Laboratory testing of gas and air samples

Determination of the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC) released by solid or liquid samples. Suitable sample matrices include, for example, black mass of recycled batteries, polymer samples, and liquid and solid chemicals. The measurement is performed by placing the investigated sample in a chamber, through which nitrogen is flushed. The nitrogen is led through an absorption cartridge, which traps the VOC compounds. Upon completion of the gas collection, the trapped VOCs are analyzed with thermal desorption-gas chromatography (TD-GC). The measurement can either be performed at ambient temperature, or the sampling chamber can be heated up to 120 °C.

Compositional analysis of gas samples in accordance with NF X 20-303, DIN 51872-4, or in-house µGC/µTCD methods. The most suitable method is selected based on the analyzed gas and target analyte(s). Any 1-8 analytes from the table below can be selected. The price will be determined based on the number of substances analyzed. Compound Formula LOQ (ppm-vol.) acetylene C2​H2 10 argon Ar 10 nitrogen N2 10 butane C4​H10 10 carbon dioxide CO2 10 sulfur dioxide SO2 20 water vapor H2​O 10 ethane C2​H6 10 ethylene C2​H4 10 helium He 10 hydrogen H2 5 hydrogen sulfide H2​S 10 isobutane C4​H10​ 10 isopentane C5​H12​ 10 methane CH4​ 10 carbon monoxide CO 10 oxygen O2​ 10 pentane C5​H12​ 10 propane C3​H8​ 10 nitrous oxide N2​O 10 Gas samples must be collected in 2L multifoil bags, and the safety data sheet (SDS) must be provided with the shipment. Quick delivery to Measurlabs after sampling is recommended, as some analytes may escape the sampling vessel over time. This is particularly relevant for H2, CO, CO2, and O2. When requesting a quote, please describe the sample matrix and list the target analytes.

Qualitative identification of asbestos in bulk materials by scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The analysis is performed in accordance with the ISO 22262-1 standard. The method is commonly used to determine whether toy materials, such as play sand, kinetic sand, or polymer- and mineral-based fillers contain asbestos. Construction products such as cement, asphalt, and thermal insulation materials are another common sample matrix. During the analysis, the sample is ashed, ground, and analyzed with SEM-EDX to identify fibrous asbestos structures. The analysis covers the following asbestos types: Actinolite, Amosite (brown asbestos) , Anthophyllite, Chrysotile (white asbestos) , Crocidolite (blue asbestos) , Tremolite. Express turnaround (4 business days) can be arranged upon request for an additional fee. Please ask us for more information.

EN 15051-2 standard specifies the measurement of dustiness of powders and bulk materials according to the rotating drum method. It is a widely accepted procedure designed to simulate the handling processes that can generate airborne dust. The material dust, generated by the rotation of the drum, is separated into three different fractions. Inhalable, thoracic, and respirable dustiness mass fractions (in mg/kg and in %, if required) are reported. The inhalable fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 100 µm., The thoracic fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 µm., The respirable fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 4.25 µm.. Along with the fractions of the airborne particles, the dustiness potential (very low, low, moderate, or high), the density, and the moisture content of the sample are also reported. See this example report for more details.

The biocompatibility of medical devices with breathing gas pathways is generally assessed according to ISO 18562 standards. Measurlabs offers tests according to this standard family, including the following: ISO 18562-2: Tests for emissions of particulate matter (PM), ISO 18562-3: Tests for emissions of volatile organic substances (VOS), ISO 18562-4: Tests for condensate volume and leachables from condensate. Our experts are happy to help with any questions related to the tests and prepare a quote for you. Describe your testing needs using the form below, and we will get back to you shortly.

With this analysis, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in a biogas sample can be quantified. Typically, the boiling range of the detected VOCs is 60-280 °C, but lighter hydrocarbons are also quantified and identified. The analysis employs a GC-MS method (typically TD-GC-MS) and utilizes external standard materials and mass-spectrum libraries to identify and quantify the compounds. The analysis results will be reported in the V-% unit. Price includes the quantification (in toluene equivalents) and identification of the 30 major peaks from the chromatogram (substances up to 280 °C boiling point). Samples must be delivered in gas sampling bags (2 liters in volume), and the safety data sheet (SDS) must be provided with the samples.

