on the customer-specific operational and scientific needs. To verify that the device will meet the required limit of needs, one should look at the specifications before buying.
Measuring Range
How much hydrogen or nitrogen concentration the client needs to determine will influence the client's analysis device choice. Various device kinds frequently work in various concentration ranges.
There is no need to worry about lower or higher concentrations than what they can handle if one selects a type that is suited to their range.
Response Time
This is especially crucial for clients in settings where gas concentrations can rapidly change. The time it takes for a gadget to show a stable reading is known as response time.
To obtain steady readings during fluctuations, clients must choose an analyzer with a response time compatible with their process or needs.
How They Handle Process Conditions
Clients should consider how well the device handles temperature, pressure, and flow rate. Any variation in these elements from the analyzing device's normal operating range might impair accuracy and device lifetime.
Buyers can choose an analyzer that is accommodated for their needs of environmental elements by paying attention to this specification.
Stability
Clients must select a model that can provide steady readings without much drift for ongoing monitoring. Continuous calibration and advanced sensor technology are frequently used to guarantee this stability.
It is crucial for clients to think about this criterion, particularly those in fields that demand constant, accurate measurements.
Industry-Specific Requirements
Clients in the petrochemical, oil and gas, or hydrogen fuel sectors specifically should consider an analyzer built for their industry. These instruments frequently have features particularly suited to handling the unique challenges of these industries.
Method of Detection
Clients should consider what method the hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer uses to detect gases. Various methods have pros and cons of their own.
For instance, while mass spectrometry offers extremely accurate results, thermal conductivity is frequently chosen for its simplicity and cost-effective efficiency. One should pick a method that aligns with their operational requirements and budget constraints.
Q&A
Q1: What are the common types of hydrogen and nitrogen analyzers?
A1: There are electrochemical, thermal conductivity, and mass spectrometry hydrogen and nitrogen analyzers. Each has its advantages and ideal applications, depending on the required range, precision, and environment.
Q2: What is the importance of using a hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer in industrial settings?
A2: The hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer helps prevent explosions, ensures optimal reactions during chemical processes, and monitors fuel cells by providing real-time data on gas concentrations, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Q3: Can the hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer be used outdoors?
A3: It is generally not recommended to use the analyzers outside because they are not hardy enough to endure changing weather conditions, including rain, snow, or extreme heat. Moreover, most of these analyzers are designed to be used inside fixed stations where they can easily be monitored and maintained.
Q4: How frequently should calibrations be performed on hydrogen and nitrogen analyzers?
A4: Continuous calibration is typically done automatically in modern analyzers. However, periodic checks, often quarterly or monthly depending on the usage, are advisable to ensure accuracy.
Q5: Are there any maintenance requirements for the hydrogen and nitrogen analyzers?
A5: Regularly replacing filters, checking internal components, and running diagnostic checks are essential for maintaining the analyzers. Maintenance should be done following the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the instrument's longevity and accuracy.
