PPA Applications

PPA applications – what exactly do we mean by that?

PPA stands for Physical Property Analysers and they do exactly what the name suggests. They are often found in a range of manufacturing and process industries, to properly analyse the nature of the materials in use. At ATAC, we manufacture a range of PPAs designed to measure properties as diverse as viscosity, vapor pressure, colour and opacity.

PPA – Viscosity

As physical properties go, viscosity is critical in the manufacture of a wide range of products. Viscosity applies to fluids and semi-solids – it is essentially a measure of how fluid the product is. Everyday products such as oil, fuels, waxes, bitumen, lubricants, and cosmetics all require a specific and consistent viscosity if they are to work properly. The range of ATAC process viscometers measure viscosity in such cases and they are often found in the oil and gas industry. ATAC manufactures two types of process viscometer, with one to measure high viscosity fluids and the other to measure low-viscosity fluids.

Although, when discussing PPA applications, we are referring to the large in-line property analysers seen below, it is worth mentioning that, when it comes to viscosity, ATAC also manufactures an at-line laboratory viscometer. For more information on either of these types of viscometer, click the links below.

Measuring Viscosity – the ATAC NuLine laboratory viscometer (L), and our two process viscometers (R)

More about our Laboratory Viscometers

More about our Process Viscometers

PPA – Vapour Pressure

Vapour pressure – either the true vapour pressure (TVP) or the Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP) – is another critical property that needs to be accurately measured in process applications. It is typically measured in processes such as the manufacture of LPG, gasoline or petrol, napthas or kerosenes, crude oil and fuel oils. As a result, the ATAC vapour pressure analyser will often be found in heavy-duty refinery environments, and they are a sturdy piece of kit.

In common with the process viscometers, the vapour pressure analyser was developed from the original Hallikainen analyser. The latest manifestation of the analyser has been updated and improved over the years.

More about our Vapour Pressure Analyser

PPA – Colour & Opacity

And finally, we come to visual properties. Colour monitoring is often an essential element in blending products. Likewise, it can be used to ensure products are consistent in terms of their quality. Again, the ATAC colour monitor is part of the original Hallikainen range, updated for modern process environments.

The same is true of the opacity monitor. It is proficient at monitoring the presence of water in liquid process streams, leaks in heat exchangers, and general contaminants found in liquid processing.

More about our Colour & Opacity Monitors