Design and Development of an Optical-Based Analyzer for Real-Time Moisture Detection in High-Pressure Natural Gas

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Photonics and Quantum Technologies Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute

2 Pars Smart Sensors Engineering (MAHPA) ltd., University of Tehran Science and Technology Park, Tehran, Iran

10.22078/jpst.2025.5577.1961

Abstract

This study presents the design and development of an optical-based moisture dewpoint analyzer employing the chilled mirror technology for real-time dewpoint measurement at high-pressure gas streams. The increasing demand for natural gas, along with the negative impact of moisture on energy efficiency and pipeline integrity, highlights the need for accurate moisture detection. The analyzer's innovative design enables direct measurement of dewpoint temperature through the condensation of water vapor as nano-droplets on a cooled mirror surface, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods that operate most of the time at atmospheric pressures. We successfully reproduced our experimental results from the South Pars Gas Complex (SPGC) with HYSYS Process Simulation Software based on the actual gas composition model. This approach confirmed the accuracy of the experimental findings. The results indicate that this analyzer offers a robust, low-maintenance solution for monitoring moisture levels, which is crucial for preventing pipeline corrosion and gas hydrate formation. By addressing the limitations of existing Oxide-Aluminum (Ceramic-based) sensors, this technology enhances measurement accuracy and reliability, contributing significantly to advancements in natural gas quality monitoring.

Keywords

Journal of Petroleum Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 26 July 2025

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