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 consistentgas composition from sampling to the analysis. On the other hand, the disadvantages include the price andpossible fragility of the sampling equipment and the speed of sampling. Thus, a new tool was required withlow cost and fast sampling during fieldwork. Disposable plastic syringes fulfill all these requirements withthe additional advantage of applicability for multiple samplings. With the utilization of 3-way stopcocks, afilter media, and a butterfly needle, a simple but efficient sampling system was prepared. Even though theholding time of specific components is not as high as it is for a standard sample holder, the precise analysisof 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-partsyringe) In the article, equations are proposed for the examined components so that the measuredconcentrations could be adjusted based on the elapsed time from sampling. Syringes have been successfullyutilized in the field of applied pyrolysis, for small and pilot-scale experiments, and can even be used in anindustrial environment.