Why Measure Oxygen?

Oxygen is the 3rd most abundant element by mass in the universe. While critical for life, its presence or absence, as well as its levels, plays a crucial role in many industrial processes.

In gas plants, transmission lines and gathering systems, the presence of even trace levels of oxygen can pose serious problems. It indicates that a leak has developed in the infrastructure and, if left unsealed, can lead to further costly damage and halt the movement of natural gas.

In other industrial processes, keeping oxygen concentrations within predetermined levels is crucial for manufacturing. Companies, including those in aerospace, air separation and electronics, introduce nitrogen gas as part of their production to bring oxygen levels into acceptable levels. Thus, they need a way to monitor those percent levels.

Last, monitoring oxygen levels is important for some companies because of safety. Laboratories or environments that handle pressurized gas cylinders or dewers that contain cryogenically liquefied gases, must be diligent about detecting leaks. A leak from any of these containers can quickly displace oxygen levels within an enclosed space and move them below dangerous thresholds. This puts their personnel in the vicinity at risk for not only oxygen depletion but also for death by asphyxiation. OSHA has published guidelines that establish safe levels for oxygen in the workplace.

Oxygen Measurement Technologies

There are multiple technologies available for the detection and ongoing monitoring of oxygen levels in gas streams, industrial processes, or controlled environments. The reliability and accuracy of the oxygen readings are critical for technicians to make real-time decisions on their operations. Each measurement technology may be more desirable in specific applications and all have some limitations. Here are a few of the most common ones:

Zirconium-oxide

Zirconia becomes conductive to oxygen when it is held at high temperatures. Sensors constructed from zirconium oxide are commonly used oxygen analyzers to provide a reliable and robust method for measuring oxygen in percent levels. The sensors must be kept at an elevated temperature - up to 700° C - to function correctly.Pros:
  • Robust and stable sensor with 10+ years of sensor life
  • Wide measurement range from 0.5% up to 100% O2
Cons:
  • Can not be used in flammable gas
  • Not acceptable for low ppm oxygen levels

Electrochemical

An electrochemical sensor functions much like a battery consisting of a cathode, and anode and an electrolyte. The sensor will produce a current output proportional to the oxygen partial pressure in the surrounding gas. When no oxygen is present an electrochemical sensor will read a true zero meaning analyzers using this technology can measure trace oxygen levels in the parts per billion range.Pros:
  • Extremely accurate at trace levels of oxygen
  • Small size and low initial cost
Cons:
  • Sensor life approximately 18 months
  • Calibration required every 6 months

Paramagnetic

Paramagnetic technologies take advantage of the natural attraction of oxygen molecules to strong magnetic fields. This approach involves a sampling system where nitrogen filled spheres are suspended within a strong magnetic field. As oxygen in a gas passes through the sample area, it is attracted to the magnetic fields, creating a force on the spheres. The movement of the spheres, which is proportional to the oxygen concentration, is measured and converted to an oxygen concentration. Pros:
  • No sensing element consumed over time
  • Can measure flammable and corrosive gas mixtures
Cons:
  • Susceptible to dust, dirt and corrosion.
  • Lack sensitivity for trace oxygen detection.

Optical Fluorescence Quenching

Optical type oxygen analyzers such as fluorescence quenching are capable of providing trace measurements of oxygen in gas streams. They utilize an optical fiber coated with chemical that will luminesce when it is excited by a laser light. The oxygen content in the gas stream will proportionally counteract the fluorescence of the chemical. This is measured using an optical sensor.Pros:
  • Robust and stable sensor with 10+ years of sensor life
  • Limited interference from other gasses
Cons:
  • High initial cost
  • Annual reconditioning of sensor

Selecting an Oxygen Analyzer

Step 1: Select Measurement Capability

The first step will be choosing the measurement range of oxygen you will want to monitor in your application

Step 2: Select Analyzer Configuration

The second step will be to decide the appropriate style of analyzer based on its intended application and use

Measurement Capability

Analyzer Configuration

Analyzer Design – Things to Look For

There are many different Oxygen Analyzers on the market, made and sold by different companies. Though each one touts the benefits of the underlying measurement technology, it is important for the buyer to evaluate other keys areas of the design.

Oxygen Analyzer design that includes all critical sample handling components
AMI design contains all critical sampling handling components

Sample Handling Components

For the sample gas to move from its source to the location inside the Analyzer for a reading, critical sample handling components must be installed along the sample gas path. Among these are the flow meter, metering valve, tubing and selector valve for gas flow. Some oxygen analyzers even include additional items, such as a pressure sensor and temperature transducer. Any customer considering a purchase should ask these questions: “Does this Analyzer have everything that I need? Or do I have to purchase additional components to install with my Analyzer before I can start taking measurements?”

Oxygen Analyzer Design using several compression fittings. Notice that compression fittings are prone to leaks
Competitive design uses several compression fittings. Notice that
compression fittings are prone to leaks.

