Tube Bundle Supply for Gas Sampling and Carrier Gas Lines at a NSW Gas Storage Facility

Tube Bundle Supply for Gas Sampling and Carrier Gas Lines at a NSW Gas Storage Facility

THE CHALLENGE

A gas storage facility in New South Wales required two tube bundle solutions to connect gas sampling and carrier gas lines between storage racks and gas chromatograph analysers approximately 50 metres away.

The natural gas sampling line needed a single-tube analyser bundle capable of maintaining consistent sample temperature across the full run, meeting Zone 2 IIA T1 Gc hazardous area certification, and fitting within existing infrastructure constraints.

The carrier gas bundle needed to route three gases — hydrogen (H₂), nitrogen (N₂), and zero air — in a single installation. Minimising fittings was critical for hydrogen service due to its diffuse and hazardous nature. The team also wanted to explore repurposing a fourth tube as a PSV vent line to avoid discharging hydrogen to atmosphere.

THE SOLUTION

For the sampling line, a Thermon BSX-8-2 self-regulating CEM analyser bundle was supplied in electropolished 316L seamless construction, rated for Zone 2 IIA T1 Gc service and capable of maintaining sample temperature across the 50-metre run under worst-case ambient conditions.

For the carrier gas lines, a Thermon SP/MP stream-traced multi-tube bundle consolidated three gas services into a single insulated bundle, reducing field fittings and limiting hydrogen leak points. The configuration also allowed the tracer tube to be repurposed as a PSV vent line to the site’s flare header.

Technology Deployed:

• Thermon BSX-8-2 — Self-regulating CEM analyser bundle, single tube, electropolished 316L seamless, Zone 2 IIA T1 Gc rated (50m)

• Thermon SP/MP Stream-Traced Tube Bundle — 3–4 x 1/4” OD 316L seamless tubes, 0.049” wall, insulated (50m)

OUTCOME

Both bundles were successfully installed in close coordination with the site’s lead engineer. The analyser bundle maintains consistent sample conditioning from source to cabinet, while the multi-tube bundle simplified installation and reduced hydrogen leak risk by consolidating three gas services into a single routed run.