5100P Moisture Analyzer Manual (9000-246-VE)12 Revision C
consumables (for example, dryers, replacement sensors, etc.), rapid response, fast recovery
from an over-range condition, and long life.
Within the 5100P, a TDL is used to produce energy at a very specific wavelength which water
molecules strongly absorb. The radiant energy produced by the TDL passes through the sample gas,
and any water molecules present in the gas stream will absorb a fraction of this energy. By
measuring the fraction of the radiant energy absorbed by the sample gas, the concentration of water
molecules in the sample can be determined.
The operating range of the 5100P is 0 –2500 parts per million by volume (ppmv).
Measurements can be made in units of ppmv, dew point in Centigrade, dew point in
Fahrenheit, pounds per million standard cubic feet (lbs/MMSCF), and milligrams per cubic
meter (mg/Nm3). Each 5100P is factory calibrated for a natural gas background; please consult
the factory if the analyzer is to be used on a gas stream other than natural gas.
2.3 Dew Point Conversions
The 5100P analyzer is capable of outputting the moisture concentration in units of dew point
(Centigrade or Fahrenheit). Dew point values are calculated from the moisture concentration
measurements (ppmv) and the sample or process pressure. For temperatures below 0 °C, the 5100P
determines the water vapor pressure over ice, rather than over super-cooled water. Thus, the 5100P
reports a “frost point” temperature, which is consistent with the physical form of the condensed
phase in a real process stream. Water in a super-cooled liquid state only exists temporarily as the
first bit of condensate starts to form on a smooth-chilled surface (i.e., the true method of measuring
a “dew” point). Given more time, the “dew” layer will turn to ice if the temperature is below the
freezing point. While the “frost point” temperature will be higher than the “dew point” temperature,
the exact magnitude of the difference will be a function of both the sample pressure and the
moisture concentration.
It is important to note that the pressure value required for the dew point calculations must
correspond to the sample pressure for which the dew point measurement is required, and not the
pressure in the analyzer’s sample cell. The 5100P is designed for samples at atmospheric pressure in
the sample cell, so this pressure value will not change.
Several standards cover the calculation of the dew point values for hydrocarbon streams. There are
significant differences between the dew point values calculated with the older North American
standard (ASTM D1142, based on work published in IGT Research Bulletin #8) and the new European
standard (ISO 18453, based on work presented in GERG-Water Correlation: GERG Technical
Monograph TM14, 2001). AMETEK has set up the 5100P to output dew point values consistent with
the GERG standard.