CH4 Methane Analysers

Methane emission sources, simplified illustration

Methane (CH₄) is a hydrocarbon that is the main component of natural gas and is a very potent and important greenhouse gas (GHG). Methane has over 80 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide in the first decades after it enters the atmosphere. Although CO2 has a longer-lasting effect, methane sets the pace for warming in the short term. The methane analysers cover various concentration ranges to suit the user's application. For example, the analysers can be used to detect CH4 production in low ranges up to 100 ppm (e.g., atmospheric monitoring, soil studies, animal gas exchange) and high ranges up to 5000 or 10000 ppm (e.g., livestock emissions, fermentation studies). The following methane analysers are currently available:

Q-S128, for 0-5000 ppm CH₄range
Q-S129, for 0-500 ppm methane
Q-S127, low level methane 0-100 ppm

Extended or enhanced custom ranges are available on request (see Models/Types for overview, below).

Q-S128 and Q-S129 Methane Analysers - 500 to 10000 ppm

Q-S128 Methane Analyser (5000 ppm), uses the latest Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) technology to measure methane in a flowing gas over a range of 0-5000 ppm. With a digital display, this instrument provides a clear indication of the methane concentration in ppm units. It also provides an analogue output signal (0-5 V) for seamless data logging via a computer using the optional software and data interface. Operated as a flow-through gas analyser, the Q-S128 Methane Analyser requires pressurised gas supply with flow rates not exceeding 650 ml min-1. An optional built-in gas pump (Q-S128-P) is available for convenient gas supply to the sensor. In addition, the inclusion of a mass flow monitor (Q-S128-PF) allows accurate measurement of the flow rate through the sample chamber. The Q-S128 Methane Analyser is housed in a weatherproof case with temperature control for improved signal stability also in the field. Its versatile design makes it suitable for both laboratory and field use, with the option of an additional battery pack for extended portability.

Q-S129 Methane Analyser (500 ppm), similar to the Q-S128, the Q-S129 is a NDIR gas analyser but measures CH4 levels in a flowing gas at 0-500 ppm range. An optional built in gas pump may be provided (Q-S129-P) for easy delivery of the gas to the sensor. Additionally, a mass flow monitor may also be included for measurements of flow rate through the sample chamber (Q-S129-PF). Applications of methane analysers include bioreactor and biofuel research, animal gas exchange, livestock emissions, soil CH4 emissions, etc.

Q-S128 / Q-S129 Medium to High Level Methane - Features

Flow-through infrared gas sensor
0-500 ppm or 0-5000 ppm, standard ranges
Linear response
Simple two-point calibration
Digital display
0-5 V analogue output
Temperature controlled housing for improved signal stability

Options:

Battery pack, for field use
Built-in gas pump (S129/S128-P)
Built-in gas pump and flow monitor (S129/S128-PF)
Optional extended range available (0-10000 ppm; Q-S128X)
Optional enhanced range available (0-100 ppm; Q-S129X)
Data Interface and Software

Model Types

Q-S128 / Q-S129

OPEN

Product No.	Description
Q-S129X	Methane Analyzer, range 0-100 ppm; build upon request
Q-S129X-P	range 0-100 ppm, with pump; build upon request
Q-S129X-PF	range 0-100 ppm, with pump and flow meter; build upon request
Q-S129	range 0-500 ppm
Q-S129-P	range 0-500 ppm, with pump
Q-S129-PF	range 0-500 ppm, with pump and flow meter
Q-S128	range 0-5000 ppm
Q-S128-P	range 0-5000 ppm, with pump
Q-S128-PF	range 0-5000 ppm, with pump and flow meter
Q-S128X	range 0-10000 ppm; build upon request
Q-S128X-P	range 0-10000 ppm, with pump; build upon request
Q-S128X-PF	range 0-10000 ppm, with pump and flow meter; build upon request

Optional	(depending on model)
	External Gas Pump
	External Gas Flow Monitor
	External Gas Pump with included Flow Meter

Specifications	Q-S128 and Q-S129 Methane	OPEN
Operating principle: Non-dispersive infrared Gas sampling mode: Flowing gas stream, or sealed chamber Maximum gas flow rate: 650 mL min-1 Measurement range (LCD display): 0-5000 ppm (Q-S128) / 0-500 (Q-S129) / Optional extended range: 0-10,000 ppm (Q-S128X), enhanced range: 0-100 ppm (Q-S129X) Output (linear) for 1.2-4.5 VDC for 0-5000 ppm / 1-4 VDC for 0-500 ppm Accuracy: 0.5% Full Scale error Repeatability (at stable atm press and temp): ± 20ppm CH4 Calibration adjustments: Zero and Span; two point calibration Response time (@ 250 mL min-1; to 95% of final value): ~25 sec Warm up time (@ 22°C): ~1 hr; built in heater with temperature controller Operating temperature range: 0 to 45°C; storage temp. -40 to 60°C Operating pressure range: ±1.5% local mean pressure Humidity range 5 to 95% RH, non-condensing (essential to dry the gas stream) Pressure dependence: +0.19% reading per mm Hg Power requirements: 12 VDC via 120/240 VAC/60 Hz adapter; current draw 125 mA average, 450 mA peak Dimensions: 40 x 31 x 18 cm (H x W x D) Weight: 4.2 kg

