Gas Detection

ABB has signed a framework agreement with Samsung Engineering in Saudi Arabia to collaborate in engineering and procurement activities in the Kingdom. With this agreement, ABB becomes a single-source vendor for gas analyzer system integration for Samsung in Saudi Arabia.

Together, the two companies plan to explore business opportunities and provide complete analytical solutions to the Saudi oil & gas market. Effective measurement of gas quality is key to safety and reliability, decreasing the environmental footprint and increasing profitability of the production process. ABB’s solutions support the most demanding applications.

“ABB is committed to helping customers in the energy transition. Between ABB and Samsung Engineering, we have an impressive portfolio that demonstrates technology expertise and technical capability. With this agreement, we are capable and ready to serve customers in Saudi Arabia,” said Javier Suárez Díez, Global System Integration Manager at ABB.

ABB’s analytical systems portfolio includes direct-read continuous gas analyzers, online gas analyzers using laser analytical techniques, rapid response process gas chromatographs and more. In addition to analytical systems, ABB provides gas analyzer system integration with fully customized analytical systems and solutions – from initial engineering through fabrication, testing, field start-up, and support.

ABB’s 10,000 square meter world-class integration facility for analytical systems, which the company is building in Dammam, will support the collaboration. The factory is expected to become a leader in the production of analytical systems in the region.

ABB and Samsung Engineering have worked together on several occasions, including on the Aramco Jafurah phase 1 project. With this agreement, they are ready to serve customers in Saudi Arabia.

Signal Group’s Managing Director, James Clements believes that it should be possible to remove the screens of all gas analysers, and connect with them wirelessly. “It no longer makes sense to fix the screen into the analyser,” he explains. “Everyone is completely comfortable with portable keypads and screens, and analysers are often in inconvenient or even unsafe locations, so we have designed detachable screens into all of our latest instruments.

“For many of our customers, it was either inconvenient or impossible to be physically next to their analysers to view readings and manage their instruments, so we integrated detachable tablets into the designs, and have been delighted with how popular this has been.”

The detachable tablets in Signal’s analysers are rugged with an IP67 rating, which means that they can even be used outdoors. Typically, customers find them most useful when it is necessary to install the analyser in a location with difficult access – such as: in vehicle exhaust gas test cells; in an ATEX enclosure; with a raised gantry on a stack; in a combustion test rig, or on any site where the location of analysis is not an ideal or safe working space.

With inbuilt 802.11 Wi-Fi, Signal’s tablet connects wirelessly to the analyser from a distance of up to 50 metres. This provides users with the ability to view live data in a different location, and even manage datalogging, alarms and calibration from a distance.

In addition to wireless connectivity between the analyser and the display, all Series IV instruments have their own IP address, and are compatible with 3G, 4G, 5G, GPRS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and satellite communications. This provides users with simple and secure access to their analysers at any time, from anywhere.

The removable tablets are supplied as standard with all Series IV gas analysers, including the new SOLAR XPLORE, and James says: “The most exciting thing about this new technology is that it all comes at no extra cost!”

ION Science has announced the launch of the new Panther gas leak detector, featuring a host of new features and twice the sensitivity of its predecessor, the GasCheck G.

The first ever ‘GasCheck’ was launched in 1990, offering industrial users the ability to detect leaks of gases such as hydrogen and helium. Later, more advanced versions were developed with new features such as over-range protection and audible alarms. Today, the new Panther PRO represents a quantum leap in technology, with a highly sensitive thermal conductivity sensor that is able to rapidly detect a variety of gases – the most popular applications are helium, hydrogen, ammonia and refrigerants.

The Panther PRO allows users to zero the instrument in ambient air, providing visual, audible and vibration alarms when leaks are detected. A colour LCD display and a built-in Gas-Table enables the measurement of concentration and leak rates in a variety of user-selectable units. All measurements can be logged internally and downloaded via Bluetooth or USB. The Panther also features an integrated torch and a flexible probe, which help in low light and restricted areas.

For customers with a smaller budget, a basic Panther model is available. This instrument has the same features as the PRO version, but without the data logging and Bluetooth capabilities.

Panther and Panther PRO have been designed for demanding applications and challenging environments, with an internal rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 19 hours.

