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Helium Detection in Natural Gas Using Raman Spectroscopy.
Aleksandr S Tanichev1, Dmitry V Petrov1,2
1Laboratory of Ecological Instrumentation, Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems, Tomsk, Russia.
Applied Spectroscopy
|October 9, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a novel Raman spectroscopy method to quantify helium in natural gas by analyzing methane spectral changes. This breakthrough allows for accurate helium detection, previously thought impossible with this technique.
Area of Science:
- Spectroscopy
- Analytical Chemistry
- Natural Gas Analysis
Background:
- Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of gas mixtures.
- Helium, a key natural gas component, has historically been undetectable by Raman spectroscopy due to its lack of vibrational spectra.
- Accurate quantification of helium in natural gas is crucial for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel approach for extracting helium content from Raman spectra of natural gas.
- To validate the feasibility of detecting helium using Raman spectroscopy by analyzing its influence on methane.
- To establish spectroscopic parameters for methane, helium, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and ethane.
Main Methods:
- Developed an approach based on analyzing alterations in the methane (CH4) ν1 band.
- Obtained spectroscopic parameters characterizing the influence of CH4, He, N2, CO2, and C2H6 on the methane ν1 band.
- Performed test measurements at a spectral resolution of 0.35 cm⁻¹ and sample pressure of 50 bar.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated the extraction of helium content from Raman spectra.
- Achieved a measurement uncertainty of 1 mol% for helium in natural gas at 50 bar.
- Showcased potential for increased precision to 0.01 mol% with high-resolution spectrometers.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides a new capability for helium quantification in natural gas using Raman spectroscopy.
- This technique serves as a valuable addition to existing Raman gas analysis, potentially enabling all-in-one devices.
- Further improvements to the approach are possible, enhancing its utility in natural gas analysis.
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