fermentation process Archives

City Of Gold Coast

August 2, 2018/in Air Quality, anaerobic digestion/bacteria, Applications, area monitors, Biogas, CEMS, Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems, Direct Extractive, energy, fermentation process, Gas coolers, gas detection, landfill, Methanation, News, Power Station, Process Monitoring, processed biomethane, raw biogas, renewable, Sampling system, stack emissions, waste-to-energy /by aymeric

Committed to a better environment and sustainable future, AquaGas Pty Ltd is proud to assist the City of Gold Coast with the installation of a new gas monitoring system used to optimize the production of biogas as part of the government’s renewable energy target. Unlike natural gas derived from fossil fuels, Biogas is a mixture of gases produced by the fermentation process of fresh waste material in anaerobic (without air) conditions making biogas a renewable “natural gas” resource. With a complete monitoring system currently online, this new installation expands AquaGas references in the field of process control and environmental compliance at Biogas plant.

Biogas Monitoring Systems

for the City of Gold Coast

Biogas plants help to significantly reduce fugitive emissions of greenhouse gases and odour precursors while recovering energy for better process efficiency. There are multiple advantages in measuring biogas composition along the fermentation process and accurate online reading of CH4, H2S, CO2 and O2 have become our clients key factors in terms of plant operations and environmental compliance.

City of Gold Coast entrusted AquaGas Monitoring Systems for the supply, installation and commissioning of a biogas monitoring system ABYSS ABG as required to operate their three digesters each holding 27 ML, 15 ML and 15 ML each respectively. The turnkey and customised system delivered and commissioned by AquaGas enables safe plant operations, combustion efficiency and high reliability thanks to is a process sampling system with continuous liquid drain, dual stage pressure rated up to 10 bars, particulate filter, condensate trap and moisture alarm. At the heart of the system, the ABYSS ABG analyser from Ankersmid Sampling BVBA is fitted with high precision gas proprietary cells for simultaneous online measurements of CH4 content in % by NDIR (Non Dispersive Infra Red) and H2S traces down to 1 ppm (Electrochemical cell).

ABYSS ABG Specifications

The ABYSS BIOGAS ABG and SYNGAS ASG Series are manufactured by Ankersmid Sampling BVBA. ANKERSMID® is well-known in the industry for more than 30 years now with subsidiaries in several countries (Netherlands, France, China, Romania, Germany, Korea etc.) and more than 100 employees world-wide assures ANKERSMID® in a leading position in the field of gas sampling and laboratory equipment. All products are designed and manufactured by ANKERSMID® Sampling Belgium including but not limited to gas sample probes, gas coolers, compact conditioning systems, NOx-converters as well as a complete range of universal gas sampling components. ANKERSMID® offering includes the most complete range of CEMS sampling system components and accessories completed with the versatile ABYSS series gas analysers. The modular and universal design of the CEMS components and accessories empowers cost effective, reliable and innovative system integration.

MADE TO MEASURE

Environmental Monitoring and Process Control

AquaGas is supporting the global industrial community with high performance environmental and process monitoring systems (Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems, Air Quality Monitoring Systems, Online process analysers, Water Quality Monitoring Systems) specifically designed and built to meet your application requirements.

1 2 3 4 5

AquaFID THC CEMS – Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems

April 12, 2017/in Air Quality, anaerobic digestion/bacteria, Applications, area monitors, CEMS, Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems, Direct Extractive, energy, fermentation process, gas detection, landfill, Methanation, Multipoint Monitoring, News, Power Station, Process Monitoring, processed biomethane, raw biogas, renewable, Sampling system, stack emissions, waste incinerator, waste-to-energy /by aymeric

AquaGas supplies four AquaFID THC CEMS

For Sydney’s greater remediation project

AquaGas Monitoring Systems is proud to be part of a major remediation project taking place in the heart of Sydney’s next financial, tourist, cultural and entertainment precinct. This significantly large remediation project is now underway over the next three years to remediate on site 150,000 tonnes of contaminated fill material from a former gas plant.

