Gas Composition
At Isolab, we offer a complete and in-depth compositional analysis of natural gases, biogases, and other related gas types. This analysis serves as the foundation for further isotopic studies, quality assessments, and characterization of gas sources.
What We Analyze
Our standard gas composition analysis includes the following components:
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Hydrocarbons:
Methane (CH₄), Ethane (C₂H₆), Ethene (C₂H4), Propane (C₃H₈), Propene (C₃H6), normal- and and iso-Butane (C₄H₁₀), normal- and iso-Pentane (C₅H₁₂), and the sum of higher hydrocarbons (C₆⁺)
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Inorganic gases:
Nitrogen (N₂), Hydrogen (H₂), Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Carbon monixide (CO), Argon (Ar), Oxygen (O₂) and Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
Detection limits are in the low ppm range (as low as 1 ppm for hydrocarbons), depending on the component (click here for detailled detection limits).
Optionally, we offer a separate analysis for the detection of Helium and/or the measurement of low concentrations of hydrogen.
Analytical Setup
For the measurement of gas composition, we use a home build system, consisting of two modern Agilent gas chromatographs equipped with three analytical columns and 3 detectors. The system is optimized to measure a wide range of gas sample types as well as for the injection of very small volumes.
The system is calibrated multiple times a day with several gas standards.
Sample Types
We accept a wide variety of gas samples, such as:
- Natural gas
- Mudgas
- Biogas
- Process and production gases
- Synthetic (blended) gas
- Headspace gases
- Dissolved gases (from water matrices)
Preferred Containers
We support a broad selection of sample containers and conditions, but for best results, we recommend:
- Swagelok gas cylinders
- Isotube or isojar containers
- Gasbags (we prefer the ones from Calibrated Industries)
- Isoflasks (for water-dissolved gases)
- Labco vials (for low-volume gas samples)
For full guidelines on sample containers, please click here.
Conditions
Ideal conditions are samples that are pressurized to 5-10 bars in cylinders of 300-500ml. However, we can handle samples with a pressure between ca. 0 and 100 bars and volumes down to a few ml.
Why Perform a Compositional Analysis?
Gas composition analysis is crucial for:
- Assessing sample integrity
- Enabling accurate isotope measurements
- Process monitoring
- Determining gas origin or type
- Detecting contamination or mixing
- Quantifying gas wetness
Next Step: Isotopic Analysis
Following compositional analysis, Isolab offers full stable isotope measurements for gases, including carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen isotopes (bulk and compound-specific).