SCS - Sample Conditioning to Remove Haze in Fuel

Guided Wave has been installing SpectrOn systems in refineries for measurement of octane and other fuel chemistry for well over a decade. Similarly, Optical Solutions' ClearView photometers have been installed worldwide to measure fuel color, such as ASTM color in diesel and gas oil.

As optically-based measurements, they are adversely affected by the presence of too much water in fuel. Water has extremely low solubility (~150 ppm) in fuel and forms an immiscible phase. These water droplets make the fuel turbid, referred to as "haze" in the petroleum industry. The ASTM D4176 standard for

visually measuring haze is shown here in 100 mm diameter glass jars against a laminated card having lines of various thicknesses. The haze scale ranges from 1 (upper left - no haze) to 6 (lower right - difficult to see the lines). Thus, spectral measurements made through hazy fuel becomes difficult.

For this reason, Guided Wave developed the SCS (Sample Conditioning System), shown above.

The SCS is designed to:

Cool the sample using a Vortec cooler
Filter out water and >5 mic. particles with a coalescing filter
Heat the sample to ensure clarity
Present the clarified fuel to a Guided Wave Flow Cell for measurement

Specifications

Enclosure	36x30x14" (hxwxd) (91.4x76.2x35.6cm) 165 lbs (75 kg) NEMA 12X (IP54/55)
Hazard Classifications	ATEX Zone 1, IIB/IIC T4 Class 1, Division 1, Groups C-D
Ambient Temperature	-20 to 50 ºC
Flow Cell	Guided Wave P/N 12497-010 10 mm optical path, 1/2" O.D. tubing
Power
Air Supply	Clean, dry plant air, xxx p.s.i
Sample Requirements	Minimum incoming temperature: 15°C Pressure: 500 p.s.i. maximum Density: 0.82 - 0.95 sp. gr. @ 15.6°C Viscosity: 1.9-6.0 centistokes @ 37.8°C Cloud Point: 10°C Max Flow Rate through Cell: Either fully laminar or fully turbulent. Recommended: 0.25 l/min Fast Loop Flow Rate: TBD Maximum water concentration: 3%, multiphase Maximum Lag Time: 1 min max, run length of 50 m
Materials of Construction	304 or 316 Stainless Steel Viton o-ring seals Swagelok or Parker fittings

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