One of the main actors in this project, South Pacific market leader for the containment and filtration of hydrocarbons (sheen, gasoline, diesel and oils) and a range of other chemicals, has selected AquaGas Pty Ltd for the supply, installation and commissioning of the Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems and Process Analysers at the remediation site.

To meet our client environmental monitoring requirements, AquaGas has offered a unique CEMS (Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems) solution based on Gas Chromatography, the AquaFID. The AquaFID is a fully automatic THC CEMS integrated in Australia by AquaGas for continuous and simultaneous measurement of Total Hydrocarbons (THC), Non Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHC) and Methane (CH4).

The AquaFID key features includes the association of a field proven, robust fast loop heated sampling system from Ankersmid Sampling BVBA (Belgium) with a highly accurate M529H FID analysers from PCF (Italia).

The Exproof sampling system is fitted with extensive features such as calibration port as per international CEMS code and EN14181 for reliable continuous compliance monitoring.

The remediation projects are being strictly monitored in real time. Data is regularly reported to the EPA.

AquaGas Pty Ltd

Integrated systems and Customised Services

aquagas_logo_500px

AquaGas Pty Ltd has the tools and technologies needed to accurately measure atmospheric emissions of gaseous pollutants helping you in improving air quality and environmental performances.

Portable Gas Analysers
Multigas analysers fitted with a combination of proprietary gas cells for short term monitoring of biogas, syngas and combustion processes.
Isokinetic Sampling Console
Isokinetic sampler developed for short to medium term emissions monitoring, fulfilling all the requirements of the dioxins and persistent organic compounds (POPs), PCBs, metals, HCB and fine dust measurement standard within the same sampling train
Data Acquisition and reporting Software
Data Aquisition Software (CDAS) is a fully MCERTS accredited (parts A, B, C1 & C2) real time data acquisition software – now available for touch screens and windows 10. CDAS is customisable and flexible, allowing it to collect raw data from a range of instruments for CEMS

CEMS and process gas analyser

May 12, 2016/in Air Quality, anaerobic digestion/bacteria, Applications, Biogas, CEMS, Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems, Direct Extractive, energy, fermentation process, Gas coolers, landfill, Methanation, Multipoint Monitoring, NDIR, News, Portable Analyser, Power Station, Process Monitoring, processed biomethane, raw biogas, renewable, Sampling system, stack emissions, waste incinerator, waste-to-energy /by aymeric

A new approach to continuous gas monitoring

The Mamos is a high quality stationary monitoring system for the measurement of up to 6 gases as well as gas temperature, ambiant and differential pressures (Gas Flow) in a large field of applications.

Designed to optimise performance/price ratio, small in size and yet very skilful analyser, the Mamos is the field proven alternative for large, intricate Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems, as it does not fall behind them concerning functionality, abilities, reliability and is far ahead in terms of expenses.

Online monitoring made easy

Fully automated and packed with exclusive features, the Mamos concept enlarges monitoring possibilities and respond to the today’s demands in terms of accuracy, reliability and flexibility. Each analyser is supplied with its own sampling system. The entire system is mounted on a wall mount plate and designed for installation in industrial settings and rough environment. It has a modular construction, and offer a large panel of add-ons to match site specific application requirements. The Mamos minimises the installation and ongoing operation cost until now required to fulfil your monitoring needs.

Multigas

Depending of the gas matrix and components to be analysed, the Mamos can be fitted with up to 6 different sensors. The combination of technologies (NDIR, TCD, PID, Electrochemical) and the addition of separate gas channels into the same instrument empower flexibility in multigas applications. A unique feature is to allocate a gas channel to sensible sensors. Its design ensures the cells have a limited exposure to gases and therefore extends considerably their respective life-time.

Process gas and emissions monitoring in combustion plants, boilers, syngas, biogas, waste recycling facilities and associated filtration systems are typical applications for multiple gas channels configuration.

In Biogas, the primary gas channel holds the CO₂, CH₄, O₂sensors while an additional separate gas channel is allocated to sensible Electrochemical sensors, H2S for example. The two NDIR gas channels can then be used for CO and VOCs.