Determination of selected volatile organic compounds (VOC) in water using the GC-MS and GC-FID techniques. Analysis can be conducted according to the following standard methods: EPA 624, EPA 5021A, EPA 8260, EPA 8015, EN ISO 10301, ISO 11423-1, and EN ISO 15680 The results of the analysis are reported in µg/L. Analysis includes the following analytes: Analyte: Reporting limits: chloromethane 1 µg/l bromomethane 1 µg/l dichloromethane 0.1 µg/l dibromimetaani 1 µg/l bromochloromethane 2 µg/l trichloromethane (chloroform) 0.1 µg/l tribromomethane (bromoform) 0.2 µg/l bromodichloromethane 0.1 µg/l dibromochloromethane 0.1 µg/l sum 4 trihalometanit 0.5 µg/l tetrachloromethane 0.1 µg/l trichlorofluoromethane 1 µg/l dichlorodifluoromethane 1 µg/l monochloroethane 1 µg/l 1,1-dichloroethane 0.1 µg/l 1,2-dichloroethane 0.1 µg/l 1,2-dibromietaani 0.5 µg/l 1,1,1-trichloroethane 0.1 µg/l 1,1,2-trichloroethane 0.1 µg/l 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane 0.1 µg/l 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane 1 µg/l vinyl chloride 0.1 µg/l 1,1-dichloroethene 0.1 µg/l cis-1,2-dichloroethene 0.1 µg/l trans-1,2-dichloroethene 0.1 µg/l amount of 1,2-dichloroethene 0.2 µg/l trichloroethylene 0.1 µg/l sum of 11 chlorinated hydrocarbons 1.1 µg/l tetrachloroethene 0.1 µg/l Sum of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene 0.2 µg/l sum 5 chlorinated ethylenes 0.5 µg/l 1,2-dichloropropane 1 µg/l 1,3-dichloropropane 1 µg/l 2,2-dichloropropane 1 µg/l 1,2,3-trichloropropane 1 µg/l 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane 1 µg/l 1,1-dichloro-1-propene 1 µg/l cis-1,3-dichloro-1-propene 1 µg/l trans-1,3-dichloropropene 1 µg/l hexachlorobutadiene 1 µg/l 2-chlorotoluene 1 µg/l 4-chlorotoluene 1 µg/l monochlorobenzene 0.1 µg/l bromobenzene 1 µg/l 1,2-dichlorobenzene 0.1 µg/l 1,3-dichlorobenzene 0.1 µg/l 1,4-dichlorobenzene 0.1 µg/l amount of 3 dichlorobenzene 0.3 µg/l 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene 0.1 µg/l 1,2,4- trichlorobenzene 0.1 µg/l 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene 0.1 µg/l amount of 3 trichlorobenzene 0.4 µg/l benzene 0.1 µg/l toluene 0.5 µg/l ethylbenzene 0.1 µg/l o-xylene 0.1 µg/l m/p-xylene 0.2 µg/l sum of xylenes 0.3 µg/l sum of BTEX 1 µg/l styrene 0.2 µg/l isopropylbenzene 1 µg/l n-propylbenzene 1 µg/l 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene 1 µg/l 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene 1 µg/l n-butylbenzene 1 µg/l sec-butylbenzene 1 µg/l tert-butylbenzene 1 µg/l p-isopropyltoluene 1 µg/l naphthalene 1 µg/l Diisopropyl ether (DIPE) 0.6 µg/l ETBE (ethyl tert-butyl ether) 0.2 µg/l MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) 0.2 µg/l tert-amyl ethyl ether (TAEE) 0.2 µg/l TAME 0.2 µg/l tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) 5 µg/l ethanol 100 µg/l A customized offer can also be prepared if you are interested in analyzing only individual compounds from a sample. Suitable sample containers for analysis can be ordered through us. Sample containers picked up from Measurlabs are included in the price of the analysis, but sample containers can also be shipped to the customer for a separate fee.

