Michell Innovations Facilitate Easy Moisture Measurement in Natural Gas

Michell Instruments has developed a range of low-maintenance technologies to provide customers throughout the natural gas industry with the means to measure moisture content and hydrocarbon dew point safely, efficiently and reliably. Including the intrinsically safe Cermax IS and the Condumax Hydrocarbon Dewpoint Analyser, the range is designed to take into account the complexities particular to natural gas processing while offering unbeatable ease of use.

Developed in response to the specific needs of site chemists and operational staff working in petrochemical and natural gas plants, the portable CERMAX IS is ideal for the safe measurement of moisture content in flammable and non-flammable gases having been certified by BASEEFA (EECS), FM (USA) and CSA (Canada). Suitable for measuring moisture concentration at any point in the production process, whether at a refinery, LNG plant, offshore platform, or natural gas terminal, CERMAX IS offers a degree of flexibility and functionality unrivalled with the industry.

Fully self-contained within a robust and lightweight moulded carry case, CERMAX IS is extremely easy to operate. Requiring no external services, users simply connect the sample gas to the inlet port, turn on the power and the measured dew point of the gas under test is immediately displayed.

Comprising Michell's innovative ceramic moisture sensor and specially-designed internal circuitry, CERMAX IS is not only fast, it also offers class-leading accuracy combined with outstanding repeatability. With a standard measurement range from -100°C to +20°C dewpoint and indication down to -120°C and up to +30°C dew point, CERMAX IS offers measurement accuracy of ±1°C dew point in the range -59°C to +20°C dewpoint and ±2°C dewpoint in the range -100°C to -60°C. The system can achieve a resolution of 0.1°C dewpoint across the entire calibrated range and requires recharging once every 24 hours.

In addition to giving an instant display of the measured dew point after system initialisation, CERMAX IS is also able to perform more complex functions such as pressure compensation, range selections, input scaling and data logging; via a drop down menu. The drop down menu offers the ability to download the log onto a PC using Windows which means data can be sorted, analysed and charted using a separate spreadsheet or database programme.

Hydrocarbon dew point in natural gas is an important quality parameter stipulated in contractual specifications and enforced throughout the supply chain. Accurate monitoring is therefore vital if the integrity and quality of the gas is to be maintained and contractual agreements met. Michell Instruments has designed the Condumax Hydrocarbon Dewpoint Analyser to meet the needs of natural gas producers and transportation, distribution and retailing companies, all of which require accuracy and consistency of measurement.

Condumax provides accurate, on-line measurement of the hydrocarbon condensation temperature of natural gas by utilising the Dark Spot optical measurement principle - a method which is radically different from that of any other chilled mirror instrument.

Offering inherent reliability and stability, the Dark Spot technique provides sensitivity of 1ppm (molar) of condensation enabling the analyser to detect the almost invisible films of condensation; which are characteristic of hydrocarbon gases at dew point due to low surface tension. Condumax features a microprocessor which controls all the functions associated with sampling and data processing, providing a fully automatic and objective monitoring system free from operator error and misinterpretation.

In addition, the Condumax can be easily integrated with Michell's Cermet II IS Hygrometer which features an Advanced Ceramic Moisture Sensor to facilitate easy measurement of both water and hydrocarbon dewpoint; simultaneously from a single system.

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