The Mamos offers multiple sensor and method configurations. Here are the measuring parameter for the most common gases. For other gases or different measuring ranges (MR), please consult us.

Gas & MR

Gas	Analysis Method	Range I Resolution	Accuracy	Time (T90)	Conformity
O₂ Oxygen	Electrochemical, Partial Pressure	20.95% \| 0.01%	± 0.1% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, CTM-030
O₂ Oxygen	Electrochemical, Partial Pressure	25.00% \| 0.01%	± 0.1% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, CTM-030
O₂ Oxygen	Electrochemical, Partial Pressure	100.00% \| 0.01%	± 0.1% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, CTM-030
CO Carbon Monoxide	Electrochemical Sensor	4 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, CTM-030
CO Carbon Monoxide	Electrochemical, with H2 compensation	4 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, CTM-030
CO Carbon Monoxide	Electrochemical Sensor	20 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, CTM-030
CO Carbon Monoxide	Electrochemical, with H2 compensation	20 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, CTM-030
CO Carbon Monoxide	Electrochemical Sensor	10% \| 0.001%	± 0.005% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, CTM-030
CO Carbon Monoxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	10% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	EN 15058 and Method 10
CO Carbon Monoxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	25% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	EN 15058 and Method 10
CO Carbon Monoxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	50% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	EN 15058 and Method 10
CO Carbon Monoxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	100% \| 0.1%	± 0.5% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	EN 15058 and Method 10
CO₂ Carbon Dioxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	5% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, OTM-13
CO₂ Carbon Dioxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	10% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, OTM-13
CO₂ Carbon Dioxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	25% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, OTM-13
CO₂ Carbon Dioxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	50% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, OTM-13
CO₂ Carbon Dioxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	100% \| 0.1%	± 0.5% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	ISO 12039, OTM-13
C_xH_y Total Hydrocarbons	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	1% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec
C_xH_y Total Hydrocarbons	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	5% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec
C_xH_y Total Hydrocarbons	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	10% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec
C_xH_y Total Hydrocarbons	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	25% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec
C_xH_y Total Hydrocarbons	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	50% \| 0.01%	± 0.05% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec
C_xH_y Total Hydrocarbons	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	100% \| 0.1%	± 0.5% abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec
NO Nitric Oxide	Electrochemical Sensor	1 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	CTM-022
NO Nitric Oxide	Electrochemical Sensor	5 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec	CTM-022
NO₂ Nitrogen Dioxide	Electrochemical Sensor	1 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	60 sec	CTM-022
NO₂ Nitrogen Dioxide	Electrochemical Sensor	4 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	60 sec	CTM-022
SO₂ Sulphur Dioxide	Electrochemical Sensor	2 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec
SO₂ Sulphur Dioxide	Electrochemical Sensor	5 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec
H₂S Hydrogen sulfide	Electrochemical Sensor	1 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	70 sec
H₂S Hydrogen sulfide	Electrochemical Sensor	10 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec
H₂ Hydrogen	Electrochemical Sensor	2 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 10ppm abs. or 5% rel.	50 sec
H₂ Hydrogen	Electrochemical Sensor	20 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 10ppm abs. or 5% rel.	70 sec
H₂ Hydrogen	TCD Thermal Conductivity Detector	10% \| 0.1%	± 0.5% abs. or 5% rel	45 sec
H₂ Hydrogen	TCD Thermal Conductivity Detector	25% \| 0.1%	± 0.5% abs. or 5% rel	45 sec
H₂ Hydrogen	TCD Thermal Conductivity Detector	50% \| 0.1%	± 0.5% abs. or 5% rel	45 sec
H₂ Hydrogen	TCD Thermal Conductivity Detector	100% \| 0.1%	± 0.5% abs. or 5% rel	45 sec
N₂O Nitrous Oxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	2 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 10ppm abs. or 5% rel	45 sec	ISO 21258
N₂O Nitrous Oxide	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	5 000ppm \| 1ppm	± 10ppm abs. or 5% rel	45 sec	ISO 21258
CHF₃ Fluoroform (Refrigerant R23)	NDIR Non Dispersive Infra Red	2.5% \| 0.01%	± 0.05 abs. or 5% rel.	45 sec
CL₂ Chlorine	Electrochemical Sensor	250ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	60 sec
VOC Volatile Organic Compounds	PID Photo Ionization Detector	100ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	120 sec	Method 21
VOC Volatile Organic Compounds	PID Photo Ionization Detector	1000ppm \| 1ppm	± 5ppm abs. or 5% rel.	120 sec	Method 21

