There will always be locations where gas is emanated, making a gas analysis necessary. It should be guaranteed from the analysis that the located gas is natural gas and not biogas (fermentation gas or marsh gas). The differentiation occurs by the evidence of ethane (C2H6) in gas. Ethane is only in natural gas and therefore is suitable as a clear indicator for evidence.
The SAFE EthanTest contains a chromatographic separating column in which the gas sample is broken down and is let out for a delayed period. The small-molecular methane is the first to reach the sensor and is displayed. Ethane then follows after a certain interval, if it is natural gas. This technology has already been on the market for years. However, the operation was rather complicated and only very experienced personnel could make definite statements.
The main focus of the development was on reliable analysis and completely trouble-free use. The user does not need to mix a sample of a suitable concentration nor evaluate the measurement results. Even measurement inaccuracy at low service temperatures could be eliminated by tempering and temperature monitoring of the separated columns.
In practice, this means:
- Taking the service box to the measurement site
- Activate the device and connect the sensor
- Feed sensor into sensor hole and start analysis at the touch of a button
- SAFE absorbs a gas sample and displays its concentration in vol.%
- The gas sample passes through the separating columns, and the display of methane and ethane (if applicable) takes place
- The results display shows the clear results alongside the measured gas concentrations
- A results protocol is printed out, and in addition, the measurement is filed in the memory
Features
- Reliable measurement result within five minutes
- Automatic evaluation by the measurement system
- Document the measurement with the built-in printer
- Data memory and infrared interface to transfer all measurement data to the PC
Technical data
| Display | LCD graphic display 128 x 64 pixels, illuminable |
| Power supply | Lead accumulator, integrated load system with 12V input |
| Operating time | Depending on outside temperature, over 50 analyses |
| Analysis range | Depending on the ethane concentration in natural gas from approx. 1,000 ppm to 100 vol.-% natural gas |
| Operating temperature | – 10 °C to + 45 °C |
| Operating temperature | -20 °C to +50 °C |
| Documentation | built-in thermo printer and memory |
| Dimensions | 350 x 300 x 150 mm |
| Weight | approx. 5.600 g |
