Latest generation Quartz Crystal Microbalance moisture analyzer designed for easy installation and retrofit
Michell Instrument’s QMA601 process moisture analyzer is designed for easy retrofit into existing systems. This enables older plants to take advantage of the latest developments in quartz crystal microbalance technology for trace moisture measurements.
The QMA601 is installed as a self contained analyser or sampling system package wholly within the hazardous area (IEC Zone 1 or 2, NEC Class I, Division 1 or 2) making it very easy to retrofit to an existing site.
Integrating the QMA601 into existing control systems is straightforward as the analyzer is equipped with two analogue outputs which are configurable for either current or voltage scaling. Modbus RTU protocol over RS485 is also provided to enable easy connection to a SCADA or similar data acquisition device.
Operating the analyzer is also simple: an intuitive colour, touch-screen interface enables users to monitor, log and configure the analyzer in the hazardous zone with no need for a hot-works permit or any disruption to the process. Operation from a control room is also possible with dedicated remote application software.
The analyzer is available powered with either AC or DC. In addition, no barrier unit or safety earth are needed which saves on both costs and inconvenience for the user. The QMA601 is supplied with a sample conditioning system, designed in-house by Michell’s engineers and optimized for both the analyzer itself and the specific application.
A further advantage of the QMA601 is its low-lifetime cost due to infrequent and simple maintenance requirements coupled with the low-cost of spare parts. These cost-savings are significant: over five years, the cost of owning a QMA601 is less than half that of owning the leading competing analyzer.
The analyzer is fully certified for use in hazardous areas around the world, with accreditations from ATEX, IECEx and CCSAUS. Typical applications for the QMA601 are those which require precise measurements of trace moisture in hazardous areas, such as glycol dehydration of natural gas, natural gas transmission and storage and dehydration of alkenes feeding polymer production.