Pleasant interface

Its powerful and pleasant PC interface provides operators and system integrators with a broad range of settings to adjust many aspects of the measurement tasks such as automated sampling, calibration, purge sequences, analogue outputs behaviour, data presentations…

For large sites with complex monitoring requirements, the LAN and ModBus interfaces allow implementing in an efficient way large instruments networks with master/slave configurations and user settable monitoring functions.

Optimised integration

This compact system is delivered ready for installation. Thanks to its small size, the system is easy to locate, install and set-up. The routing of the cables and tubes to the instrument is simplified with all gas and electrical connections grouped onto a single plate.

Advanced Features

Miniature and field replaceable technology

Standard configuration includes 6 sensors (NDIR, TCD, PID or Electrochemical)

Measured gases: O2, CO, CO2, CxHy, NO, NO2, SO2, H2S, H2, N2O, Cl2, VOC

Built-in real-time calculations for the following process parameters:

Process Parameters

Variable	Method	Range I Resolution	Accuracy	Response Time (T90)
T_gas Gas temperature	K-type thermocouple	-50 ÷ 1000°C \| 0.1°C	± 2°C	10 sec
T_gas Gas temperature	S-type thermocouple	-50 ÷ 1000°C \| 0.1°C	± 2°C	10 sec
T_amb Boiler intake air temperature	PT500 resistive sensor	-50 ÷ 1000°C \| 0.1°C	± 2°C	10 sec
DP Differential Pressure	Silicon piezo-resistive pressure sensor	25hPa ÷ +25hPa \| 1Pa (0.01hPa)	± 2Pa abs. or 5% rel.	10 sec
V Gas velocity	With sampling probe equipped Pitot tube & pressure sensor	1 ÷ 50m/s \| 0.1m/s	0.3m/s abs. or 5% rel.	10 sec
Lambda λ Excess air number	Calculated	1 ÷ 10 \| 0.01	± 5% rel.	10 sec
qA Stack loss	Calculated	0 ÷ 100% \| 0.1%	± 5% rel	10 sec
Eta η Combustion Efficiency	Calculated	0 ÷ 120% \| 0.1%	± 5% rel	10 sec

Large display / User friendly menu

Built-in gas chiller with continuous condensate removal

Data-logger with SD card for results collection.

Analogue outputs (both current and voltage) to control external devices

User configurable functions controlled via digital and analogue inputs

USB, LAN, RS485 and MODBUS

Versatile in use

The sampling system configuration can be adapted to specific monitoring needs such as multipoint monitoring, redundancy, continuous or time set measuring cycles… When sampling from wet and hot gas, moisture content, condensates and salts are continuously removed by the use of one or several gas dryer(s) (Peltier or Nafion) equipped with built-in safety filter, condensate trap and safety inline particulate filters.

Wether it uses the built-in sampling pump or the pressure from the source, the analyser is designed to work with overpressure. Single gas channel configuration can handle overpressure up 1.8 bar.

MD3 for high moisture content – Waste incinerator, Syngas, Coal Power Stations, Chemical and refinery facilities, (…)

MD2 for low and medium moisture content – Biogas, landfill, odour filtration system, LNG, (…)

Three configurations

Compact – Short-extractive CEMS – Analyser with gas dryer on a common mounting plate, all installed near the measurement place.

