When analyzing the gas output of your facility, it’s important to get a good-quality gas sample. Following the best practices for gas sampling ensures your data is truly accurate. It gives you a better understanding of your fuel composition, contaminants, and emissions.
Representative gas sampling requires:
- Correct probe placement
- Managing phase changes
- Sample conditioning
- Material integrity
At Impact Compliance & Testing, our environmental consulting firm provides air monitoring, gas sampling, and other services for large industrial businesses. Contact us today to learn more about working with us.
4 Best Practices for Representative Gas Sampling
Many facilities get inaccurate gas analysis results due to slugs, or an uneven distribution of liquid and gas in a pipeline. Stratification and contamination can also lead to false readings, not to mention inefficient processes and safety risks.
Following best practices for gas sampling ensures that the molecules that get analyzed actually represent your process stream. Four essential practices are:
1. Correct Probe Placement
Proper probe placement is essential for accurate readings. The probe must reach the center one-third of the pipe diameter in order to avoid effects from the boundary layer. This layer occurs near the pipe walls, where gas flow is slower and less mixed.
To get an accurate reading, it’s also important to make sure the probe isn’t placed near elbows, valves, or pumps. These components create turbulence and vibration that can disturb the gas and lead to inaccuracies.
It’s also important to choose the right probe material to prevent any chemical reactions between the gas and the probe itself.
2. Managing Phase Changes
Gas sampling often involves moving a hot gas into a cooler environment to manage its temperature. However, if the gas reaches its dew point, it will turn into liquid and create condensation. When this happens, it can lead to catastrophic equipment failure and skewed results.
To prevent this from happening, it’s crucial to maintain the sample temperature above the dew point as the gas is transferred from the probe to the analyzer. It’s also possible to use vaporizing regulators, which can prevent unwanted condensation.
3. Sample Conditioning
Another problem with gas sampling is cleaning out the “noise,” or particulates that get mixed in with the gas.
These contaminants can be removed with specialized filters. These filters are designed to remove aerosols and fine dust, which can pollute gas samples and clog sensitive analyzing equipment.
Regulators are also essential to reduce time lag reductions. With these tools, you can make sure the analyzer is reading current gas, not gas from minutes ago.
4. Material Integrity
The proper materials in the sampling probe are important for preventing gas adsorption.
Adsorption occurs when the gas molecules stick to the surface of the sampling tube, and it can result in inaccurate readings. Using inert coatings and specialized materials ensures every gas molecule reaches the sensor.
It’s also a good idea to test the sampling connection for potential leaks. Catching leaks early prevents oxygen ingress, which can distort sample readings.
Contact Impact Compliance & Testing for Gas Sampling Services
Impact Compliance & Testing is based in Farmington Hills, Michigan. We provide air testing and gas sampling services across Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.
Our team serves large and mid-sized industrial businesses, including:
- Manufacturing plants
- Refiners
- Power generation facilities
- Industrial developers
- Municipalities
- Government agencies
With over 70 years of combined experience in environmental services, you can count on our technical expertise to keep your business compliant. Let us handle your gas sampling and reporting so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.
Call (734) 464-3880 or contact us online today to learn more about working with us.