GC-IMS-SILOX
The GC-IMS-SILOX is a stand-alone device to precisely quantify concentrations of the individual linear L2, L3, L4 and L5 same as the cyclic D3, D4, D5 and D6 siloxanes in landfil/sewage/ and biogas.
Landfil/sewage biogas is
produced during the digestion of organic materials in the absence of oxygen and
used as alternative source to mainly feed combustion engines. It is
produced from agricultural waste, municipal waste, plant material, sewage or
sludge and green or food waste. Biogas contains mainly methane (CH4) and carbon
dioxide (CO2). Due to the
presence of silicon containing materials in the waste coming from sources like
washing agents, skin care products or waterproofing materials siloxanes are
formed. Biogas can be
upgraded and inserted into natural gas pipelines or burned as fuel in a power
generation facility. Problems occur
if the amount of siloxanes in the biogas surpasses a critical value that jeopardizes the valves and pistons of the
engine of the power generator through the formation of silica (SiO2). Therefore, the
concentration of siloxanes has to be controlled and kept below a
maximum level. The conventional way to control the silicium amount is to
take a gas sample in a bag and analyse it with gas chromatography – mass
spectrometry (GC-MS). This causes an important information delay regarding the
composition of the gas with respect to its siloxane concentration.
Besides power the
GC-IMS-SILOX only needs N2 or
synthetic air as drift and carrier gas for operation. Its menu allows that an on-site test can securely be carried out by non-specialists. Alternatively it can be used as a 24/7 based on-line
monitoring tool to test for individual siloxanes at their relevant concentration levels to take immediate on-site decissions.
Advantages of
G.A.S.’ GC-IMS-SILOX for siloxane
analysis:
- On-site measurements with “one-click” menu
- On-line/continuous monitoring at set intervals
- Very low detection limits (µg/m3) with 'total silica' (SiO2) and 'total silicon' (Si) results
- High reproducibility and accuracy
- Very low running and maintenance costs