FID System for Measurements that Conform to EN Standards

The best way to protect against explosions is to avoid flammable gases or fumes. This is an impossible task, especially in cases where solvents are used in paint shops, coating lines and exhaust air decontamination systems, or indeed during coil coating. This involves a continuous process whereby metal coils are coated with several layers of paint and then dried in a continuous oven. This process creates solvent-containing gas mixtures, the concentration of which must be analysed to prevent them from becoming dangerous. The % LEL value of the exhaust air is measured at different points in the system. FID technology is the preferred method for taking these measurements. Due to its high availability, even in the case of complex mixtures, and its safe functioning, the EuroFID3010 Inline by SICK (Germany) is ideal for taking these measurements, and forms an important link in the system's safety chain. In addition, the EuroFID3010 is currently the only FID gas warning device which fulfills the requirements of the EN 50271 standard. 

The analyser is connected to the system via a flange. The sample probe is therefore located directly in the process area. Its tried-and-tested flame ionisation detector allows the organic components of the gas sample to be continually fed transformed into a hydrogen flame. During this chemical and physical process, ionisation of the molecules takes place, resulting in the creation of an electrical current. This signal is proportional to the hydrocarbon concentration, and is analysed electronically.

The EuroFID3010 continually takes measurements without moving parts. An ejector pump is used for sampling instead of a mechanical pump. Wear and mechanical failures are therefore not an issue. This leads to lower maintenance costs. All of the device components which carry gas, right up to the analysis chamber, are continuously heated in order to prevent condensation forming inside the analyser unit. Rapid sampling via the ejector pump and the measurement principle itself ensure a short response time (T₉₀), meaning that changes in the process can be quickly recognised and responded to.

The rugged measuring device offers various options. These include industrial casing for Ex and non-Ex-applications, a process gas barrier and flexible positioning of the control unit, which can be located up to 500 m away from the analyser unit.