ALPHA PSS Portable Dew Point Sampling System
| Brand | ALPHA |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | PSS |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The ALPHA PSS Portable Dew Point Sampling System is an engineered pre-conditioning solution designed specifically for high-integrity moisture analysis of pressurized industrial gases. It operates on the principle of controlled isobaric gas expansion and thermal equilibration to deliver representative, particle-free, pressure-stabilized samples to ALPHA’s SADPmini-series dew point hygrometers—including the intrinsically safe SADPmini2-Ex and SADPmini-Ex models. Unlike passive sampling kits, the PSS integrates active pressure regulation, flow stabilization, and particulate filtration into a single compact unit, ensuring measurement traceability under ISO 8573-1 (compressed air quality) and IEC 60079-0/IEC 60079-11 standards for hazardous area instrumentation. Its design eliminates energy storage elements and potential ignition sources, enabling certified use in Zone 1 and Zone 2 classified environments when paired with Ex-rated analyzers.
Key Features
- Compact, field-deployable architecture: Dimensions of 270 × 315 × 245 mm (H × W × D) and weight of 3.75 kg (unit only) support handheld transport and benchtop operation without external mounting.
- Modular wetted-path configuration: All fluid-contact components fabricated from ASTM A240 316 stainless steel; optional rapid-swap particulate filters (0.1 µm rated) minimize downtime during maintenance.
- Intrinsically safe interface: No batteries, capacitors, or heating elements—fully compliant with ATEX and IECEx requirements for use alongside SADPmini2-Ex in explosive atmospheres (gas group IIB, temperature class T4).
- Dual-pressure regulation capability: Integrated needle valve (up to 10 barg) or externally mounted pressure regulator (up to 200 barg) enables precise sample conditioning across transmission pipelines, LNG terminals, and SF₆-insulated switchgear.
- Real-time flow verification: Built-in mechanical flow indicator provides visual confirmation of laminar, stable gas delivery—critical for achieving thermodynamic equilibrium at the sensor surface.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PSS system accommodates gas streams up to 200 barg inlet pressure and supports common industrial media including natural gas, SF₆, nitrogen, hydrogen, compressed air, and hydrocarbon process gases. It meets EN 61326-1 (EMC for industrial environments), ISO 9001-certified manufacturing controls, and aligns with GLP data integrity expectations through documented calibration traceability. When operated with SADPmini2-Ex, the combined system satisfies IEC 60079-26 (equipment for use in explosive atmospheres) and supports audit-ready workflows per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 where electronic records are generated via connected software.
Software & Data Management
While the PSS itself is hardware-only and requires no firmware or embedded software, it interfaces seamlessly with ALPHA’s SADPmini2 Series analyzer firmware (v3.2+), which supports USB-C and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Raw dew point data, pressure setpoints, flow status, and timestamped event logs are exportable in CSV format. The associated ALPHA DewPoint Manager PC application enables trend analysis, report generation (PDF/Excel), and compliance documentation aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements.
Applications
- Natural gas transmission: Monitoring moisture content upstream of dehydration units and downstream of pipeline pigging operations to prevent hydrate formation.
- Power generation: Quantifying H₂O concentration in SF₆ insulation gas within circuit breakers and GIS systems per IEEE C37.122.1 and IEC 62271-1.
- Petrochemical refining: Verifying dryness specifications for catalyst purge gases and reactor feed streams in accordance with ASTM D6304 and ISO 8573-3.
- Laboratory metrology: Serving as a reference-grade sampling interface for gravimetric calibrations and inter-laboratory comparison studies.
- Offshore platform QA/QC: Enabling rapid, repeatable field verification of compressed air quality per ISO 8573-1 Class 2:2:2 requirements.
FAQ
Can the PSS be used with non-ALPHA dew point analyzers?
No—the PSS is mechanically and pneumatically optimized for ALPHA SADPmini-series instruments only; mismatched interface dimensions or pressure response curves may compromise measurement accuracy.
What is the maximum allowable inlet temperature?
The wetted components are rated for continuous operation up to 60 °C ambient; inlet gas temperature must not exceed 50 °C to maintain sensor stability and avoid condensation upstream of the regulator.
Is calibration certification included with purchase?
A factory-assembled verification report (including pressure regulator and flow indicator functional test data) is supplied; full NIST-traceable calibration of connected SADPmini2 units is performed separately by authorized service centers.
Does the PSS require periodic recalibration?
No—its passive mechanical design contains no drift-prone sensors; however, annual functional verification of pressure regulation accuracy and filter integrity is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.
How is electrostatic discharge mitigated during field use?
The anti-static vinyl carry case features conductive lining (surface resistivity <10⁶ Ω/sq) and grounding strap provision, meeting EN 61340-5-1 requirements for ESD-safe handling in explosive atmospheres.
