System Integration / Process Analyzer System Integration / ERS – Emission Reduction System
ERS – Emission Reduction System
The patented system for reducing methane emissions from gas chromatographs
ERS is the innovative system developed and patented by Socrate S.p.A. for reducing continuous emissions from gas chromatographs operating in natural gas, biomethane and H₂NG mixture quality measurement plants.
Thanks to a synchronised approach between fast loop flow and analytical cycle, ERS enables emissions to be reduced by up to 99%, while ensuring maximum analytical data reliability and full compliance with the most stringent environmental regulations, including EU Regulation 2024/1787.
Why choose ERS?
- Emissions reduced by up to 99%: ERS eliminates gas losses in non-analytical cycles, minimising carrier gas consumption and making a concrete contribution to the decarbonisation of processes.
- Intelligent system synchronised with injection: The fast loop is automatically intercepted and reactivated only before injection, ensuring a representative sample without wasting gas.
- No alteration of measurement: The logic sequence is designed not to alter the analytical dynamics of the chromatograph, keeping the quality of the data intact.
- Native compatibility with BRK MAG GC and REMI cabins: Socrate systems are designed for plug&play integration with ERS logic, simplifying installation and adaptation in existing systems.
- Guaranteed regulatory compliance: Using ERS contributes to achieving ESG objectives and compliance with the new European regulatory framework on methane emissions.
How the ERS system works
The ERS system intervenes on the chromatograph’s fast loop circuit, automatically modulating the flow rate according to the cycle phase:
- Standby: the flow is interrupted, avoiding unnecessary emissions.
- Pre-injection: the fast loop is reactivated to ensure sample integrity.
- Analysis: The cycle proceeds in the same way as a traditional analysis, without interference.
The system’s intelligence is entirely managed by embedded logic in the control system, without requiring any changes to the existing infrastructure.
Integration and versatility
- ERS can be integrated into both new and existing systems.
- Already available in MAG GC H₂NG models, REMI cabins and compact analytical systems developed by Socrate.
- Interfacing with Modbus 232/485 protocols or via Webserver for remote management.
Performance and sustainability combined
The adoption of the ERS system enables a drastic reduction in climate-altering gas emissions such as methane and hydrogen, supporting utilities, energy companies and gas operators on their path towards carbon neutrality and operational excellence.
See the system in action
Discover how ERS works in detail: our 3D video shows the system architecture,
the operating logic and the tangible benefits in terms of sustainability and efficiency.
Contact us for a personalised demo
Do you want to reduce methane emissions in your plants?
Contact us for a free technical consultation and find out how to integrate ERS into your gas analysis systems.
System Integration / Process Analyzer System Integration / Socrate ERS
Socrate ERS
Innovative Solution for Reducing Emissions from Chromatographic Systems
Socrate Spa’s patented ERS system reduces continuous methane (CH4) emissions in natural gas quality measurement systems by up to 90%, complying with EU regulations 2021/0423. Thanks to a logic synchronized with the chromatograph, the ERS system optimizes sample use and limits discharges, contributing to environmental sustainability in measurement and compression stations.
The ERS Pat. Pend. System has been designed to reduce the intensity of continuous emission sources deriving from intrinsic leaks in natural gas quality measurement systems, in order to reduce total CH4 emissions in accordance with the proposed EU regulation 2021/0423 (COD) issued by the European Commission. Most natural gas and biomethane measuring stations are equipped with a gas quality monitoring system based on chromatographic technology, which for application reasons requires a continuous fast loop to ensure that a fresh and representative sample is available to the chromatograph at the time of injection.
This volume is vented to the atmosphere as a flaring system is almost never available. Given the environmental impact of methane (CH4), which is much higher than that of CO2, Socrate S.p.A. has developed a dedicated system to reduce continuous emissions from the chromatographic system by up to 90% and more. This system accounts for the majority of fugitive emissions from measuring, compression, and reduction stations throughout the national network.
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Operation
Given the cyclical nature of chromatography, using a logic unit synchronized with the chromatograph and a flow interruption unit, the ERS Pat. Pend. interrupts the sample flow towards the vent (both on the chromatograph side and on the fast loop side) for the time during which the sample does not need to flow, activating these flow rates only for a programmable period of time calculated on the basis of the necessary advances imposed by the geometry of the system.
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