Application Note Net vs. Gross/Wet vs. Dry Oxygen Measurements BACKGROUND When a portable oxygen analyzer is utilized to check the calibration of an in situ oxygen analyzer, the portable analyzer will often produce a measurement which is higher than the measurement produced by the in situ analyzer. Although the two readings differ, they may in fact indicate that the in situ oxygen analyzer is properly calibrated. The difference in readings is explained by the difference in “net” oxygen measurement versus “gross” oxygen measurement; and the difference between “wet” oxygen measurement versus “dry” oxygen measurement. Figure 1 - Net vs. Gross O2 Measurement The definition of “net” oxygen measurement is based on the assumption that free oxygen will combine or “burn” with combustibles in the flue gas stream. The remaining free oxygen is considered the “net” oxygen. This “net” effect applies to zirconium oxide sensors, such as the Model 6888 O2 Analyzer, due to the required elevated temperature necessary for the sensor’s operation. The definition of oxygen measurement on a “wet” or “total” basis is based on the assumption that the moisture content in a flue stream is not removed and is an element included when the oxygen content is measured. The Model 6888 O2 Analyzer, along with other in situ oxygen probes, provides a “wet” oxygen measurement. The definition of “gross” oxygen measurement is based on the assumption that free oxygen will NOT combine with combustibles in the flue stream. Thus, the free oxygen is the “gross” oxygen. The “gross” effect applies to those sensors NOT requiring an elevated temperature for sensor operation, including those utilized with portable oxygen analyzers. The two methods of measuring oxygen will produce different results. The assumption is that the difference is due solely to the presence of combustibles. As combustibles appear in the flue stream, “gross” oxygen measures higher than “net” oxygen. For more information: www.EmersonProcess.com/RAIhome 43-106-300A.AO1©2011 Rosemount Analytical, Inc. All rights reserved The definition of oxygen measurement on a “dry” basis is based on the assumption that the moisture content in a flue stream is removed before the oxygen content is measured. Portable oxygen analyzers provide a “dry” oxygen measurement. There will be a difference in the two methods of measuring oxygen. The assumption is that this difference is due solely to moisture (H2O). The following relationship holds: O2 dry = O2 wet (1/1-H2O) As H2O appears in the flue stream, O2 dry measures higher than O2 wet.

CONCLUSION In situ oxygen analyzers measure oxygen content on a “net” and “wet” basis. Portable oxygen analyzers provide oxygen measurements on a “gross” and “dry” basis. Consequently, the two may provide different readings. Generally, if the measurements from the portable analyzer are slightly higher than the measurements from the in situ analyzer, the in situ analyzer is considered to be properly calibrated. However, if the oxygen measurements from the in situ analyzer are higher than the readings from the portable analyzer, then it is likely that a problem exists. A known test gas can be used...

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