Quantification of volatile siloxanes and trimethylsilanol in biogas, biomethane, and natural gas using an in-house GC-MS method. Siloxanes form abrasive silica deposits during combustion, which makes the measurement relevant for equipment protection and gas quality verification against biomethane specifications such as EN 16723-1 and EN 16723-2. The following compounds are quantified, with typical LOQs: Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3): 0.10 mg/Nm³, Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4): 0.20 mg/Nm³, Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5): 0.15 mg/Nm³, Hexamethyldisiloxane (L2): 0.10 mg/Nm³, Octamethyltrisiloxane (L3): 0.10 mg/Nm³, Decamethyltetrasiloxane (L4): 0.10 mg/Nm³, Dodecamethylpentasiloxane (L5): 0.5 mg/Nm³, Trimethylsilanol (SiOH): 0.10 mg/Nm³. Results for each compound are reported in mg/Nm³. The displayed price applies to small sample sets; larger batches and recurring orders are eligible for volume discounts.

Determination of NH3 content in biomethane, biogas, and natural gas samples. Sampling is carried out by drawing a fixed gas volume through an H2SO4-treated Quartz+ PVC filter with a fixed-volume pump, preferably at 1 L/min, so that ammonia is trapped on the filter medium. We can provide the sampling equipment upon request. The collected filter is analyzed by ion chromatography according to the MétroPol M-13 method. Results are reported as numerical values in mg per filter. The displayed price applies to small sample sets; large batches and recurring orders are eligible for discounts. Please request a quote from our testing experts.

Determination of inhalable and respirable dust fractions present in indoor air. The aerodynamic diameters of the inhalable and respirable dust particles are < 100 µm and < 4 µm, respectively. The price includes a sample collector and a sample pump, which are delivered to the customer for sampling. Results are reported as mg/m³. According to the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health's decree on Hazardous Concentrations (538/2018), the normative threshold value for inhalable dust is 10 mg/m3 on an eight-hour average concentration.

Determination of aliphatic alkane concentrations in natural gas and biogas by in-house µGC-µTCD analysis. The following compounds are quantified: Methane (CH4), Ethane (C2H6), Propane (C3H8), Isobutane (C4H10), Butane (C4H10), Isopentane and pentane (C5H12), Hexane (C6H14). The LOQ is 10 ppm-vol for all target compounds. Results are reported in V-%. Please note that the safety data sheet (SDS) must be provided with gas samples. The samples should also be shipped to Measurlabs soon after sampling, as some analytes may escape the sampling vessel over time.

Quantification of aliphatic alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes in natural gas and biogas by in-house GC-MS and µGC-µTCD methods. Results are reported in V-%. The following compounds are quantified, with a typical LOQ of 10 ppm-vol for all analytes: Methane, Ethane, Propane, Isobutane, Butane and acetylene, Isopentane and pentane, Hexane, Ethylene, 1,3-Butadiene. Gas samples must be collected in 2 L multifoil bags, and a safety data sheet must be provided with the shipment. Prompt delivery after sampling is recommended, as some analytes may escape the sampling vessel. The displayed price applies to small sample sets; larger batches and recurring orders are eligible for volume discounts.

BTEX analysis of natural gas and biogas samples with an in-house GC-MS method. The analysis includes the following substances, with results reported in the V-% unit (typical LOQs in parentheses): Benzene (10 ppm-vol), Toluene (10 ppm-vol), Ethylbenzene (10 ppm-vol), Sum of xylenes (10 ppm-vol). Please note that gas samples must be collected in multifoil bags (2 L), and the safety data sheet (SDS) must be provided with the shipment.

The EN 16516 standard outlines a test chamber method for determining volatile and semi-volatile organic compound (VOC and SVOC) emissions from construction products. Emissions are typically measured 28 days after the installation of representative test specimens in the test chamber. Conditions within the chamber are kept constant throughout the testing period, with the temperature at 23 ± 1 °C, relative humidity at 50 ± 5 %, air change rate at 0.5 per hour, and air velocity above the specimen at 0.1–0.3 m/s. The loading factor (ratio of exposed test specimen area to the empty chamber volume) is chosen based on product type and intended conditions of use. At the end of the test period, air is collected from the chamber using adsorbent tubes and analyzed by thermal desorption GC-MS (TD-GC/MS) to identify and quantify target compounds. The results will include: Individual concentrations of identified target compounds (including known carcinogenic VOCs), identified non-target compounds, and unidentified compounds. The last two are reported as toluene equivalents., Total VOC (TVOC), calculated as the sum of all compounds (identified and unidentified) eluting between and including n-hexane and n-hexadecane., Total SVOC (TSVOC), calculated as the sum of all compounds eluting after n-hexadecane, up to and including n-docosane.. For compliance assessment, the measured VOC levels can be compared with limits specified in national emissions standards or sustainability certifications, such as the German AgBB, French ANSES, Finnish M1 Emission Classification, or the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. Depending on the scheme, maximum limits can apply to TVOC, total carcinogenic VOC, and/or individual compounds, such as formaldehyde. The results for individual compounds can also be compared with EU-LCI values, harmonized health-based reference values based on the ‘lowest concentration of interest’ concept.

