Composition of natural- and biogas

Determination of the biomass fraction of CO₂ emissions generated from mixed fuel incineration, as required by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). CO₂ originating from non-fossil sources like biomass has an emission factor of zero under EU ETS and is therefore not counted towards carbon emissions. This means that the biomass fraction of mixed fuels, such as municipal waste or solid recovered fuel (SRF), must be determined to calculate reportable emissions accurately. In this analysis, the proportion of biogenic carbon dioxide in total emitted CO₂ from the incineration process is measured using the radiocarbon (¹⁴C) method. The measurement is based on the ASTM D6866 standard. This standard is equally rigorous and based on the same methodology as EN ISO 13833, which is mentioned in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2066 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. Testing is relevant for industrial plants that use mixed fuels and participate in emissions trading, as well as for municipal waste incineration (MWI) plants, which have been required to monitor and report emissions according to EU ETS since the beginning of 2024.

Analysis of gaseous samples using Raman spectroscopy.

Determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in water using the GC-MS technique. The analysis determines the concentrations of 67 volatile compounds including BTEX, DIPE, ETBE, MTBE, TAEE, TAME, and TBA. The results of the analysis are reported in µg/l.

Classic stable isotope analysis of carbon (13C) with isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The results are reported in the unit VPDB, ‰. The analysis is suitable for various sample materials. Please contact the Measurlabs expert for more detailed information on the analysis.

Quantification of heating value, CH4, CO2, O2, N2, H2, and C2–C5 alkanes in natural gas and biogas samples with gas chromatography. The sample can be shipped in a gas bag or preferably in an adsorbent tube. Standard methods available: ASTM D1945, ASTM D1946, ASTM D3588. Ask our experts about the suitability of other sample vessels when requesting an offer.

Determination of the hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) content of natural gas or biogas samples. Please contact Measurlabs experts to check the suitability of other sample vessels for the analysis.

Quantification of CH₄ (methane), CO₂ (carbon dioxide), O₂ (oxygen), N₂ (nitrogen), H₂ (hydrogen), H₂O (water), and C2-C5 alkanes in natural gas and biogas samples with gas chromatography. Please contact Measurlabs experts to check the sample vessel's suitability for the analysis.

Quantification of siloxanes in biogas or natural gas samples with gas chromatography: Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3) LQ : 0,10 mg/Nm3, Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) LQ : 0,20 mg/Nm3, Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) LQ : 0,15 mg/Nm3, Hexamethyldisiloxane (L2) LQ : 0,10 mg/Nm3, Octamethyltrisiloxane (L3) LQ : 0,10 mg/Nm3, Decamethyltetrasiloxane (L4) LQ : 0,10 mg/Nm3, Dodecamethylpentasiloxane (L5) LQ : 0,5 mg/Nm3, Trimethylsilanol (SiOH) LQ : 0,10 mg/Nm3.

Spark-OES is a commonly used method to determine the elemental composition of metals and alloys. The method provides a better alternative to other similar analysis techniques (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF) due to its speed and low detection limits. All metallic elements and some non-metallic elements, such as C, N, and S, can be detected in the ppm range. The method is suitable for solid metal pieces with a minimum size of 1 x 1 cm. Sample preparation is included in the analysis.

Analysis to screen a material for the presence of brominated fire retardants (BFRs), including polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The test is performed with a pyrolysis gas-chromatography mass spectrometer (py-GC-MS) according to the ISO 7270-1 standard. The sample is pyrolyzed, which is followed by separation and identification with GC-MS. The obtained pyrogram is then compared to a blank sample that does not contain any brominated fire retardants. We also offer the analysis for electrotechnical products as per IEC 62321-6. Please ask our experts for more information about this option.