Dew-point analysers to check Belgian gas quality

Michell Instruments has secured an order from Fluxys for four Condumax hydrocarbon dew-point analysers.

Michell Instruments has secured an order from Fluxys for four Condumax hydrocarbon dew-point analysers.

Fluxys, which recently demerged from Distrigas, the national gas transporter for Belgium, is responsible for operating and maintaining the natural gas transmission network throughout Belgium.

Fluxys SA first purchased a Condumax 2 years ago, for positioning at its terminal in Zeebrugge to analyse gas transmissions, in either direction, between mainland UK and continental Europe through the "Interconnector" pipeline.

Following the successful operation of this first analyser, a second Condumax was purchased in 2001 by Fluxys to monitor this important parameter of natural gas quality for deliveries from the Norwegian sector of the North Sea through the "Zeepipe" pipeline.

The new Condumax analysers will be installed at key fiscal metering points for natural gas entering and leaving Belgium from neighbouring countries of Holland and Germany.

The Condumax hydrocarbon dew-point analyser has been designed to meet the needs of natural gas producers and transportation, distribution and retail companies, all of which require accuracy and consistency of measurement.

Condumax provides accurate, online measurement of the hydrocarbon condensation temperature of natural gas by using the dark spot optical measurement principle - a method which is radically different from that of any other chilled mirror instrument.

Offering inherent reliability and stability, the dark spot technique provides sensitivity of 1ppm (molar) of condensation, thereby enabling the analyser to detect the almost invisible films of condensation which are characteristic of hydrocarbon gases at dew point due to low surface tension.

Condumax features a microprocessor which controls all the functions associated with sampling and data processing, providing a fully automatic and objective monitoring system free from operator error and misinterpretation.

In addition the Condumax can be easily integrated with Michell's Cermet II IS hygrometer, which features an advanced ceramic moisture sensor to facilitate easy measurement of both water and hydrocarbon dew point simultaneously from a single system.

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