Two Typical Applications A-3
September 2007
Reactor Feed Gases in
Formaldehyde
Production
The XMO2 transmitter and its associated sample system is often used
to measure the concentration of oxygen (O
2
) in an air/methanol
(CH
3
OH) vapor mixture that is commonly used as a reactor feed gas
in the production of formaldehyde.
The Problem In order to maximize the yield of the reaction, while maintaining the
O
2
concentration at a safe level, the air/CH
3
OH vapor mixture must
be continuously monitored and accurately controlled.
Equipment Used A typical instrumentation package for this application includes an
XMO2 transmitter configured for a range of 0-21% O
2
in N
2
or CO
2
and operating conditions of a controlled temperature and atmospheric
pressure. The XMO2 is mounted in a sample system similar to the
one shown in Figure A-2 below (dwg. #731-185).
Figure A-2: Formaldehyde Feed Gas Sample System