GB2350195A - Determination of hydrocarbon concentration in a gas - Google Patents
Determination of hydrocarbon concentration in a gas Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2350195A GB2350195A GB9911650A GB9911650A GB2350195A GB 2350195 A GB2350195 A GB 2350195A GB 9911650 A GB9911650 A GB 9911650A GB 9911650 A GB9911650 A GB 9911650A GB 2350195 A GB2350195 A GB 2350195A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- hydrocarbon
- detection device
- gas stream
- volatile
- conduit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 title claims abstract description 70
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 title claims abstract description 68
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 55
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 abstract description 25
- 239000003595 mist Substances 0.000 abstract description 7
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000010687 lubricating oil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009529 body temperature measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007865 diluting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010790 dilution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012895 dilution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000295 fuel oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000691 measurement method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001473 noxious effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
- G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
- G01N33/0011—Sample conditioning
- G01N33/0016—Sample conditioning by regulating a physical variable, e.g. pressure or temperature
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/62—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating the ionisation of gases, e.g. aerosols; by investigating electric discharges, e.g. emission of cathode
- G01N27/626—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating the ionisation of gases, e.g. aerosols; by investigating electric discharges, e.g. emission of cathode using heat to ionise a gas
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
- Other Investigation Or Analysis Of Materials By Electrical Means (AREA)
Abstract
This method provides an indication of the concentration of hydrocarbon compounds in a gas stream and distinguishes between relatively volatile and less volatile constituents. The gases leaving an exhaust pipe 11 are fed into a constant volume sampling system 12. The sample extracted is divided into two streams. The first stream is drawn along conduit 14 and maintained at a temperature so that the hydrocarbon constituents are vapourised, e.g. by heating means 16. The second stream is drawn along conduit 18 and cooled so that the less volatile hydrocarbon compounds condense and are retained in trap 19. Two detectors, e.g. flame ionisation detectors, are provided. Detector 15 measures the total hydrocarbon content and detector 21 provides a measure of the more volatile hydrocarbon constituents. The difference between the output signals indicates the quantity of less volatile hydrocarbons, i.e. the oil mist concentration.
Description
2350195 Detection of Hydrocarbon Concentration in a Gas The invention
relates to the detection of hydrocarbon concentration in a gas stream and more particularly to quantitative measurement of hydrocarbon in exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, especially those on vehicles and more especially 2-stroke internal combustion engines.
In engine exhaust, there are two primary sources of hydrocarbon emissions: fuel and lube oil. 2-stroke engines present a particular challenge because lube oil is.mixed with the fuel. It does not vaporise appreciably in the combustion chamber, combusts poorly, and is often the major source of the hydrocarbons emanating from the exhaust of a 2- stroke engine. To assist in the effort to reduce noxious emissions from engine exhaust, there is a need to provide a quantitative measurement of hydrocarbons from 2-stroke engines, as well as measurement of concentration of particulate matter.
The measurement of particulate mass is that of nongaseous components in the exhaust gas. For many 2-stroke engines the level of unburned oil is so high that it condenses to form an oil mist/aerosol. This can, in principle, be trapped, using a conventional particulate measurement technique, on a filter paper and weighed. In practice the trapping of a liquid by a filter through which a considerable volume of gas is flowing has a variable efficiency. The gas flow tends to drive coalesced droplets through the paper, some of which become detached, as for example by the formation of bubbles which subsequently burst. The result is a very 2 poor reproducibility in the measurement of the oil mist density.
The present invention is based upon the concept of measuring oil mist density as hydrocarbon species, rather than as an increase in mass on a filter paper, and providing for quantified discrimination between volatile hydrocarbons (for example from the fuel) and the less volatile hydrocarbons forming the oil mist.
The invention provides, in one of its aspects, a method of providing an indication of the concentration of hydrocarbon in a gas stream, which is capable of distinguishing between relatively volatile and less volatile hydrocarbon constituents, which method comprises feeding to a hydrocarbon detection device a first sample of the gas stream through a first conduit maintained at a temperature such that all hydrocarbons to be measured are vaporised, whereby the hydrocarbon detection device indicates the total hydrocarbon content, and feeding to a hydrocarbon detection device a second sample of the gas stream via a second conduit or a container maintained at a temperature such that the less volatile hydrocarbon constituent or constituents condense and is or are trapped or retained respectively in the second conduit or the container, whilst any more volatile hydrocarbon constituent passes into the hydrocarbon detection device, the output from which thereby indicates the volatile hydrocarbon content.
