With over 25 years of improvements t.
It has been specifically designed for the quantification and characterization of diffuse emissions of the main greenhouses gases such as CO2, CH4, N2O and other gaseous species such as VOC and H2S.
Intro
Diffuse Flux Papers
Several studies and case histories show the wide field of application of the West Systems Portable Fluxmeter. Approved results from some of the most important National Research Institutions.
West Systems Portable Fluxmeter
Static non-stationary technique with the Portable Fluxmeter
Much faster than other techniques, the monitoring method through the Portable Fluxmeter is the least affected by environmental and meteorological parameters. It allows soil gas flux measurements without any information about soils characteristics and flux conditions or ranges.
It allows the monitoring of the real amount of CO2, CH4, H2S and VOC discharged into the atmosphere and permits to carry out quick and reliable punctual measurements.
An integrated Instrument
Products
Different Types of Portable Fluxmeters:
- Classic (CO2 / HC / H2S)
- Enhanced (CH4_TDLAS / CO2 / H2S / VOC / HC)
- Scout (CO2)
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- The Classic Portable Fluxmeter: the most widely used instrumentifor monitoring CO2 emissions both on volcanoes and in geothermal areas.
- Enhanced Portable Fluxmeter: this more advanced version of the fluxmeter makes it possible to measure fluxes of methane and, optionally, VOC in addition to carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide
- Scout Compact Fluxmeter: its low weight and extreme compactness make the Scout meter the ideal instrument for the preliminary assessment of CO2 emissions in all areas of application.
Read more about the technical features
Software
Each instrument is supplied with a custom software suite:
- FluxManager, which allows to record and visualize the concentration curves of the target gas in the accumulation chamber, and then to calculate the flux. The results are saved on an SD card; every measure is automatically georeferenced by using the integrated GPS.
- Calibra, which allows to verify and if necessary to correct the calibration of each single detector
- FluxExplorer, which allows the on-field revision of the acquired data.
- Fluxrevision, that runs on a Windows based computer, allows the revision of the acquired data and the generation of a report file of the field-work, compatible with MS Excel.
Accumulation Chamber
The flux measurement is very easy and very fast and can be done under difficult operative conditions. WEST Systems provides several types of accumulation chambers. Each chamber is equipped with temperature and pressure measurement.
One accumulation chamber is included in the offer (type A or B or C). The B chamber, due to its height, is less sensitive than A and C chambers but allows the measurement of higher fluxes. The chamber C has the same height and sensitivity of chamber A but it has a bigger footprint. The type C chamber can be equipped with a collar to optimize its interface with the soil. In addition, the type C chamber can be provided with a special fluorine plastic surface finish to reduce interaction between the gases measured and the chamber itself.
Read more about Accumulation Chambers A-B-C Specifications.
Palmtop Computer (PDA) with integrated GPS
A small, pocket size, computer (PDA) manage the instrument, showing the result(s) of measurement in real time. The connection between the PDA and instrument is realized by using Bluetooth.
West Systems Portable Fluxmeter Features
- Classic Portable Fluxmeter
Its reliability, precision, low weight and long autonomy make this the most widely used instrument for monitoring CO2 emissions both on volcanoes and in geothermal areas. In its basic version, it is equipped with an LI-820 carbon dioxide detector and offers space for optional hydrogen sulphide and hydrocarbons detectors. The instrument includes an accumulation chamber, a PDA, a backpack and a robust container for shipping and transportation.
- Enhanced Portable Fluxmeter
This more advanced version of the fluxmeter makes it possible to measure fluxes of methane and, optionally, VOC in addition to carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. The instrument includes an accumulation chamber, a PDA, a backpack and a robust container for shipping and transportation. The instrument can be used in all fields, including assessment of biogas emissions from MSW landfills and assessment of methane and carbon dioxide emissions in studies on the global carbon cycle. The possibility of measuring VOC emissions also makes it possible to carry out assessments on contaminated industrial sites.
- Scout Compact Fluxmeter
Its low weight and extreme compactness make the Scout meter the ideal instrument for the preliminary assessment of CO2 emissions in all areas of application. The detector, battery and electronic components are integrated into the accumulation chamber, resulting in a system of reduced size and weight. The quality of the detector used makes it possible to carry out measurements in a wide dynamic flux range with excellent precision. Its low cost makes it the most suitable instrument for training.
The instruments are supplied with NiMH batteries, which allow for a very long operating time. NiMH batteries are very safe and do not require special permits for air transportation (ADR)*. Classic and Enhanced instrument are supplied with 2 batteries, easily interchangeable to ensure a long activity.
*contrary to lithium batteries, which are expensive and may create problems with air transportation
The Fluxmeter is managed by a handheld computer (PDA) that allows geo-referencing of acquired data. Standard metric precision (Err <= 10 meters) can be achieved with all PDAs, sub metric precision (Err < 1 meter) can be achieved by using an optional GNNS module.
- An optional probe for measuring soil temperature, humidity and conductivity can be used.
- Simultaneous measurement of emissions of various gaseous species.
- Just one single operator is needed for operating the instrument in the field.
- The instrument allows to perform a measurement in about 3 minutes, which consists in determining the value of flux for all the gaseous species investigated.
- Real-time concentrations reading, this allows the verification of appropriate accumulation and/or measurement optimization time.
- Automatic georeferencing of measurements, which accelerates the geostatistical post-processing.
- Each chamber is equipped with temperature and pressure measurement.
Specifications
- Accumulation chamber A: Diameter 200 mm, Height 100 mm, Weight: 1.5 Kg
- Accumulation chamber B: Diameter 200 mm, Height 200 mm, Weight: 1.8 Kg
- Accumulation chamber C: Diameter 300 mm, Height 100 mm, Weight: 2 Kg
As an additional option we can provide a floating ring for flux measurement over water surfaces.
Full range of solutions in the field of Environmental Monitoring
The West Systems Portable Fluxmeter is available also in the “compact” version SCOUT.
Moreover, our high quality, well-established and globally distributed products include Geochemical Monitoring Stations, designed for the long-term monitoring.
Field of Application
Volcanoes
Geochemical surveys
Agronomy
GHG diffuse emissions from agriculture
Natural Gas Reservoirs
Gas diffuse emissions monitoring
Landfills
Determination of Biogas emission in MSW landfills
Geothermal Areas
Determination of Soil diffuse degassing
Global cycle of methane assessment
Methane flux survey
Any Specific Need?
The West Systems Portable Fluxmeters can succesfully meet the expectations of different market needs in terms of emissions monitoring. Not enough.
We can do more.
We can customize your specific instrument.
We can do more.
We can customize your specific instrument.
Get Your Free Consultation
We are committed to developing the best devices for environmental monitoring.
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