3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Clamp-On Application for High Pressure Ethylene in EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Production

APPLICATION NOTE

Petrochemical plant at dusk producing Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

Clamp-On Application for High Pressure Ethylene in EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Production

Summary

Jiangsu Sierbang Petrochemical Co. Ltd in China produces Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), a copolymer resin valued for its lightweight and excellent foamability. The process is part of a polyethylene plant and requires high-pressure ethylene from reciprocating compressors, with the flow rate on this line needing to be accurately measured to keep the EVA produced within specification — too low a flow rate leads to an incomplete reaction. With pressure inside the pipeline reaching up to 200 MPa, flow meters that require cutting the pipe were not a safe option. Uncertain that a clamp-on solution could deliver the required accuracy at such pressure, the customer requested a field demonstration from the Panametrics team.

Fluid	Ethylene gas
Pipe	121 mm x 35 mm (4¾” x 1.38″), Carbon Steel
Process Temperature	20 °C (68 °F)
Process Pressure	195 MPa (28,282 psi)
Fluid Sound Speed	1,679 m/s

Benefits:

Low maintenance
No pressure drop
No interruption to operations
Safe measurement
Long-term stability and drift-free characteristics

Challenge

The application was for a DN100 (4″) line with a 35 mm wall thickness — the first time a Panametrics clamp-on flow meter had been used on such a thick 4″ gas line. There was concern that signal strength and SNR would be too weak, as the acoustic signal dissipates further outside a thicker pipe wall, risking measurement loss. The Panametrics team nonetheless carried out the demonstration to prove the quality of the technology under these extreme conditions.

Solution

After reviewing the site-specific process parameters, Panametrics confirmed its meter and transducer recommendation. At these working conditions, ethylene is in a supercritical state with a sound speed approaching 1,700 m/s — so Panametrics recommended its TransPort PT900 with CRS 401 transducers for the demonstration, a liquid meter design, fitted only with a CFG clamping fixture (intended for gas measurement) to ensure accurate transducer positioning. On-site installation went smoothly and testing was highly successful: the flowmeter displayed a sound speed of 1,679 m/s, matching the theoretical sound speed of ethylene at 20°C and 200 MPa. Impressed with the result, Jiangsu Sierbang Petrochemical has since adopted Panametrics’ clamp-on flowmeter technology, and several other customers are now requesting demonstrations of the same solution on thick-walled high-pressure gas lines.

Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter Panametrics TransPort PT900

Panametrics TransPort PT900

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA103AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and prepared in cooperation with INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative for Slovakia and Hungary.

3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Panametrics Technology Improves Flow Measurement Reliability and Accuracy for the Semiconductor Industry

APPLICATION NOTE

Panametrics Technology Improves Flow Measurement Reliability and Accuracy for the Semiconductor Industry

Summary

To help optimize, track and measure its raw water usage, a South Korean chip manufacturer turned to Panametrics for solutions. The customer faced challenges with the accuracy and reliability of traditional electromagnetic flow meters from competing manufacturers, leading to difficulties reporting water usage and disparities with the national water supply company over the volumes of water used at the semiconductor site. This led to the opportunity for Panametrics to evaluate the application for a clamp-on installation.

Fluid	Raw water
Pipe Size and Material	DN600 (24″) Carbon Steel
Flow Rate	0 – 1,500 m³/h (0 – 6,604 GPM)
Process Temperature	2 – 25 °C (35 – 77 °F)
Requested Accuracy	<±1% of reading

Benefits:

Easy to set up and program
No process interruption
Strong reputation and local support
Reliability and accuracy
Various communication options available

Challenge

The customer required precision measurements but could not allow any process disruption, since the plant operates 24/7. Panametrics provided KOLAS (Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme) calibration and verification documents to meet the customer’s required accuracy and performance ahead of commissioning. Because wifi and bluetooth use were prohibited at the site, Panametrics’ engineers carried out a field demonstration at the measurement point using a handheld TransPort PT878 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter. The accurate and reliable readings recorded during the demonstration matched the customer’s expectations and convinced them that Panametrics’ technology was the right choice.

Solution

For the permanent installation, the customer selected Panametrics’ AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter with CRS 402 transducers, communicating via RS-485 Modbus to the national water company and providing an analog output to the customer’s SCADA system. Since installation, the flow meter has delivered accurate and reliable readings, resolving the reporting discrepancies for both the customer and the national water company. Pleased with the results and seeing further opportunities to optimize operations using Panametrics’ flow technology, the customer has since ordered an additional 30 AT600 flow meters for the site in South Korea.

Technician installing Panametrics AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on transducers on a raw water pipeline

Ultrasonic Flow Meter for Liquids Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA092AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and prepared in cooperation with INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative for Slovakia and Hungary.

3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters Help Semiconductor Manufacturer BOE Standardize Water Measurement

APPLICATION NOTE

Digital network visualization symbolizing semiconductor manufacturing

Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters Help Semiconductor Manufacturer BOE Standardize Water Measurement

Summary

Chip demand is at a record high today, driven further by the impact of the pandemic and the ever-increasing demand for digital technology, making the semiconductor industry one of the fastest-growing sectors. Panametrics was approached by an automation contractor on behalf of BOE, a leading manufacturer of LCD and OLED displays, to supply flow meters for a greenfield project manufacturing foldable OLED displays. Hundreds of flow meters were required across the various project milestones.

Application

Fig. 1: Water piping at a semiconductor manufacturing facility, where AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are used.

Fluid	Various water lines
Pipe Size	DN50 to DN1600 (2″ – 64″)
Pipe Material	CS, SS, various plastic pipes
Process Temperature	7 – 25 °C (44 – 77 °F)

Benefits:

Zero contamination risk
No interruption to operations
Low maintenance
No pressure drop
Long-term stability and drift characteristics
Bi-directional measurement

Challenge

The semiconductor industry has many water applications – from ultra-pure water used for cleaning, to cooling water for HVAC systems, to raw water and sewage water that is typically treated directly at the site’s own wastewater treatment plant. All of these applications require flow measurement so the customer can achieve better process control and meet reporting obligations to local authorities, so flow meters play an important role. The key requirements for both the automation contractor and the end customer, BOE, were: the ability to measure non-conductive media such as ultra-pure water; reliable and stable measurement for process control; easy installation and commissioning; maintenance-free operation; digital communication capability (HART); and versatility to fit a wide range of pipe sizes and materials.

Solution

Partnering with the Panametrics team, the customer selected AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters with 2 MHz, 1 MHz and 0.5 MHz transducers in a dual-traverse configuration for the best possible performance: 2 MHz transducers for pipe sizes up to DN50, 1 MHz for DN80 to DN800, and 0.5 MHz for DN850 and above. Between 2019 and 2021, BOE ordered more than 500 AT600 flow meters with HART protocol. The customer is satisfied with both the Panametrics technology and the measurement results, and Panametrics has since become an approved supplier for BOE.

Water piping in a semiconductor fab facility

Ultrasonic liquid flow meter Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics AquaTrans AT600

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA095AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and prepared by INTECH CONTROL, the official Panametrics representative for Slovakia and Hungary.

3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Ultrasonic Gas Flow Meter Helps Steel Mill Achieve Reliable Low-Pressure Flue Gas Measurement

APPLICATION NOTE

Steel mill industrial complex at dusk with flames and smoke

Ultrasonic Gas Flow Meter Helps Steel Mill Achieve Reliable Low-Pressure Flue Gas Measurement

Summary

A major steel mill in China, with a production capacity of tens of millions of tons per year, has a long and successful track record using ultrasonic flow meters. Already very familiar with Panametrics products, the customer has used many Panametrics liquid, gas, and flare flow meters with great success. However, it was also using a competing ultrasonic flow meter for flue gas measurement. The customer found it unreliable and wanted to replace it.

Application

Fig. 1: Welding the downstream transducer nozzle onto the flue gas duct.

Fluid	Flue gas
Pipe Size and Material	2410 × 4000 mm (7.9 × 13.1 ft), carbon steel
Process Temperature	101 – 129 °C (214 – 264 °F)
Process Pressure	-11 Pa to 93 kPa (-0.0016 to 13.5 psig)
Fluid Sound Speed	~390 m/s (~1,280 ft/s)

Benefits:

Measures down to very slight vacuum pressure
No pressure drop
Low maintenance
Long-term stability
Works on rectangular pipes
Wide measuring range

Challenge

The flow meter had to be installed on a large 2.4 m × 4 m rectangular duct. The installation location offered only about 1.5 pipe diameters of straight run upstream, resulting in a non-fully-developed flow profile. With the two nozzles positioned far apart, achieving correct alignment was difficult — any offset risked losing signal capture and producing inaccurate, unreliable readings. There was no room for error: the measurement data feeds directly into the plant’s continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS).