Preferably, a flame ionisation detector is employed as hydrocarbon detection device, whereby the output signal quantifies the detected hydrocarbon concentration.
- 3 The invention has particular application for a gas stream comprising an internal combustion engine exhaust, more particularly the exhaust from a two stroke engine.
Preferably, the said samples are of exhaust gas diluted to a pre-determined extent in a constant volume sampling system to which the exhaust is connected.
The invention provides, in another of its aspects, apparatus for providing an indication of the concentration of hydrocarbon in a gas stream, which is capable of distinguishing between relatively volatile and less volatile hydrocarbon constituents, and which apparatus comprises a gas sampling system for supplying to a hydrocarbon detection device a first sample of the gas stream through a first conduit maintained at a temperature such that all hydrocarbons to be measured are vaporised, whereby the hydrocarbon detection device indicates the total hydrocarbon content, the gas sampling system supplying to a hydrocarbon detection device a second sample of the gas stream via a second conduit or container maintained at a temperature such that the less volatile hydrocarbon constituent or constituents condense and is or are trapped or retained respectively in the second conduit or the container whilst any more volatile hydrocarbon constituent passes into the hydrocarbon detection device, the output from which thereby indicates the volatile hydrocarbon content.
A specific example of method and apparatus embodying the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a block schematic representation of the apparatus.
- 4 Referring to the drawing, exhaust gas from exhaust pipe 11 is fed via a dilution tunnel 10 to a constant volume sampling system 12, which is a conventional piece of apparatus for diluting the exhaust gas flow with a varying quantity of air drawn in through tunnel 10, from a source 13 of filtered, total hydrocarbon scrubbed, make up air, to maintain a constant volume flow rate through the entire system regardless of changes in flow rate of the exhaust gases emanating from exhaust pipe 11.
A sample stream is extracted from the sampling system 12, the remainder of the diluted exhaust gases being exhausted at 11a. The sample stream is divided into two sample streams, the first of which is drawn along conduit 14 into a first flame ionisation detector 15. The conduit 14 is arranged so that the temperature of the sample can be held high enough to ensure all hydrocarbons in the gas stream are vaporized. This may be achieved by appropriate insulation, but it will generally be desirable to provide a source of heat, indicated diagrammatically at 16 along with temperature measurement/ thermostatic control (not shown).
The first flame ionisation detector 15 will thus provide an output indicative of the concentration of all hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas stream. The indication may be displayed on a visual display monitor (not shown), but will usually be recorded in a data logger or processor 17.
The second sample stream is drawn along a conduit 18 via a trap 19 to a second flame ionisation detector 21. The temperature of the conduit 18 and trap 19 is also controlled, but, in this case, cooled to a sufficient extent to ensure that the less volatile (lube oil derived) hydrocarbons condense and collect on a fibrous packing within the trap 19.
The second flame ionisation detector 21 will thus provide an output indicative of the concentration of the volatile hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas stream. Here again, the indication may be displayed on a visual display monitor (not shown), but also recorded in the data logger or processor 17.
The difference (indicated as an output signal at 22) between the output signals from the first and second flame ionisation detectors provides a measure of the oil mist concentration.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing example. For instance, the second flame ionisation detector 21 need not necessarily be operated in line, but may be supplied with a sample separately trapped in a bag or similar container. In this case, the temperature of the sample trapped in the bag or container is arranged to be such that any oil mist present has condensed out.
6
Claims (9)
1 A method of providing an indication of the concentration of hydrocarbon in a gas stream, which is capable of distinguishing between relatively volatile and less volatile hydrocarbon constituents, which method comprises feeding to a hydrocarbon detection device a first sample of the gas stream through a first conduit maintained at a temperature such that all hydrocarbons to be measured are vaporised, whereby the hydrocarbon detection device indicates the total hydrocarbon content, and feeding to a hydrocarbon detection device a second sample of the gas stream via a second conduit or a container maintained at a temperature such that the less volatile hydrocarbon constituent or constituents condense and is or are trapped or retained respectively in the second conduit or the container, whilst any more volatile hydrocarbon constituent passes into the hydrocarbon detection device, the output from which thereby indicates the volatile hydrocarbon content.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flame ionisation detector is employed as hydrocarbon detection device, whereby the output signal quantifies the detected hydrocarbon concentration.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the gas stream comprises an internal combustion engine exhaust.
4. A method as claimed in claimed 3, wherein the internal combustion engine is a two stroke engine.
7
5. A method as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the said samples are of exhaust gas diluted to a pre determined extent in a constant volume sampling system to which the exhaust is connected.
