AMETEK IPS-4 Integrated NDIR Process Analyzer

AMETEK IPS-4 integrated NDIR analyzer with built-in sample conditioning

The AMETEK Western Research IPS-4 is an on-line process analyzer that packages the optical bench, the sample conditioning system and the electronics in one sealed stainless steel cabinet. The data sheet we reviewed covers the IPS-4 NDIR version, an infrared photometer built on the manufacturer field-proven IPS-4 UV-VIS platform. It measures gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and water, among others, and is meant to be installed close to the process rather than in an analyzer house.

Seven Star LLC supplies the IPS-4 in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier in Muscat. Because the IPS-4 is built per application, the sections below show the published specification and the details we need to quote the correct version.

IPS-4 technical specifications

How the IPS-4 analyzer works

In the NDIR version, infrared light passes through the conditioned sample and each target gas absorbs at its own wavelengths. The reduction in light is converted to concentration, with the photometric reading refreshed in under two seconds. The remaining time to T90 comes from the sample system volume and flow.

The distinguishing feature of the IPS-4 is that sample conditioning is part of the cabinet. Pressure reduction, filtration, heating and valve actuation are inside the enclosure, so the site does not have to integrate a separate sample panel. The 100 barg sample pressure limit applies to some configurations only, so always state your tap pressure when you enquire.

Typical IPS-4 applications

The manufacturer names water in acetic acid, water in dehydration systems and CO2 in hydrocarbons as application examples, with natural gas, refining and petrochemical as key markets. In Oman and GCC gas plants the obvious fit is moisture or CO2 monitoring around gas dehydration, amine units and hydrocarbon streams, where a heated, outdoor-rated analyzer avoids long sample lines.

Selecting an IPS-4 configuration

• Platform: NDIR (this data sheet) or the UV-VIS platform it is built on; confirm which platform your gas needs before ordering.
• Components and ranges: up to five components on the NDIR version, each with minimum and maximum values.
• Sample: gas or liquid, pressure, temperature, dew point and any contaminants such as H2S or glycol carry-over.
• Heater: the sample heater holds up to 150 °C, so state whether heating is required.
• Area classification and the certification expected by the site.
• Communications: Modbus RTU, Ethernet or analog, and whether extra 4–20 mA outputs are needed.

IPS-4 installation and maintenance notes

Allow for the roughly 66 kg weight of the base system and a rigid wall or frame. Provide instrument air or nitrogen at 4.8 to 6.9 barg for the valve actuators and a clean power feed. Route the vent and any drain safely to a closed system where the sample is hazardous.

The local interface includes an interactive display, and remote access is available over serial or Ethernet, including a web browser interface. Routine work is checking sample flow, replacing filter elements, verifying zero and span with certified gas, and reviewing alarm history. Keep spare filters and seals available, because they are the parts most often consumed.

IPS-4 in the AMETEK analyzer range

The IPS-4 sits alongside the 993X UV analyzer, which measures up to seven components and is designed for sulfur recovery, and the Thermox WDG-V UOP/RP, which is a dedicated oxygen analyzer. If your application is mainly H2S and SO2 in sour gas, the 993X is normally the first option to compare; if you need NDIR measurement of CO2, CO, CH4 or water in an outdoor integrated cabinet, the IPS-4 is the better match.

IPS-4 quick reference

Information to send with an IPS-4 RFQ

• Gas or liquid analytes with concentration range
• Process pressure, temperature and composition
• Hazardous area class
• Output and communication requirements
• Quantity, delivery site and timeline

Site conditions in Oman for the IPS-4

Safety and analytical equipment in Gulf plants has to perform reliably in heat, dust and humidity. Before installing the IPS-4, check the operating temperature range, ingress protection and hazardous-area approvals against the actual location, and consider shading or weather protection for units exposed to direct sun. Sensor positioning should follow the gas properties and the site fire and gas philosophy, with access kept clear for testing.

Plan the test and calibration routine from the start. Record the configuration and alarm settings of each IPS-4, keep the required calibration gas or test equipment available, and agree a replacement interval for consumable parts so that the system stays compliant with the inspection regime at sites across Oman.

Documents and quotation

The manufacturer data sheet for the IPS-4 NDIR analyzer is attached on this page for reference.

Send the application details above and we will confirm the correct IPS-4 platform, lead time and available documents.