FTIR method for analysis of synthesis gas

Abstract: The research institute ETC in Piteå is working with energy technical research and development. Today, much work revolves around research about renewable sources for fuel. In one project, biomass such as wood pellet is heated up while producing synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is then analyzed using three different GC techniques. ETC wanted to be able to make all their analysis on one instrument and with a faster speed. They contacted the company Rowaco in Linköping for help with developing a method on FTIR for analysis of the synthesis gas and that has been the aim for this thesis. A method has been developed for analysis of water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane. The results from this thesis show that the concentrations of the molecules in the synthesis gas are outside the calibration curved that has been made and that the high concentrations give much interference to other molecules. The thesis also shows that many areas in the spectrum from the process are roof absorbers and there is also a contamination of water and carbon dioxide in the system. Suggested improvements are to find the source for the contamination, to develop calibration points with higher concentrations, to reduce the length of the gas cell and to dilute the gas before entering the FTIR.