Specifications

Dimensions (W x H x D)	240 mm x 360 mm x 160 mm
Weight (depends on equipment)	4 kg ÷ 5 kg
Casing’s material	ABS
Protection grade	IP 20
Mounting plate dimensions (H x W) \| material \| weight	596 mm x 450 mm \| aluminium \| 1.9 kg
Operating conditions	T: 10°C ÷ 50°C, RH: 5% ÷ 90% (non-condensing)
Storing temperature	0°C ÷ 55°C
Power consumption (analyser unit only)	30 W max
Data-logger: type \| size \| number of results	SD flash card \| max 4GB \| practically unlimited
Display: type \| parameters	Backlit LCD \| 20 characters x 4 lines
Gas pump: type \| max gas flow \| standard gas flow	Diaphragm \| max 2l/min \| 1.5l/min (90l/h)
Maximal extraction point pressure:	Atmospheric ±200hPa
Current analogue outputs	4 outputs 0mA ÷ 20mA or 4mA ÷ 20mA
Voltage analogue outputs	4 outputs 0V ÷ 5V or 0V ÷ 10V
Digital inputs	2 inputs, TTL levels, floating = high level
Digital outputs	1 open collector output + 2 SPDT relays (optional)
Computer communication interface	B type USB socket

Split /1 dryer – Cold Dry Extractive CEMS – Analyser and gas dryer are installed on separate mounting plates, each equipped with its own power supply module. The gas dryer is installed near the sampling point therefore the analyser can be located away from the source. Once free from water vapour, the sample can be conveyed on long distances without the need for heated lines.

Split/2 dryers – Cold Dry Extractive CEMS – Compact configuration with an additional gas dryer installed on separate mounting plates, each equipped with its own power supply module. Two dryers in serial for high drying performances suitable for Traces monitoring in wet sample.

Twin Split – Cold Dry Multipoint CEMS – This version is based on the Twin Split/1 dryer configuration, but uses two MD3 dryer with their own power supply added on separate mounting plates enabling measurements from two different locations (each dryer is installed near the sampling point). User programmable sampling sequences.

Download Brochure

Madur, state-of-the-art monitoring solutions

: Portable Gas Analyser

: MD3 Gas dryer

: Low Cost multigas CEMS

: Stationary Gas Sampling Probes

: GA21plus – Portable Gas Analyser

: PGD100 – Gas Conditionner

: Hand held Analyser

: Portable Gas Analyser

: Portable Gas Analyser

: PhotonS – Stationary CEMS

: GA12 – Handheld Analyser

1300 850 862

Call us with your application details handy to organise a CEMS demo at your facilities !

AquaGas is supporting the global industrial community with high performance environmental and process monitoring systems (Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems, Air Quality Monitoring Systems, Online process analysers, Water Quality Monitoring Systems) specifically designed and built to meet your application requirements.

1 2 3 4

Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems

Process gas online monitoring

Combustion analysers

Water Quality Monitoring Systems

Continuous IR laser spectroscopy

January 28, 2016/in Biogas, CEMS, Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems, Direct Extractive, fermentation process, low pressure sampling LPS, Methanation, Multipoint Monitoring, Power Station, ProCeas Biogas, Process Monitoring, processed biomethane, raw biogas, renewable, waste incinerator, waste-to-energy /by aymeric

Applications and References

The ProCeas® and the LaserCEM® are based on the OFCEAS* measuring principle combined with a Low Pressure Sampling LPS (100 mbar absolute) developed and patented worldwide by AP2E (France), for the online analysis of several key gases in industrial, environmental and OH&S applications. It provides measurements with a very high spectral resolution in addition to an exclusive and powerful sampling method (no heated line nor treatment of samples) and an interference-free, fast and sensitive analysis, regardless of the matrix of the gas to be analysed.

OFCEAS by AP2e

Combustion cycle in refineries

References: EXXON (optimising combustion in boilers), Fives PILLARD (optimisation tool for the production and the adjustment of burners for boilers).

With the environmental constraints, Oil companies are looking for optimum energy and environmental efficiency of their burners. Combined cycles boilers optimisation requires accurate simultaneous online monitoring of O2 and CO to ensure both compliance with standards and process control efficiency. The ProCeas, used to track real time the residual rate of O2 (less than 3%), ensures optimal combustion process automation. The accuracy of the measurement is a financial matter: according to the thermal performance of the burner, even a reduction of 0.1% of oxygen in excess represents millions of dollars of savings in the annual consumption of fuel.