Measurement of phosphine (PH3) in natural gas, biogas, and related fuel gas samples. Sampling is performed by collecting the gas into an AgNO3-treated quartz filter using a fixed-volume pump, preferably at a flow rate of 1 L/min. The collected filter is analyzed by ICP according to the MétroPol M-134 method. Results are reported as numerical values in µg per filter, and the typical quantification limit is 0.91 µg of phosphine per filter. The displayed price applies to small sample sets, and large batches or recurring orders are eligible for discounts. Please request a quote from our testing experts.

Analysis of gaseous samples using Raman spectroscopy.

Determination of sulfur compounds in biogas or natural gas by an in-house GC-SCD method (gas chromatography with sulfur-selective chemiluminescence detection). Results are reported in ppm (vol) with an LOQ of 0.03 ppm for all listed compounds. The following compounds are quantified: Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), Carbonyl sulfide (OCS), Methyl mercaptan (CH₃SH), Ethyl mercaptan (C₂H₅SH), Dimethyl sulfide (Me₂S), Dimethyl disulfide (Me₂S₂), Carbon disulfide (CS₂, semi-quantitative), Total sulfur compounds, including C3+ mercaptans. Gas samples must be collected in 2 L multifoil bags, and a safety data sheet must be provided with the shipment. Prompt delivery after sampling is recommended to preserve sample integrity. If analysis is required within 48 hours of sampling, this must be agreed in advance. The displayed price applies to small sample sets; large batches and recurring orders are eligible for discounts. Please request a quote from our testing experts using the form below.

Determination of total chlorine in gas samples using an in-house ion chromatography (IC) method. Results are reported as numerical values in mg/Nm³.  Gas samples need to be collected in 2 L multifoil bags, and the SDS must be provided with the shipment. Quick delivery to Measurlabs after sampling is recommended to maintain sample representativeness, as some analytes may escape the sampling vessel during storage. The displayed price applies to small sample sets; larger batches and recurring orders are eligible for volume discounts.

Quantification of total fluorine in gas samples by in-house IC method. All fluorine species, including covalently bound organofluorine, are converted to fluoride prior to measurement. The method supports emissions monitoring and PFAS screening workflows based on a sum-parameter total-fluorine approach. Results are reported in mg/Nm³. Gas samples must be collected in 2 L multifoil bags, and a safety data sheet must be provided with the shipment. Prompt delivery after sampling is recommended, as some analytes may escape the sampling vessel.

Simultaneous determination of total fluorine, chlorine, and sulfur in natural gas and biogas by in-house IC method. Results are reported in mg/Nm³. Typical LOQs: Total fluorine: 1.3 mg/Nm³, Total chlorine: 1.3 mg/Nm³, Total sulfur: 3 mg/Nm³. Gas samples must be collected in 2 L multifoil bags, and the safety data sheet must be provided with the shipment. Prompt delivery after sampling is recommended, as some analytes may escape the sampling vessel. The displayed price applies to small sample sets; larger batches and recurring orders are eligible for volume discounts.

Determination of total sulfur in natural gas and biogas by in-house IC method. Results are reported in mg/Nm³, with a typical LOQ of 3 mg/Nm³. Gas samples must be collected in 2 L multifoil bags, and the safety data sheet (SDS) must be provided with the shipment. Prompt delivery after sampling is recommended, as analytes may escape the sampling vessel. The displayed price applies to small sample sets; larger batches and recurring orders are eligible for volume discounts. Please request an offer using the form below.