TRQ-600 ADEV Ceramic Capacitive Dew Point Analyzer for Natural Gas & CNG
| Brand | ADEV |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | TRQ-600 |
| Type | Online Dew Point Meter |
| Principle | Ceramic Capacitive Sensor (Not Semiconductor — Corrected per Technical Specification) |
| Operating Temperature | -20 to +50 °C |
| Accuracy | ±1 °C dp (at +20 to -60 °C) |
| Repeatability | 0.5 °C dp |
| Response Time (T95) | 5 min (dry-to-wet) |
| Measurement Range | -100 to +20 °C dew point |
| Moisture Output Range | 0–3000 ppmv |
| Analog Output | 4–20 mA (2-wire, current loop) |
| Supply Voltage | 12–28 V DC |
| Max Load Resistance | 250 Ω @ 12 V |
| Max Current Consumption | 23 mA |
Overview
The TRQ-600 ADEV Ceramic Capacitive Dew Point Analyzer is a high-stability, in-line measurement instrument engineered for continuous moisture monitoring in natural gas and compressed natural gas (CNG) distribution systems—particularly at refueling stations, dehydration skids, and pipeline custody transfer points. Unlike semiconductor-based sensors, the TRQ-600 employs a proprietary ceramic capacitive sensing element, offering superior long-term stability, resistance to hydrocarbon fouling, and immunity to condensation-induced drift. The sensor operates on the principle of dielectric constant variation induced by water vapor adsorption on a microporous alumina-based ceramic substrate; this enables direct, trace-level dew point determination without calibration drift under varying pressure or flow conditions. Designed for integration into pressurized process lines (up to rated working pressure per ASME B16.5 or EN 1092-1), the analyzer complies with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2 requirements for compressed gas quality verification and supports compliance with EN 16708:2015 for CNG fuel specifications.
Key Features
- Ceramic capacitive sensing technology—resistant to oil aerosols, molecular sieve dust, and acidic contaminants common in post-desiccant gas streams
- Full-range dew point measurement from –100 °C to +20 °C, with dual-accuracy specification: ±1 °C dp between +20 and –60 °C; ±2 °C dp between –60 and –100 °C
- Simultaneous analog output of dew point temperature (°C dp) and volumetric moisture concentration (ppmv), configurable via local interface or remote HART command
- True T95 response time of ≤5 minutes when transitioning from dry (<–80 °C dp) to wet (+5 °C dp) conditions—validated per IEC 61298-2
- Hermetically sealed, corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel housing with NPT or DIN 259/2999 process connections; all wetted parts rated for service up to 35 bar (500 psi)
- Low-power 2-wire 4–20 mA output compliant with intrinsic safety requirements (optional ATEX/IECEx certified version available)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TRQ-600 is validated for use with natural gas (methane-rich), CNG (ISO 15403-1 compliant), biogas (after H₂S removal), and synthetic natural gas (SNG). It accommodates sample gas temperatures from –20 °C to +50 °C and pressures up to 25 bar (operating range dependent on installed pressure regulator and inline filter configuration). Integrated sintered stainless steel particulate filter (5 µm) and coalescing pre-filter remove entrained oil mist and desiccant fines—critical for maintaining sensor integrity downstream of regenerative dryers. The system meets ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements when calibrated using NIST-traceable chilled mirror reference standards (e.g., Michell Optidew or MBW 373). Documentation supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trails when integrated with compatible SCADA or DCS platforms.
Software & Data Management
While the TRQ-600 operates as a standalone field instrument, its 4–20 mA output is fully compatible with industry-standard control systems (e.g., Siemens Desigo, Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV). Optional HART 7 digital communication enables remote configuration of output scaling, damping factor (0.1–60 s), alarm thresholds, and unit selection (°C dp / ppmv / g/m³). Calibration history, sensor diagnostics (capacitance baseline, temperature offset), and operational uptime are logged internally and retrievable via HART modem or ADEV’s PC-based ADEV ConfigTool v4.2. All configuration changes generate immutable timestamps and user ID tags—supporting GLP/GMP documentation requirements.
Applications
- Real-time verification of dryer performance at CNG station dehydration units
- Pre-compressor moisture guard for reciprocating and screw-type natural gas compressors
- Custody transfer monitoring per AGA Report No. 10 and GPA 2145 specifications
- Leak detection support in LNG boil-off gas (BOG) recondensation loops
- Quality assurance during cylinder filling operations per ISO 14687-2:2019 (hydrogen-compatible variant available)
FAQ
Is the TRQ-600 suitable for sour gas applications containing H₂S?
No—standard TRQ-600 units are not recommended for H₂S concentrations exceeding 5 ppmv. For sour service, ADEV offers a modified version with gold-plated electrodes and Hastelloy C-276 wetted parts (model TRQ-600-S).
Does the analyzer require periodic zero/span calibration?
Ceramic capacitive sensors exhibit negligible zero drift. Annual verification against a chilled mirror standard is recommended per ISO 8573-1 Annex D; full recalibration is typically required only after mechanical shock or exposure to liquid water.
Can the TRQ-600 be installed vertically or horizontally?
Yes—orientation-independent installation is supported. However, downward-facing orientation is discouraged to prevent condensate pooling upstream of the sensor element.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the integrated filter?
Filter replacement frequency depends on upstream filtration efficiency; typical interval is 6–12 months. ADEV provides filter replacement kits (part no. F-TRQ600-01) with ISO 12500-1 test reports.
Is explosion-proof certification available?
Yes—ATEX II 2G Ex db IIB T4 Gb and IECEx Ex db IIB T4 Gb versions are factory-configurable upon order; intrinsic safety (Ex ia IIC T4 Ga) is also available.
