5 things to know about TDLAS gas analyzers, natural gas and moisture measurement 

We talked with Alan Garza, Endress+Hauser’s Advanced Analysis product expert, about tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy TDLAS technology, challenges in the natural gas and moisture measurement process and more.  

1) What challenges or pain points does the industry face when it comes to natural gas and moisture measurement? 

Really, the challenges come in many shapes and forms. First off, you have the challenge of supplying the sample gas to the analyzer properly. When sending a sample to a TDLAS analyzer, the gas travels from the tip of the probe to the analyzer, but to stay in the same (gas) phase that is flowing through the pipeline, a few things have to be known and acted upon: 

Once we have this data, our team can advise what is needed for the sample conditioning and the proper analyzer that could maximize the customer’s best results. 

The second challenge is getting accurate and repeatable measurements. Depending on the type of analyzer and the science behind the software and hardware, accuracy can range from +/- ppbv (parts per billion by volume) to lbs/mmscf (million standard cubic feet) of a difference.  

This is why proper material matters. You want to make sure your hardware is: 

• Laser based 
• Proper Wavelength  
• Compatible with natural gas and all the different contaminants in the system 
• Easy and convenient to interface with 

• Adapting to the changing times 

2) What is the latest innovation from Endress+Hauser in TDLAS? 

In the spirit of innovation, we launched the J22 TDLAS gas analyzer in 2021 to provide more than just an accurate and repeatable measurement of H₂0 in natural gas. The J22 TDLAS analyzer was designed with the end user in mind and was built with a user-friendly interface, best available accuracy in its class, an intuitive menu and integrated diagnostics for easy reporting and monitoring.  

Not only can the webserver be accessed via the Modbus TCP/IP connection but also through the service port who is physically located on the transmitter. No software download is required to access or utilize functions within webserver.  

Modularity and increased uptime are functional designs that are unique to this analyzer. It was designed to be almost 100% field serviceable. The goal is to allow the customers the freedom to repair their analyzer without the need to send it back to us for repair. Giving the customer the freedom to decide when and where to service their analyzer if needed.  

TDLAS Gas Analyzer: Best-in-Class Moisture Analyzer powered by SpectraSensors Technology 

3) What does the J22 do and how does it help users? 

The J22 measures moisture in a gas stream. Knowing the volume of moisture in a gas stream allows users to implement action to reduce the amount of that contaminant to protect the integrity of the infrastructure at an optimum level. 

The accurate and real time measurement allows pipeline operators and suppliers to meet quality specifications, prevent pipeline corrosion, and stop hydrate formation to ensure safety and asset integrity. 

4) What are the latest features for the TDLAS gas analyzer and what makes it different in the market? 

The latest features include: 

• Wider range of calibration – The wider range of calibration in cohesion with stream change compensation allows the customer to keep this unit in stock as it can be placed in multiple locations within the Natural Gas process 
• Enhanced metrology  
• Stream change compensation  
• Modularity for optimal field serviceability 

5) Why was an update needed? 

We are always looking for ways to partner with our customers and to understand how we can improve their day-to-day processes. After a few discussions, our customers provided honest feedback on improvements that would make their experience with the technology better – so we took and ran with it.  

For instance, we learned that users wanted repairs to be available in the field versus having to send the device to the factory. So we designed the J22 with features that make it 100% field serviceable.  

Another piece of feedback we received was that users want to connect to an analyzer for service, set-up, and optimization. We made this possible by implementing a webserver into the J22 which can be used for initial set-up, servicing and optimizing the analyzer to their stream.  

The third piece of feedback was about interfacing with the hardware. For easier servicing and overall interaction with the analyzer, we incorporated our world-famous Proline transmitter design. Adding this increased the reparability and functionality of our analyzer.   

Where can we learn more information about the J22 and TDLAS gas analyzer solutions? 

You can visit our website, find and contact your local representative or give us a call at 888-363-7377!