HOBRÉ INSTRUMENTS GATEKEEPER

Introduction
For monitoring compliance with Rule 21 at the injection point of upgraded biogas into the
gas grid the Gatekeeper analyzer system offers a cost-effective, high accuracy and low
maintenance solution. The system includes a TDL-PA analyzer for measuring H2S, H2O and CO2
and a continuous WIM Compas analyzer for measuring CH4, H2, O2 and calculating N2. Besides
these components, also Specific Gravity, Wobbe Index and Heating Value (BTU) are available as
outputs. For on-line monitoring of siloxanes Hobré can offer separate a separate FTIR analyzer
delivering specialized and total siloxanes (please refer to separate datasheet).

Measuring principle TISOMIC TDL with light is going through 2 cells; 1 cell with the process
photo acoustics gas, and 1 with process gas scrubbed for H2S and H2O.
A photo acoustic (PA) signal is generated by a modulated With this setup a continuous differential measurement
TDL with wavelength coinciding at an absorption band is done for lower range measurements (see figure 1.).
of the component to be measured. By absorbing light, The measuring cells are heated to 122F (50C) and can
the molecules are excited. The temperature of the gas optionally be heated to 176F (80C) to stay well above
sample increases as a result of conversion of absorbed dew-point of the process gas.
light energy into energy, and increasing temperature
increases the pressure of the gas. In a very simple way The Tisomic PA-TDL technology offers
this can be compared with lightning and thunder. important benefits:
Because the laser light is modulated, these temperature • R
 ugged design very short path length reducing
and pressure variations are periodic, which results in sensitivity to fouling
the formation of thermal and acoustic waves in the • A
 single instrument measures H2S, H2O and CO2
gas sample. Gas concentration measurement by PA • L
 ow maintenance (no moving or wearing parts),
spectroscopy is based on the detection of the generated typically once every six months
acoustic waves; That is, the sound signal. This sound is • L
 ow analyzer flow of ± 150 cc/min per cell, reducing
detected by a microphone. emissions of unburnt hydrocarbons
The measuring cell has a length of 3 inch only. With the • E
 asy field validation and calibration
double cell setup, used for this application, the laser

Figure 1: Schematic Hobré TDL with PA for low ppm H2S and H2O
 Tisomic TDL analyzer WIM Compas analyzer

Measuring principle WIM COMPAS

The WIM Compas™ is an on-line process gas analyzer
for measuring the Wobbe Index, Heating value (BTU)
and the Combustion Air Requirement Index (CARI) for
natural gas, biogas, fuel gas and flare gas applications.
Designed and manufactured in-house, the WIM
Compas™ builds on Hobré’s 40+ years of success and
experience with residual oxygen type analyzers.
In the WIM, a small sample flow is mixed continuously
with air under well-controlled conditions. The air-fuel
mixture undergoes catalytic combustion followed by
measurement of the residual oxygen. This provides a
direct measure of CARI and correlates to the Wobbe
Index as per ASTM 4891-13 and ISO 15971. The
integrated Specific gravity cell enables calculation of
the Methane content and the heating value. In the
GATEKEEPER biogas monitoring system a Micro GC
analyzer is integrated inside the WIM Compas™ analyzer
to enable H2 and O2 measurement as required for
Figure 2: Schematic overview WIM Compas Flex Rule 21 compliance. The Micro GC uses a TCD detector,
(GC module not shown) carrier gas flow (N2 5.0 quality) is only 20 cc/minute.
 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Type GATEKEEPER

Make Hobré Instruments BV

Mounting Wall mounted, free standing frame optional

Dimensions TISOMIC PA-TDL: H 50”, W 23”, D 20”

WIM COMPAS: H 50”, W 43”, D 17”
Weight TISOMIC: 325 Lbs (150Kg)
WIM COMPAS 220 Lbs (100Kg)
Measured components/ranges H2S 0-10 ppmv
H2O 0-150 ppmv
CO2 0-2 %vol
CH4 80-100 %vol
N2 0-5 %vol
O2 0-1 %vol
H2 0-1 %vol
please consult factory for other ranges
Communication - MODBUS over TCP/IP or MODBUS over RS-485
- 8 x 4-20mA analogue outputs
Common alarm Maintenance and general fault

Response time 120s – 180s

Repeatability (2sigma) for H2S ± 0.25 ppm (moving average)

Repeatability (2sigma) for H2O ± 0.1 ppm (moving average)

Repeatability (2sigma) for CO2 ± 150 ppm (moving average)

Repeatability (2sigma) for CH4 ± 0.2 %vol

Repeatability (2sigma) for N2 ± 0.2 %vol

Repeatability (2sigma) for O2 ± 0.05 %vol

Repeatability (2sigma) for H2 ± 0.01 %vol

Area Classification in accordance with TISOMIC: CSA Class 1 Zone 1 BCD T3

WIM COMPAS: CSA Class 1 Div. 2 BCD T3 (Ex-purge) –
Zone 2 compliant
IP rating IP 65 / NEMA4X compliant

Sample flow GATEKEEPER <1 lpm

Sample requirements 0.5micron filtered dry gas, with continuous flow and
stable pressure
Sample inlet 6mm OD (Swagelok)

Sample outlet 12mm OD (Swagelok)

Calibration gas inlet 6mm OD (Swagelok)

Ambient temperature Max. 40°C

Power requirement 110 VAC (40 – 60 Hz), 1500 VA max

Instrument air requirement 2 SCFM at 60 psiG

Carrier gas requirement Nitrogen at 20 cc/min, quality 5.0

Hobré Instruments is a leader in the design, manufacturing, marketing and maintenance of on-line analyzers,
sample systems and complete turnkey analyzer systems and shelters. Established in 1978, our company focuses on
providing solutions for the Oil and Gas industry and Petrochemical sector for analyzer packages, we design and build
fit-for-purpose and cost-effective solutoon packages, meeting local requirements and satisfying each client’s unique
specifications.
 Headquarters
Netwerk 4, 1446 WK Purmerend
The Netherlands
+31 299 420871
Info@hobre.com

USA Sales & service

1400 N Sam Houston Parkway
Suite 158, Houston TX 77032
The United States
+1832 404 2760
infousa@hobre.com

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www.hobre.com