Gas analyzer cart
-
skills: telemetry • fabrication • troubleshooting
hardware: LabJack DAQ • pressure gauges • shop tools • gases
software: python (for telemetry + dashboard)
-
Pyrolysis produces syngas. We needed to scrub & dry that gas, mix it with carrier gases, and analyze it in a micro-gas chromatograph.
-
Lots of plumbing: bending pipes, hooking up pressure gauges, measuring pressure drops, debugging/reviving an old gas chromatograph, working closely with suppliers to troubleshoot equipment inaccuracies, etc. I managed a technician who did most of the gas chromatograph operation, maintenance, and interpretation of results.
uGC Cart
The video (left) thoroughly explains most of the functions of the uGC cart. I just put some text here for visual appeal.
also…
i built an exhaust stack…
The stack reached 14’ into the air, exhausting very dilute concentration of gases above breathable space.
with a drain to handle condensates…
Any vapors left in the gas stream can result in condensates in the line. Also, rain and other moisture can form in the line coming in from the atmosphere. To avoid build-up, clogging, etc. I added a drain portion that can be triggered with a valve (that thing at the bottom). The setup was bolted to a shipping container.
…and an inlet for diluting exhaust.
The exhaust takes a mixed stream from both the gas chromatograph (uGC) and the mini-pyrolyzer we were operating and dilutes the stream with a fan. We used CO monitors to ensure levels were always within safety limits. The setup worked great!