Hydrocarbon Analyzer

The Portable Hydrocarbon Analyzer measures and quantifies petroleum hydrocarbons in the field eliminating delays associated with laboratory testing. The PHA also eliminates the need to use Freon 113 or other solvents to extract TPH from solutions for Infrared analysis. Several models of these precision instruments have been developed to measure petroleum hydrocarbons dissolved in water and/or as vapor.

The PHA-100 is designed to meet field monitoring requirements. These portable instruments have been Third Party Certified by Ken Wilcox Associates (www.kwaleak.com). Underwriters Laboratories has performed UL, CUL and KEMA ia certifications for use of the PHA-100 in hazardous locations. The PHA-100’s AHP-100 (analog probe) is listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) List of Leak Detection Evaluations for Underground Storage Tank Systems (www.epa.gov/OUST/pubs/index.htm) and the State of California List of Leak Detection Equipment and Methods for Underground Storage Tanks, LG 113-12 (swrcb.ca.gov/cwphome/ust/lg113/lg113.htm).

PHA-100Plus – This portable instrument measures petroleum hydrocarbons in water and vapor in the field. In the analytical mode, it gives fast and accurate quantitative data for petroleum hydrocarbons in water and vapor, and correlates very well with lab gas chromatographic analysis. In the screening mode, it offers fast relative data on petroleum hydrocarbon contamination, (accurately tracking field gas chromatograph data for TPH) and responds strongly to BTEX components. Typical applications include: Remediation monitoring, site assessment, well plume monitoring, storm/waste water monitoring, and hydrocarbon breakthrough. The unit works equally well for groundwater, surface water, soil gases, bailed samples and collected samples.

PHA-100WL – This PHA-100 is specially modified for use in water produced on offshore oil platforms. The PHA-100WL provides excellent correlation to EPA Methods 418, 413 and 1664. The PHA-100WL is pre-calibrated to a known sample and shipped to the field with a calibration chart that the operator uses to determine petroleum hydrocarbon concentration of produced water samples. This instrument eliminates the need for sample preparation using banned or dangerous solvents.

Currently many oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico are switching to the PHA-100WL for water applications where the traditional Infrared spectrometer (IR) method has been used. The PHA-100Plus is being used in some areas by the USEPA and the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection for field monitoring.