Model GC-IMS-SILOX - Portable Siloxane Detector for Real-time Biogas Monitoring

Measurement of siloxanes in a complex biogas matrix has been a significant challenge for the industry. As very low trace concentrations are already a problem. Therefore, an analytical system  is needed to address this problem, which is capable of measuring these compounds at very low levels.

IMS is an ideal technique for this applications, and the IMSPEX/GAS team have developed the GC-IMS-SILOX^TM instrument, which is the ideal analytical solution for this purpose.

• Capable of measuring separately the concentrations of L2, L3, L4, L5, D3, D4, D5 and D6, as well as providing accurate total siloxane and total silica levels, which can be transferred to a Control Room via analogue output
• Very low detection limit, in the low ppb level for each individual siloxane, with detection ranges from 0.1 ppm to 5ppm for the individual siloxanes
• Can be used online, fully automatically, acquiring a data point every 15 min (or 60 min if D6 concentration is needed)
• Can also be used as a portable system capable of taking readings at different sites. Stable and ready to measure within a few minutes, and extremely easy to use
• Very reproducible results, with measurement tolerance +/- 10% at span
• Capable of automatic 1 point calibration which allows it to run continuously without a need for calibration site visits
• Very robust and designed to withstand biogas generation environments

• Technology Gas Chromatography – Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)
• Ionisation ß-radiation source (Tritium (3H))
• Activity 300 MBq, below the exemption limit of 1 GBq,
• EURATOM guideline
• Drift voltage polarity Positive and negative, switchable
• Sampling Automatic GC headspace injector
• Detection limit Low ppbv
• Dynamic range 1-4 orders of magnitude
• Display 6.4″ TFT, VGA-Display

Online monitoring of siloxanes – Gas to Grid

The GC-IMS-SILOX^TM is capable of the low levels of detection required by grid operators. With limits of detection on the low ppb range, gas producers can prove that their gas does not contain siloxanes above low ppb levels and that therefore falls well within regulatory and manufacturer specifications.

Online monitoring of siloxanes – Filter Breakthrough

Placed online post-filter, this instrument is ideal to determine filter breakthrough as early as possible, therefore allowing operators to optimize the replacement or regeneration of their filters and other cleaning media, saving on expensive early replacements or too frequent regeneration.

Online monitoring of siloxanes – Biogas characterization

Placed online pre-filter, the GC-IMS-SILOX^TM has the resolution and sensitivity to allow producers to understand the siloxane profile of their biogas, quantifying individual siloxane presence in their matrix prior to cleaning. This makes it an ideal technical solution to evaluate the efficiency of different cleaning media and to understand their biogas generation process.

Portable measurements of siloxanes

The instrument is very portable and can be easily carried in a vehicle. Once on site, measurements can be taken within a few minutes with very little preparation. The instrument is therefore ideal for service engineers who may be responsible for a number of sites, who can take the instrument on board and generate results in real time, in situ.

Measuring other VOCs

GC-IMS is an analytical technique ideal for the identification of quantification of Volatile Organic Compounds in gas matrixes. Our instrument therefore has the potential to identify and measure other VOCs in addition to siloxanes, and our technical team can prepare instruments to address your analytical needs.

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