The evaluation of syngas loss from disposable syringe sampling system: A case study

Abstract

The main advantage of standard gas sampling methods is their capability to keep a consistent gas composition from sampling to the analysis. On the other hand, the disadvantages include the price and possible fragility of the sampling equipment and the speed of sampling. Thus, a new tool was required with low cost and fast sampling during fieldwork. Disposable plastic syringes fulfill all these requirements with the additional advantage of applicability for multiple samplings. With the utilization of 3-way stopcocks, a filter media, and a butterfly needle, a simple but efficient sampling system was prepared. Even though the holding time of specific components is not as high as it is for a standard sample holder, the precise analysis of the gas samples is possible. After 3 hours of holding time, the concentration decrease was 0.4% CO, 1.6% CO2, 8.0% H2, 0.2% CH4, 0.5% C2H4, 0.8% C2H6, 3.5% H2S (3-part syringe) and 2.5% H2S (2-part syringe) In the article, equations are proposed for the examined components so that the measured concentrations could be adjusted based on the elapsed time from sampling. Syringes have been successfully utilized in the field of applied pyrolysis, for small and pilot-scale experiments, and can even be used in an industrial environment.