Technology Comparison

Below we compare the most popular solutions for process H2S analysis.

Click any cell or row for more information.

Paper TapeTunable Diode LaserGas ChromatographOMA H2S Analyzer
Response Time?  SLOW FAST SLOW FAST
20-180 seconds. Actual response time depends on H2S level.
less than 10 seconds
5-10 minutes
less than 10 seconds
Moisture Interference?  NONE HIGH NONE NONE
Moisture absorbance is a serious problem at the measurement wavelength.
Water does not absorb at 200-240 nm wavelength region.
H2S Range?  LIMITED LIMITED WIDE WIDE
Only suitable for low level H2S. Tape saturation occurs above 1000 ppm and requires error-prone dilutions.
Designed for levels under 500 ppmv. Signal saturation occurs at higher levels w/ no alternate wavelengths.
Any range from 0-10 ppm to 0-100%; modify your system's range at any time. Learn more
Additional Measurements?  NO NO YES YES
The special tape is only sensitive to H2S. Total sulfur requires a large furnace.
Each TDL unit measures one chemical.
Up to 4 additional measurement benches (e.g. SO2, MeSH) per unit. Learn more
Max. Pressure?  LOW LOW LOW HIGH
Sample must be at atmospheric pressure.
Typical: 20 psig max.
Sample must be at atmospheric pressure.
3,000 psig with standard flow cell.
Max. Temperature?  HIGH LOW LOW HIGH
Significant error due to temperature sensitivity; sample temperature cannot exceed 50-60 °C.
150 °C with standard flow cell. Software performs temperature compensation.
Moving Parts?  YES NO YES NO
Users report frequent jamming of tape drive.
Solid state instrument.
Consumable Costs?  HIGH HIGH HIGH LOW
Each paper tape reel lasts 1 month and must be manually replaced; humidifier solution (e.g. acetic acid solution)
Copper nanoparticle scrubber replaced each year. High process fluid consumption.
Carrier gas, separation columns, and detectors.
Only requires zeroing fluid (e.g. nitrogen). Xenon light source has 5 year MTBF.
Maintenance?  HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
New tape reel needed each month; frequent tape drive jams; manual dilutions for overload.
Optics require cleaning.
Famously expensive to operate and maintain.
Optics require cleaning once per month -- a one-minute procedure.
Specifications found in product literature from mainstream manufacturers.
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