ABB laser gas analyzers

Technical White Paper: ABB Laser Gas Analyzer Parameter Configuration Guide

1. Introduction to ABB Laser Gas Analyzer Technology

ABB laser gas analyzers utilize patented Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) and Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) technologies, offering ultra-high sensitivity (ppt/ppb-level detection), wide dynamic range, and robust performance in harsh environments. Key applications include:

Industrial emissions monitoring (e.g., CH₄, CO₂ in flue gas)

Natural gas processing (H₂O, CO₂ impurities)

Greenhouse gas research (soil flux studies)

Laboratory analysis (trace gas quantification)

2. Core Measurement Parameters

2.1 Laser Power & Wavelength

Laser Power: Adjustable between 5–20 mW (default: 10 mW). Higher power enhances sensitivity but reduces laser lifetime.

Wavelength Selection: Predefined absorption lines for target gases (e.g., CH₄ at 1653 nm, CO₂ at 4.26 μm). Customizable via software for R&D applications.

2.2 Sampling Frequency & Integration Time

Frequency: 1–10 Hz (adjustable in 1 Hz increments).

High-Frequency Mode (10 Hz): Suitable for dynamic processes (e.g., soil flux chambers).

Low-Frequency Mode (1 Hz): Optimizes battery life in portable units (GLA131-GGA).

Integration Time: 1–100 seconds. Longer times improve SNR but reduce temporal resolution.

2.3 Detection Limits & Linear Range

Standard Range: CH₄ (0–100 ppm), CO₂ (0–20,000 ppm).

Extended Range: CH₄ up to 1% by volume (requires manual calibration).

**Precision*: ±0.5% FS (full scale).

3. Environmental Adaptation Settings

3.1 Temperature & Pressure Compensation

Temperature Algorithm: Automatic correction for ambient T (-20°C to 50°C).

High-Temperature Mode: Activates at >400°C (for flue gas monitoring).

Pressure Calibration: Real-time adjustment via internal barometer (±0.1% accuracy).

3.2 Humidity & Cross-Interference

H₂O Suppression: Enable for natural gas analysis (reduces cross-sensitivity by >95%).

**Background Gas Correction*: User-defined baseline subtraction for complex matrices.

4. Data Processing & Output Configuration

4.1 Digital Filtering & Smoothing

Algorithms:

Moving Average: Reduces noise in stable environments.

Savitzky-Golay: Preserves peak shapes in dynamic measurements.

**Window Size*: Adjustable from 5–50 data points.

4.2 Communication Protocols

**Analog Output*: 4–20 mA (default) or 0–5 V.

**Digital Interfaces*:

Modbus RTU/TCP for SCADA integration.

Ethernet/WiFi for remote access (GLA331-GGA).

4.3 Data Logging & Storage

**Internal Memory*: Stores >1 million data points.

**Export Formats*: CSV, Excel, or LGR binary via USB/SD card.

5. Application-Specific Configurations

5.1 Industrial Emissions Monitoring

**Parameters*:

Sampling frequency: 5 Hz.

Temperature compensation: High-T mode.

Output: Modbus TCP for EPA compliance reporting.

5.2 Natural Gas Processing

**Key Settings*:

H₂O interference suppression: Active.

Measurement range: CH₄ extended to 1%.

Calibration gas: CH₄/N₂ blend (1% CH₄).

5.3 Laboratory/Research Use

**Optimized Settings*:

Low-concentration mode: CH₄ detection limit 0.9 ppb.

Data logging interval: 1 sec.

Filter: None (raw data acquisition).

ABB laser gas analyzers offer unparalleled flexibility through advanced parameterization. By tailoring settings to specific applications—from industrial stacks to laboratory benches—operators achieve optimal performance, compliance, and cost-efficiency. Regular review of environmental conditions and recalibration ensures sustained accuracy over the analyzer's lifespan.