Protection of the analyser equipment

Analyser systems are expensive and should therefore be adequately protected from their environment and the process streams that they control. Every analyser is liable to malfunction upon contact with rain, snow, Ice, wind, sand, dust and so forth. After some time, alternate hot-cold or humid-dry periods cause expansions and compressions that results In erosion and corrosion of the analyser. On the other hand, industrial environments are particularly severe as the rain and atmospheric humidity react with traces of hydrocarbons, sulphurized products and nitrogen oxides to form acids which accelerate corrosion. All these reasons recommend protecting the analyser to an extent depending on the potential hazards of the area where the analyser is 

The analyser protection should comply with safety regulations, especially strict for hazardous areas, which involve protection of the workers, emergency actions, identification and handling of radioactive, toxic or inflammable products, protection against fire, control of the Industrial environment, etc. 

On-line analysers are usually placed In purpose-built houses [7]. These provide a suitable environment for the analyser, operators and maintenance personnel alike, a conditioned atmosphere ensuring the stability of the analyser, and the Ideal way to link and allocate additional supplies such as electricity, air, water, vacuum, etc. 

Small houses (6x8 ft) are often built with 2-in thick walls filled foam inserted between reinforced plastic panels —similarly to modern refriger ators. The plastic material used should be non-flammable and non-toxic if is to be exposed to fire. In addition, the construction should withstand wih s of up to 200 km/h. 

Houses located in hazardous areas should comply with the electrical reg lations in force. In some cases, the whole house must be pressurized by using a source of fresh air in non-hazardous areas and an air-sensitive switch to automatically turn off the electrical power if the aeration system should fail. Even if the air is efficiently renewed, explosion-proof switches should be used for aii electrical apparatus. 

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