The University of Southampton
University of Southampton Institutional Repository

Towards in-situ analysis of liquefied natural gas near infrared spectroscopy

Towards in-situ analysis of liquefied natural gas near infrared spectroscopy
Towards in-situ analysis of liquefied natural gas near infrared spectroscopy

A feasibility study into the potential application of alternative analysis methods for monitoring and quantifying LNG in-situ has been performed. Of the various spectroscopic techniques considered it was found that the Near Infrared method of analysis was the most applicable.

A comparison of the NIR spectra of the components of LNG, C1 to C7 normal alkanes and odorant components, under standard conditions was completed. This indciated that the optimum region of the NIR for quantitative analysis was across the first and second harmonic regions, i.e. from 5000 to 6200 cm-1 and 6500 to 9000 cm-1. To maximise the efficiency of spectral collection over these regions pathlengths of 2 and 10 mm respectively were required. From the spectral data, a comprehensive assignment for the liquid methane adsorptions was made for the first time.

A cryogenic cell was designed and constructed capable of liquefying samples of LGN in-situ. This allowed NIR analysis of the liquids under variable conditions of temperature and pressure that simulated those expected throughout a 30 metre high storage tank. From this simulation, the full temperature and pressure range of conditions were found to have an insignificant effect on the NIR spectra.

Statistical methods of analysing the NIR data were investigated in order to quantify liquid mixtures due to the strong similarities of the heavier components of LNG. Of the various "chemometric" methods applied, the CLS method was the most appropriate, and this was successfully applied to the samples of LNG studied.

The design and construction of a fibre optic probe, capable of total immersion in cryogenic liquids and the analysis of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures, was completed. The probe is compatible with silica based optical fibres, thus ensuring that the in-situ monitoring could be performed over distances greater than 200m as specified for safer LGN handling operations.

University of Southampton
Warren, Richard
Warren, Richard

Warren, Richard (1997) Towards in-situ analysis of liquefied natural gas near infrared spectroscopy. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

A feasibility study into the potential application of alternative analysis methods for monitoring and quantifying LNG in-situ has been performed. Of the various spectroscopic techniques considered it was found that the Near Infrared method of analysis was the most applicable.

A comparison of the NIR spectra of the components of LNG, C1 to C7 normal alkanes and odorant components, under standard conditions was completed. This indciated that the optimum region of the NIR for quantitative analysis was across the first and second harmonic regions, i.e. from 5000 to 6200 cm-1 and 6500 to 9000 cm-1. To maximise the efficiency of spectral collection over these regions pathlengths of 2 and 10 mm respectively were required. From the spectral data, a comprehensive assignment for the liquid methane adsorptions was made for the first time.

A cryogenic cell was designed and constructed capable of liquefying samples of LGN in-situ. This allowed NIR analysis of the liquids under variable conditions of temperature and pressure that simulated those expected throughout a 30 metre high storage tank. From this simulation, the full temperature and pressure range of conditions were found to have an insignificant effect on the NIR spectra.

Statistical methods of analysing the NIR data were investigated in order to quantify liquid mixtures due to the strong similarities of the heavier components of LNG. Of the various "chemometric" methods applied, the CLS method was the most appropriate, and this was successfully applied to the samples of LNG studied.

The design and construction of a fibre optic probe, capable of total immersion in cryogenic liquids and the analysis of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures, was completed. The probe is compatible with silica based optical fibres, thus ensuring that the in-situ monitoring could be performed over distances greater than 200m as specified for safer LGN handling operations.

This record has no associated files available for download.

More information

Published date: 1997

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 463204
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/463204
PURE UUID: 56a28b2f-f49f-4543-92ac-c58a5b0ebb41

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 04 Jul 2022 20:47
Last modified: 04 Jul 2022 20:47

Export record

Contributors

Author: Richard Warren

Download statistics

Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.

View more statistics

Atom RSS 1.0 RSS 2.0

Contact ePrints Soton: eprints@soton.ac.uk

ePrints Soton supports OAI 2.0 with a base URL of http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/cgi/oai2

This repository has been built using EPrints software, developed at the University of Southampton, but available to everyone to use.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive cookies on the University of Southampton website.

×