Methane gas detection

The chemical compound methane comes from the group of so-called alkanes. It is a gas that is colourless, odourless and flammable – in the range of 4.4 – 17.0 % methane in air, it is even explosive. Methane is a naturally occurring gas and, at around 85 to 98 per cent, is the main component of natural gas. It is used both for heating and as a basic product for numerous processes in the chemical industry.

However, it is also produced during putrefaction processes and livestock farming and therefore also poses a considerable risk in the area of wastewater treatment/sewerage/biogas.

Methane is also known as a greenhouse gas that contributes to the much-discussed global warming. In the atmosphere, it first oxidises to carbon monoxide and then to carbon dioxide.

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Occurrence of methane

Methane is found in large underground deposits. It is transported in gaseous form through pipelines, deep-frozen in liquid form or compressed under high pressure. There are also deposits on the seabed in bound form as methane hydrate. The extent of these deposits has not been precisely determined, but estimates put the figure at several trillion tonnes, significantly more than the remaining oil and natural gas reserves.
Methane has also been detected in large quantities in space, for example on Mars, Titan, Saturn and other celestial bodies. On Titan, it can be present in all three aggregate states.

Methane hazard

Although methane is not toxic and does not cause permanent damage, it can lead to various short-term symptoms such as increased heart and respiratory rate, low blood pressure or even memory loss, which usually disappear quickly with a sufficient supply of oxygen. If the symptoms persist for a longer period of time, those affected should go to hospital and seek treatment.

There is a risk of explosion when handling this gas. Measuring methane is therefore necessary wherever it is consumed or processed. It is not the absolute concentration that is measured here, but the LEL (Lower Explosive Limit). However, spontaneously occurring methane is also a major hazard. The dreaded “firedamp” is feared in mining. They are often responsible for mine explosions. As a primitive measuring device for methane, miners used to take canaries into the shafts. If they stopped chirping, it was a sign of a high concentration of mine gases and a possible imminent explosion.

Modern devices for measuring methane

Modern measurement methods for methane are based on infrared measurement technology or catalytic sensors (heat tint sensors). Compur’s portfolio includes various stationary and portable gas analysers that can be used to measure methane. These include the Statox 501, Infratox, Statox 503, MC IR, LC IR, ARE, HRC, Micro 5 and Microclip products. They are easy to calibrate and allow quick readings of concentrations wherever methane measurement is required in industry or related areas.