Pre-Purchase Questionnaire & Site Planning

for

CO₂ Analyzer Systems

The purpose of this document is to determine your operational needs so that we can recommend the proper set of equipment, hardware, training and support. Our objective is help our customers meet their goals for the start-up of on-site testing as quickly, easily and economically as possible.

What impurities do you want to monitor + any plans for including other impurities in the future?

What are the critical limits for these monitored impurities?

Do you already perform any type of on-site testing? If so, what tests and what types of equipment are currently employed?

Is there an existing vaporized liquid CO₂ line that can potentially be used as a sample source for new on-site analyzers?

If there is a CO₂ line, what type of material is it made of, what is the OD of the line, and what pressure & flow can be delivered to new on-site analyzers?

Note: Most of our analyzers or sampling equipment have 1/4" or 1/8" compression (Swagelok) type inlet fittings. Therefore, CO2 sample lines & connective valves/hardware must be of compatible size/type.

If you intend to install passivated sample lines for use with your new analyzers? If so, describe the logistics that would be involved (distance (ft/m) of runs, environmental conditions (e.g. temp extremes, corrosive factors), number of points (storage tanks, filling lines) to be tested, existence of a vaporizer, etc). We suggest either 1/8 – ¼” lines of passivated stainless steel if possible. Avoid copper. Would you need us to provide & install these passivated sample lines?

Do you desire to perform "batch testing" that may require samples to be taken in a small 1L cylinder for transport to your on-site analyzers?

How often (# times/day) do you intend to test your CO₂ (continuously, or periodically)?

What type of time restraints do you have for performing on-site testing (for example, will testing be performed while a truck/rail car is being filled or before an LCO₂ delivery can be off-loaded)?

Do you require sending measurement data from an on-site analyzer to an external device such as a data logger or central data-handling/COA generating system? If so, we will need to discuss these issues in some detail.

What type of room / environment are you intending to locate your on-site analyzers?

Describe any temperature/humidity control factors or any other parameter that might be appropriate for instrument performance. What types of security from tampering may be needed?

What type of space do you have available for your on-site analyzers (table / desk or rack mount preferred)+ Is the area easily vented?

Can you forward a rough dimensional sketch of your operation so that we can envision how/where you want to set up your analyzers & so offer some suggestions?

If a Table - Bench set-up is desired, what dimensions are available & can small gas standard cylinders (i.e.1 ft [0.3m] high x 4-8” [10-20 cm] diameter cylinders) be stored in the vicinity (within, i.e., 30 ft [10m] of the analyzers) + If rack mounting is desired, should ALI provide it??

If support cylinders are needed, can they be situated near (within, i.e. 30 ft [10m]) of the instrument?

How close are your electrical utilities & what are their power ratings (120/240, 60 Hz, 15/20 amp etc)?

Is your facility prone to power black-outs/power surges or loss of support gases [e.g. Comp. Air]?

Do you have a source of compressed air available & if so what type of pressure & flow rates can be delivered to on-site analyzers?

Do you have easy access to high purity gas cylinders for analyzer support such as helium, nitrogen, hydrogen and air?

Do you have any in-house restrictions on use of compressed gas cylinders (e.g. hydrogen cylinders)?

Do you possess or have access to pressure regulators for any gas standard or support gas that may be needed for these analyzers? (note: Our gas standards & regulators require CGA fittings)

What type of experience or training do your operators have in running on-site CO₂ analyzers?

Will this equipment be run by more than one operator + What types of training/ safety/language needs should be addressed for your operators?

If needed, can you send personnel to NJ for a 1-2 day training course?

If available, would you require/desire installation of your analyzers + on-site training?

What type of on-going instrument maintenance/repair services do you need to support your operations (e.g. back-up analyzers, loaners, spare parts, regularly scheduled R&M services)?

Do you intend to purchase additional on-site analyzers in the future (a phase-in program)?

This questionnaire is not intended to be "complete" but we find that it is quite useful for proper planning and helps to avoid many common types of problems that can delay start-ups, cause operational problems or add unnecessary costs for our customers.

Success rests in paying attention to the "little details"!