Summarising the advantages, ION Science Product Manager Peter Barratt says: “We have over thirty years of experience, supplying thousands of customers in applications such as quality control, laboratory, cleanroom, medical, manufacturing, and research, so we have a very clear understanding of the features required of a professional gas leak detection instrument. We therefore know that customers will be delighted with the modern design, specification and performance of the Panther.”

Levels of uncertainty in gas measurements can be increased, for example, by calibration gases that offer poor levels of accuracy. For this reason, Signal Group manufactures gas handling and calibration equipment as well as gas analysers. “The linearity check is particularly important,” explains Managing Director James Clements. “Our Model 821S Gas Divider, for example, has been tested independently against our main competitor globally, and found to be dramatically superior.”

Conducted in North Carolina, USA, the trial found the slope accuracy for the Signal 821S to be just 0.25% for a NO/N₂ gas mixture, whereas the competitor gas divider offered 1.6% slope accuracy. Similarly, for a SO₂/N₂ mixture Signal’s slope accuracy was 0.74% and the competitor’s was a disappointing 2.5%.

“Sources of uncertainty are incremental,” James explains, “so it makes no sense to introduce extra error unnecessarily, which is why the 821S Gas Divider is popular with both our customers and with other gas analyser manufacturers.”

The European standard EN14181 describes the quality assurance procedures for Automated Measurement Systems (AMS) installed to measure emissions to air. Under this standard, an analyser’s linearity must be checked using five different reference concentrations, including zero. The reference concentrations should be approximately 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of the range of two times the emission limit, and the test concentrations should be applied in a randomised sequence.

It is common practice to employ a gas divider to create the different reference concentrations, however, it is of course also necessary to be able to validate the gas divider. To protect accuracy and reliability, the Signal Group Model 821S Gas Divider does not use mass flow controllers. A manifold block with ten identical capillaries and a precision pressure balance regulator ensure the high levels of accuracy demonstrated in the USA trial.

The procedure for checking the accuracy of the 821S Gas Divider is simple. Users connect the zero and calibration gas to the opposite connections and repeat the test, and if the gas divider is operating correctly, the gas analyser will show exactly the same readings.

Summarising, James Clements says: “Bottles of calibration gas have a fixed ‘use-by’ date and can be expensive to purchase and store, so it makes sense to employ a gas divider to conduct multi-point calibrations. However, purchased calibration gas itself incurs a level of uncertainty, so we designed the 821S Gas Divider to minimise increases in uncertainty, and I am grateful to the researchers in North Carolina for highlighting this technical superiority.”

Gas measurement and control system experts, Chell Instruments, have launched a new improved website as they look to support even more companies in 2023.

As market-leaders in pressure, vacuum and gas flow measurement and control solutions, Chell have updated their website to give visitors a better understanding of the products and service they provide.

“We are proud to be launching our brand-new website. We want to give engineers even greater ability to explore our products, so they can discover the most adaptive and accurate solutions for their needs” says Nick Broadley, Managing Director at Chell Instruments.

Chell Instruments have been a supplier and manufacturer of pressure and flow instrumentation for more than 40 years. Their products are used for high accuracy pressure, temperature and flow testing within sectors including motorsport, aerospace, pharmaceuticals and energy.

The new website was designed with the support of Full Mix Marketing who have helped deliver strategic, digital and creative marketing for Chell Instruments for almost five years.

It was designed to significantly improve the user journey and ensure it provides the same experience on desktop and mobile devices. One of the other key changes is new sector-specific pages which detail their tailored products and solutions for key industries.

“As our technology advances, we need a website which better reflects our innovation. Our new site makes it easier to access the options engineers need to continually enhance the performance and flexibility of the gas measurement and control systems they use in their sector” adds Nick Broadley.

In 2022, Chell Instruments launched a number of innovations from their microDAQ3 to further enhancements to their Quick Disconnect range.

One industry Chell Instruments are extensively involved in is aerospace and the development of conventional jet engines, particularly making them more efficient in global efforts to boost sustainability.

They have also supported ground-breaking projects including helping German company, Lilium, trailblaze the development of electric aircraft.

Amidst global supply change challenges, Chell have also been increasingly involved in the pharmaceutical industry, where gases are frequently used to create a dry and inert atmosphere around ingredients or products.

In Formula 1 racing, the option to exploit ground effect returned in 2022. As their technology is used widely by leading teams, Chell have developed a manifold-mounted pressure scanner which enables teams to capture a comprehensive air pressure map.