Solution

Given the very long acoustic path, the Panametrics team recommended its DigitalFlow XGM868i gas ultrasonic flow transmitter with T5 transducers operating at 50 kHz. The wide beam angle of these transducers ensured an accurate measurement across the long path. In parallel, the Panametrics Services team used a laser alignment tool to achieve precise nozzle alignment. Following successful installation and commissioning, the flow meter delivered accurate and reliable data, and the customer was able to properly feed its CEMS with the required flow measurement data. Following this success, the Panametrics team is already discussing similar applications at other steel mills around the world.

Technician welding a transducer mounting nozzle onto a large flue gas duct

Panametrics DigitalFlow XGM868i process gas ultrasonic flow meter

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics DigitalFlow XGM868i

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA013AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and prepared by INTECH CONTROL, the official Panametrics representative for Slovakia and Hungary.

3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Ultrasonic Gas Flow Meter Helps Steel Mill Safely Control LD Converter Gas Recovery

APPLICATION NOTE

Steel mill with molten metal ladle at dusk

Ultrasonic Gas Flow Meter Helps Steel Mill Safely Control LD Converter Gas Recovery

Summary

A major steel mill in India operates one of the most advanced production lines in the country, including a high-precision Cut-to-Length line capable of processing steel coils up to 25 mm thick with edge trimming. Looking to further optimize its operations, the customer wanted to install a bidirectional gas flow meter on its Linz-Donawitz gas (LD gas) holder. The 100,000 Nm³/h LD gas holder collects gas from the SMS (Steel Melt Shop) converter and exports it through two DN1000 (40″) lines, each operating at roughly 1,000–1,200 mmWC when its booster is active. These lines feed into a DN1600 (64″) booster fan gas (BFG) network running at 900–1,100 mmWC. The customer wanted to feed LD gas into the BF gas network, but faced a safety concern: if a booster motor failed to keep the line pressure above the BFG network’s 900–1,100 mmWC during spillback, BFG gas could flow back into the LD gas holder undetected, creating a safety risk for the entire LD gas holder setup.

Application

Fig. 1: T5 Bias 90 installation with XAMP preamplifiers on the 64″ (DN1600) BFG line.

Pipe Size and Material	64″ (DN1600) Sch. 40, carbon steel (API 5L)
Gas Flow Range	0 – 100,000 Nm³/h
Gas Temperature	Ambient – 70 °C
Gas Pressure	Atmospheric – 1,600 mmWC
Gas Composition	~13–15% CO₂ / ~50–70% CO / ~0.4–1.2% O₂ / ~2–3% H₂ / ~5–20 mg/Nm³ dust / moisture

Benefits:

Bidirectional flow measurement
Accurate, cost-effective measurement on large pipelines
Wide rangeability
Handles difficult gases (CO₂ / CO / H₂), works up to 100% CO₂
Local support from INTECH CONTROL

Challenge

The plant had already tried a differential pressure device and several other flow technologies, but none of them could cope with the low operating pressure, the bidirectional flow, the very wide rangeability (from almost zero flow through reverse flow up to maximum flow) and the dust content in the gas. Ultrasonic flow meters, however, can handle all of these challenges — including the signal absorption caused by high CO₂ content that defeats many other technologies.

Solution

The Panametrics sales and application engineering team reviewed the process conditions and the customer’s requirements. Drawing on extensive experience with steel mill gas applications, the team proposed the DigitalFlow XGM868i with T5 (100 kHz) transducers in a Bias 90 configuration. The flow meter was successfully installed and commissioned by the Panametrics Services team. The customer was very satisfied with the result — the measured data matched expectations — and has since deployed Panametrics ultrasonic flow meter technology on other LD gas lines throughout the same plant.

XGM868i transducers installed on a large gas pipeline

Panametrics DigitalFlow XGM868i process gas ultrasonic flow meter

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics DigitalFlow XGM868i

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA018AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and prepared by INTECH CONTROL, the official Panametrics representative for Slovakia and Hungary.

