The Field Analytical Unit (FAU) has the same role in the AEMS
as the GEM-2000 does in a manual monitoring system.
The FAU is designed to be paired with a Field Server Unit (FSU).
The FAU samples gas from a single source. This source can be the Multi-Point Sampling Unit, which connects
to as many as nine gas sources and allows the FAU to sample from each one in turn. In either case, it samples
the gas stream for Methane (CH4), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Oxygen (O2), and
reads barometric pressure and temperature.
The FAU is usually coupled with a gas conditioning unit. Landfill gas often contains moisture and impurities
that can damage the FAU internals. The conditioner knocks out the moisture and filters for impurities, then
passes the gas along to the FAU.
The FAU is, in essence, a modified GEM-2000 inside a stationary enclosure that provides protection, power,
data communication and other support.