Automation and control solutions provider Emerson Electric has introduced the first vaporising pressure reducing regulator for gas chromatograph analysers.

The new TESCOM44-6800 Series Vaporising Regulator offers the option to separate the regulator body from the electronic enclosure, without compromising global hazardous location certifications.

This design provides protection to the regulator’s electronics from extreme high temperatures in petrochemical refineries and processing plants.

The TESCOM 44-6800 is the world's first vaporising regulator to offer certified separability for optimal performance and safety in locations rated as hazardous.

Designed for sample conditioning systems for online gas chromatography analysis, the TESCOM 44-6800 promotes greater reliability and accuracy, while simplifying commissioning, reducing maintenance and enabling remote and local monitoring to meet global process requirements.

The TESCOM 44-6800 works by ensuring the carefully controlled delivery of single-phase vapour samples of hydrocarbon mixtures to a gas chromatograph (GC) where the sample is separated and its physical properties analysed. Obtaining precise and reliable values from the GC, such as the measurement of natural gas British thermal units, can lead to substantially improved refinery efficiencies.

Unlike traditional vaporising regulators, the TESCOM 44-6800 optional certified separability enables the user to detach the electrical housing – which contains sensitive electronics, power supply and temperature adjustment dial – from the regulator body. This can then be installed in a lower temperature environment, preventing sensitive electronics from being exposed to ambient temperatures exceeding 65 °C.

Separability, coupled with high tolerance to voltage spikes and extreme ambient temperatures, ensures optimal performance and safety in locations rated as hazardous. The TESCOM 44-6800 is available in two body material options: 316 stainless steel and nickel alloy that provide maximum corrosion resistance for added value and long-term reliability.

"Optimal plant operation relies on accurate analytical results, and our customers seek absolute reliability in their gas chromatography sample conditioning systems, something that may be compromised when electronics are exposed to high temperatures inside heated cabinets or when using vaporising regulators with inferior heat transfer technology," says Emerson precision fluid control sales VP Laura Schafer.

She adds that with its innovative design, the TESCOM 44-6800 boosts the reliability of sample conditioning systems so that Emersons’ customers do not have to worry about the quality of their samples.

The TESCOM 44-6800 is designed for a flow capacity of 0.02 and pressures up to 6 000 psig. It is offered in both electric and steam versions.

Patented heat transfer technology preserves sample integrity by preventing condensation of heavier components from occurring during pressure reduction. Temperatures can be precisely controlled using the single-turn heater control dial. The TESCOM 44-6800 also is equipped with a proportional-integral-derivative controller for precise heater temperature control.

Remote monitoring has become mission critical for the oil and gas industry. The TESCOM 44-6800 features an industry standard 4-20 mA analog output to enable remote monitoring of the heater temperature and for data acquisition.

Signals from the TESCOM 44-6800 can be output to modulating field devices, programmable logic controllers, and supervisory control and data acquisition systems, among others, to achieve the networked goals of Industry 4.0 applications. The TESCOM 44-6800 Series also has the option for a light-emitting diode screen for local monitoring in the field.

The TESCOM 44-6800 Series adheres to the worldwide requirements of Canadian Standards Association, ATmosphere EXplosibles and International Electrotechnical Commission certification to T3 – 200 °C rating – along with the National Association of Corrosion Engineers MR0175/ISO 15156 standards for the use of materials in hydrogen sulphide bearing environments.

In addition, the TESCOM 44-6800 offers global flexibility with its 100 V to 240 V alternating current, with 50 Hz to 60 Hz design supported by voltage spike protection. ​