Automated Solution for Discrete Gas Sample Analyses withPicarro G2508 and SAM Autosampler

Automated Solution for Discrete Gas Sample Analyses with
Picarro G2508 and SAM Autosampler
Jan Woźniak¹, Joyeeta Bhattacharya², Magdalena E. G. Hofmann¹, Frank Krijnen³, Guillermo Hernandez
Ramirez⁴
1Picarro B.V., Eindhoven, The Netherlands, 2Picarro Inc., Santa Clara, USA; 3University of Saskatchewan; 4University of Alberta

Abstract
Greenhouse gas research community has witnessed an ever-increasing need for automated
solutions for measuring greenhouse gas concentrations in small discrete gas samples. However,
traditional solutions like gas chromatographs often incur high initial and maintenance costs or are
complicated to deploy and maintain, and almost impossible to work with in the field. There has
been a rising interest in the SAM autosampler (www.openautosampler.com) which so far has
been utilized mostly for isotopic measurements of greenhouse gases (e.g., isotopic CO2/CH4), in
conjunction with low flow Picarro analyzers (<50 mL/min). In this report, we demonstrate the
compatibility, efficiency, and advantages of the SAM autosampler with Picarro Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Concentration analyzers like the G2508 multi species gas analyzer, with much higher flow
rates (>200 mL/min). The results of our experiments show excellent precision and accuracy for
discrete CH4, CO2 and N2O gas measurements. Also, we have been able to determine linearity in
dilution factors and characterized memory effects and its variability in different gas species (e.g.,
comparing CO2 vs N2O). This report also provides recommendations on the methods and best
practices for discrete gas sample measurements. In summary, the Picarro G2508 (or other GHG
analyzers) in conjunction with SAM Autosampler offers an attractive, cost-effective, and simpler
alternative to gas chromatograph or similar available solutions