3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Panametrics Dew.IQ Analyzer Safeguards Aviator Breathing Gas Purity for Airlines

APPLICATION NOTE

Aviator breathing gas cylinders being handled on the airport apron

Panametrics Dew.IQ Analyzer Safeguards Aviator Breathing Gas Purity for Airlines

Summary

Airlines prioritize the safety and comfort of passengers by ensuring the Aviator Breathing Gas (ABG) supplied for every flight meets the highest purity and quality standards. That requires a robust system able to monitor and confirm the purity of the gas at multiple critical points across the supply chain.

Application

The application calls for continuous monitoring of oxygen purity and moisture content at three points: at the outlet of each charging station, at the filling cylinder rack, and in the final Aviator Breathing Gas cylinders used on board each flight.

Monitored points	Charging station outlets, filling cylinder rack, final ABG cylinders
Measured parameters	Oxygen purity (up to 100%) and moisture content
Moisture measurement capability	Below 1 ppm

Benefits:

Comprehensive quality control at every critical point in the supply chain
Enhanced safety – reliable moisture and oxygen analysis prevents corrosion and operational failures
Increased efficiency – one streamlined system reduces complexity and downtime

Rack of Aviator Breathing Gas filling cylinders

Challenge

The key challenge for airlines is maintaining consistent Aviator Breathing Gas quality across an entire fleet. Undetected moisture can lead to equipment corrosion and operational failures, potentially compromising passenger safety. Measuring at multiple points – the charging station outlets, the filling cylinder rack, and the final ABG cylinders – adds further complexity to the task.

Solution

The core of the solution combines a thermoparamagnetic analyzer for oxygen measurement with proven aluminum oxide technology for moisture, accurately monitoring all three critical points along the gas supply chain. Panametrics supplies an integrated analyzer system with sampling capability and isolation valves for each stream, simplifying operation and reducing potential points of failure. The Panametrics XMO2pro oxygen analyzer measures the purity of the bottled gas up to 100%, and its field-calibration capability keeps it accurate over the long term. The dew.IQ analyzer together with the IQ.probe sensor accurately measures moisture concentrations below 1 part per million, with annual calibration maintaining accuracy over the sensor’s lifetime.

Panametrics IQ.probe aluminum oxide moisture sensor

Single-channel moisture analyzer Panametrics Dew.IQ

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics Dew.IQ

Panametrics XMO2pro Oxygen Analyzer

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics XMO2pro

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA012AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and adapted by INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative in the Slovak Republic and Hungary.

3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Panametrics Aurora RM TDLAS Analyzer Ensures Reliable Moisture Control in Hydrogen Annealing Furnaces

APPLICATION NOTE

Panametrics Aurora RM TDLAS Analyzer Ensures Reliable Moisture Control in Hydrogen Annealing Furnaces

Summary

Annealing heats steel to a very high temperature so that bonds weakened during rolling can reform, strengthening the overall structure of the metal. A high-thermal-conductivity hydrogen atmosphere is used inside the oven to help retain this heat, and moisture in that atmosphere is continuously measured to safeguard product quality. High moisture content in the hydrogen-rich furnace gas causes oxidation of the steel surface, resulting in an undesirable finish.

Application

In the past, electrolytic-type moisture cells proved unreliable in this application because of a recombination effect in the hydrogen atmosphere, which disturbs the water/hydrogen/oxygen reaction the cells rely on and produces ambiguous readings. Modern aluminum oxide and TDLAS sensors avoid this problem entirely.

Dew point range	-85 to -50 °C (-121 to -58 °F)
Operating temperature	538 to 1371 °C (1000 to 2500 °F)
Operating pressure	45 psig (412 kPa)

Benefits:

Maintenance-free, non-contact TDLAS measurement
Immune to the hydrogen recombination effect that limits electrolytic cells
Fastest speed of response among trace moisture technologies
Rated for the extreme temperature and pressure of furnace hot-zone gas

Challenge

Any moisture analyzer used on hydrogen annealing furnaces must withstand hot-zone gas temperatures that can reach 1371 °C (2500 °F) and pressures around 45 psig, while still delivering a fast, drift-free reading. Electrolytic-type cells, the traditional choice, are prone to unreliable, ambiguous results in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, and their upkeep adds unplanned maintenance to an already demanding production line.

