Ammonia and Methanol

Ammonia and Methanol Analysis

Ammonia and Methanol are produced from natural gas utilizing very similar processing techniques. These processes involve the Natural Gas Feed, Primary Reformer, Shift Converters and Recycle Streams. Since the effluent from the first stage becomes the feed to the second stage, variations of the sample compositions that occur in all of the processes need to be closely monitored, quickly analyzed and controlled.

Extrel MAX300-RTG Industrial Process Mass Spectrometers analyze all Ammonia production process streams (or Methanol process streams) allowing control over the critical process parameters.

Documented reports from Extrel’s customers indicate savings of energy, reduction of process variance and a substantial increase in production when an Extrel Mass Spectrometer is used in a closed loop control scheme. Recognized as the leader for Ammonia Production Control, Extrel is an approved mass spectrometer supplier for ammonia process licensors worldwide. 

MAX300 Process Mass Spectrometer Series:

  • Analyzes the natural gas feed to calculate the steam to carbon ratio
  • Provides full and fast ammonia converter composition analysis maintaining optimum H2/N2 ratio in the inlet (achieving tolerance of + or – 0.01%)
  • Analyzes the hydrogen recovery unit effluent which optimizes inert gas purging
  • Quickly analyzes the methane slippage and inert gases to ensure safe processing
  • Delivers the fast data necessary to tightly control the process algorithms, reducing stress on plant equipment such as compressors

System Specs

Mass Range

  • 1-250, 300, 500 amu
Detectable Compounds
  • Any gas or vapor sample

Detection Range

  • Faraday detector: 100% – 5 ppm
  • With electron multiplier: 100% – 5 ppb*
  • With membrane inlet: 100% – 10ppt*

Number of Sample Streams

  • 16, 31, 40, 80, 120, 160+

Analysis Rate

  • 0.1 – 16 seconds per component

Number of Components

  • Unlimited

Number of Analysis Routines

  • Unlimited

Number of User Configurable Data Tags

  • Unlimited

Precision

  • <0.05% RSD over 24 hours**

Stability

  • <0.5% RSD over 30 days**

Filaments

  • Two, one active and one spare with automatic switchover

Maintenance

  • Typically 2 PMs per year

Manual or fully automated calibration and validation

30-180 day calibration intervals, typically

19 mm High-transmission quadrupole filter

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