Gas calorimeter - Gas analysis systems as an alternative to the calorimeter

A gas calorimeter is a measuring instrument used to determine the energy content of a gas. Conventional devices do this by burning a defined gas sample and measuring the heat released during combustion. The measurement result can be used to determine a calorific parameter of the fuel gas being tested. Such measurements are used, among other things, to monitor gas quality and to evaluate the energy content of gases.

With the RGQ 5 and RGQ 3 , RMG takes a different metrological approach. These instruments are not conventional combustion-based Gas calorimeters, but rather correlative gas quality analyzers. They measure the physical properties of the gas using gas viscometer technology and additional MEMS sensors. From these measurements, parameters such as combustion value, heating value, Wobbe index, density, and methane number are determined.

This allows the measurement task of a traditional Gas calorimeter system to be performed in many industrial applications without burning the gas sample. The RGQ 5 is designed for continuous, stationary measurements, while the RGQ 3 is designed for mobile measurement tasks.

Depending on its design and measurement principle, a gas calorimeter can determine various calorific properties of gas . The focus is on the combustion value and the heating value. In conventional calorimetric instruments, this is done by measuring the heat released during the combustion of a gas sample. Depending on the system, other gas quality parameters require additional measurement methods or calculations.

Our RGQ systems significantly expand this measurement capability. As a correlative alternative to the traditional Gas calorimeter, the RGQ 5 and RGQ 3 determine, among other things, the combustion value, heating value, upper and lower Wobbe indices, density, relative density, compressibility, stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, and methane number. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide can also be measured, depending on the instrument model.

The parameters a gas calorimeter must provide depend on the specific application. Different parameters are relevant for combustion control, natural gas network monitoring, or biomethane injection than for a purely energetic evaluation. Therefore, the required measurement output should be specified at the time of instrument selection.

A gas calorimeter should be inspected and, if necessary, calibrated based on its measurement principle, intended use, and applicable metrological requirements. For conventional calorimetric devices, specified inspection intervals or operational guidelines may apply. Therefore, it is not possible to specify a universal timeframe for every Gas calorimeter.

A different technical basis applies to our correlative gas quality analyzers. The RGQ 5 determines gas properties using patented gas viscometer technology in combination with additional MEMS sensors and, according to the product specifications, does not require recalibration. This distinguishes the system from conventional methods, in which a gas sample is combusted and the heat released during combustion is directly measured.

Whether and when a gas calorimeter or an alternative gas analysis system must be calibrated also depends on the application, system requirements, and, where applicable, legal metrology regulations. Therefore, the device-specific documentation should always be used as a basis for the specific measurement task.

A gas calorimeter must meet certain standards before it can be used in an industrial environment. Accuracy, measurement stability and conformity with legal requirements are particularly important.

Among other things, the requirements of DIN EN ISO 10723 and national approvals such as PTB conformity apply to operation. This is particularly important for a calibratable calorimeter. Compliance with these standards is also regularly checked in energy billing.

RMG offers gas calorimeters that meet these standards and can be reliably integrated into automated systems. This allows you to measure in compliance with standards and safely during operation.

The speed at which a gas calorimeter measures depends on the measurement principle used and on the signal processing . Conventional calorimetric methods require the gas sample to be combusted and therefore exhibit different dynamic behavior than modern correlative measurement systems. For control applications, what matters most is how quickly changes in gas properties are available as usable measurement values.

With the RGQ 5 , the calculated gas properties are output every second. Thermal conductivity and carbon dioxide content are also measured every second. Viscosity is measured at seven-second intervals. The portable RGQ 3 operates on the same basic correlative principle and also provides the gas properties every second.

A short measurement update interval makes such a system particularly suitable for continuous monitoring and combustion control. When selecting a Gas calorimeter system, therefore, the required temporal resolution for the respective process application should be considered in addition to accuracy.

A digital gas calorimeter provides fast and reliable values. The data is available immediately and can be integrated directly into the system control. This allows you to keep an eye on the quality of the gas at all times.

Especially in calorimetric measurement or in the gas calorimeter industry, digital technology ensures less effort and greater safety. A calorimeter for biogas or a gas calorimeter also benefits from digital evaluation.

RMG offers modern systems with simple operation, automatic recording and gas calorimeters with PTB approval. This allows you to control processes, control calorific value controls and analyze reliably. A digital gas calorimeter is the clever solution for precise measurement tasks.

A gas calorimeter is integrated directly into the gas flow of the system. This requires a defined tapping point with constant pressure and uniform flow. In this way, the device measures reliably and reacts quickly to changes.

In many cases, the gas calorimeter for gas analysis is networked with other components such as volume correctors or control systems. Integration into the control system is also possible with a gas calorimeter for hydrogen or a caloric measuring device.

RMG supplies suitable technology that can be easily integrated into existing systems. This allows you to make optimum use of the gas calorimeter functions for precise calorific value control in your system.