“Our new website was designed to help a variety of industries effectively find products that could assist their efforts in improving efficiency. The more engineers that are able to find the relevant information to their needs, the more we can help with exciting developments” concludes Nick Broadley.

For more information on Chell Instruments products and to see the new website, visit www.chell.co.uk

Responding to a demand for short-term monitoring, Signal Group has established a fleet of gas measurement instruments that are available for hire.

“Some of our customers only need the equipment for a specific project or for a short-term investigation,” explains MD James Clements. “In these circumstances it would not be sensible to purchase the equipment, because it may not be required at the end of the project, and the capital cost may be preclusive. We have therefore established a small range of our more popular instruments, which are now available for rent.”

The rental equipment includes Signal analysers employing FID for VOC and non-methane hydrocarbons; chemiluminescent analysers for NO/NOx; NDIR for multiple species such as CO, CO2, CH4, NO, N2O, SO2 and HCl. In addition to reference method gas analysers, Signal Group also manufactures a comprehensive range of ancillary instruments including heated lines, sample conditioners, filters, cooler/dryers, methane cutters, NOx converters, sample dividers and calibration equipment. These instruments are all available for hire on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there a standout gas detection product that you think deserves to be recognised with an award? If the answer is yes, then now is the time to nominate that product for an Instrumentation Excellence Award. The Instrumentation Excellence Awards (IEAs) celebrate the very best from the world of test, measurement, sensing and control.

The success of the inaugural award ceremony in 2022 has cemented it as a must attend event and an Instrumentation Excellence Awards trophy now represents a truly unique stamp of approval, opening doors for new business opportunities. The winner of the 2022 Gas Detection Product of the Year award was Vaisala’s CARBOCAP MGP261 Multigas Probe. 

The CARBOCAP MGP261 Multigas Probe for Methane, Carbon Dioxide and Humidity helps in improving your process and in protecting the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engine. The MGP261 probe is compact in size, Ex certified, and can be installed directly into the gas line without the need for sample treatment. The measurement probe is suitable for applications such as anaerobic digestion of landfill, industrial and municipal waste, wastewater treatment, CHP engine monitoring, as well as active carbon filter monitoring. 

If you think there is a gas detection product that deserves to share the success of Vaisala’s CARBOCAP MGP261 Multigas Probe at the 2023 IEAs then you only have a few weeks left to enter your nomination via the online portal: www.instrumentationawards.co.uk. 

Entering the Awards is quick, easy and completely free of charge – so there’s no need to delay! To make your entry really stand out from the crowd, it is recommended that you try to include a comprehensive overview of the product or company that you have nominated. There is even the option to include supplementary documents like data sheets and images alongside your nomination.  

Nominations close at the end of this month so visit www.instrumentationawards.co.uk to make your nomination and to find out more about the Instrumentation Excellence Awards. 

To support the growing demand for building energy efficiency and sustainability, Vaisala, a global leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurements, expands its product portfolio for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) products by launching the new Vaisala GMD110 carbon dioxide transmitter.

The Vaisala GMD110 is designed for measuring carbon dioxide in air-handling systems and ventilation ducts in industrial and commercial environments. The GMD110 has unique capabilities in terms of precision and measurement stability, which support precise and reliable control of HVAC systems even in demanding conditions or sites. The GMD110 is the perfect choice for demand-controlled ventilation systems and duct-mounted CO2 monitoring in industrial settings.

This IP65-rated transmitter is equipped with the renowned Vaisala CARBOCAP sensor: Its structure and reference measurement capabilities make this single-beam, dual-wavelength NDIR sensor extremely reliable with low maintenance needs. Measurement accuracy is not affected by dust, water vapour or chemicals.

The new carbon dioxide Vaisala GMD110 Carbon Dioxide Transmitter has an excellent response time, and is supplied with a calibration certificate. The product will be available during the second quarter of 2023.

Signal Group is probably best known for leading innovation in industrial gas analysis using reference methods such as FID, CLD and NDIR. However, since its inception in 1979, the company has developed a fleet of ancillary equipment to ensure that the gas analysers operate as accurately and reliably as possible. This has included cooler/dryers that help to condition sample gas prior to analysis, and remarkably, the designs for these devices have changed very little in the last 30 years.

“Simplicity and reliability have always been our guiding mantra in product design,” explains Signal’s MD James Clements. “So, once we had developed models that met our needs precisely, further development was unnecessary, and we now have hundreds of cooler/dryers operating all over the world.”

