Installation and integration

What this track covers

An analyser is only useful when its reading reaches the people and systems that act on it. This track covers where to put the instrument, how its signals work, how to wire them cleanly, how to bring the numbers into a control system and how to commission the whole chain.

Lessons, in order

1. Where to mount a gas analyser: panel, shelter or fieldMount an analyser as close to the sample point as practical, in a clean, temperature-stable, accessible place, out of vibration, direct sun and weather.Beginner3 min
2. Analyser outputs: 4-20 mA, relays and Modbus explainedA 4-20 mA output sends the reading as a current, with 4 mA for the bottom of the range and 20 mA for the top; the live zero lets the system detect a broken wire.Beginner3 min
3. Wiring, grounding and electrical noise for gas analysersUse shielded twisted-pair cable for signals, ground the shield at one end, keep signal cables away from power and motor cables, and avoid ground loops by giving the loop a single reference.Intermediate3 min
4. Connecting a gas analyser to PLC, DCS and SCADAScale the 4-20 mA input to the analyser range, alarm on out-of-range currents as a fault, and use the analyser's fault and calibration-in-progress signals to hold or flag the value.Intermediate3 min
5. Site utilities checklist for gas analysersAn analyser installation needs more than a power connection: a clean, stable electrical supply, instrument air or nitrogen for blowback and purges, a calibration gas supply with regulators, a safe vent, a drain for condensate, and in some cases heating, cooling or ventilation for the enclosure.Beginner3 min
6. Commissioning an online gas analyser: A Step-by-Step guideCommission in order: inspect and verify the installation, leak-test the sample system, power up, purge with sample or inert gas, set pressure and flow, calibrate with zero and span gas, test alarms and outputs end to end, run on process gas, and record a baseline of flow, pressure and readings.Intermediate3 min

Next track: Calibration and maintenance