Solution

An aluminum oxide sensor is typically mounted in a properly designed sample system that continuously monitors the moisture content of the furnace hot-zone or effluent gas; the feed gas to the furnace is monitored in some installations as well. As the gas travels through stainless-steel sample lines it naturally cools to below 50 °C (120 °F) before reaching the sample cell. Panametrics draws on decades of experience pairing its aluminum oxide moisture analyzers with a properly designed sample system that removes sub-micron particulate fines. For the fastest speed of response and maintenance-free operation, the Aurora RM – using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy in a 19″ rack-mount enclosure – is the ideal choice.

Panametrics Aurora RM TDLAS moisture analyzer

Process TDLAS moisture analyzer Panametrics Aurora RM

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics Aurora RM

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA100AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and adapted by INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative in the Slovak Republic and Hungary.

3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Panametrics Aurora TDLAS Analyzer Ensures Accurate Moisture Control in Refinery Recycle Gas

APPLICATION NOTE

Panametrics Aurora TDLAS Analyzer Ensures Accurate Moisture Control in Refinery Recycle Gas

Summary

Catalytic reforming converts low-octane heavy naphtha into high-octane reformate for gasoline production. Dried naphtha feedstock passes through a reactor containing a platinum catalyst bed at high temperature and pressure, and the unconverted recycle gas is returned to the reactor to increase conversion. Moisture content in this recycle gas stream must be tightly controlled – typically between 10 and 25 ppmv – to keep the catalyst active without accelerating corrosion.

Application

The catalyst is activated by injecting chlorides together with a controlled amount of moisture. Too much moisture forms hydrochloric acid, corroding metal infrastructure and shortening catalyst life; too little moisture deactivates the catalyst. Continuous moisture measurement of the recycle gas keeps the feed dryers working efficiently and the moisture injection rate correct.

Medium	Hydrogen-rich recycle gas (catalytic reformer)
Optimal moisture range	10 – 25 ppmv
Moisture range on startup	0 – 1 000 ppmv
Moisture range – normal operation	0 – 50 ppmv

Benefits:

Rapid response to moisture changes, typically within seconds
No drift in calibration – no need for recalibration, lower maintenance
Non-contact measurement – no wear from HCl or other contaminants
Integral sample system minimizes interference from other process components

Panametrics Aurora TDLAS moisture analyzer

Challenge

Moisture in hydrogen recycle gas has traditionally been monitored using Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) or Aluminum Oxide sensors. Aluminum Oxide probes can be damaged during start-up or upset conditions when high moisture and corrosive gases occur together, requiring spare probes and annual calibration – the resulting OPEX can offset the low initial CAPEX. QCM analyzers include on-board calibration to keep readings accurate, but the high CAPEX, plus the OPEX of maintaining the purifier and permeation tube and the cost of replacing damaged sensors, add up over time.

Solution

The Panametrics Aurora analyzer uses tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) to measure moisture in refinery recycle gas accurately and reliably. Certified for hazardous areas, its stainless-steel construction and inert wetted parts make it immune to drift and resistant to contaminants. A built-in sample conditioning system means no pre-conditioning is required – simply connect the process gas and start measuring. A backlit, three-parameter LCD provides a direct readout of the measured values plus system status, with hard-wired mA outputs and MODBUS digital communication for integration into the plant control system.

Process TDLAS moisture analyzer Panametrics Aurora

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics Aurora

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA138AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and adapted by INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative in the Slovak Republic and Hungary.

3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flowmeters Ensure Reliable Measurement of Hot Liquids with Solids

APPLICATION NOTE

Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flowmeters Ensure Reliable Measurement of Hot Liquids with Solids

Summary

Zhejiang Xinhecheng Co., Ltd., founded in 1999, manufactures functional chemicals including nutritional ingredients, fragrances and polymer materials. For a trial project, the customer needed to measure a liquid containing 10% metallic solid particles at an operating temperature of 150°C. Traditional electromagnetic and differential-pressure flowmeters proved unsuitable because electrodes and primary elements were quickly worn down by the solid particles, requiring frequent maintenance, causing unplanned shutdowns and reduced yield. Clamp-on ultrasonic technology stood out because it can be installed externally without modifying the pipe or interrupting the process.

Application

Fig. 1: C-PT 1 MHz clamp-on transducer installed on a 2″ stainless steel line carrying the hot liquid catalyst.

