Leaks of hydrocarbons from heat exchangers can emit large quantities of hydrocarbons and Volatile Organic Carbons (VOCs). This can be a hazard from aflammability standpoint as well as cause emissions into the atmosphere. 99.9 to 100% of VOCs are stripped to the atmosphere in cooling towers and have been found to be 12,576 pounds per day from a single exchanger. On-line continuous monitoring can pay for an analyzer in a short time by warning of corrosion leaks. Savings in lost product and laboratory time can be substantial.
| Chemical | Saturation in water parts per million by weight (ppmw) | % of all additional ppmw go directly to atmosphere | Lower explosive limit % volume in air |
| Benzene | 1,800 | 100 % | 1.35 % |
| Propylene | 200 | 100 % | 2.00 % |
| Hexane | 140 | 100 % | 1.25 % |
| Propane | 62 | 100 % | 2.1 % |
| Ethylene | 131 | 100 % | 2.75 % |
| Methane | 24 | 100 % | 5 % |
Unfortunately, airflow through a cooling tower dilutes the hydrocarbon, allowing higher concentrations than shown on the right column before the cooling tower catches fire.A typical cooling tower with 10 PPM by weight hydrocarbon content will emit 15,000 lbs./day lost product.
The Model 204-V Hydrocarbon VOC in Water Monitor will catch leaks quickly, allowing repairs to be made before major issues arise. The ability to analytically quantify oil in water is greatly enhanced with the Sample Transfer Stripper (Patented Membrane Technology) and the solid state sensor offered by Analytical Systems International (ASI). The analyzer system utilizes many patented and exclusive features only available from ASI.