HITECH
INSTRUMENTS

technical datasheet

A member of the MTL Instruments Group

KK650 Hydrogen and Chlorine Analyser
Hydrogen analysis throughout the chlorine manufacturing process

•t Proven technology from the
katharometer experts
•t Unique dual sensor technology
•t Works during start-up
•t Benign, surrogate gas calibration
•t Wet and dry sample systems
•t Low cost of ownership

Applications
•t ‘Wet’ chlorine
•t ‘Dry’ chlorine
•t ‘Sniff’ or tail gas
•t Hypo plant outlet

The KK650 is designed specifically for
the chlor-alkali industry. Chlorine is usually
manufactured by the electrolysis of brine
(sodium chloride) or potassium chloride. This
process also produces hydrogen and a small
quantity is found in the chlorine stream. Larger
quantities can indicate failure of a mercury
cell, diaphragm or membrane and lead to
potentially fatal explosive mixtures of hydrogen
and chlorine.
Hydrogen measurement is Hitech’s field
of expertise but this application is not
straightforward. Hydrogen levels are low and
the mixture is not a binary one. In addition
to the hydrogen and chlorine there is also
oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide (referred
to as the ‘inerts’). At start-up the mixture will
be mainly nitrogen purge gas with a gradually
increasing percentage of chlorine. The old
attempt at using a ‘flowing reference’ does not
work in the latter scenario.

The Hitech solution is to use two
measurement sensors together with a third,
sealed reference sensor. The process gas is
passed across the first measurement sensor,
then through a small heater where hydrogen is
reacted, then across the second measurement
sensor. With two discrete measurements,
known thermal conductivities of the gases
present and complex algorithms, the KK650
can accurately display both hydrogen and
chlorine values.

Sample conditioning is required for ‘wet’
chlorine applications. The Hitech system
has no consumables or annual spares making it
both easy to maintain and inexpensive to own.
Pumped or aspirated versions are available to
take account of the negative pressure usually
found in ‘wet’ chlorine streams. The system
cleans and dries the process gas, presenting
it in optimum condition for the sensor, also
included are a calibration port, flowmeter and
needle valve.

Two versions are available offering a
hydrogen range of 0-5% or 0-10%. The
0-5% version is designed for measurement in
‘wet’ and ‘dry’ chlorine where hydrogen levels
vary between 0.01% and 1.00% depending
on the type of plant and point in the process.
The 0-10% version is designed for the tail
gas applications where hydrogen levels are
typically in the 1-4% area but can rise above
5% in exceptional (and dangerous) instances.

The weatherproof GRP enclosure for the
electronics enables external mounting.
With space in analyser shacks usually at a
premium and the cost of a new shack being
several times that of an analyser, this is a
great advantage. The katharometer/reactor
assembly is supplied on a small backplate
for versatility. In the event of an exceptional
occurrence, such as chlorinated liquid being
released through the analyser, no lasting
damage is usually done. Add to these features
the low maintenance and zero consumables
and then compare with competing optical or
GC technologies.

‘Dry’ chlorine requires no special sample
conditioning. Pressure and flow need to be
optimised and a calibration port is a useful
addition. This can be engineered by the
user or, alternatively, Hitech can supply a
system, including the sensor assembly, in a
weatherproof GRP enclosure.

500-0008 Rev5 260810

www.hitech-inst.co.uk

hitechsales@cooperindustries.com

Established technology, unique design,
easy, low cost installation and low
maintenance – a great combination.