Chimera Max
Automated multi-gas analysis for up to 15 low-flow reactors
Chimera Max automatically measures CH₄ and CO₂ from up to 15 gas sources, switching between channels to provide frequent readings at flow rates as low as 40 mL/h. 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.
- Minimum 40 mL/h
- CH₄, CO₂ and 2 more sensors included
- Online connection to up to 15 channels
Chimera Max is designed for researchers and operators who need more than CH₄ and CO₂.
Automatically capture gas 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 Max 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.
Already have BMP reactors, CSTRs or fermentation vessels?
Chimera Max can be connected to most laboratory gas-producing systems using standard tubing connections.
You don't need Anaero reactors.
Maximise reading frequency
Electrochemical sensors require ~500ml gas in a short time. Many BMP and other lab setups don't produce these volumes, so to fix this, we use our recirculation technology.
Whilst 1 channel analyses, 14 collect gas in bags.
When enough gas has accumulated in the bag for an electrochemical sensor reading (H₂, H₂S...), an internal pump automatically recirculates it back through the sensors.
Gas analysis frequency is maximised, with no manual intervention.
Configure your Chimera Max
Start with CH₄ and CO₂, then choose two electrochemical sensors to measure the gases you need for your research or gas monitoring. Our modular gas sensors use NDIR and electrochemical technology.
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 Max.
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 Max, 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.
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 Max 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.
Technical Specification
| Gas sensors included | CH₄, CO₂ and 2 electrochemical sensors |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of sensors | 4 NDIR & 4 electrochemical |
| Sample recirculation | Yes |
| 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 |
| NDIR sensors | CH₄, CO₂, CO, N₂O |
|---|---|
| Electrochemical sensors | H₂, H₂S, NH₃, O₂ |
| CH₄ | 100.0% |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | 80.00% |
| CO | 5.000% |
| N₂O | 5.000% |
| H₂ | 10,000 ppm |
|---|---|
| NH₃ | 50.00 ppm |
| H₂S | 10,000 ppm |
| O₂ | 25.0% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chimera Max used for?
The Chimera Max 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 Max 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 Max?
The Chimera Max can be connected to any reactor setup, given that there is a gas hose outlet with a continuous stream of gas.
Can the Chimera Max only be used for anaerobic digestion studies?
The Chimera Max 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.
