Ammonia Sampling Systems
Ammonia plays a pivotal role in the production of fertilizers, plastics, textiles, petroleum, and various other industries. Ensuring the water content of anhydrous ammonia falls within the optimal range of 0.2% to 0.5% is crucial to prevent stress corrosion cracking in storage tanks and maintain product quality.
The Swagelok® ammonia sampler makes anhydrous ammonia sampling safer by minimizing operators’ exposure to liquid and vaporized ammonia. It also introduces consistency into the sampling operation, significantly expedites the sampling process, and eliminates the transportation of ammonia samples within the facility.
Challenges When Working with Ammonia
If you work around the production, storage, and transportation of ammonia, you are often faced with the following issues:
- The operator is exposed to ammonia liquid/vapor
- Extensive personal protective equipment (PPE) is required
- There is excessive sampling time
- The test relies on operator skill and judgment
- Sample results can be inconsistent and inaccurate
Swagelok has developed a closed-loop sampling unit that minimizes exposure to the operator and introduces consistency into the sampling operation. The Swagelok ammonia sampler is designed to sample liquid ammonia, at or around its boiling point, to safely and reliably verify this minimum water content. Typically installed at the sample point, this sampler makes it unnecessary to transport ammonia samples within the facility.
Features
Swagelok’s closed-loop ammonia sampling unit is designed to remove the challenges inherent to traditional ammonia sample collection methods. The Swagelok ammonia sampler:
- Minimizes operator exposure and the need for extensive PPE with a semiautomated closed fixture
- Cycles faster than traditional methods — typically a one to two-hour cycle time
- Has increased sampling consistency
- Eliminates NPT threaded connections
- Is easier to use and maintain than traditional methods
- Offers single-handle control and operation with a geared valve
- Uses PLC/touch screen controls that
- provide an easy and intuitive operator interface
- display on-screen step-by-step instructions
- relay system outputs (heating, ready) for remote status monitoring - Can be hazardous area rated to Class 1, Div 2, Group B, or ATEX Zone 2
- Is available with single or dual fixtures
Testing
Every Swagelok ammonia sampler is helium tested for leaks to atmosphere with a maximum acceptable leak rate of 1x10-3 std cm3 /sec.
Cleaning and Packaging
Swagelok components used in the Swagelok ammonia sampler are cleaned in accordance with Swagelok Standard Cleaning and Packaging (SC-10—Specification SCS-00010 Revision C).
Ready to Learn More?
Swagelok Southern California will work closely with you to determine the type of panel and the proper configuration to meet your ammonia sampling needs. Each sampler will be built to your specifications by experienced fluid systems technicians. All Swagelok ammonia samplers are rigorously tested and are backed by the Swagelok Limited Lifetime Warranty.