AMETEK MOCON Chanscope II Chilled-Mirror Dew Point Analyzer
| Brand | AMETEK MOCON |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Chanscope II |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The AMETEK MOCON Chanscope II is a primary-standard, chilled-mirror dew point analyzer engineered for trace-level moisture and hydrocarbon dew point measurement in pressurized industrial gas streams. Unlike electronic sensors reliant on polymer or capacitive transduction, the Chanscope II implements the fundamental thermodynamic principle of dew point determination: direct optical detection of condensate formation on a temperature-controlled, polished mirror surface under controlled sample flow and pressure conditions. This method—defined by ASTM D1142, ISO 8503-1, and widely accepted under ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration protocols—establishes the instrument as a reference-grade verification tool for fixed online analyzers deployed in natural gas transmission, LNG conditioning, refinery off-gas monitoring, and high-purity industrial gas production. Its NIST-traceable Pt100 RTD sensor (±0.2 °C accuracy from –90 °C to +40 °C) ensures metrological integrity without routine recalibration, making it suitable for GLP-compliant field validation and audit-ready QA/QC workflows.
Key Features
- Primary-standard chilled-mirror optics with electro-polished stainless-steel mirror and integrated high-resolution optical viewing port
- Triple-cooling capability: standard propane (–29 °C), CO₂ (–62 °C), or optional liquid nitrogen cryo-cooler (–129 °C and below)
- NIST-traceable platinum resistance thermometer (Pt100 RTD) with certified uncertainty of ±0.2 °C across –90 °C to +40 °C range
- Pressure-rated up to 5000 psig (34.6 MPa) with 1/8″ NPT sample inlet/outlet and dedicated refrigerant port
- Battery-powered operation (rechargeable NiMH) with universal AC input (100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) and smart charging circuitry
- Robust, IP65-rated transport case (457 × 178 × 355 mm; 11 kg) featuring waterproof resin molding and shock-absorbing interior foam
- Simultaneous dew point measurement for both water vapor and hydrocarbons (e.g., C₁–C₅ alkanes) in the same gas matrix
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Chanscope II accommodates a broad spectrum of process gases—including sour natural gas (H₂S-containing), syngas, nitrogen, argon, helium, hydrogen, and refinery fuel gas—without sensor poisoning or drift. Its inert stainless-steel wetted path and absence of consumable sensing elements eliminate cross-sensitivity to acid gases, CO₂, or particulates. The analyzer complies with ASTM D1142 for water vapor dew point determination in gaseous fuels and supports hydrocarbon dew point verification per GPA 2145 and ISO 8573-3. All pressure and temperature measurements are traceable to NIST standards, satisfying requirements for ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data integrity when paired with MOCON’s validated software suite.
Software & Data Management
The Chanscope II includes proprietary dew point calculation software compatible with Windows-based PCs. Users input observed mirror temperature, system pressure, and gas composition (e.g., methane mole %) to compute water content (ppmv or lb/MMscf) or hydrocarbon dew point via iterative thermodynamic models aligned with AGA Report No. 8 and GERG-2008 equations of state. Raw measurement logs—including timestamped dew point onset, mirror temperature ramp rate, and pressure stabilization history—are exportable in CSV format. Audit trails support GLP/GMP documentation requirements, and software versioning is maintained under MOCON’s formal change control process.
Applications
- Natural gas pipeline custody transfer verification at metering stations and interconnect points
- Validation of online TDLAS or quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) dew point analyzers in LNG liquefaction and regasification terminals
- Dew point mapping during dehydration unit commissioning and performance testing
- Hydrocarbon dew point monitoring in NGL fractionation and stabilization units
- Moisture specification compliance for thermal processing atmospheres (e.g., annealing, sintering, brazing)
- Quality assurance of high-purity industrial gases supplied to semiconductor fabrication facilities
FAQ
Does the Chanscope II require periodic calibration?
No. As a primary-standard instrument based on first-principles physics, it requires no routine calibration. Only annual verification of the NIST-traceable RTD against a certified reference standard is recommended for ISO/IEC 17025 compliance.
Can it measure dew point in acidic gas streams containing H₂S?
Yes. Its all-stainless-steel optical chamber and absence of reactive sensing materials make it fully compatible with sour gas applications up to 20% H₂S.
What cooling media are supported, and what are their respective low-temperature limits?
Propane: down to –29 °C; CO₂ (liquid): down to –62 °C; optional LN₂ cryo-cooler: down to –129 °C and below; dry ice/acetone: –75 °C.
Is pressure compensation automated during measurement?
Yes. The operator inputs system pressure manually prior to test initiation; the software applies real-time pressure correction to dew point temperature using AGA-8 compressibility algorithms.
How is data integrity ensured for regulatory submissions?
All measurement sessions generate immutable log files with digital signatures, user ID, instrument serial number, and environmental metadata—fully compliant with ALCOA+ principles and 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements when used with validated software configurations.