Globally, regulations dictate that stack, flue or exhaust emission samples should usually be conditioned in some way before analysis, and it is important that this conditioning should be compatible with the analysis method. Cooler/dryers remove moisture from the sample gas so that it does not enter the gas analyser where it may affect the readings or even harm the analyser. However, cooler/dryers are not normally employed with acid gas samples because acidic gases may dissolve in the condensed water and therefore not form part of the measurement.

Signal Group offers two types of cooler/dryer; both with a thermoelectric cooling system and a special gas labyrinth design to eliminate the possibility of losing non-soluble sample gas with the removed water. Signal’s portable (Model 250) Cooler/dryer weighs 15kg and runs on mains power, and a 19” rack version (Model 200SM) is available as a 1, 2 or 3 channel unit. Summarising, James says: “It is incredible that there has never really been any need to update or re-design our cooler/dryers, but they do say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Visitors to Sensor + Test 2023 in Nürnberg, Germany (9 – 11^th May) can see the world’s leading sensors for the measurement of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Particulate Matter (PM) at the ION Science booth 512 in Hall 1.

“The designers of gas detection instrumentation, systems and process control equipment will already know ION Science as a manufacturer of the market’s best PID sensors,” explains Peter Morris, Head of Sensors at ION Science Ltd. “However, they will be delighted to learn that the Next-PM high-performance Particulate Matter sensor, is now also available, and will feature prominently on our stand.”

“When customers integrate our sensors into their equipment, they know that having ‘ION inside’ enhances both their performance capability and reliability, which builds trust in their brands. We therefore look forward to welcoming all visitors, including developers, designers, engineers, technicians and product managers to speak with us at the show, so that we can explain the benefits of the unique patented technology behind the performance superiorities that ION sensors deliver.”

With global organisations looking to lower safety risks and improve their environmental performance, the demand for VOC monitoring technologies is growing. Typically, ION Science customers are developing portable, wearable and fixed measurement instrumentation solutions for applications such as environmental monitoring, industrial health and safety, air quality, facility/site monitoring and fugitive emissions. Photoionisation Detection (PID) is the recommended technology for VOC detection in these applications.

One of the unique features of ION’s MiniPIDs is a patent-protected design with a third electrode that overcomes humidity interference (that plagues competitors’ sensors), delivering a stable signal from 0 – 99% RH.

The sensitivity of PID sensors is extremely important in many applications; particularly where the sensors are deployed in the measurement of trace VOCs. Again, ION leads the field, offering MiniPIDs with ten times the sensitivity of other PID manufacturers.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in developing a monitoring solution for VOCs, to view our gas response table” explains Peter Morris. “This document includes the response factors for over 900+ VOCs, as well as a small number of inorganic gases such as hydrogen sulphide, so it’s really helpful in deciding which PID variant is most appropriate to the OEM application or need.”

The NextPM sensor was recently added to the ION Science portfolio following hugely successful field trials at South Coast AQMD in the USA. The NextPM sensors showed strong to very strong correlations for both PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 with reference instruments costing several hundred times the cost of the sensors. “These results were incredibly good for such a low-cost sensor,” explains Peter Morris, “the NextPM, therefore, fits well with our philosophy of offering the best sensors to the market.”

Thanks to its patented airflow control technology, Next-PM ensures years of maintenance-free measurements, even in polluted and humid atmospheres. These sensors are therefore ideal for inclusion in instruments and systems that monitor industrial processes or air quality; both indoors and outdoors.

Fine particulates are a particular health concern, and the requirement for monitoring equipment is growing rapidly alongside tightening regulations. In 2021, the WHO halved its yearly average guideline limit for PM_2.5 from 10 to 5 µg/m³. In the UK, under the Environment Act 2021, a maximum annual mean concentration of 10 µg/m³ by 2040 has been set as the PM_2.5 target.  The EU Commission has proposed a reduction in the PM_2.5 target to 10 µg/m³ by 2030, and the US Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering recommendations from its independent particulate matter review panel to lower its target from 12 to between 8 and 10 µg/m³.

Sensor + Test visitors can see ION’s latest sensing technology and discuss their applications with the technical experts on the stand. They may also wish to take advantage of ION’s sensor development kit which helps reduce development time and cost.

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