Researchers working for Bosch and Linde are developing a new, portable device called an Optical Gas Spectrometer, or OGS. The unit is said to be capable of detecting nearly all types of impurities found in hydrogen and CNG and allow for a detailed analysis of gas compositions.
Despite being as small as a shoe box, the device provides the same functionality as spectrometers used in laboratories. While Linde Gas is now putting the first fully functional prototype through its paces, Bosch is looking for additional partners to improve and beta-test the unit.
The purpose of the device is to determine hydrogen or natural gas quality based on DIN EN 17124 or ISO 14687. By integrating multiple analyses into a single instrument, the OGS eliminates the need for separate analyzers to detect a wide variety of gases and hydrocarbons. These include hydrogen sulfide (H2S), sulfur dioxide (SO2), oxygen, dinitrogen (N2), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water, alcohols and aromatic compounds. Analysis takes only a few seconds, with readings given in parts per million.
While designed for an operating pressure of 10 bars, the OGS can also perform measurements at up to 30 bars at a temperature of 10 °C to 40 °C. The current aim of product development is to increase both the pressure and temperature range of the device.
If you are interested in partnering with Linde and Bosch to improve and test the OGS at your production facilities, please send an email to Franziska Seitz at Franziska.Seitz@de.bosch.com