Use of the Multicomponent Infrared MC3 Gas Analyzer for

Single Digit NOx and NH3 Measurements on a Steam Methane Reforming Process

EcoChem Analytics recently installed a MC3-based Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) at a
petrochemical facility in Texas. This CEMS is used to measure NOx after an ammonia injection SCR process at the back-
end of a Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) application.

This installation utilizes an extractive Hot-Wet methodology for gas analysis. All surfaces (sample probe, sample line,
heated pump and sample cell) that contact the sample gas are maintained above the dew-point temperature 365 °F. No gas
cooler is required in the system. A single EcoChem multicomponent infrared MC3 analyzer simultaneously measures
NH3, NO, NO2, CO, H2O, CO2 and O2 all in one box.

The SMR process application represents some unique challenges …. Low single-digit measurements of NH3 and NOx
have to be made in the presence of high H2O (17%) and CO2 (19%) levels. Traditionally, NH3 has been measured using a
Delta – NOx or insitu Tunable Diode Laser (TDL). NOx is measured with a separate Chemiluminescence analyzer while
CO and CO2 have to be measured with discrete infrared analyzers. In addition due to high H2O levels, a gas cooler is
required to remove water before analysis. Multiple converters and strippers in the gas analysis result in high ongoing
maintenance cost. In contrast, the EcoChem hot-wet multicomponent CEMS uses an inherently simple design resulting in
a cost-effective system with minimal maintenance requirements.

After the initial installation, the MC3-based CEMS was run side-by-side with a traditional Chemiluminescence analyzer
equipped with a gas cooler. Excellent comparison was observed between the MC3 and Chemi-NOx approach. The
EcoChem CEMS has passed RATA certification and is now operating smoothly for several months.

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