PRODUCTION • PROCESSING • HANDLING
Founded in 2012 by scientists from the University of Washington, the company specialises in compositional analysis using Raman spectroscopy and has pioneered advancements in Raman for use in the energy sector. MarqMetrix has engineered its All in
One (AIO) system to produce identical and repeatable results from unit to unit, in a package 80% smaller than previous Raman instruments. Each device is nearly an exact copy so common mathematical models can be applied across systems to produce consistent results. Previous Raman systems were less reliable because each system required its own mathematical model and frequent recalibration for each installation. Te AIO system works with a wide array of contact probes suitable for LNG applications. Te company’s BallProbe is available in Hastelloy C-276, a nickel molybdenum-chromium superalloy to withstand extreme physical and chemical environments. Te probe’s spherical sapphire lens can effectively withstand direct contact with the sample even in extreme cold and hot environments (-160°-350°C), high pressure (>400 bar), and harsh corrosive conditions. “We work with MarqMetrix because
Each device is nearly an exact copy so common
mathematical models can be applied across systems
they have a high-quality Raman instrument,” says Mendez. “Te company’s immersion optic probes, which are widely used throughout the industry,
development,” says Martin Mendez, lead research and development engineer at Analytical Solutions and Products (ASaP), a Netherlands-based system integrator of LNG analysis and sampling measurement systems used around the world. “Te use of Raman spectroscopy for LNG analysis is relatively new, and it has already proven to be a highly accurate, efficient and useable compositional measurement tool.” Samples are collected using a 785nm
excitation laser and a contact ball-probe that produces a unique spectral fingerprint that identifies the chemical composition and molecular structure in the LNG. Te distribution of the spectral peaks describes the molecule’s composition, while the signal intensity correlates linearly with concentration. For easy-to-use commercial Raman
spectroscopy instrumentation, ASaP works with USA-based MarqMetrix.
With fewer steps involved in measurement, the uncertainty is reduced hence the measuring is much closer to the truth
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enable users to achieve reproducible measurements of samples better than 1% accuracy.”
REMOVING THE NEED FOR SAMPLING
Another significant advantage of Raman spectroscopy is not having to take gas samples offline for measurement. Traditional techniques such as gas chromatography (GC) require an injection system to add a sample gas to a chromatography column that allows the components to separate, and a detector to sense when a component is existing the system. But first, the LNG must be converted from liquid to gaseous state without partial vaporisation before a reliable measurement can be made. With a Raman system, no consumables
are required for testing. “Te contact probe is placed directly into the LNG without having to manipulate the gas, take if offline, or introduce a carrier gas,” said Mendez. “With fewer steps involved in measurement, the uncertainty is reduced hence the measuring is much closer to the truth.” Raman’s direct measurement of LNG
produces readings every few seconds as compared to every 3-5 minutes or longer for traditional techniques. “You want the real-time information,
whenever possible,” adds Mendez. “When it comes to a custody transfer,
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