6. Apparatus for providing an indication of the concentration of hydrocarbon in a gas stream, which is capable of distinguishing between relatively volatile and less volatile hydrocarbon constituents, and which apparatus comprises a gas sampling system for supplying to a hydrocarbon detection device a first sample of the gas stream through a first conduit maintained at a temperature such that all hydrocarbons to be measured are vaporised, whereby the hydrocarbon detection device indicates the total hydrocarbon content, the gas sampling system supplying to a hydrocarbon detection device a second sample of the gas stream via a second conduit or container maintained at a temperature such that the less volatile hydrocarbon constituent or constituents condense and is or are trapped or retained respectively in the second conduit or the container whilst any more volatile hydrocarbon constituent passes into the hydrocarbon detection device, the output from which thereby indicates the volatile hydrocarbon content.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein a flame ionisation detector is employed as hydrocarbon detection device.
8. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawing filed herewith.
8
9. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and illustrated in, the drawing filed herewith.
15415 LgH M.J. L ftinag Chartered Patent Agent Agent for the Applicants
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9911650A GB2350195A (en) | 1999-05-19 | 1999-05-19 | Determination of hydrocarbon concentration in a gas |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9911650A GB2350195A (en) | 1999-05-19 | 1999-05-19 | Determination of hydrocarbon concentration in a gas |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9911650D0 GB9911650D0 (en) | 1999-07-21 |
| GB2350195A true GB2350195A (en) | 2000-11-22 |
Family
ID=10853754
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9911650A Withdrawn GB2350195A (en) | 1999-05-19 | 1999-05-19 | Determination of hydrocarbon concentration in a gas |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2350195A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1757927A3 (en) * | 2005-08-22 | 2008-05-28 | Palas GmbH Partikel-und Lasermesstechnik | Method and apparatus for measuring the presence of cooling lubricant material in the atmosphere. |
| CN104246471A (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2014-12-24 | 西门子公司 | Sample collecting device for droplet and gas sampling in narrow ducts of a gas turbine or any other device with an oil breather |
| US9863873B2 (en) | 2012-03-27 | 2018-01-09 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Infrared spectrometer measurement of droplets collected from an oil mist in a breather pipe of a gas turbine |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1334286A (en) * | 1971-02-08 | 1973-10-17 | Mine Safety Appliances Co | Apparatus for measuring carbon monoxide and total hydrocarbons in gas sample |
| US4038864A (en) * | 1974-10-15 | 1977-08-02 | State Board Of Higher Education For And On Behalf Of The University Of Oregon | Hydrocarbon measurement |
| US4102648A (en) * | 1976-06-16 | 1978-07-25 | Hartmann & Brawn Aktiengesellschaft | Measuring non-methane hydrocarbon contents in gases |
| US4829183A (en) * | 1987-09-11 | 1989-05-09 | Andros Analyzers Incorporated | Dual sample cell gas analyzer |
-
1999
- 1999-05-19 GB GB9911650A patent/GB2350195A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1334286A (en) * | 1971-02-08 | 1973-10-17 | Mine Safety Appliances Co | Apparatus for measuring carbon monoxide and total hydrocarbons in gas sample |
| US4038864A (en) * | 1974-10-15 | 1977-08-02 | State Board Of Higher Education For And On Behalf Of The University Of Oregon | Hydrocarbon measurement |
| US4102648A (en) * | 1976-06-16 | 1978-07-25 | Hartmann & Brawn Aktiengesellschaft | Measuring non-methane hydrocarbon contents in gases |
| US4829183A (en) * | 1987-09-11 | 1989-05-09 | Andros Analyzers Incorporated | Dual sample cell gas analyzer |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1757927A3 (en) * | 2005-08-22 | 2008-05-28 | Palas GmbH Partikel-und Lasermesstechnik | Method and apparatus for measuring the presence of cooling lubricant material in the atmosphere. |
| CN104246471A (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2014-12-24 | 西门子公司 | Sample collecting device for droplet and gas sampling in narrow ducts of a gas turbine or any other device with an oil breather |
| RU2581086C1 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2016-04-10 | Сименс Акциенгезелльшафт | Drop and gas sampler to be used in narrow channels of gas turbine or whatever other device with oil breather |
| US9535049B2 (en) | 2012-03-27 | 2017-01-03 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Sample collecting device for droplet and gas sampling in narrow ducts of a gas turbine or any other device with an oil breather |
| US9863873B2 (en) | 2012-03-27 | 2018-01-09 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Infrared spectrometer measurement of droplets collected from an oil mist in a breather pipe of a gas turbine |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9911650D0 (en) | 1999-07-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |