MulitGAS
"Let's go sniff the planet together!"
MultiGAS
Collaborating closely with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), we have redesigned existing monitoring equipment for improved ease of use and reliability. This equipment effectively detects and logs trace amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), water vapor (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). We offer both portable and stationary versions to the diverse needs of our clients. Additionally, we are excited to announce that a new stationary housing will be coming soon to further enhance the functionality of our monitoring systems.
01 / LICENSING PARTNERSHIP
In partnership with USGS, Unger Designs has been granted exclusive licensing to produce and sell the MuliGAS Station and MultiGAS Portable Instruments to the public. Lets go sniff the planet together!
02 / WHY MEASURE GASES?
​The multiGAS instruments draw in ambient air from downwind of volcanic vents and analyzes different gases in the air. By analyzing shifts in gas ratios and emissions along with wind speed, temperature, humidity, and pressure, changes in a volcano can be predicted such as magma movements or hydrothermal system changes which can be used as early warnings of future volcanic activity.
MultiGAS Station
The MultiGAS Station is a compact, light weight gas analyzer designed to be permanently installed on a volcano, capable of delivering laboratory-grade precision in an enclosure that can handle some of the most demanding conditions, including volcanic gas monitoring.
01 / MONITORED GASES
This equipment effectively detects and logs trace amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), water vapor (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). Depending on the calibration method of the sensors, this equipment is capable of monitoring trace amounts of these four gases with extreme precision. This system uses the following sensors,
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LiCor LI-850-3: NDIR Measuring of H2O and CO2 (0-20,000ppm and 1.5% precision)
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City Technology T3STF: Measuring SO2 at 0.5ppm resolution and repeatability of 1% of signal.
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City Technology T3H: Measuring H2S at 0.25ppm resolution and repeatability of 1% of signal.
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​Campbell Scientific CR-1000X: Datalogger to control calibrations and collect measurements.
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Campbell scientific SDM-CD8S: Control Expansion for motors and valves.
02 / ADDITIONAL REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
The MultiGAS Station requires additional equipment to fully operate as designed. The following equipment is required,
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Housing: This system is designed to stay on a volcano for an extended period of time. A housing to protect it against the elements is required.
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Calibration Gases: In order for the MultiGAS Station to reliably measure gases for an extended period of time, tanks of calibration gases must be provided to the system as it switches between inlet gas and calibration gases to recalibrate itself at predetermined intervals.
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Solar Panels and Batteries: The MultiGAS Station runs on 12V power. A solar panel and battery setup ensures this system will run for the duration of the experiment.
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External Anemometer: Wind speed measurements are ideal for understanding the data collected by the MultiGAS Station. The MultiGAS Station system has a port for an anemometer sensor.
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External Temperature Sensor: Temperature measurements are beneficial for understanding the data collected by the MultiGAS Station. The MultiGAS Station system has a port for a thermometer.
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External Gas Inlet Enclosure: The gas collected by the MultiGAS Station needs to be collected away from the housing. A dedicated filtered inlet is required.
We are in the process of developing a system that includes all of this additional required equipment and will be available soon. ​
03 / MANUFACTURER CALIBRATION
Each of the sensors are calibrated by the manufacturer before being shipped to Unger Designs. This calibration is often good enough for the immediate setup and evaluation but if sensors have been left on the shelf for extended periods of time, re-calibration may be needed.
04 / UNGER DESIGNS CALIBRATION
Unger Designs is able to re-calibrate the system as a whole and provide a calibration certification if required by the customer. It is highly recommended that the customer re-calibrate the system when installed on site regardless of any pre-calibrations as many factors can effect the accuracy of the sensors.
05 / CUSTOMER CALIBRATION
The customer may desire calibration in house at their facility before installing on site to verify the equipment.
06 / ACTIVE GAS MONITORING
When the system is installed on site and turned on, it will begin recording measurements and self calibrating at pre-determined intervals. The MultiGAS Station is capable of sending data regularly via an ethernet port which can be transmitted externally via GPS or other means.
07 / SELF CALIBRATION
The MultiGAS Station performs a self calibration at regular intervals and transmits data to satellites for real time monitoring. The datalogger controls when external gases are pulled in vs when calibration gases are pulled in.
08 / MULTIGAS IN ACTION
Volcano Watch - Measuring Volcanic Gases: The Anser is Blowin' in the Wind
USGS UAS monitors gas emissions at Mount St. Helens
An HVO gas geochemist works to install a MultiGAS instrument within Mauna Loa su
Mauna Loa summit mission-critical fieldwork: MultiGAS installation
A MultiGAS instrument measures gases at Newberry Volcano
HVO staff work together while maintaining social distancing as they install diff
MultiGAS Portable
The MultiGAS Portable is a compact, light weight gas analyzer designed to be temporarily placed on a volcano, capable of delivering laboratory-grade precision in an enclosure that can handle some of the most demanding conditions, including volcanic gas monitoring.
01 / MONITORED GASES
This equipment effectively detects and logs trace amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), water vapor (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). Depending on the calibration method of the sensors, this equipment is capable of monitoring trace amounts of these four gases with extreme precision. This system uses the following sensors,
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PP Systems SBA-5: Measuring of H2O and CO2 (0-10,000ppm and accuracy of 1% of span)
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City Technology T3STF: Measuring SO2 at 0.5ppm resolution and repeatability of 1% of signal.
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City Technology T3H: Measuring H2S at 0.25ppm resolution and repeatability of 1% of signal.
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​Campbell Scientific CR-300-WIFI: Datalogger to control and collect measurements.
02 / MANUFACTURER CALIBRATION
Each of the sensors are calibrated by the manufacturer before being shipped to Unger Designs. This calibration is often good enough for the immediate setup and evaluation but if sensors have been left on the shelf for extended periods of time, re-calibration may be needed.
03 / UNGER DESIGNS CALIBRATION
Unger Designs is able to re-calibrate the system as a whole and provide a calibration certification if required by the customer. It is highly recommended that the customer re-calibrate the system when installed on site regardless of any pre-calibrations as many factors can effect the accuracy of the sensors.
04 / CUSTOMER CALIBRATION
The customer should calibration the MultiGAS Portable in house at their facility each time before deploying on site. This ensures reliable and consistent data.
05 / DEPLOY AND MONITOR
When the MultiGAS Portable is installed on site and turned on, it will begin recording measurements and transmitting them via GPS at regular intervals for active monitoring. The system shut off when the battery is drained awaiting retrieval or battery swap.
06 / RETRIEVE AND RECHARGE
When the MultiGAS Portable runs our of battery, it must be either retrieved and recharged or have the battery swapped ton continue measuring.