Medium	Liquid catalyst
Pipe size and thickness	DN50 (2″)
Pipe material	SS 304
Pressure	0.2 MPa (29 psig)
Flow rate	5 – 30 m³/h (22 – 132 GPM)
Temperature	Up to 175°C (347°F)
Requested accuracy	±1-2% of reading

Benefits:

Low to zero maintenance
No pressure drop
No process interruption
High reliability and long term stability

Challenge

Interrupting production was not feasible, so the operator required a solution that could be implemented without disrupting ongoing operations. As there was no prior experience with this specific application, a field test was conducted to confirm that the flowmeter could perform under the process conditions. Furthermore, the customer expected the clamp-on ultrasonic liquid flowmeter to require minimal maintenance by design.

Solution

Panametrics conducted the field test using a PT900 portable flowmeter with 1 MHz clamp-on transducers. The transducers were mounted on a vertical pipe (Fig. 1) with flow from bottom to top. As the pipe was insulated, the insulation was removed for the test, and installation took approximately 15 minutes. The customer assessed the meter accuracy by triggering the control valve and comparing the resulting changes in flow – the flowmeter responded as expected, with readings tracking the valve’s percentage opening. Satisfied with the results, the customer decided to purchase permanent clamp-on instrumentation: the XMT1000LC with C-PT 1 MHz transducers, with an initial plan for two units. The meters have now been in service for several years, continuing to meet expectations while reducing maintenance costs and improving production yield. For future installations, the customer plans to use C RS HT transducers rated up to 230°C.

C-PT 1 MHz clamp-on transducer installed on insulated 2-inch pipe

Panametrics PanaFlow LC clamp-on ultrasonic liquid flowmeter

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics PanaFlow LC

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA148AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and prepared by INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative for Slovakia and Hungary.

XMTCpro hydrogen furnace atmosphere hero

3. September 2026 by Bohuslav Bobrik Bohuslav Bobrik

Hydrogen Content Measurement Ensures Optimal Quality in Metal Heat-Treating Furnaces

APPLICATION NOTE

Hydrogen Content Measurement Ensures Optimal Quality in Metal Heat-Treating Furnaces

Summary

Metal parts, alloys and sheet steel are heat-treated in furnaces at elevated temperatures using controlled hydrogen/nitrogen atmospheres to achieve the desired metallurgical properties and to prepare surfaces for coating. Hydrogen concentration in the furnace atmosphere must be precisely controlled to optimize the finished product’s yield and quality.

Application

Fig. 1: Panametrics XMTCpro thermal conductivity analyzer used to monitor hydrogen content in a heat-treating furnace atmosphere.

Hydrogen-nitrogen mixtures are used to reduce metal oxides. At elevated temperature, hydrogen reacts with the oxide layer to produce water vapor, leaving a bright, shiny, defect-free metal surface. Hydrogen is also injected into furnace annealing zones for controlled jet cooling of the material. Accurate, repeatable hydrogen measurement is essential to optimize yield and minimize scrap.

Gas measured	Hydrogen (background gas: nitrogen)
Measurement range	0 – 100% hydrogen
Process temperature	1000 – 2500°F (538 – 1371°C)
Pressure	Atmospheric
Measurement principle	Thermal conductivity

Benefits:

Automated field calibration
Reliable sensor – no chemical reaction or gas adsorption required
Rugged design for demanding environments
Turnkey system with simultaneous hydrogen, trace oxygen and trace moisture analysis

Challenge

A furnace environment is a demanding place to install a sensor: temperatures are high, and the furnace gas carries particulates including vaporized metal, metal oxides, oils and soot. A sample of furnace gas must be extracted and cooled using a vacuum pump or eductor together with a series of filters. The harsh, dirty environment of a metal-processing facility calls for a heavy-duty industrial analyzer, and to guarantee accurate hydrogen readings, that analyzer must be field-calibratable.

Solution

The Panametrics XMTCpro thermal conductivity analyzer, built into a sample conditioning system, continuously measures the hydrogen percentage in the furnace atmosphere and transmits the reading to the plant’s data acquisition and control system. XMTCpro exploits the difference in thermal conductivity between hydrogen and the background gas – it has no moving parts and does not rely on any chemical reaction or gas adsorption. The analyzer is supplied with a display/controller that can be programmed to run the calibration routine automatically at a predetermined time, keeping the measurement accurate with minimal operator intervention.

Panametrics XMTCpro thermal conductivity analyzer

Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics XMTCpro

Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA050AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and prepared by INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative for Slovakia and Hungary.