Biogas testing

Gas testing is vital to a correctly designed and operating system. Sulfur, non-methane volatile organics, moisture and siloxanes are key for removal. Siloxanes are the most damaging. Siloxanes are a class of silicone derivatives that have been used industrially as machine lubricants since the 1930s. In the past 15 years, however, their use has been extended to shampoos, cosmetics and even food and industrial products. But what starts out as a product additive paradoxically bakes into a glasslike, cogen-clogging deposit under the high heat of combustion.

Depending on the type of effluents from consumers, manufacturers and agricultural businesses around your plant; your location near or far from sea water; and the number of homes in the area; you need to test your biogas for hundreds of species organics and siloxanes as well as sulfur, water, mercaptans, volatile organic compounds and halogenated hydrocarbons, among other turbine, microturbine, engine, and boiler-fouling elements.

AFT’s SIL-2 gas analysis is the industry standard for identifying contaminants. The first step towards converting unconditioned digester gas into energy is determining its contaminant matrix or “gas signature.” Plant technicians facilitate this process by sending sampled gas to AFT for initial analysis. This data is used by AFT design and operate our customers systems.

Once a system is constructed, subsequent tests throughout the year ensure a constant level of purity in your biogas. This level of diligence protects customers’ investment and operation.