Laser-Based Monitoring of CH4, CO2, NH3, and H2S in Animal Farming—System Characterization and Initial Demonstration

Abstract

In this paper, we present a system for sequential detection of multiple gases using laser-based wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) method combined with a Herriot-type multi-pass cell. Concentration of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and ammonia (NH₃) are retrieved using three distributed feedback laser diodes operating at 1574.5 nm (H₂S and CO₂), 1651 nm (CH₄), and 1531 nm (NH₃). Careful adjustment of system parameters allows for H₂S sensing at single parts-per-million by volume (ppmv) level with strongly reduced interference from adjacent CO₂ transitions even at atmospheric pressure. System characterization in laboratory conditions is presented and the results from initial tests in real-world application are demonstrated.