Spectroscopic measurement of LNG Composition

Study compares methods for measuring composition and energy content in LNG

Endress+Hauser Raman spectroscopy-based analyzer systems are a reliable and low-maintenance alternative to traditional gas chromatography (GC)/vaporizer systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) composition and energy content measurement during custody transfer transactions. This is the result of a years-long study of the European Gas Research Group (GERG), representing 33 members from 15 countries across Europe, comparing different methods.

“Raman spectroscopy is swiftly gaining traction around the world as a robust, efficient, and economical analysis technique for LNG composition measurement,” said John Schnake, Managing Director and Corporate Director Process Analyzers at the Endress+Hauser Group. “Our Raman instrumentation allows companies to have confidence in the accuracy and precision of their LNG measurements during critical custody transfer transactions with a significantly reduced maintenance burden.”

Supporting the global energy transition
As the world strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cope with energy supply chain disruptions, demand for LNG as a means to efficiently transport large quantities of natural gas around the world is skyrocketing. One of the most critical steps in the LNG process chain is the transfer of custody during LNG transport by land and sea. At each key point of contractual exchange, fast and reliable LNG composition measurement is essential. Even tiny differences in calorific value can alter the value of an LNG load by hundred thousands of euros.

Certified and validated LNG data
The aim of the GERG evaluation project was to validate the measurement capabilities of Raman technology to deliver reliable, accurate and precise composition measurements for energy calculation in LNG custody transfer applications. During the multi-year study, thorough testing was performed at a baseload LNG transfer facility at Fluxys LNG in Zeebrugge, (B). To ensure the data met LNG metrology standards, reference LNG samples were provided by EffecTech, a leading provider of inspection, calibration, and testing. Measurements of LNG were taken directly in the liquid phase by an Endress+Hauser Raman system comprised of a Raman Rxn-41 cryogenic probe fiber-optically coupled to a Raman analyzer optimized for LNG.

Reliable Raman measurements with lower operating expense The published GERG report, “Raman method for determination and measurement of LNG composition,” concluded that Endress+Hauser Raman analyzer systems offer equivalent LNG measurement uncertainty with significantly lower operating expense and technical expertise than traditional GC/vaporizer systems. Not only did the Raman system reduce the complexity of the LNG monitoring system and have faster start-up stabilization times, but it also proved to have better repeatability, responded more quickly to process changes and required no maintenance during the entire evaluation period (experiencing >99% uptime). These results demonstrate the value of using Endress+Hauser Raman measurement technology for field installations at LNG baseload, satellite, and peak shaving sites, as well as for LNG truck loading and bunkering ships.

“We are pleased the results presented in the GERG study reinforce the value of our Raman analysis portfolio for LNG custody transfer applications,” added John Schnake. “By providing fast and reliable liquid-phase measurement at such vital points in the LNG process chain, our Raman systems play an important role in the evolving global energy transition.”

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Raman spectrometers provide IIoT connectivity.

Integrated Raman spectroscopy analyzers provide highly accurate in situ measurements while providing 24/7 connectivity to critical data.

The embedded Kaiser Raman Rxn analyzer suite, featuring intuitive Raman* RunTime embedded control software has been released by Kaiser Optical Systems, an Endress+Hauser company.

Researchers and manufacturers in the chemical, polymer, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and food & beverage industries require highly accurate chemical composition measurements. In the past, Raman spectrometers required the use of separate stand-alone computers hosting the software needed to convert raw measurements into usable data. Because of installation and system limitations, measurements often took place offline in a controlled laboratory setting, limiting accuracy and lab-to-process scalability.

In contrast, this embedded analyzer collects in situ process measurements, enabling real-time process monitoring, optimization, and control. With this 24/7 automation, companies can maintain a continuous pulse on the safety, quality, and efficiency of their operations—whether in laboratory or manufacturing settings. Kaiser Raman Rxn analyzers perform self-monitoring and self-diagnostics to ensure the validity of each measurement, and to enable seamless model transferability and equipment scalability from lab-to-process.

This latest Raman Rxn portfolio, comprised of the Raman Rxn2 and Rxn4 base analyzer models, integrates analyzer and control software in a fixed purpose device with built-in intelligence. Kaiser Raman technology also communicates with external systems over networks using standard automation protocols, providing companies with reliable chemical composition measurement with secure 24/7 connectivity. By doing so, the analyzers enable an Industry 4.0 strategy of increased data security, system integration, and automated communication.

To ease maintenance, Raman Rxn2 and Rxn4 analyzers perform self-calibration, utilizing spectral correction methods in applications when periodic system calibration is not required. Additionally, they provide flexible installation options including benchtop, mobile wheeled cart, and rack-mounted, or in stainless-steel enclosures for lab, pilot plant, or dedicated manufacturing applications. The rugged analyzers and applicable sampling probes are also certified for installation in hazardous areas.

Kaiser Raman embedded analyzers can be configured with 532, 785, or 1000 nanometer excitation wavelengths, with the ability to measure up to four channels. Measurements can be taken inline, online, or at-line. Common applications include analyzing material quality, monitoring molecular reactions, aiding basic science research, assuring quality, and identifying unknowns.

The analyzer’s built-in software provides 24/7 connectivity to process data via a user-friendly touchscreen or through a remote interface. Raman RunTime integrates measurement with analyzer electronics, eliminating the need for a separate PC and software to interpret measurements. It conveys either raw or processed data and diagnostics over standard communication protocols—including OPC and Modbus—to assure data integrity and compatibility with third-party devices.

Data may be collected manually, continuously, or periodically—with support for embedded predictors. The analyzers’ controller technology is designed for inherent security as a fixed-purpose device to minimize inadvertent or malicious user interaction. Additionally, it does not interact with low level operating systems because all control functions are directed via the software user interface. It also provides user management, password protection for privileged analyzer functionality, and built-in antivirus software to minimize potential malware points of entry.

Kaiser Raman technology supports the needs of Industry 4.0 with smart power controls, enhanced diagnostics, remote laser interlock, robust fiber connections, and automation input/outputs. By delivering highly accurate, real-time, in situ chemical composition measurements and 24/7 connectivity, the Kaiser Raman Rxn embedded analyzer portfolio helps companies reach new heights of operational excellence.

*What is Raman spectroscopy? (Wikipedia)

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