AMETEK Western Research 900 Air Demand Analyzer – Sulfur Recovery

Overview

The AMETEK 900 Tail Gas-Air Demand Analyzer is a high-resolution ultraviolet (UV) analyzer designed to meet the demanding analytical requirements of modern sulfur recovery processes. Using dual-beam, multiple-wavelength UV technology, the 900 is capable of measuring up to four species simultaneously, which allows it to monitor off-ratio applications and provide accurate chemical concentration data over wide dynamic ranges. It is the extractive air demand analyzer used in sulfur recovery tail gas applications in refineries and gas plants.

The extractive 900 analyzer is supplied as a complete system with sample conditioning, shelter integration and the ASR900 sampling probe, and is proven in sulfur recovery units in refineries and gas plants worldwide. For plant operators the air demand measurement is a direct control variable for the reaction furnace air rate

Engineering and Design

The 900 uses high-intensity, line-source UV lamps that provide spectral resolution better than 0.02 nm, giving excellent measurement stability and linearity over a wide dynamic range. Combined with a reference measurement, the dual-beam configuration enables the analyzer to operate with low-noise performance, providing minimal baseline and span drift. The high resolution of the instrument is what makes accurate measurement of the narrow absorption lines in sulfur species possible in a process environment.

Designed for extreme climates where a personnel shelter is required, or where there are constraints to mounting a top of the pipe analyzer, the 900 is ideal for hydrocarbon processing industry applications. The ASR900 advanced sulfur reduction sampling probe is available as an option; it uses a temperature-controlled sulfur condenser to provide sulfur vapor control at the sample point, preventing plugging in the sample lines and analyzer. With extractive sampling, the sample can be supplied up to 20 m (60 ft) or more from the sample tap to the analyzer shelter, which can be located at grade level.

From an installation standpoint the 900 draws its sample through a heated or temperature conditioned line from the sample tap to the analyzer, and the analyzer cabinet carries the UV analyzer, sample system components and electronics. The analyzer provides multiple discrete outputs and alarm functions for the sulfur recovery unit control system, so operators monitor the tail gas constituents continuously. Setup and validation are supported by built-in diagnostics and the calibration procedures documented in the AMETEK product documentation. The air demand measurement gives the sulphur recovery unit operator an early indication of catalyst condition and combustion efficiency, and supports optimization of the Claus process air rate and reduction of emissions excursions.

Key Features

• Measures up to four species simultaneously
• High-resolution UV dual-beam, multiple-wavelength design
• Resolution better than 0.02 nm
• Automated zero gas calibration
• ASR900 advanced sulfur reduction sampling probe option
• Extractive sampling up to 20 m (60 ft) from sample tap

Applications

The 900 is used in sulfur recovery units and tail gas treating units, including Claus plants in refineries, gas processing facilities and petrochemical plants. It is also applied in sour gas treatment, sulfuric acid production, and other processes where accurate air demand control of the sulfur recovery unit protects catalyst life and keeps emissions within compliance limits.

Specifications

Why Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies the AMETEK 900 air demand analyzer and the ASR900 sampling probe for sulfur recovery units in Oman and the GCC. We support analyzer selection, documentation and spare parts for refinery and gas plant projects.

Request a Quote for AMETEK Western Research 900 Air Demand Analyzer – Sulfur Recovery

Contact Seven Star LLC for the AMETEK 900 Air Demand Analyzer for your sulfur recovery unit | Inquiry Form

Specifying the 900 for a Sulfur Recovery Unit

Air demand analysers are engineered to the process, so a good enquiry starts with process data rather than a model number alone. Useful information includes:

• the sample point (typically the tail gas after the last condenser) and line size;
• expected concentration ranges of H₂S and SO₂ and any other species of interest;
• process pressure and temperature at the tap and the distance to the analyser shelter;
• area classification, shelter or cabinet requirements, and utility availability (steam, instrument air, power);
• the signals and alarms required by the DCS, including the air demand output used for trim control;
• for an existing unit, the analyser serial number and a list of fitted options such as the ASR900 probe.

Installation and Commissioning

Sulfur vapour condensing in cold spots is the biggest threat to tail gas sampling, so heat tracing and temperature control of the sample path must be verified before start-up. Check the probe, sample line and shelter connections for leaks and correct slope. During commissioning, confirm zero calibration with the specified zero gas, compare readings with laboratory or portable measurements where available, and tune the air demand trim loop together with operations so the reaction furnace air responds smoothly.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Monitor lamp condition and diagnostic readings trended over time, and plan lamp replacement before performance drops.
• Inspect sample cells and windows for contamination; deposits show up as drift or noisy readings.
• Check probe and condenser temperatures regularly; blockage in the sample path often starts with a temperature deviation.
• Keep consumables and critical spares on site ahead of turnarounds, when analyser availability is needed for restart.

Sudden loss of flow or flat readings usually means a blockage in the sample path, while slow drift points more often to optics or lamp ageing.

Applications in Oman and the GCC

Sour gas processing and refining are major activities in the region, and sulfur recovery performance is closely tied to environmental permits. Reliable air demand measurement supports high recovery efficiency on Claus units and steady operation of downstream tail gas treatment in both gas plants and refineries.

Working With Seven Star LLC

Whether you need a new analyser system, an ASR900 probe or spare parts for an installed 900, send us the process details or serial number. We will confirm the scope with you and provide a quotation with lead time.

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