Meeting NFPA 86:Summary
For the past several weeks we've been discussing how to select a continous solvent vapor analyzer to meet NFPA 86 requirements, specifically focusing on the 6 essentials necessary to do so:
Meeting NFPA 86: Maintenance
We've discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86, this week let's take a closer look at the sixth monitoring requirment: maintenance.
The system should be designed to provide the least amount of downtime, including routine calibration and maintenance of the sampling system and sensor.
Meeting NFPA 86: Failsafe Malfunction Logic
We've discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86, this week let's take a closer look at the fifth monitoring requirement: failsafe malfunction logic.
According to section 11.6.10.8 of NFPA 86, "alarms shall be provided to indicate any sample, flow, circuit or controller power failures."
Meeting NFPA 86: Avoiding Condensation
We've discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86, this week let's take a closer look at the fourth monitoring requirement: avoiding condensation.
NFPA 86 Section 11.6.10.11 requires that “the sensor and sample system shall be maintained at a temperature that prevents condensation.”
Meeting NFPA 86: Reading Error
An interesting conversation arose after last week's discussion on calibration accuracy. What happens when a variety of solvents are used in a process?
Meeting NFPA 86: Calibration Accuracy
We've discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86, this week let's take a closer look at the third monitoring requirement: calibration accuracy.
Meeting NFPA 86: Speed of Response
We've discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86, this week let's take a closer look at the second monitoring requirment: Speed of Response.
Meeting NFPA 86: Active Sampling System
Last week we discussed the 6 essentials of meeting NFPA 86. Let’s take a closer look at the first monitoring requirement: Sample delivery system (section 11.6.10.11).
It is recommended that process applications employ active sample draw systems to continuously deliver a sample to the solvent vapor monitor.
Why?
FTA vs IR: Response Factors
The industry standard accuracy requirement for a flammable gas sensor is +/-10%. Response factors are therefore one of the most significant influences on accuracy, and can easily introduce large errors. Let's examine this concept when comparing FTA vs IR for process applications.
FTA vs IR: The Basics
Most flammable vapor analyzers respond differently to different vapors. Whenever the process solvent is changed, the analyzer must be either recalibrated or reprogrammed to ensure that it’s measurement of the new solvent vapor is still accurate. This creates a challenge when trying to measure a mixture of solvent vapors, especially when using narrow-banded infrared sensors. Now let's compare FTA vs IR for process applications.