Workpackages

WP1: Organic impurities

The aim of WP1 is to develop and validate novel traceable methods and reference gas mixtures for the analysis of five families of organic impurities in biogas: siloxanes (in the form of total silicon content), sulphur-containing compounds, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbons. All of these impurities can be found at trace (parts-per-million or parts-per-billion levels) in biogases, and are included in the specification being developed by CEN/TC 408 for the injection of biomethane into the natural gas network because they are hazardous to health and/or damage biogas transporting, processing, and metering equipment.

WP2: Inorganic impurities and biogenic methane content

The aim of this WP2 is to develop and validate novel methods and develop reference standards for the analysis of key inorganic impurities in biogas and for measuring the biogenic methane content. The four prioritised inorganic impurities are ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and carbon monoxide. Discussions with stakeholders within CEN/TC408 and in some of the national mirror committees have indicated that these components are the most frequently encountered ones. They have a detrimental effect on piping, valves, and measuring instruments (ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride) or constitute a safety hazard because of their toxicity.

WP3: Moisture and particulate content

The aim of WP3 is to develop robust analytical capabilities for the measurement of the particulate and water content / dew point of biogas and biomethane. When calculating water content from water dew-point temperature or vice versa, the water vapour enhancement factor is needed in the calculations. By this factor the deviation of real gas mixture from pure water vapour is included in the calculations. The deviation is may be up to 50 % in the biogas applications. The enhancement factor is also needed when measuring at reduced pressure. This enhancement factor is well known for air and nitrogen, but not so well for other gases.

WP4: Physical properties

The aim of WP4 is to characterize real biogas and biomethane samples collated through support biogas producers within the European countries. Thermophysical properties measurements will be performed: calorific value measurements by direct method (reference calorimetry) and by indirect method through density and heat capacity measurements to characterize the thermodynamic behaviour of biogases. WP4 also to validate the equation of state currently used.

WP5: Sampling

The aim of WP5 is to develop and optimize sampling methods for biogas. One of the greatest challenges is to collect biogas samples so that the composition of the samples does not change between the time of sampling and analysis. Losses during sample collection give rise to incorrect conclusions regarding whether the biogas meets specifications. They affect the determination of the physical properties of the biogas too.

WP6: Creating impact

The aim of WP6 is to deliver the maximum possible impact from the technology developed during the project via dissemination to key industrial stakeholders, legislators, NMIs and other end-users.

WP7: Management and coordination

The aim of WP7 is to manage the project, coordinate the project activities, and to ensure timely reporting on the progress made.