Inventory and experimental comparison of total silicon measurements in a biogas and a biomethane

Summary

The presence of siloxanes (COVSi) and therefore silicon in biogas and biomethane is seen as one of the major technical obstacles to their use (malfunctioning of engines, turbines, etc.). It is therefore vital to gain a better understanding of this "silicon" issue, especially its analytical component, which remains complex. This is the objective of this work. An in-depth bibliography and feedback from experience document the subject. This is followed by a full analytical comparison to assess the relevance of the new equipment available on the industrial analysis market. These quantification tools and methods have been deployed on site and in the laboratory. Current limitations and the most promising avenues are clearly identified. This work provides essential information for standardisation approaches, in particular the choice of threshold levels compatible with the level of reliability of current instruments.