Energy technology company Baker Hughes has announced the launch of its latest product, the XMO2pro oxygen analyser, designed to enhance oxygen measurement accuracy and reliability in challenging industrial settings.
Announced from Shannon, Ireland, and Boston, US, the new analyser is intended for use in applications across sectors such as oil & gas, biogas, pharmaceuticals and steel.
“Oxygen gas analysis is key to safety, efficiency and control in industrial and energy processes – the presence of oxygen can cause corrosion and, when combined with other gases, can lead to explosions, fires or harmful fumes,” the company stated.
The XMO2pro, developed by Panametrics, draws on Baker Hughes’ six decades of experience in gas analysis, aiming to improve safety performance and efficiency for its users.
©Baker Hughes
According to the company, the XMO2pro measures oxygen concentrations from 0.01% to 100% using paramagnetic technology, which enables “rapid, reliable and accurate detection.” The analyser is certified for Safety Integrity Level (SIL) and is built to withstand explosion and flame risks, as well as weather conditions. Additionally, it is “ideal for tight spaces and Modbus enabled,” a feature the company says enhances connectivity with customer networks.
The analyser is designed for long-term use in hazardous locations and requires limited calibration, which Baker Hughes notes could reduce maintenance costs for users.
“The XMO2pro will enable enhanced safety performance and realise efficiency opportunities across many market sectors and applications,” the company states, with specific applications including “inerting applications in reactors and hydrocarbon storage; biogas upgrading in wastewater treatment and landfill sites; and monitoring oxygen levels during the heat treatment process in the steel industry for quality control.”
The need for analytical technology
Oxygen analysers are critical in industries where accurate oxygen measurement ensures safety, quality control, and efficiency. In energy and industrial sectors, oxygen levels in gas mixtures must be precisely controlled to prevent corrosion and explosive risks.
For example, oxygen analysers are essential in biogas upgrading processes, ensuring safe methane extraction from biogas. In the steel industry, oxygen analysers regulate oxygen levels during heat treatment, enhancing material strength and quality.
According to a recent report by MarketsandMarkets, the global oxygen analyser market was valued at approximately $3.1 billion in 2023, driven by growth in demand from sectors like pharmaceuticals, where oxygen levels are monitored to maintain strict quality and safety standards.
Projects such as Shell’s Gasification Plant in Singapore rely on advanced oxygen analysers for operational efficiency. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 5.6%, with increasing demand from industries prioritising process safety and efficiency.
