Development of on-line FTIR spectroscopy for siloxane detection in biogas to enhance carbon contactor management

Activated carbon filters are used to limit engine damage by siloxanes when biogas is utilised to provide electricity. However, carbon filter siloxane removal performance is poorly understood as until recently, it had not been possible to measure siloxanes on-line. In this study, on-line Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was developed to measure siloxane concentration in real biogas both upstream (86.1–157.5mgm−3) and downstream (2.2–4.3mgm−3) of activated carbon filters. The FTIR provided reasonable precision upstream of the carbon vessel with a root mean square error of 10% using partial least squares analysis. However, positive interference from volatile organic carbons was observed in downstream gas measurements limiting precision at the outlet to an RMSE of 1.5mgm−3 (47.8%). Importantly, a limit of detection of 3.2mgm−3 was identified which is below the recommended siloxane limit and evidences the applicability of on-line FTIR for this application. [Display omitted] •FTIR spectroscopy was used to measure siloxanes in biogas at full scale.•Interference from bulk and trace gases is identified up/downstream of carbon filter.•LOD of 3.2mgm−3 is achieved, demonstrating industrial relevance.•Cost savings are estimated to be up to £0.007kwh−1.