Trace Oxygen Analyzers

At Nova Analytical Systems, we offer a range of oxygen analyzers. These analytical devices measure the quality or concentration of oxygen within a mixture of gases, enabling facility owners and managers to monitor gas levels in an environment to ensure they remain at an appropriate range for efficient and safe operations.

Our trace oxygen analyzers—also known as trace O2 analyzers—are engineered to measure oxygen at trace levels (i.e., in the parts per million or PPM range). They utilize specialized electrochemical sensors, which allow them to provide accurate, reliable, and rapid measurements for a variety of industrial applications (e.g., biogas analysis). Typically, they are used to ensure there is little to no oxygen gas in a sample. This evaluation is important if the sample is taken from a compound that is supposed to be pure gas (e.g., bottled nitrogen) or intended for a production environment where the presence of oxygen may negatively affect the product or process (e.g., N2/H2 mixtures in metal heat-treating atmospheres).

Trace Oxygen Analyzers from Nova Analytical

Why Measure Trace Oxygen?

In the industrial and commercial sectors, the ability to measure trace oxygen helps facility managers and technicians achieve better product/process quality and create safer working conditions. For example, it enables them to determine if a pressurized gas pipeline has a leak and where it is located.

Many people incorrectly believe that leaks only let pressurized gas escape from the system into the atmosphere. However, oxygen can also enter through the leakage site. The size of a leak path is relatively large compared to the size of an oxygen molecule. Additionally, due to Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures, the molecules of different gases act independently without affecting each other’s pressure. As such, if and when a leak forms, some pressurized gas will exit the pipeline, while some oxygen will enter the pipeline. These leaks can occur at numerous points of a pressurized pipeline, including pipes or fittings, compressors, vapor recovery units (VRUs), tank blanketing systems, and pig traps. By measuring for trace oxygen along the pipeline and at these points, operators can better determine if and when a system is leaking.

The Role of Trace Oxygen Analyzers in Biogas Applications

In biogas applications, anaerobic digestion can only occur in the absence of O2. The presence of the gas adversely affects the process. That’s why industry professionals conducting biogas operations often perform tests to verify there is no O2 in the application environment.

Generally, a coarse percentage O2 measurement is adequate. However, some applications require O2 measurement down to ppm levels. The challenge is that trace O2 sensors are often not very tolerant of biogas samples. The samples can cause them to be quickly depleted or poisoned. Fortunately, the experts at Nova have developed a gas analyzer system that conditions biogas samples to render them somewhat less aggressive as well as a biogas-tolerant trace oxygen sensor. Together, these two products allow trace ppm O2 measurement to be successfully carried out in biogas applications.

Trace Oxygen Analyzers From Nova Analytical Systems

Looking for trace oxygen analyzers you can rely on in your most critical applications? Nova Analytical Systems has got you covered! We create high-quality analytical devices that outperform the competition.

While typical trace O2 analyzers can only be used on very clean or pure gas samples since otherwise they will be depleted or poisoned, our products are more tolerant. They have a more durable design and special built-in filters that enable them to be used in biogas applications. Additionally, most other application-related conditions can be accommodated or managed. The measurement ranges we offer are typically between 0–2,000 ppm to 0–5,000 ppm O2.

To learn more about our trace oxygen analyzer products, check out our general oxygen analyzer page or complete product catalog. For assistance choosing the right solution for your oxygen measurement needs, contact us or request a quote today.