Gaseous fuels derived from biomass, such as biogas and biomethane, will play a significant role in Europe's energy mix by 2030. A detailed characterisation of these fuels is often necessary to ensure that their production and use are properly controlled. However, because of the diversity of possible inputs (green waste, sewage plant sludge, etc.) and production conditions (methanisation plants, landfill sites, etc.), the quality of biogas and biomethane is complex, even changing. Two-dimensional chromatography (GCxGC-MS) is one of the promising innovative techniques for better characterisation of these complex gases, particularly for trace pollutants. This is why RECORD wanted to set up this experimental study on real gases (biogas and biomethane) involving several industrial sites, in order to find out in very concrete terms what such a technique can do compared with more conventional analytical approaches. The results are very promising. Firstly, the applicability of the technique to this type of gas has been demonstrated. Secondly, the results show that the technique can be used either as a genuine process monitoring tool with the aim of optimising operations, or as a study tool to gain a better understanding of the processes involved. A large number of pollutants were analysed, including sulphur compounds, oxygenates, siloxanes and terpenes.
Subscribe to our newsletter and keep up to date with our latest news.