HITECH
INSTRUMENTS

technical datasheet

A member of the MTL Instruments Group

K1650 hydrogen purity and purge gas analyser
Designed for hydrogen cooled turbines in power stations

•t Single remote sensor
•t Measures all gas purge stages
•t ATEX certified for hazardous areas
•t Simple, low cost servicing
•t Optional sample systems
•t Easy replacement of old analysers

Applications
•t Hydrogen purity measurement in
turbo-generators
•t Hydrogen purity measurement in
synchronous compensators
•t Inert gas monitoring during service
shut downs

The K1650 analyser has been designed
specifically for use in power stations.
Modern turbogenerators produce a great
amount of heat and the most efficient way of
removing this heat is by enveloping the parts
in hydrogen because hydrogen has seven
times the cooling capacity of air. It is possible
however for air to leak into the system, so it
is essential to monitor the hydrogen purity
for both efficiency and safety - as an air
mixture will produce a potentially explosive
atmosphere. When maintenance needs to
be carried out, the atmosphere surrounding

the turbogenerator has to be replaced with
air. This cannot be a direct replacement
because of the explosive mixture that would
be produced in the process. Instead, an inert
gas, usually carbon dioxide, is used to purge
the hydrogen, then air is introduced to purge
the carbon dioxide. The same procedure must
be followed in reverse when replacing the
hydrogen atmosphere.
The K1650 analyser has three ranges
to monitor hydrogen purity and the shut
down/start up purge stages of generators. A
single katharometer sensor, based on Hitech’s
proven thermal conductivity technology, is
calibrated over the three ranges. The inherent
stability of this system means infrequent
calibration and a low cost of ownership. There
are no consumables and no required spares
for the first two years of operation.
The K1650 fixed analyser is delivered
already mounted in a panel for easy
retrofitting. An MTL zener barrier is also
mounted on the rear of the panel. This enables
the remote sensor housing to be sited in a
hazardous area with the analyser electronics
in a safe area. The remote sensor is in a IP65
housing complete with flowmeter and needle

500-0000 Rev2 091111

www.hitech-inst.co.uk

hitechsales@cooperindustries.com

valve. For full, hazardous-area use the analyser
electronics can be supplied in an Ex enclosure.
For portable analyser requirements the
battery-operated K6050APGM analyser can be
supplied in a rugged IP65 case. The K6050APGM
combines all the features of the K1650 in a
portable version with internal pump and
rechargeable battery designed to last a full purge
cycle. Flowmeter and needle valve are included
as standard, no extra accessories are required.
Different sample conditioning systems are
available for the K1650, standard or bespoke,
according to the process conditions. Filters,
pumps and regulators can all be incorporated to
deliver the sample in the correct condition. Oil
mist, water vapour, calibration at pressure and
returning the sample to the process can all be
accommodated. Hitech engineers are ready to
recommend the right system for you on receipt
of full gas stream specifications.
For sites using nitrogen as a purge gas
(instead of CO2) please contact Hitech for an
alternative solution.
All your turbine gas analysis requirements
in one package from the katharometer
experts.