Next Generation Sulphur Tail Gas Analyser Boosts Reliability and Safety in Claus Recovery Process

AMETEK Process Instruments (USA) has introduced its third generation H₂S/SO₂ tail gas analyser with significant reliability advances for control of the Claus sulphur recovery process. New features of the Model 888 Sulphur Recovery Tail Gas Analyzer overcome the three most common external failure modes encountered by Sulphur Recovery Units (SRU). These include: Automatic flow control for proactive response to adverse process conditions such as liquid entrainment during SRU (sulphur recovery unit) turndown, Flange temperature alarm to give early warning of poor steam quality or defunct steam trap to prevent sample flow failure, and extended ambient temperature range to 60°C/140°F without external cooling to increase the life of electronics and allow installation in the hottest climates.

Applications include: Oil refining, Gas, Petrochemical & chemical refining, Steelmaking, Engineering procurement construction, and Pollution control. 

Safety advances include double-block process isolation and a web-enabled interface for remote data acquisition by Ethernet and Modbus. The Model 888 features the AMEVision colour graphical user interface and smart diagnostics. Extensive self diagnostics monitor six temperatures and four separate pressures, with automatic adjustments in process flow. The analyser also is equipped with steam (hot condensate) blowback to remove ammonia salts and an anti-clogging feature that is automatically initiated if plugging is detected.

The analyser uses the proven sample handling technique of an internal demister with two demister pads and face-to-face fittings allowing improved access and maintenance efficiency. All internal connections and components are accessible from the front of unit. The compact, rugged analyser mounts directly on the process pipe, eliminating the complexity of fiber optic coupled photometers or sample lines.

Since the Model 888 occupies the same footprint and uses the same process connection as its predecessor, Model 880, the new unit can be substituted in less than a day. Its stainless steel housing is rated IP65/NEMA 4X for harsh outdoor operating conditions; a shelter cabinet or house is not required.