Portable multigas analyser for biogas, syngas and process gas
Analysing biogas or syngas on site and knowing its calorific value without sending samples to a laboratory calls for a portable multigas analyser with laboratory-grade sensors, a built-in energy calculation and battery life for a full working day. The Rapidox 5100 measures up to six gases at once, for example CH4 and CO2 from 0 to 100 % by infrared, O2 and H2S, calculates the calorific value in real time and delivers the result in approx. 2-4 min, from a 7 kg IP66 case with more than 8 h of battery life, 4 GB of logging and an integrated thermal printer.
Rapidox 5100 key data
- Gases: up to 6 simultaneously, configurable from O2, CO, CO2, O3, H2O, H2, H2S, NO, NO2, N2O, SO2, Cl2, CH4 and C2H4; ranges from 0-10 ppm to 0-100 % depending on the sensor.
- Sensor technologies: electrochemical, infrared, tunable laser diode (TLD), capacitance for moisture and thermal conductivity (TCD), each calibrated to avoid cross-interference with the background gas.
- Biogas configuration: CH4 and CO2 from 0 to 100 % by infrared, O2 0 to 30 % electrochemical and H2S 0-2,000 ppm or 0-10,000 ppm, with the calorific value calculated and logged with the readings.
- Timing: warm-up of 3-4 min at 20 °C and measurement in approx. 2-4 min, depending on the sensor configuration.
- Sampling: optional 0-1 l/min pump for sources at atmospheric pressure or below; with pressurised sources, maximum inlet of 10 bar (gauge) and 50 °C, with 4 mm ID / 6 mm OD Rectus fittings.
- Data: 4 GB internal storage, approximately one year of continuous logging, Excel-compatible USB download and integrated thermal printer.
- Calibration: zero and span by the user, with two selectable gas compositions.
- In the field: 7 kg IP66 case, lithium battery for more than 8 h (up to 500 cycles) with 4-6 h charge at 90-260 V AC and operation from −10 °C to 40 °C.
Advantages
Six gases in a single run
Up to six high-precision sensors operate together, each calibrated to avoid cross-interference with the background process gas; flashback arrestors protect the measuring circuit where required.
Calorific value on screen
For energy-containing samples such as biogas or syngas, a thermodynamic calculation delivers the calorific value in real time, logged together with the gas readings.
Laboratory functions in the field
The IP66 case houses a 7-inch colour touchscreen, continuous data logging with Excel-compatible USB download and an integrated thermal printer for results on demand.
Adapted to the sample pressure
An optional pump (0-1 l/min) draws the sample from atmospheric or sub-atmospheric sources; with pressurised sources the gas flows through the analyser and the flow is set by a rotary knob.
Configurable to the application
The modular design allows the sensor combination to be specified per order, covering O2, CO, CO2, O3, H2O, H2, H2S, NO, NO2, N2O, SO2, Cl2, CH4 and C2H4.
Applications
- Biogas plants, anaerobic digestion and fermentation control.
- Syngas and gasification processes.
- Combustion and emissions monitoring.
- Gas quality checks in industrial processes and R&D.
About the product
The Rapidox 5100 is a portable multigas analyser aimed at field measurements that previously required laboratory equipment. Programmable alarms, a multi-language interface and password protection complete the configuration, and periodic zero and span calibration keeps results repeatable.
Available accessories: calibration kit, calibration service, gas recovery bag, sample probe, collapsible sample probe and probe filters.
Technical specifications
| Measured gases | Up to 6 simultaneously |
| Battery life | More than 8 h; 4-6 h charge |
| Protection | Heavy-duty IP66 case |
| Display | 7-inch (180 mm) colour touchscreen |
| Data | 4 GB internal storage; Excel-compatible USB download |
| Optional pump | 0-1 l/min |
| Operating temperature | −10 °C to 40 °C |
| Dimensions and weight | 180 × 480 × 360 mm; 7 kg |
| Biogas configuration | CH4 and CO2 0-100 % (IR); O2 0-30 % (electrochemical); H2S 0-2,000 or 0-10,000 ppm |
| Measurement time | Approx. 2-4 min; warm-up 3-4 min at 20 °C |
| Max. inlet conditions | 50 °C; 10 bar (gauge); Rectus fittings 4 mm ID / 6 mm OD |
Frequently asked questions
Can I find the calorific value of biogas on site without sending samples to a laboratory?
Yes. Configured for biogas, the Rapidox 5100 measures CH4 and CO2 from 0 to 100 % by infrared, O2 from 0 to 30 % and H2S up to 2,000 or 10,000 ppm, calculates the calorific value on the spot and prints it on the integrated thermal printer, with no need to collect samples in bags for an external laboratory.
How long does a measurement take and how long does the battery last?
The Rapidox 5100 warms up in 3-4 min at 20 °C and measures in approx. 2-4 min, depending on the sensor configuration. Its lithium battery exceeds 8 h of use (up to 500 cycles) and recharges in 4-6 h on any 90-260 V AC mains supply.
Which gases can the analyser measure?
Up to six gases per unit, chosen from O2, CO, CO2, O3, H2O, H2, H2S, NO, NO2, N2O, SO2, Cl2, CH4 and C2H4. Not every combination is possible owing to cross-sensitivity effects.
How is the calorific value obtained?
Through thermodynamic calculations applied to the measured composition; the value is displayed and logged with the readings.
Can it sample from pressurised lines?
Yes. With sources above atmospheric pressure the pump is deactivated and the gas flows through the analyser, with the flow regulated by a rotary knob.
How is the data retrieved?
Logging is continuous; Excel-compatible files are downloaded via a USB memory stick, and the integrated thermal printer provides results on demand.
