HITECH
INSTRUMENTS

technical datasheet

A member of the MTL Instruments Group

GIR5500 - Biogas Analysers
Multiparameter analysers for biogas applications

•t CH4, CO2, H2S and O2
•t ATEX Zone 2
•t Continuous monitoring
•t Robust, weatherproof design
•t Field service friendly
•t Wireless option
•t 2-, 3- or 4-gas option
Applications
•t Digester gas analysis
•t Landfill gas monitoring
•t Flare stack monitoring
•t CDM verification
•t Gas to grid
•t CHP engine protection and efficiency
The GIR5500 series analysers are ideal for
biogas applications. These gases are usually a
mixture of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide
(CO2) together with oxygen (O2) and hydrogen
sulphide (H2S) which have implications for
efficiency and safety. Two, three or four
gas versions are available in a variety of
configurations for Zone 2 applications.
Methane and carbon dioxide are both
greenhouse gases (GHG). Methane is an
important fuel gas for CHP engines, if not
used as fuel then it is flared off to produce the
less harmful carbon dioxide. Hitech use NDIR
sensors to measure methane and carbon
dioxide. These are sensors specially designed
to withstand the damp, corrosive atmosphere
often found in these applications.

Oxygen is an important process indicator
in both landfill and digester gas. In landfill gas,
a low reading might indicate the presence
of an underground landfill fire, whilst a high
reading may indicate over extraction from
the site. In digester gas, a high reading may
indicate a decrease in microbial activity due
to poisoning. For this application Hitech use a
special long-life electrochemical cell designed
for use in the presence of acidic gases, e.g.
carbon dioxide.
Hydrogen sulphide is present in landfill
and digester gas in varying amounts
depending on the substrate composition.
Hydrogen sulphide can be extremely
corrosive to generator sets and continuous
measurement can prevent costly damage.
Hitech have developed a unique system which
allows for continuous measurement of H2S. At
2000ppm H2S, good sensor lifetime can still
be achieved.
Sample conditioning is important in
the variable conditions encountered in this
application. Hitech provide internal filters,

500-0028 Rev2 160713

www.hitech-inst.co.uk

hitechsales@cooperindustries.com

an internal pump and low-flow alarm as
standard. An external coalescing filter is highly
recommended and cooling options can also be
offered to remove water. The enclosure itself
contains a heater to ensure that water vapour
does not condense in the analyser. Hitech are
ready to recommend complete systems on
receipt of full gas stream specifications.
Attention to application specific detail
is a feature of the GIR5500 from the robust,
weatherproof case down to the correct internal
filter elements. The instrument has a modular
design so that if one sensor is requiring
maintenance, the others will still work well. All
sensor modules are replaceable in the field for
minimum downtime.
These are hazardous area applications
by their very nature. All GIR5500 versions are
designed for use in Zone 2 hazardous areas
according to the Industry Code of Practice
ESA ICoP Edition 2, a decision endorsed by
the Health & Safety Executive in the UK.