Chimera
Automated CH₄ and CO₂ analysis for low-flow gas sources
Chimera automatically measures CH₄ and CO₂ from up to 15 gas sources, switching between channels to provide frequent readings at flow rates as low as 50 mL/hour. Connect it directly to BMP systems, continuous reactors or other gas-producing experiments to reduce manual sampling and track changes in gas quality over time.
- Works at low gas flows
- CH₄ & CO₂ sensors
- Online connection to up to 15 channels
£14,500
Automatically capture CH₄ and CO₂ composition that manual sampling can miss
In the past, lab-scale biogas setups such as BMP have lagged behind industrial plants in gas composition readings. The challenge of only producing low flows has meant that all gas composition options always present a compromise: whether it’s infrequent data readings (gas bags), washing of important gases (H₂S, CO₂…) or complicated procedure (GC). The Chimera eliminates these issues by providing a convenient and easy to operate machine that measures gas composition online, semi-continuously and across up to 15 channels.
Applications
Follow batch experiments
Connect to BMP systems to follow methane and carbon dioxide composition across the course of an experiment.
Track continuous reactors
Measure gas composition online and semi-continuously across multiple gas-producing experiments.
Explore the Chimera in 360°
Explore the controls and connections.
Control screen
Check gas composition and follow the progress of the channel currently being measured.15 gas outlets
Gas leaves through these outlets after measurement. An additional outlet serves the flushing channel.
Power port and power button
Connect the power supply at the lower side panel, then use the adjacent power button to turn on the analyser.
15 gas inlets and the flushing port
Connect gas sources to the numbered B01–B15 inlets for automatic sampling across your experiments. The separate F01 port is for flushing.
Ethernet port
Use the Ethernet port on the lower side panel for a wired connection to your device.
Connect your existing setup
With 15 gas inlets, the Chimera is a perfect compliment to the BMP Nautilus system, however the universal gas hose ports enable connection to any brands' reactors. All you need is a continuous gas stream, and a gas hose outlet from your reactor.
Add more gases
The Chimera is fitted with CH₄ and CO₂ sensors, making it the perfect tool to track the primary gases produced during anaerobic digestion. The manifold also has 2 more spaces, for N₂O and CO sensors to be additionally fit if required.
Key features
CH₄ & CO₂ sensors
The two primary components of biogas, read by NDIR sensors.
Modular gas sensor attachments
Sensors fit as attachments, up to four NDIR on the Chimera.
15 gas inlets, connected online
Fifteen channels and one for flushing, switched between automatically.
Independent outlet
A dedicated outlet, fitted for a gas bag.
Automatic, continuous composition
Readings taken around the clock with nobody attending.
Data Digester software included
Supplied with every Chimera, for reading and exporting the record.
WiFi enabled
Take the data off over WiFi or USB, whichever suits the bench.
Effective at low flows
Clean readings at a flow rate as low as 40ml/hour.
Technical Specification
| Gas sensors included | CH₄ & CO₂ |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of sensors | 4 NDIR |
| Sample recirculation | No |
| Number of channels | 15 + 1 (flushing channel) |
| Minimum flow rate | 40ml/hour |
| Data extraction | USB or WiFi |
| Software | Data Digester software included |
| Built-in Raspberry Pi | Yes |
| CH₄ | 100.0% |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | 80.00% |
| CO | 5.000% |
| N₂O | 5.000% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chimera used for?
The Chimera is a multi-channel gas analyser for CH₄ and CO₂, that works for low gas flow systems such as BMP tests. You can connect your gas sources to the Chimera at the beginning of your tests, and automatically receive gas composition data.
What is the difference between the Chimera and the Chimera Max?
The Chimera is fit with CH₄ and CO₂ sensors, with the capacity to add 2 more NDIR sensors. The Chimera Max is additionally compatible with electrochemical sensors, allowing for the reading of gases such as H₂S and H₂. Chimera Max is also fit with a recirculation pump, which allows it to draw back in collected gas from the outlets for analysis, once sufficient gas is collected. This is necessary because electrochemical sensors require larger volume for accurate reads.
Can I connect other brands' reactors to the Chimera?
The Chimera can be connected to any reactor setup, given that there is a gas hose outlet with a continuous stream of gas.
Can the Chimera only be used for anaerobic digestion studies?
The Chimera is a versatile machine which can be used for many applications, where there are multiple streams of gas that require composition analysis. Some alternative applications are: aerobic fermentation tests, biohydrogen, fuel.
