Protecting engines, turbines, and upgrading systems

Siloxanes remain a persistent challenge in biogas, landfill gas, and biomethane production. When combusted, these silicon-containing compounds form abrasive silica deposits that damage engines, turbines, and catalytic systems — increasing maintenance costs, downtime, and operational risk.

Detecting siloxane breakthrough early is critical.

Traditional monitoring approaches often rely on laboratory GC-MS analysis, which can involve specialist operators and slower turnaround times. For operators needing timely operational insight, this can limit how quickly corrective action can be taken.

IMSPEX provides advanced gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) technology for the rapid, on-site, and online detection of siloxanes, both for the individual siloxanes and the sum parameters particularly useful in biogas produced from wastewater and landfill sites.

IMSPEX technology underpins recognised industry standards for siloxane measurement, including:

• ASTM D8455-22
• ISO 2613-2:2023

These standards enable SI-traceable measurement of siloxanes and trimethylsilanol (TMSOH) in gaseous fuels, supporting reliable monitoring and helping prevent engine damage.

Key aspects of the IMSPEX siloxane solution:

• Application – Monitoring siloxanes in biogas generated from waste streams, where combustion can form damaging silica deposits in engines and turbines.

• Technology – GC-IMS provides high-sensitivity detection with rapid analysis, enabling real-time, online, or portable monitoring.

• Industry standards – Technology supporting ASTM and ISO methods for speciated siloxane analysis in gaseous fuels.

• Operational value – Early detection of filter breakthrough and process changes, helping optimise maintenance and protect high-value infrastructure.

For operators of biogas plants, landfill gas systems, and biomethane upgrading facilities, robust siloxane monitoring is essential to protect equipment and ensure reliable operation.

If siloxane monitoring is part of your process, we would be pleased to discuss how GC-IMS can support reliable, standards-based measurement.