Eranntex TH-2000-C-C2H6 Laser-Based Online Ethane (C₂H₆) Identification and Monitoring System

Overview

The Eranntex TH-2000-C-C2H₆ is a fixed-installation, laser-based continuous emission monitoring system engineered for selective, real-time quantification of ethane (C₂H₆) in complex industrial gas streams. It employs Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), a physics-based optical technique that exploits the unique near-infrared absorption fingerprint of ethane at specific wavelengths (e.g., ~1653 nm). Unlike electrochemical or catalytic bead sensors, TDLAS provides inherent selectivity against cross-interferences from methane (CH₄), propane (C₃H₈), water vapor (H₂O), CO₂, and other hydrocarbons—critical for accurate C₂H₆ measurement in natural gas processing, biogas upgrading, and combustion exhaust applications. The system integrates a robust sampling probe, active gas conditioning, and an optically stable measurement cell, enabling stable operation under high-temperature (up to 600 °C), high-humidity (0–99 % RH), and particulate-laden conditions typical of boiler flue gas, wastewater treatment off-gas, and syngas pipelines.

Key Features

• High-selectivity TDLAS detection optimized for ethane at parts-per-million (ppm) to percent-level concentration ranges, with minimal drift (<±2 % FS/year) and no consumables or calibration gases required for routine operation.
• Integrated dual-stage thermoelectric (Peltier) cooling system reduces sample dew point to ≤4 °C, coupled with automatic condensate removal and fine particulate filtration (0.5 m stainless steel probe) to ensure optical path integrity in wet, dirty environments.
• Wide operating ambient range (−40 °C to +70 °C) and IP66-rated outdoor enclosure support unattended deployment in exposed industrial settings; explosion-proof variants available upon request (ATEX/IECEx certification pending).
• Modular architecture allows flexible configuration: primary C₂H₆ channel plus up to five optional gas modules (e.g., NOₓ, O₂, SO₂) using complementary detection principles (electrochemical, paramagnetic, NDIR) within the same chassis.
• Standard 7-inch Linux-based touchscreen HMI enables local configuration, real-time trend visualization, alarm acknowledgment, and diagnostic access; remote management via secure web interface or Modbus TCP.
• Comprehensive I/O suite includes isolated 4–20 mA analog outputs per measured parameter, RS485 (Modbus RTU), programmable relay outputs, and optional embedded DTU for GPRS/4G cellular telemetry to cloud platforms or municipal environmental data centers.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TH-2000-C-C2H₆ is validated for continuous operation in gas matrices containing elevated moisture, condensable organics (e.g., tars, light hydrocarbons), and sub-micron particulates—common in biogas digesters, landfill gas collection headers, and thermal oxidizer stacks. Its sample conditioning subsystem meets EN 15267-3 requirements for automated performance verification of CEMS (Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems). While not pre-certified to EPA Performance Specification 15 (PS-15) or ISO 14956, the system’s modular design supports third-party validation for regulatory compliance in jurisdictions requiring EN 14181 QAL1/QAL2 or US EPA Method 18 equivalent testing. All firmware and data logging adhere to ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available), supporting GLP/GMP-aligned audit trails when integrated with compliant SCADA or LIMS platforms.

Software & Data Management

Firmware runs on a hardened Linux kernel with deterministic real-time scheduling for sensor control and spectral acquisition. Embedded data storage supports either cyclic 100,000-record buffering or external 16 GB SD card logging (CSV/JSON format) with time-stamped metadata (temperature, pressure, flow, diagnostics). Remote access is enabled via HTTPS-secured web server or native Modbus TCP, allowing integration into existing DCS, PLC, or cloud-based IIoT infrastructure (e.g., AWS IoT Core, Azure IoT Hub). Optional firmware upgrade includes MQTT v3.1.1 publishing with TLS 1.2 encryption, configurable topic structure, and QoS Level 1 delivery assurance. Audit logs record all configuration changes, calibration events, and alarm triggers with user ID and timestamp—fully traceable for FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant deployments when paired with digital signature-enabled authentication.

Applications

• Natural gas quality control: Real-time ethane/methane ratio monitoring upstream of fractionation units to optimize NGL recovery economics.
• Biogas and landfill gas upgrading: Quantifying C₂H₆ as a contaminant prior to membrane or PSA purification, ensuring pipeline-grade specifications (e.g., ASTM D1945).
• Combustion efficiency optimization: Correlating ethane slip with burner tuning in industrial boilers and thermal oxidizers to minimize VOC emissions and fuel consumption.
• Wastewater treatment plant odor control: Detecting ethane as a tracer compound in sewer headspace to localize fugitive emissions and verify scrubber performance.
• Environmental compliance reporting: Continuous submission of C₂H₆ concentration data to regional environmental protection bureaus via encrypted GPRS/DTU links, satisfying mandatory CEMS reporting intervals (e.g., 15-minute averages per EU Directive 2010/75/EU).

FAQ

What detection limit and accuracy can be expected for ethane using this TDLAS system?
Typical lower detection limit is 1 ppmv (signal-to-noise ratio ≥3) with ±2 % of reading repeatability over 30 days under stable temperature/humidity conditions. Accuracy depends on site-specific calibration traceability to NIST-traceable standards.
Can the system operate continuously in condensing or freezing conditions?
Yes—when equipped with the optional electrically heated sampling line and thermostatically controlled enclosure heater, it maintains operational integrity down to −40 °C ambient and prevents ice formation in the sample path.
Is third-party certification (e.g., MCERTS, TÜV) available for this model?
Eranntex provides full technical documentation and test reports to support customer-led MCERTS or TÜV SÜD QAL1 validation; certified units require site-specific performance testing per EN 15267-3 Annex B.
How is zero/span verification performed without interrupting process monitoring?
The system supports automated zero checks using internal N₂ purge solenoid and optional span gas manifold; both functions are scheduled remotely and logged with full audit trail.
What cybersecurity measures are implemented in the embedded firmware?
Firmware includes disabled default credentials, TLS 1.2 for web/OTA updates, Modbus TCP port filtering, and configurable password complexity policies—all aligned with IEC 62443-3-3 SL1 requirements.