XTRA Online Oil-in-Water Analyzer

Overview

The XTRA Online Oil-in-Water Analyzer is a robust, CE-certified industrial process analyzer engineered for continuous, real-time quantification of hydrocarbon oil content in aqueous streams. Utilizing dual-wavelength ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy combined with integrated turbidity compensation, the instrument delivers stable, interference-resistant measurements across complex wastewater, cooling water, produced water, and effluent applications. Its optical design eliminates reliance on reagents or consumables, ensuring long-term operational stability with minimal maintenance. Designed for permanent installation in demanding industrial environments—including offshore platforms, power plant cooling circuits, petrochemical refineries, and municipal wastewater treatment facilities—the XTRA operates unattended under varying flow, pressure, and temperature conditions while maintaining trace-level sensitivity down to 1 ppm oil-in-water.

Key Features

• Dual-channel UV photometric detection with built-in turbidity correction (0–999 NTU), enabling accurate oil measurement even in highly suspended or colored matrices
• Factory-calibrated for up to six pre-defined hydrocarbon types (e.g., diesel, lubricating oil, crude fractions, synthetic esters), with user-selectable calibration profiles
• Oil concentration range: 0–200 ppm with 1 ppm resolution; turbidity range: 0–999 NTU with 1 NTU resolution
• Measurement accuracy: ±5 ppm (≤50 ppm) or ±10% of reading (>50 ppm); turbidity accuracy: ±5 NTU (≤50 NTU) or ±10% of reading (>50 NTU)
• Two independent, fully programmable alarm thresholds for both oil concentration and turbidity—configurable from 1–200 ppm and 1–999 NTU respectively
• IP65-rated enclosure with >50,000-hour mean time between failures (MTBF), compliant with EN 61010 (safety) and EN 61326 (EMC)
• Automated air-purge cleaning cycle, adjustable from 1 to 360 minutes; requires clean, dry instrument air ≥4 bar
• Flexible power options: 24 V DC or 230 V AC, 50 Hz; maximum power draw 40 VA

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XTRA analyzer accommodates liquid samples within a temperature range of 0–50 °C and pressure range of 0.1–10 bar, with minimum flow requirement of 0.5 L/min. It tolerates ambient operating conditions up to 50 °C at 90% relative humidity. The system is compatible with non-aggressive aqueous media containing dispersed mineral oils, synthetic lubricants, fuel oils, and hydrocarbon emulsions. Solid particulate interference is mitigated via spectral deconvolution; minimum detectable solid contribution is 100 ppm (dependent on particle type and optical properties). The analyzer meets essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive, bearing CE marking per EN 61010-1 and EN 61326-1. While not intrinsically safe, it may be installed in Zone 2 hazardous areas when housed in appropriate certified enclosures.

Software & Data Management

The XTRA supports analog 4–20 mA output for oil concentration and turbidity, plus optional Modbus RTU (RS-485) or HART communication protocols for integration into DCS, SCADA, or PLC-based control systems. Configuration and diagnostics are performed via local keypad and LCD interface or remotely using vendor-provided configuration software (Windows-based). All parameter changes, alarm events, and calibration logs are timestamped and retained onboard. Audit trail functionality complies with GLP-aligned data integrity principles; however, full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires deployment within validated IT infrastructure and supplementary electronic signature controls.

Applications

• Real-time monitoring of oil carryover in steam condensate return systems
• Leak detection in heat exchanger cooling water circuits
• Effluent compliance verification prior to discharge (e.g., ISO 4377, EPA Method 1664)
• Produced water treatment optimization in upstream oil & gas operations
• Monitoring bilge water separation efficiency on marine vessels (MEPC.107(49) reference)
• Quality assurance in pharmaceutical and food-grade CIP rinse water loops

FAQ

Can the XTRA analyzer be calibrated for custom oil types not included in the factory set?
Yes—authorized service partners can perform site-specific calibration using user-supplied reference oils and certified standard solutions.
Is the instrument suitable for seawater applications?
It is compatible with seawater matrices provided salinity-induced refractive index shifts are accounted for during calibration; field validation with spiked seawater samples is recommended.
Does the analyzer require periodic lamp replacement?
The UV LED light source is rated for >50,000 hours; no scheduled lamp replacement is required within the specified design lifetime.
How does the system handle fouling on the optical windows?
The integrated air-purge cleaning mechanism physically removes deposits; additional mechanical wipers or ultrasonic cleaning modules can be added as optional accessories.
What documentation is provided for regulatory submissions?
The unit ships with Declaration of Conformity, calibration certificate (traceable to NPL/UKAS standards), and technical file summary—sufficient for GMP-relevant validation protocols when combined with site-specific IQ/OQ documentation.