Metorex Brochure

A robust tool for on-line element
analysis from low ppm to percentage
levels by EDXRF technology
Hobré-Metorex C100
On-line element
analyzer for liquid
process streams
The Hobré-Metorex C100
The Hobré-Metorex C100 is the third generation of EDXRF on-line analyzers. Over 200 streams are
monitored by leading petrochemical and chemical companies all over the world using the HobréMetorex analyzer. From the ground up, this analyzer is a true process analyzer, not a modified
laboratory instrument. Its reliable, fixed-position measuring geometry provides durability and
ruggedness for installations in harsh process environments. When it is necessary to analyze an
element constituent in a liquid stream, the C100 offers a solution that provides reliability and
accuracy with minimum maintenance.
Principle of operation
The C100 is based on Energy Dispersive X-ray
Fluorescence (EDXRF) technology which is
well known as an element measurement
technique. EDXRF measures the characteristic
X-rays generated by the atoms in the sample.
Importantly, this method of measurement
is continuous throughout the time of the
entire measurement not instantaneous at the
beginning.
The timely information provided by continuous
on-line measurements makes it easy to
control and optimize your process. The C100
is designed to meet the specialized needs of
process industries. It provides quick, reliable
chemical analyses in a rugged design, for direct
installation in harsh production environments.
With application-specific packages, the C100
can be configured to meet the exact needs of
various industries.
The Probe Electronics Set (PES) contains the
computer, controls sampling, measurement
and data transmission, and performs assay
calculations.
The Measurement Head Assembly (MHA)
contains the measurement cell and electronics
which should be located close to the stream
being measured.
Application-specific detectors
Metorex patented detectors give unsurpassed
analytical performance for many applications.
A variety of detectors are available to optimize
performance for each application. The
proprietary Metorex detector provides a long
lifetime of excellent resolution and a high
signal-to-background ratio. When a specific
detector is matched with the optimum X-ray
tube and sampling cell the lowest detection
limit and highest precision are achieved for the
analyzed elements. In earlier EDXRF analyzers
the detector background was the limiting factor
in measuring light element concentrations.
A new, revolutionary detector manufactured
by Metorex (patented) is able to suppress the
background noise by detecting and rejecting
the incomplete charge collection events. This
gives a new level of sensitivity for light element
applications (Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca).
New High-Speed Counting Electronics
In addition to the application-specific detector,
the pulse processing electronics of the C100
include new high-speed counting circuitry.
This allows the measurement to be made at a
substantially higher count rate (up to 50,000
cps) than with traditional EDXRF instruments,
which further improves the precision of the
measurement. The combination of high-speed
counting electronics and proprietary detector
brings a new level of precision to EDXRF. For
instance the C100 is capable of measuring sulfur
in diesel with a standard deviation of 0.35 ppm.
Features and benefits
The technology offers measurement of any
element ranging from silicon (Z=14) to uranium
(Z=92), from sub-ppm levels to percentage
levels. Concentration range and accuracy are
application dependent. Application support is
available from Hobré and its partners at any time.
Other features and benefits include:
• Long-term stability via internal reference,
eliminating detector and electronics drift
• Direct measurement method without hightemperature conversion requirement
• Sample cell window and secondary
protective window prevent the detector
from being exposed to the sample
• A leak detector controls a safety shut-off
valve in case of window rupture
• The source is an X-ray tube, meaning
radiation is stopped when power is switched
off
• Optional heated cell at 80°C for high-viscosity
product up to 100 cSt
• Wide measurement range from ppm up
to percentage levels
• Analysis is not influenced by product density
or C/H ratio variations
The XRF method is the most suitable technology
for total sulfur analysis in petroleum products. By
contrast, injection and conversion technologies
used for SO2 and H2S measurement stop
working if the petroleum liquid’s final boiling
point exceeds 450°C.
Easy low-maintenance operation
Easy Operation with Routine Usage
Fast start-up with automatic stabilization and an
optional validation system ensure that the system
will operate with minimum attention from the
operator. Specially coated application-specific
cell windows minimize window contamination,
which allows longer periods of operation without
maintenance. Process trends are displayed on
the HMI directly.
Simple Calibration
The response of the C100 is very linear over a
wide range of concentrations. In this example
the sulfur analyzer was calibrated using a blank
and a 1000 ppm standard. Using this calibration,
samples of 10, 20 and 100 ppm were measured.
In all these cases, the reported value falls within
about one standard deviation of their true value.
introduces a known standard. Based on the
measurement of this standard, the C100 can
automatically adjust the calibration and continue
to provide accurate results without operator
intervention.
Analysis with Minimum Maintenance
The EDXRF method uses direct measurement
without the need for high-temperature
conversion or injection. By use of an X-ray tube,
radiation is stopped immediately when power is
switched off.
Generally, the C100 does not require
maintenance. Periodical window changing or
cleaning might be needed for applications that
are prone to window-fouling problems.
3000
Intensity
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0
500
1000
1500
Concentration (ppm)
Figure 1. Calibration graph
In some cases the application requires a threepoint calibration, which can be done by simply
injecting the sample into the cell with a syringe
and verifying the spectrum.
Cell Cleaning / Calibration Validation
In some systems, it may be necessary to clean the
cell and revalidate the calibration. The Metorex
C100 can be supplied with an automatic system
for just this function. This system automatically,
on user-defined timing, flushes the cell and
Safety first
The C100 is designed with safety in mind. The
analyzer is designed with dual windows between
the sample and the detector electronics. If the flow
cell window breaks, the second window ensures
that no sample reaches the inside of the analyzer.
