Inline Saybolt colour scale measurements

in Blog

optek’s Saybolt colour analyzer is a dual wavelength light absorption sensor. Operationally, the sensor passes a white light beam through the stream to be monitored, where light absorbance is measured at two distinct wavelengths. The measuring wavelength is set to focus on or near the peak absorbance point of the “yellowness” curve, while the secondary wavelength is chosen to compensate for any influence due to light scattering (window fouling, particulate, immiscible fluids, gas bubbles, etc.). Together, the sensor yields a repeatable and reliable true colour number without any sample conditioning.

optek inline Saybolt color analyzer reading 29.8 Saybolt while measuring .11 haze in real-time

The optek inline Saybolt color analyzer reading 29.8 Saybolt while measuring .11 haze in real-time

What is the Saybolt Colour Scale and how is it used?

For many years, the Saybolt colour test was used as a visual determination of the relative quality of gasolines, diesel & jet fuels, naphtha and other light petroleum products. While the Saybolt colour test was originally done by comparing a product sample to a standard color chart, advances in inline process photometry enables Saybolt colour to be monitored in real-time under process conditions. This ability allows crude oil refiners, natural gas processors and pipeline owners an opportunity to monitor/control manufacturing process parameters where it couldn’t be done before; and as a result, a real time opportunity to increase product quality, control product manufacture, and monitor product transfer.

Additional Haze measurement detects product contaminants

Saybolt colour is measured in product streams that are typically free of any contaminant. But sometimes a leak can cause other substances like water or amines to enter the product stream, that will turn the product cloudy. By observing just the colour signal, operators wouldn’t know that water or amines are present. Using the Saybolt colour analyzer’s secondary wavelength such contaminations can be detected in real time. When used in this way, the instrument comes with two sensors in one, a colour- and a haze monitor.

What makes optek’s Saybolt colour systems better?

The complete Saybolt Colour Analyzer uses an optek C4422-Ex transmitter, an AF26-Ex-VB sensor and stainless steel process connection. Together, this Saybolt colour analyzer system offers the following advantages:

  • Saybolt colour measurements without any sample handling / conditioning
  • Colour measurements independent of flow rate / flow velocity, density or viscosity
  • Can accommodate two independent measurement points on one C4422-Ex transmitter
  • According to ATEX: Can be installed in Zone 1 (EPL, “Gb”) or in Zone 2 (EPL, “Gc”). Conform to IECEx.
    According to FM: Can be installed in Class 1, Division 1 or Class 1, Division 2 areas
  • Can accommodate high temperatures and pressures (refer to the analyzer’s Technical Data
  • Independent monitoring of the reference wavelength, giving a real-time indication of haze / turbidity / opacity
  • System comes with a NIST traceable validation / calibration filter allowing for an online check of sensor performance
  • Utilizes a tungsten filament lamp ensuring long lamp life and consistent emissivity
  • User friendly, menu driven interface for easy operation

optek inline Saybolt colour analyzer made for hazardous process conditions with high pressures and temperatures.

Real world examples of measuring Saybolt colour inline

.Contact Dave Grey dave.g@ams-ic.com.au , our optek product manager today to discuss how our expertise can support your requirements, or visit our contact-us page to learn more about the optek range of instrumentation.