Filter Breakthrough Monitoring
With the growth of upgrading Biogas to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) or Biomethane, the demand for monitoring the removal of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) has mirrored the overall market growth. Ohio Lumex, known for its expertise in tackling the toughest gas analysis issues, together with its partners, G.A.S. Gesellschaft fur analytische Sensorsysteme mbH, has developed a solution for one of the most sought-after VOC applications – monitoring VOC filter breakthrough.
The Problem
How to monitor the effectiveness of the VOC filter media when there can be fifty (50) to two hundred (200) VOCs present, and at single-digit ppb concentrations?
We knew that our Gas Chromatography and Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS) technology could separate and quantify individual VOCs down to single-digit ppb concentrations. However, the process and cost for calibrating two hundred compounds resulted in a cost-prohibitive option.
The Solution
Rather than analyzing single compounds by defining evaluation areas on the fixed position of respective compounds, we widened the evaluation area and performed a grid-based analysis that sums up all ionizable volatile organic compounds and then monitor the change.
After installing a fresh filter, the first measurements are set as the baseline for a new filter. The sum of individual changes is determined for consecutive measurements. Upon a breakthrough of the filter, the sum will start to increase with elevated compounds and respective concentrations. This will allow operators to monitor the state of the VOC filter media, all at a reasonable cost.
Ohio Lumex has been at the forefront of online continuous gaseous fuels monitoring. Our sustained focus on research and development, drive to innovate, commitment to quality, and dedication to supporting our customers has allowed us to become a recognized leader in the field of gas analysis, including the design, manufacture, and distribution of state-of-the-art continuous gas analyzers and integrated monitoring systems, onsite field service and sampling, and comprehensive laboratory analysis. Have a question or need additional information? Reach out to our team. We’re here to help you find the right monitoring solution for your needs.
