Hydrocarbon Processing - May 2021 - 72

Process Controls, Instrumentation and Automation

FIG. 4. Analyzer diagnostics include a range of functions related to the sensing cell and
sampling system.

FIG. 5. Robust internals protected in solid enclosures avoid the need for analyzer shelters.

be done, which have been simplified for
many types of instrumentation through
the use of NAMUR 107 alarm categories
for consistent data presentation.
Since analyzers need service work
eventually, modular construction makes
this task much easier and less expensive.
Previous designs tended to be difficult
to access and reassemble, calling for challenging adjustments before returning to
full operation. These requirements could
cause lengthy outages, leaving users with
no analysis data.
However, at present, major functional
components can be extracted as a unit and
serviced quickly-or a substitute assembly, standing by, can be inserted to resume
operation with minimal delay. When supported by detailed diagnostic information,
a technician knows exactly what needs to
happen and can have the necessary parts
in hand before the unit is serviced.
Analyzers traditionally have a reputation for requiring specialized enclosures
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MAY 2021 | HydrocarbonProcessing.com

to protect their delicate mechanisms from
the harsh surrounding environment. Improvements in construction with more
robust internals (FIG. 5) allow them to be
mounted in more environments with a
broader range of environmental temperatures. Upgraded enclosures, combined
with better insulation and enclosure
heating, permit outside installation, even
in wet and cold climates.

Pipeline natural gas is routinely monitored for a range of attributes and composition at sources and transfer points,
but the reliability of these measurements
is no better than the technologies applied
and their operators. Where water content
is critical, operators have depended on
electrochemical techniques, often with
hit-or-miss results from poorly performing sensors. In other cases, operators
struggle to keep finicky analyzers working properly and are often forced to return them to the factory for repair.
Both of these challenging situations
can be solved through improved TDLAS
analyzers, which can deliver a high degree
of accuracy combined with an easy-to-use
operator interface and reliable construction. On a continuous basis, with readings
only seconds apart, operators can tell if
gas quality specifications are met or if remedial actions need to be taken. They can
also continuously monitor the analyzer
by watching diagnostic data.
If a problem is developing due to highly contaminated gas, operators will know
if the reading data is impaired in any way,
and they will understand exactly what
actions are necessary to correct the situation. Operators do not need to be close
by, as improved connectivity means that
they can access the analyzer from virtually anywhere. While gas supplies are in
question, it is important to know that the
analysis is reliable.

Solution to a clear need. Given the

ALAN GARZA is the Product
Marketing Manager for the
advanced analysis product lines
at Endress+Hauser. He began
his career at Endress+Hauser
as a rotational engineer, working
with multiple instrumentation
technologies. Mr. Garza was also part of the inside
sales team, where he championed gas analytics
and developed his skills as an applications engineer.
His background also includes business development
and operations management. Mr. Garza earned a
BS degree in mechanical engineering technology
from the University of Houston.

unsettled nature of energy markets caused
by the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of monitoring critical attributes of
pipeline gas is very high. With changes in
gas fields and the growth of renewables,
there is every reason to take nothing for
granted. Keeping pipelines and other
equipment in reliable and safe operation
calls for knowing when corrosion might
be happening internally, and this is driven
to a large extent by condensation combining with other contaminants.

SAM MILLER is responsible
for product marketing at
SpectraSensors, an Endress+Hauser
company. He has more than 20 yr
of experience in oil and gas markets
and in the development of laserbased products. He is a member
of the ASTM D03 standards committee and
participates in numerous natural gas conferences
and symposiums, including those of the American
Gas Association (AGA), the ISA Analysis Division, and
various international hydrocarbon measurement
organizations. Mr. Miller earned a BS degree from
California Polytechnic University, Pomona, and an
MBA degree from the University of California, Irvine.

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Hydrocarbon Processing - May 2021

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