CEMS in coal fired power station

Reference: IBIDEN Power Station – Simultaneous SO2/SO3 monitoring at the catalyst outlet according to the oxygen content variation have been done with the ProCeas® analyser.

SO2/SO3: AP2E also intends to enhance the approach aimed at combining environmental compliance and process optimisation, even if this seems less obvious to understand at first sight. If today SO2 is correctly measured, this does not fully reflect the sulphur emissions from combustion units subject to this requirement. In the presence of oxygen, SO2 does in effect form sulphur trioxide (SO3), a gas that is much more corrosive than SO2.

Brochure

Other chemical phenomena occur, particularly in denitrification (DeNOx), which in the presence of ammonia may lead both to an over-consumption of ammonia and to filter blockages. Therefore, not measuring SO3 entails the under estimation of sulphur emissions, and also additional maintenance costs and over-consumption of reagents. To have continuous and precise knowledge of the SO2 / SO3 couple enables the operator to choose the controlling conditions for limiting the formation of SO3 and its indirect costs.

Biogas

Brochure

References: SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Rhodia (France). VEOLIA for its Centre de Recherche Energie Environnement Déchet (CREED, Centre for research on energy, environment, and waste).

The processing of gases from biomass (biogas, bio-methane) remains a key step in industrial processes for producing various types of bio-energy, a manufacturing process that requires optimizing.

It is therefore imperative to have the ability to calculate the calorific value of these new gases and to be able to quantify the impurities present there, in order to reduce the risk of damage to facilities, to react quickly in case of malfunction, and to certify the quality of finished products. AP2E has installed several equipment units within the facilities of various players of the world of biogas around the world. The purpose is to analyse the CH4 and CO2 content, as well as the residual concentration of H2S. This is a major impurity which transforms into sulphuric acid in the presence of some moisture. It is a very corrosive acid; consequently it is destructive for the facilities and the engines that burn biogas or bio methane.

The ability to analyse in the same multiplexing equipment the H2S content (which varies according to the time of day) of the “raw biogas” at the exit of the casing serves to determine the use of this biogas and assess its composition and quality. Other compounds may also be monitored by adding specific laser sources, such as the water content, in order to control the efficiency of the condenser. AP2E is also currently studying the analysis of siloxane, another sore point for energy recovery.

Using a continuous analyser as a means of industrial control and economic optimization of production units is for the control of biogas quality. During the combined cycles of biogas generation, the absence of H2S is crucial. It is a major impurity and a source of engine breakage. However, conventional means of analysis have trouble distinguishing CH4 from H2S. Therefore, operators are forced to adopt an excessively prudent approach in the treatment stage with active carbon: it is changed even before it is totally saturated. With a continuous, accurate, and reliable analysis of the level of H2S in the exit of the adsorption bed, we can instead use it until its saturation point and reduce overall costs.

Tests conducted on a site with a valuation of 1 MW showed that the amortization of the analyser could be performed based on this single criterion of active coal consumption in less than a year. Indeed the cost of a monthly activated carbon charge is equivalent to AUD $65,000.

Indoor air quality

References: In 2010, AP2E won an important contract with the DCNS for air quality control equipment for the confined interiors of submarines (on-board crew safety).

In April 2015, European regulations included formaldehyde as a proven carcinogenic product (CMR). In 2014, the ProCeas was certified approved method by EXERA (measurement, control, and automation equipment) and the LNE (National laboratory of metrology and testing).

AP2E is already working in the confined air field (submarines) and is interested in the building sector. This new classification impacts devices monitoring the exposure to workers or to the public of formaldehyde, Freon, Ethanol… present in the indoor air of industrial sites or sites hosting the public. The ProCeas® Formaldehyde continuously measures these changes with a minimum 10 ppm threshold (maximum 1%).

