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30 January 2009
Gas and dust detection are critical to industry - not only due to safety issues and environment-focused emission controls, but also because of the substantial cost savings incurred through benefits such as optimal combustion and dust-free environments.
Previously, measurement in hazardous conditions was restricted to probe-based instruments. However, in corrosive or hazardous conditions such as smelters or furnaces, these probes can experience a short life-span and require extensive maintenance.
This is according to Ian Fraser, Managing Director of Rand Technical Services, a Tshwane-based company providing specialised industrial solutions throughout Southern Africa.
“Neo Monitors use cutting-edge laser technology that responds rapidly, and is highly accurate and stable. The optical, non-contact measurement is done directly in the process, even if it is hot, hazardous or corrosive,” Fraser says.
This in-situ measurement eliminates sample handling and allows stable calibration with minimal drift. Calibration requirements are infrequent, and easily performed by customer instrumentation personnel.
Says Fraser: “Compact, robust Neo Monitors have unrivalled detection limits, and offer various versions optimised for different applications. Unlike with conventional UV or IR spectrographic instruments, cross-interference is obviated by the use of single-line spectroscopy. A single-mode diode laser, operating at room temperature, scans a single gas-absorption line specific to the target gas, and this method eliminates interference from other gases.”
A receiving detector then calculates the gas concentration according to measurement of the absorption by the target gas. The process does not need compensation for the presence of other gases, can accomodate automatic correction for process temperature and pressure variation, and provides an immediate response to concentration changes.
Using similar technology, Neo Monitors also offer open path Gas Monitors, which are designed for long distance monitoring in ambient air, and for the monitoring of dust levels in areas such as large production facilities. The Gas Monitor can measure lengths of up to 400m and has a very low detection limit (1 mg/Nm3 for 200m OPL), as well as a high dynamic range, selectable measurement levels and low cost-of-ownership.
“Neo LaserGas Monitors are manufactured by Neo Monitors, a division of Norwegian company Norsk-Elektro Optic (NEO). With a world-wide base of over 2000 installed units, many of which operate in challenging conditions, NEO use their extensive experience in application engineering to remain at the cutting edge of this technology, and to always provide the most advanced solutions available,” Fraser comments.
“Current industry users include the chemical, petrochemical, steel, aluminium, cement, automobile, pharmaceutical, power provision and waste incineration sectors,” he adds.
With no moving parts, no consumables and a broad dynamic range that measure parts per million, parts per billion and percentage, Neo Monitors are a safe, durable and cost-effective method of measuring dust concentrations and a large range of gases. The principle gases measured are: O2, H2S, HCI, HCN, HF, NO, NH3, N2O, CO, CH4, CO2, C2H2, H2O and C2H6. Dual gases measured include: NH3 + H2O, HF + H2O, HCI + H2O, CO + CO2, O2 + temp, and CO + H2O. Other gas measurements are available on request.
Fraser notes: “Over two decades ago in Norway, laser scanners were fitted to the inspection pigs checking oil rig pipelines for signs of deterioration such as rust, discoloration, cracks or corrosion. These scanners would then record the pipeline data, and download it on return to base for further analysis. This laser technology then evolved over time into the LaserGas Monitors in use today.
Whether these monitors are saving lives by measuring Hydrogen Fluoride in Aluminium plants, saving money by ensuring efficient combustion, or saving the environment by helping to reduce undesirable emissions, they are a wise investment that delivers a rapid return-on-investment.”
Neo Monitors are available in a comprehensive range that includes:
Single Path – designed for in-situ measurement in stacks, ducts or reactors with typical path lengths of 0.5 – 20m.
Single Path Compact – This monitor is similar to the standard Single Path monitor, however it has been optimised for short-distance measurement across pipes and along short cells with typical path lengths of 10 -100mm.
Open Path – suitable for long-distance monitoring in ambient air, such as in production halls or for large area gas leak detection.
Multipass – This monitor employs a Herriott cell to combine a long measurement path with a compact analyser to enhance detection limits.
Vial Tester – Specifically designed for NDT leakage testing of medical vials. Oxygen or other gases are measured in the headspace of the vial.
“RTS specialises in precisely understanding customer needs and applying suitable technologies to meet them, sourcing globally where necessary. Neo LaserGas Monitors are part of a range of innovative technologies sourced internationally to provide accurate and cost-efficient South African industrial monitoring solutions,” concludes Fraser.
-Ends-
( 801 words)
Note to Editors
Rand Technical Services, or RTS, is a specialised, Tshwane-based company offering innovative technologies and solutions to industrial problems.
Run by Managing Director Ian Fraser since its inception in the early 1990’s, the company offers globally-sourced, quality products such as continuous belt weighers without load cells, laser-based gas detection devices for hot or corrosive areas, and electrolysers for hydrogen production.
Product delivery and technical consultation by highly-trained staff is offered throughout Southern Africa to a range of clients in industry sectors such as mining, glass, steel and energy.
Editorial Contacts
Richard Cooper
Marketing manager
Rand Technical Services
012 - 993 9620
info@rtsafrica.co.za
www.rtsafrica.co.za
Kendal Hunt
PR Consultant and Writer
Kendal Hunt Communications
011 – 7045649 or kenh@mweb.co.za
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