Process Oxygen Analyzer Outperforms Traditional Electrochemical Analyzers in O2 Measurement

Summary

HOUSTON - Dec. 18, 2024 - KECO’s OxyHound process gas analyzer demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional electrochemical analyzers during a month-long field test conducted by KECO in collaboration with a top vapor recovery unit (VRU) manufacturing company. The test focused on measuring oxygen levels in gas streams. 

In the test, both the OxyHound and a conventional electrochemical analyzer were set up to measure oxygen levels in a gas stream. The collected data was integrated into the VRU company’s SCADA system, which sampled readings every two minutes. Results indicated that the OxyHound significantly outperformed the electrochemical analyzer in terms of accuracy and reliability.
 
The OxyHound uses advanced Quench Luminesce Technology for gas sampling, which ensures precise oxygen measurement. This method is based on the decay of light emitted by a specific luminophore over time to accurately determine the partial pressure of the oxygen. The analyzer tracks variations in light phases and intensity between the excitation light and the fluorescent response. Using this data, the onboard computer calculates oxygen levels in real-time.
 
A cost analysis between the two technologies revealed that the electrochemical analyzers required cell replacement at least twice a year due to exposure to water. The estimated annual replacement costs were around $1,000. In contrast, the OxyHound’s quench luminescence technology is non-consumptive, does not require consumables, and needs only occasional sensor recalibration. These factors significantly reduced both costs and labor.
 
While electrochemical analyzers are vulnerable to contamination from liquids, the OxyHound can operate in environments with contaminants such as H2S, CO2, H2, propylene, methanol and ethanol mixtures. Its insensitivity to various gases makes it ideal for applications in natural gas pipelines, refineries, biogas production, chemical plants, landfills, wastewater treatment, manufacturing, food & beverage industries and renewable energy sectors.

About KECO

Analytical Systems Keco (KECO) is a Houston-based manufacturer of process and laboratory analyzers used in the oil & gas, water, biogas, marine and process markets. For more than 40 years, the company has served refineries, chemical plants, water plants, gas processing plants and the food & beverage industry with field-proven process and laboratory analyzers that conduct analysis of crude oil, gas and liquids. Among its notable products are gas analyzers that measure H2S, CO2 and sulfurs as well as liquid analyzers that measure H2S in water, crude, amine, diesel, gasoline and naphtha.