Additionally, a leak detector instantaneously stops
the measurement, turns off the sample valve
and activates contact alarms. Simultaneously
detector electronics move to the safe position.
During routine maintenance, the flow cell may be
removed for cleaning and window replacement.
In these instances, a proximity sensor detects the
movement of the cell and automatically turns off
the analyzer. For safe use in hazardous areas, the
C100 is pressurized with purge gas. In case the
unit is used for low sulfur analysis, the measuring
head is purged with nitrogen.
Applications
Petroleum refining - Measurement of total sulfur in fuel
and crude oil, or of catalyst, impurities and trace metals in
refining processes.
Chemical industry - Measurement of catalysts in
petrochemical processes, for instance Co, Mn, Br, V and K.
Metal plating - Measurement of metals in galvanic baths.
Waste treatment - Measurement of trace metals in waste
water such as Pb, Mo and Cu.
Since the analyzer is operated at atmospheric pressure,
Hobré specifically designed a liquid sample recovery
system (LSRS) to collect effluent or spent sample from the
analyzer and return this to the process or any other suitable
location. This system is ideal for use in applications where
it is undesirable to discharge chemicals or hydrocarbons
into sewage drains.
The combination of flushing system and LSRS can be
installed on a single free-standing system. Together with
the analyzer the total width is less than 1000 mm.
Detection
unit
Fast Loop
4/20 mA
PES
MHA
Industrial PC
Windows NT
Data OCQN: Electronics
Menu Driven Software
Solvent tank
Digital status
Digital control
DCS
Bi-directional
communication
Remote Diagnostics
Modem / Internet
Figure 2. A schematic view of the analyzer
Sample
pump
Especially for low ppm applications it is important to
flush the analyzer with a small amount of cleaning agent
(e.g. ethanol) at optimized intervals. The flushing system
consists of a small vessel of cleaning agent, with a pump,
and a three-way valve switching from sample to cleaning.
At intervals defined using the analyzer software, it is
possible to flush the unit with cleaning agent while the
analyzer is performing an internal reference check, so as
not to interrupt the normal measuring cycle. Because of
the regular cleaning every 4-12 hours, the sample window
remains clean and maintenance is kept to a minimum. The
use of cleaning agent is low, making this solution easy to use.
Fast, precise and stable measurements
Modern User Interface
The Metorex C100 is based on a built-in industrial grade PC
with a Windows embedded operating system. The analyzer
contains a 15” TFT color display and complete sealed
keyboard. The operator can interact with the analyzer using
easy-to-use, menu-driven software to set up and control the
analyzer and to receive information regarding the process.
The software allows the operator to set up the analyzer to
measure with almost any protocol desired. The system is
capable of controlling multiple streams, each with its own
calibration. User interface features include the following.
• Verifying calibrations through grab samples or
automatic validation
• Displaying individual results and trends
• Displaying both hardware and software error messages
• Logging all the data within the analyzer for later review
• Providing control over external equipment
Turnkey solutions
Hobré Instruments bv and its sales partners can offer turnkey solutions for the unique requirements of each customer.
This ranges from design and manufacture of the sampling system to tailor-made analyzers for specific applications. The
goal of each project is to provide a customized system, which is optimized to the specific process. This means that at the
completion of installation the system will be ready for use and only requires minimum maintenance and service.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ANALYTICAL
Principle of the measurement
Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Source: X-ray tube, application-specific detector
Element range
Si to U (Z=14 to 92)
Measurement range
From 0.5 ppm to % levels (application specific)
Accuracy
Depends on application, from ppm to % levels. Stability : usually better than 0.5%
(automatic drift correction)
Calibration
Using standards in the measurement range. Easy-calibration sample feed and lab grab
sample option. For sensitivity a N2 purge is recommended for low-level analysis of
light elements (Si, P, S, K, Ca, Cl)
CENTRAL PROCESSING AND CONTROLLING UNIT
Industrial PC
Windows-embedded operating system. 15” TFT LCD color display Complete ASCII
keyboard. Multiple screens (optional)
Analog output
4–20 mA active
Communications
MODBUS via RS485 or TCP/IP
Ambient temperature
0–45°C
MEASUREMENT HEAD
X-ray detector
High-resolution, low background proportional counter
HV power supply
4–30 kV, 1 mA
Source
9 W X-ray tube (no radioactive source)
Detector
Neon-filled proportional type
Stability
Automatic sulfur peak drift correction and back scatter peak correction
CERTIFICATES AND REGULATIONS
Protection
IP55
EMC
EN61000-6-4 (emission), EN61000-6-2 (immunity)
IEC
CE approved
ATEX
ATEX II 2G EEx pem [ib] IICT4 (Zone 1)
NEC
Class 1, Div. 1, Div. 2, Gas group C & D
UTILITY REQUIREMENTS
Power supply
110, 120, 220, 230, VAC 50/60 Hz
Power consumption
350 VA maximum (400 VA with heated head)
Instrument air
During pre-purge: 3.3 Nl/sec; during normal operation: 0.8 Nl/sec at 2 barG
Nitrogen (argon free)
During pre-purge: 0.85–1 Nl/sec; during normal operation: 0.8 Nl/sec at 2 barG
SAMPLE CELL CONDITIONS
Sample flow rate
1 Nl/min
Sample cell temperature
80°C maximum
Sample cell pressure
Atmospheric drain
Viscosity
Less than 100 cSt at cell temperature (80°C)
Contaminants
Sample to be filtered and free water removed
101-65-032016
For more detailed information, please contact our sales representatives through +31 299 420 871
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