Susceptibility of Leaks in the Gas Path

Moving sample gas to its target destination requires setting up a pathway with critical sample handling components connected to it. Many manufacturers, as well as customers, turn to using long lengths of stainless-steel tubing with compression fittings to make this happen. Though the compression fittings can connect the sample handling components to the stainless-steel tubing, they are prone to leaks over time and can affect the performance of the Analyzer.

This is particularly serious for trace measurements because even the smallest levels of oxygen entering the system will impair the accuracy and reliability of the Analyzer’s readings.

Therefore, be sure to consider the reliance of an analyzer design on compression fittings for its sample gas path.

Comparison of different Analyzer designs
length of gas path
Compact design from AMI offers
a much shorter gas path.
Competitive design unnecessarily
extends the gas path.

Length of the Gas Path

The Analyzer’s measurement response time reflects how fast the unit can deliver a reading. One of the design parameters that affects this is the length of the sample gas path. A shorter gas path delivers a faster reading, while a longer one does the opposite.

Because the actual gas path can consist of several turns and detours prior to reaching the site of where the measurement takes place, it is generally not ideal to rely solely on the dimensions of the Analyzer. Instead, contact the manufacturer and ask how far it takes the sample to travel inside the Analyzer before a reading can take place.

AMI Sensor Pocket
Competitor Sensor Pocket
efficient flow
AMI Design provides optimized flow efficiency and full purge of the sensor pocket.
Competitor design contains a blind cavity and creates ‘dead legs’.

Flow Efficiency of the Sensor Pocket (for Analyzers utilizing sensors)

The other parameter of an analyzer design that affects the response time is the flow efficiency of the sensor pocket. A good design will allow a rapid and full purge of the sensor pocket. This will allow the sensor to respond quickly and detect any changes in the sample gas. In contrast, a poorly designed pocket can have a ‘blind cavity’ that limits the exposure of the sensor to the sample gas and create ‘dead legs’ which slows the exit of ‘previous sample gas’ from the sensor area. All of which slows the Analyzer from delivering a measurement that accurately reflects the sample gas in ‘real-time’.

Anyone buying an Oxygen Analyzer utilizing sensors should evaluate how well the sensor pocket is designed.

Comparison of Analyzer Response Times
Response time Graph
AMI Design delivers a faster measurement because of its shorter travel path and flow-efficient sensor pocket.

Sample Conditioning & Maintenance

Examples of accessories that pre-condition the sample gas prior to it entering the Analyzer
AMI Oxygen Analyzers have accessories that pre-condition
the sample gas prior to it entering the Analyzer.

To help oxygen measurements remain accurate and reliable, users should be cognizant of proper sample conditioning practices. First, care should be taken to avoid getting liquid into the oxygen analyzer, which could come from hot or wet gas, as well as, the occasional moisture slugs from the pipeline. Operators should install devices that bring hot sample gas to ambient temperature to avoid condensation. They also should install liquid rejection instruments, capable of stopping larger slugs of fluids from flooding the Analyzer. Second, it is important to regulate the sample gas down to the recommended operating pressure of the Analyzer to avoid stressing the internal components beyond their specified limits. Proper sample conditioning not only maintains the performance of the Analyzer but extends its operational life.

Analyzer design that makes sensor replacement easy for the user
AMI Oxygen Analyzers feature a front-loading sensor design
for easy replacement.

Most Oxygen Analyzers require periodic maintenance, and the work required to complete it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some need the user to only replace the electrochemical sensor, while others require a cleaning to remove accumulated dirt and dust from the sensing element. Because the procedure(s) can be easy or hard to do, as well as time-consuming, anyone interested in purchasing an Oxygen Analyzer should weigh the maintenance in the purchase decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an Oxygen Analyzer work?

An oxygen analyzer contains an oxygen sensor which reacts with the oxygen in the atmosphere or gas stream. The oxygen sensor will produce a small electrical current that is proportional to level of oxygen it is reacting with. The oxygen analyzer converts the current to a ppm or percent oxygen level, which is then displayed on the oxygen analyzer’s screen or used to activate process alarms.

What is the purpose of an Oxygen Analyzer?

An oxygen analyzer is used to measure trace or percent levels of oxygen concentration in gas streams or the surrounding atmosphere. The measurement by the oxygen analyzer can then be used to initiate other actions, such as sound an alarm, if the oxygen concentration is outside of predetermined limits.

Which detector is used for Oxygen Analysis?

Oxygen analyzers will use different types of detectors or sensors, depending on what environment they are utilized in. Electrochemical, Zirconium oxide, paramagnetic, and optical fluorescence are all types of oxygen detector technologies. AMI oxygen analyzers use electrochemical and zirconium oxide technologies for our trace oxygen and percent oxygen gas analyzers.

What is the typical measuring range for an Oxygen Analyzer?

Oxygen analyzers can measure oxygen ranges anywhere between 0-100%, based on the design of the oxygen analyzer. The preferred measurement range is selected by the user. AMI oxygen analyzers have ranges as low as 0-10 ppm to as high as 0-5000 ppm in trace levels, and 0-1% to 0-100% for percent level measurement ranges.

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