ATEX Certification for On-line Raman Instrumentation

Process Instruments (USA) specialises in Raman scattering instrumentation for petroleum process control. They provide turn-key solutions starting from collecting sample spectra, building chemometric models and sample interface configuration. Their Raman instrumentation is now ATEX certified for use in Zone 0 environments (II 1 G Ex op sh IIC T4 Ga).

Since Process Instruments manufacture their own lasers, they can provide the optimum excitation wavelength and laser power for every Raman application. Their Raman probes can be used with long (> 400 m) fibre optic cables and in direct process immersion up to 600o F and >3000 PSI. Process Instruments offer very efficient, proprietary multiplexing capabilities allowing for up to 18 channels to be run from one Raman instrument. Software features include automatic neon lamp absolute wavelength calibration, real-time chemometrics, ATEX laser control, continuous laser wavelength tracking to ensure stable chemometric model operation, and MODBUS output to DCS. Excellent system stability allows for on-line measurements of low (single digit) ppm concentrations for many species.

Typical gasolene parameters predicted include: RVP, RON, MON, (R+M)/2, IBP, 10%, 50%, 90%, EP, E200, E300, T(V/L=20), API, Density, Aromatics, Total Olefins, Benzene, MTBE, Oxygen, Total Sulphur, Driveability and others. Typical parameters predicted for diesel fuel include Cetane Number, Cetane Index , Density, Gravity, Polycyclic Aromatics, E360, Aromatics, Kinematic Viscosity, Distillation Points, Flash Point, Pour Point, Cloud Point, etc. All predictions meet or exceed ASTM requirements.