In numerous industrial fields such as petroleum, air separation, chemical engineering, electronics, glass, and building materials, oxygen analyzers are indispensable process analysis instruments. They monitor the oxygen content in mixed gases in real time, providing critical data for process control and quality assurance. However, even the most precise instruments can "get angry" if used improperly - with measurement deviations, sluggish responses, or even damage. Today, we will present a comprehensive guide on the use of oxygen analyzers, explaining the details that are often overlooked to help you measure more accurately and use them for a longer time.
Today, we will only discuss a few things to pay attention to in practical operations to help you avoid those easily overlooked steps.
The pressure of the sample gas entering the instrument should be controlled within the allowable range of the equipment. If it is too high, it will impact the sensor; if it is too low, the flow rate will be unstable. It is recommended to install a pressure reducing valve to ensure the gas flows smoothly.
The output pressure of the secondary meter for calibration should also not be too high, otherwise it will affect the stability of the gas path and the accuracy of calibration.
All connection pipelines and joints should be fully inspected for leaks after installation, and regular rechecks are also required. Any minor leaks may introduce air, causing the oxygen content data to be higher and affecting the judgment.
Filtering - Before the sample gas enters the instrument, it should pass through a physical filter to intercept dust, oil, and liquid impurities. If the resistance of the gas path increases, it is necessary to promptly check whether the filter is blocked and, if so, clean or replace it (customizable according to the working conditions).
When installing an oxygen analyzer, provide it with an appropriate position.
The installation surface should be kept level and away from vibration sources. Tilting or long-term vibration will interfere with the gas convection inside the detector, potentially causing systematic errors.
The area around the instrument should be well-ventilated. It should not be placed in a sealed space. Otherwise, the local oxygen concentration may change, affecting the measurement accuracy.
If there are hydrogen, methane, etc., as combustible gases in the environment, they may interfere with the sensor signal and also pose safety hazards. The installation location should be as far as possible from these gas sources. The filter of the instrument should be cleaned regularly, especially in dusty sites, where the cleaning cycle should be shortened. Poor heat dissipation can cause the internal temperature to rise, affecting the lifespan of electronic components and sensors.
If the sample gas contains hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, etc., they may react with oxygen on the surface of the high-temperature sensor, consuming some oxygen, resulting in a lower reading. When measuring such gases, assess the impact in advance and, if necessary, install a pre-treatment device to remove interference or correct the results. Corrosive gases pass through activated carbon filters first
For acidic or corrosive gases, it is recommended to install an activated carbon filter in the gas path to adsorb corrosive substances. Otherwise, the sensor is prone to erosion, affecting the measurement accuracy, and also increasing maintenance costs.
The reason why oxygen analyzers are widely used is that they use fuel cell sensors, which have fast response, high accuracy, and good stability. Moreover, the sensor is of a fully sealed design, requiring less daily maintenance. However, even the best equipment cannot do without standardized use and regular checks.