Get Quote

Q-S127 Low Level CH4 Analyzer - 100 ppm

Low Level Methane Analyser Q-S127 (0-100 ppm). The device uses a sensor with a metal oxide semiconductor layer on an alumina substrate with an integrated heater to measure in the range 0-100 ppm CH4. The high resolution of the sensor (1 ppm) allows the detection of low concentrations of CH4, which is ideal for environmental applications. The Q-S127 CH4 analyser has an analogue output of 0-5 V and should be used with a data interface and software such as the Q-C610 LabQuest Mini interface and Logger Pro software. Applications include environmental studies, soil research, forestry, wetland science, human breath analysis, insect studies and gas leak detection, etc.

Q-S127 Low Level Methane - Features

Low range flow-through CH4 analyser
Ideal for environmental monitoring
0-5 V analogue output
Portable
Cost-effective

Options

Specifications	Q-S127 Methane	OPEN
Detection principle: Metal oxide semiconductor with heated alumina ceramic tube, flow-through; output sensitive to O2 concentration, background gas, solvents, H2 gas, water vapour, temperature and gas flow Detection range: 0 to 100 ppm CH4 Output: 0 to 5 V analogue to digital interface Resolution: ±1 ppm Response time (90%): 2 min Non-linear calibration, requires gas mixing or gas tanks Operating Temperature: 0-60°C Power supply: 12 V DC Dimensions: 5.5 to 9.5 x 9.5 x 17 cm (H x W x D) Weight: 1 kg

Get Quote

Overview - Methods for Methane Gas Analysis

Here are some commonly used methods for measuring methane in the gas phase, along with a selection of relevant references (below): Show more

Infrared Gas Analysis (IRGA): The in the above listed instrument's employed methodology is based in infra-red gas analysis. IRGA is a method that utilises the absorption of infrared radiation by methane molecules. The intensity of the absorbed infrared light is proportional to the concentration of methane in the sample
Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionisation Detector (GC-FID): Gas chromatography is a widely used method for analysing methane in gas samples. The sample is injected into a chromatograph and the separated gases are detected using a flame ionisation detector.
Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS): TDLAS is a highly sensitive and selective technique that uses a tunable diode laser to measure the absorption of specific wavelengths by methane in a gas sample.
Flame Ionisation Detection (FID) sensors: FID sensors are commonly used for continuous monitoring of methane in the air. These sensors burn the methane in a hydrogen flame, and the resulting ions produce an electrical current proportional to the methane concentration.
Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS): CRDS is a highly sensitive technique that measures the decay rate of light within a cavity, allowing precise quantification of methane concentrations in ambient air.

These methods provide researchers and environmental monitoring agencies with different tools to accurately measure methane concentrations in the atmosphere, contributing to our understanding of methane sources, sinks and its impact on climate change.

References	Methods Gas-phase Methane Measurements	OPEN
Brewer, P. J., & Calvert, J. G. (1985). "Measurement of atmospheric methane by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection." Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 90(D5), 10499-10506. Burney, T. J., Griffith, D. W., & Clark, H. (1992). "A continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry system for high-precision measurement of methane and nitrous oxide concentration and isotope ratios." Analytical Chemistry, 64(10), 1033-1038. Crosson, E. R., & Mazzoleni, C. (2010). "A sensitive broadband spectrometer for atmospheric methane by tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy near 1.65 μm." Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 27(9), 1686-1698. Lustgarten, A., Mitsch, W. J., & Jørgensen, S. E. (2008). "Methane emissions from created riverine wetlands: Performance of a restored and a created wetland over 8 years." Ecological Engineering, 34(2), 89-98. Werhahn, O., Slemr, F., & Seiler, W. (1987). "Methane emission from rice paddies." Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry, 5(4), 331-356.

For automatic methane / methane/air-mixture sampling into evacuated vials, allowing for gas chromatographic analysis etc. in the laboratory, the AS-100 vial sampler has been developed. Air sampler for UAV available.

For a wide range of related components, see e.g. Flow Monitors & Gas Pumps, Pressure Valves, and Gas Control Systems.

If O2 or CO2 in the gas phase is part of your experimentation, consider the various models of O2 Gas Sensors or CO2 NDIR Gas Analysers.

Back to Overview - Air Sampling & Gas Analyzers