Gas testing is used to detect and measure the concentrations of various, often hazardous or otherwise unwanted components in indoor air as well as fuel, process, and waste gases. At Measurlabs, we offer a comprehensive range of gas analyses for various industries. You will also receive all the necessary information on sampling and sample shipping, which often require a case-by-case review in order to provide appropriate service to meet the customer's needs.
Testing of biogas, natural gas, biomethane, and their blends
Monitoring the composition of fuel gases is an essential part of quality control, as there are often strict limits on the impurities that they may contain. In biogas or natural gas composition analysis, the sample can be screened for small amounts of components like siloxanes, hydrogen sulfide, and water.
Indoor air analysis
Poor indoor air quality is a serious issue that may lead to detrimental health effects. Indoor air analysis is performed to assess the quality of air by screening it for substances like volatile organic compounds (VOC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), asbestos, and dust. Sampling is typically done with a pump equipped with a special filter that traps the selected compounds.
Process gas analysis
Sampling and measurement techniques for indoor air and fuel gas analyses can also be applied to process gases used in manufacturing industries. Typical assignments relate to finding hazardous compounds, such as hydrogen fluoride (HF), from either waste gas or solid waste where gas might have been adsorbed.
Gas analysis methods
Gas analysis is usually performed using gas chromatography (GC), which is a common analytical technique for separating and measuring the concentrations of each component in a sample. GC can be used to analyze all types of gases from natural and biogas to indoor air. When more in-depth information on the gas's composition is needed, gas chromatography can be combined with mass spectrometry (MS) to perform a GC-MS analysis.
Gases evolved from a solid or liquid sample upon thermal decomposition can be analyzed through evolved gas analysis (EGA), where a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) is connected to a detector like GC or GC-MS. Other analyte-specific detectors may also be used.
Gas testing standards
Standardized gas testing can be performed to demonstrate compliance with industry standards. Different standards apply to different types of samples and the compounds detected from them. Some examples include the ASTM D8230 standard on quantifying siloxanes in biogas or natural gas and the ISO 6974 standard on determining the composition of natural gas.
Sampling and shipping
Gas sampling requires different vessels like Tedlar and ALTEF bags, sampling cylinders with adsorbents, and other equipment depending on the type of sample and the compounds to be tested. Some compounds, such as ammonia, need to be analyzed very soon after sampling, which should be taken into account when selecting the analysis location and shipping method.
For smooth sample shipment, remember to check sample-specific logistics and packing instructions for possible dangerous goods shipping requirements. The information can be found in the safety data sheet of the gas, the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations guide, and the courier companies ’ instructions.
While gas sampling and testing can be a bit tricky, we are happy to help with all your questions. When you order a gas analysis from Measurlabs, we can also provide the sampling equipment and vessels for most analyses. This helps us ensure that the results you receive are as accurate as possible.
If you need gas testing services, contact us through the form below or at info@measurlabs.com. Our experts will answer all your questions and send you a quote within one business day.