Food processing industry

The drying field is another good example of application where energy efficiency has to be kept in mind, especially when processing food powders. Water monitoring is useful for avoiding excessive energy consumption (adjust dryer load to obtain minimise the residual H2O content). Online monitoring of carbon monoxide (CO) answers safety concerns. When food powders are dehydrated, the conditions may be such that CO is generated in the dehydrator. Once conditions for generating CO are present, CO tends to increase its concentration very quickly. To keep the CO below potentially dangerous level, it is necessary to detect the first signs of CO which appear above the levels already present in the atmosphere. The ProCeas is actually in operation within ten drying towers in dry food production facilities and has been chosen as the most reliable monitoring equipment by companies leading food processing industry.

Engine emissions testing

The automobile engines sector also remains a major target. With the arrival of the new EURO VI standards since September 2014, manufacturers have been forced to measure many pollutants (NO, NO2, N2O, NH3, CO2, CH4, and ethanol).

Successful testing with ProCeas® was conducted around the world:

– NH3 at Renault and VOLVO (France)

– N2O at Volkswagen (Germany)

– NH3 at General Motors (USA)

– NH3, N2O, NO, NO2 at Sensor Inc. (USA)

In the USA with Sensors Inc. – (www.sensors-inc.com): in May 2012, AP2E signed a contract for supplying ProCeas® analysers for the real-time control of gas emissions of engine test benches in the automotive industry. Sensors Inc. is the leading American manufacturer of real-time testing equipment for gas emissions in the transportation industry. The new range of measuring instruments is marketed in the US under the name of SEMTECH LASAR and it consists of four modules (NH3, N2O, NO, and NO2), each capable of analysing three gases simultaneously.

Natural gas

To be used in the best conditions, so that it limits damage and maintenance of equipment, natural gas must be rid of impurities, especially hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which is very corrosive, and all traces of moisture. Current filtration systems run against, among other things, the problem of measuring residual traces of these impurities because no reliable continuous analysis system was available so far. Today the main players in the “Oil & Gas” market deem the ProCeas® as the most efficient natural gas analyser for continuously and simultaneously measuring traces of H2S (LoD under 50 ppb) and H2O (under 50 ppm), without interference, without any dependence vis-à-vis the constitution of the gas, and with response times under a few seconds

Pure Gas

The ProCeas® is used by pure gases manufacturers to control the purity of the gas along production line (N2, H2, O2…).

Syngas

Brochure ProCeas General

Brochure ProCeas TRS

Brochure ProCeas SO2/SO3

References: Total, CEA Grenoble, IFP (French Petroleum Institute), GDF Suez, VEOLIA (CREED), Arkema

H2O, CO, CO2, and H2 rates

Praxair uses the ProCeas® as an online analyser of H2O, CO, CO2, and H2 rates, in a process for producing syngas from the gasification of coal, oil residue, pet coke, and biomass. This syngas is then used either as a source of energy in a heat and electricity combined cycle process or in a Fischer Tropsch process for producing second-generation bio-fuel. This process requires that the residual H2S generated by gasification have a value of less than 1 ppm to avoid the destruction of the polymerization catalysts.

CO, CO2, H2O, CH4, H2S, NH3 and H2

Midrex is a steel manufacturer that uses a gasification process similar to Praxair’s in order to cogenerate the electricity and heat needed in the manufacture of its steel. AP2E delivered to Midrex complete solutions that have enabled it on the one hand to measure the calorific value of these synthetic gases (by measuring CO, CO2, H2O, CH4, and H2) and also the presence of impurities such as H2S and NH3.

H2, H2O and Cl2

Today, the ProCeas® provides what no other infra-red laser technique could: the direct measurement of hydrogen (H2) and water (H2O) in chlorine (Cl2) without reagents or discharges, and interference-free. The ProCeas® performs measurements with a very high spectral resolution of very low concentrations (under a few ppm), with response times under a few seconds. This analyser also provides a control of the drying (H2O) in a chemical process at Arkema.

*Optical Feedback Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy: technology developed and patented by the University Joseph Fourier (France), coupled to a Low Pressure Sampling(100 mbar absolute) developed and patented worldwide by AP2E, for the on-line analysis of different gases. By the end of 2010, after two years of R & D studies, the AP2E ProCeas®was the award recipient of the USA “R & D 100” which rewards the 100 most innovative global technologies of the year.