Tunable diode laser spectrometer tackles tough applications

As the successor to the TDLS200 laser gas analyser, the TDLS8000 offers improved reliability and operability. Yokogawa is aiming to capture a greater share of the gas analyser market by offering a solution that will make it possible to improve plant efficiency and safety.

Yokogawa developed the new product because companies are always looking for ways to optimise processes by saving energy, reducing CO2 emissions, and improving safety and one way to do this is by optimising the air-fuel ratio in the combustion process.

To accomplish this, sensors are needed that can continuously monitor the concentration of O2 and CO+CH4 in the radiant section of fired heaters.

The TDLS8000 is being introduced as the successor to the TDLS200 to satisfy the need for improved operability and to allow for greater adaptability in difficult applications.

The new laser module includes a newly developed reference cell board that improves the reliability of absorption peak detection, which is an important step in the spectral area method. In addition, the receiving unit employs a new auto gain function that can automatically optimise detection sensitivity depending on the measurement object.

By increasing the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio), this improves the reliability of measurements taken in coal combustion and other processes where there is high particulate loading.

Designed to meet the requirements for SIL2 certification (certification pending) defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the TDLS8000 will play a key support role in ensuring the safe operation of plants.

The module comes with a large 7.5-in LCD touch screen that can display a greater variety of data. The touch screen replaces the push button interface used with preceding models, making the setting of parameters easier and more intuitive. The light source module containing the laser diode is fully sealed and damage resistant. To facilitate troubleshooting and reduce downtime, this module is able to store up to 50 days' worth of raw data that can be accessed anywhere in the world by, for example, a Yokogawa response centre.

The TDLS8000 is just three-quarters the size and weight of the preceding model, allowing it to be installed in a greater variety of locations.

It is expected to be certified to the IECEx, ATEX (Europe), FM (U.S.), cFM (Canada), and TIIS (Japan) explosion-proof standards. It will be suitable for installation in hazardous areas that require the use of an explosion-proof enclosure.

Major target markets include industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, electric power, iron and steel, and ceramics.

Applications include measurement of O2 concentration in fired heaters for improved safety and lifecycle management; measurement of CO concentration during combustion process; measurement of amount of moisture in hydrocarbons and corrosive gases and measurement of ammonia concentration for leak detection during DeNox process.