PhaseAlarm™: A Step-by-Step Guide and Key Benefits

PhaseAlarm™: A Step-by-Step Guide and Key Benefits

Liquid contamination in gas analyzers can lead to equipment failures, inaccurate measurements, and expensive repairs. To address these issues, ZEGAZ Instruments developed PhaseAlarm™, an advanced protection system that uses Infra-Red Phase Detect™ (IRPD™) technology to identify and divert liquid intrusions before they damage your analyzers. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide on how PhaseAlarm™ works, followed by its main features and benefits.

This demo shows how our patented PhaseAlarm(TM) detects and diverts liquids — water, NGLs, glycols — before they hit your analyzers.

1. Position PhaseAlarm™ Upstream

Install PhaseAlarm™ ahead of any or all gas analyzers—such as GC, H₂S, CO₂, and O₂ analyzers. This ensures that all incoming gas first passes through PhaseAlarm™, giving you an early warning about presence of liquids, and allowing the system to take protective action if liquids are present.

2. Power On and Basic Setup

On the left side of the control box, locate the power input and switch.

1. Turn on the power switch.

2. Check the display: A live status screen appears, showing date/time stamps, current gas temperature, system temperature, and menu options.

This initial step confirms the system is active and ready for operation.

3. Infra-Red Phase Detect™ (IRPD™) Technology

Inside the enclosure, gas enters through the Analytical Cell, which uses advanced infrared detection to find even small amounts of liquids or aerosols. This patented IRPD™ technology continuously evaluates the gas stream for any contamination—whether water, alcohols, glycols, or Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs).

• IRPD™ allows highly sensitive and reliable monitoring, ensuring no liquid slips by undetected.

4. Normal Operation (No Liquid Detected)

In standard conditions, when no liquid is present, the gas flows from the Input Port through the Analytical Cell and exits via the Output Port to your analyzers. The main display will show a “No Liquid Detected” status, and your gas analyzers receive a clean, vapor-only sample.

5. Automatic Protection: Flow Diversion

If the analytical cell detects liquids or aerosols:

1. IRPD™ registers a contamination event.

2. Optional Three-Way Valve activates instantly, diverting the flow to the Liquid Rejection Port (vent or flare stack).

3. Main Screen shows “Liquid Detected,” 

4. The event is logged into data storage for future reference.

By rerouting the contaminated flow, the system protects your analyzers from damage and prevents liquid-induced measurement errors.

6. Automatic Flow Restoration

Once liquid carryover is eliminated from the gas stream:

1. IRPD™ confirms the return to vapor-only conditions.

2. The three-way valve shifts back to normal flow.

3. The main display shows “Liquid Cleared” and updates the event log.

This swift return to normal operation ensures minimal downtime and continuous analyzer availability.

7. Data Logging and User Interface

PhaseAlarm™ keeps a record of all liquid intrusion events, including timestamps, gas temperature, and system temperature. The user interface features:

• Main Screen: Shows live status, last recorded event, and a real-time event graph.

• Settings: Lets you configure operator details, location, temperature units, and date/time formats.

• Log: Maintains a chronological record of events and recoveries with selectable historical graphs.

• Contact & Off Buttons: Provide factory support information and a proper shutdown procedure.

8. Outputs for Integration

Inside the control box, you will find:

1. Two 4–20 mA Analog Outputs:

   • One reports gas temperature.

   • The other reports the current PhaseAlarm™ status (normal or diverting).

2. One Digital Output:

   • Triggers during a liquid upset event, allowing seamless integration with control systems or alarms.

9. Key Features of PhaseAlarm™

• Patented IRPD™ Technology: Reliably detects liquids and aerosols in gas streams.

• Automatic Protection: Integrated three-way valve diverts contaminated flow instantly.

• Seamless Integration: Compatible with a wide range of analyzers (GC, H₂S, CO₂, O₂, and more).

• Data Logging: Tracks intrusion events and temperatures for easy diagnosis and troubleshooting.

10. Main Benefits of PhaseAlarm™

• Reduce Downtime and Costs: Protect analyzers from liquid damage, avoid repair expenses, and maintain process uptime.

• Improve Reliability: Keep gas measurements accurate by preventing liquid-induced distortions.

• Flexible Installation: Fits into both standalone applications and integrated measurement skids.

• Enhanced Efficiency: Allows for continuous operation and quick recovery after liquid events.

Summary

PhaseAlarm™ with IRPD™ technology offers a robust defense against liquid contamination in gas analyzers. By detecting and diverting liquids in real time, it guards against equipment damage, reduces maintenance costs, and maintains the integrity of your gas measurements. With easy installation, automated operation, and comprehensive data logging, PhaseAlarm™ is a reliable solution that keeps your analyzers safe and your operations running smoothly.