Methane Analysers

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 - at least 25% of today's global warming is caused by methane emissions. The methane analysers cover various concentration ranges to suit the user's application and field of study. 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 analyser 0-100 ppm

Extended or enhanced custom ranges are available on request. All CH₄analysers are available with or without pump, or with pump and mass flow monitor (see Table 1 for overview, below).

Q-S128 Methane Analyser (5000 ppm). The Analyser uses the latest Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) technology to measure the concentration of 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. 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. 

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.