Application Book: Heating Solutions for All Industries | Page 75
CONDENSATION PREVENTION
GAS SAMPLE HEATING
Etched Foil Heaters used in equipment for extracting and analyzing hot gas samples
Application
Gas sampling is required by many industries to evaluate gaseous
fuels, control process reactions or provide analysis of emissions
to meet environmental requirements. The analysis of different gas
mixtures is one of the most important challenges for measurement in
industry. The results can assist in process improvement and product
quality. It can also provide proof of adherence to government
standards. Samples drawn from a reactive process may be hot,
contain suspended particulate or condensable vapors. Gas
temperatures impact the sample, so results of the analysis are
usually stated with some accepted reference point. This can be
at Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP), or at the elevated
temperature. There may also be a reference to a component
constituent contained in the gas such as oxygen. The amount of
oxygen contained in a gas sample is extremely important as a
requirement for or result of many processes. Prior to completing the
analysis, it may be necessary to heat the sample. If the heating is
not performed properly, the result will be a failed analyses causing
lost time and money.
Solution
BriskHeat’s etched foil heaters can provide the required heat
to conduct accurate analyses. Extracting a gas sample through
a probe is the first step to analysis. Oxygen displays different
properties at elevated temperatures. Different types of probes may
use oxygen’s magnetic properties or the conductivity of voltages
between electrodes for determining the amount of oxygen in the
sample.
One manufacturer developing oxygen sensing equipment with a
Zirconia Oxide fuel cell utilized BriskHeat’s etched foil heaters as
a means of maintaining sample temperature during extraction
and preventing condensation in their analyzer. Accurate and
repeatable results were obtained by using a tiny foil heater to
maintain gas temperature. Samples are further heated above
315°C (600°F) in the analyzer. Production versions of their
system include a BriskHeat foil heater as small as 1.2 inches x 1.5
inches (30 mm x 38 mm).
Another manufacturer is using BriskHeat Etched Foil heaters in
their oxygen sensing probes utilizing paramagnetic technology.
The probes maintain a consistent temperature of 55°C (131°F).
Other Gas Sampling Applications
Acid gas fuels require analysis to determine fuel-air ratios for
efficient combustion. Condensation of the fuel can yield inaccu-
rate analysis, clog or damage sensing lines. Hot/wet gas analysis
requires the gas sample be maintained above the dew point
temperature. Heating probes and sensing lines prevent condensa-
tion of liquid and maintain particulates in suspension. Analyzers
designed to work with hot/wet samples typically require tempera-
tures of approximately 150°C (302°F). Etched foil heaters are
perfect for analysis requiring heated gas.
Similar technology is used to test samples of flue and exhaust
fumes. Heated gas extraction equipment is used in Continuous
Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) as required by the EPA and
for analysis of automobile exhausts.
Industries
General Manufacturing
Laboratory, Medical Sciences
Analytical Instrumentation
Oil & Gas
Petroleum/Chemical Processing
Power Generation
Toll Free: 800-848-7673 | Phone: 614-294-3376 | BriskHeat.com | Email: [email protected] | Fax: 614-294-3807
© BriskHeat Corporation. All Rights Reserved. 20-01
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