Chemical analyses crucial for increased gas use

Energy gases are important not least in the transport sector, which aims to be fossil-free by 2030. Hydrogen can, for example, be used in fuel cells, which is a clean technology with water vapor as the only residual product. Biogas and biomethane also have many advantages in the transition. However, if the gas used is not of the correct composition or purity, it can cause operational problems and serious damages.

“Gas accounts for 20 percent of energy in Europe today but have an even greater potential. In addition to the environmental aspects, Europe can also become more independent by producing more biogas and biomethane instead of importing natural gas. At the same time, chemical analyses of energy gases is a relatively new field that has only developed properly in the last ten years”, says Karine Arrhenius, researcher at RISE who works with chemical analyses and development of quality-assured measurement for energy gases.

Composition and purity requirements

For each area of use, there are specifications with requirements on the quality, composition, and purity of the gas. These requirements exist to protect health or equipment, but also to allow the systems to function optimally. To ensure that the gas meets the requirements, chemical analyses, and quality-assured measurements are required.

“This in turn requires reference material, quality-assured sampling, standards and of course, analysis methods”, says Karine Arrhenius.

Laboratory comparisons important for quality

A large part of the development of these methods and standards takes place in collaboration with European colleagues in projects that RISE both participates in and coordinates. RISE has been involved in developing new ISO standards that are expected to be published next year and has been involved in developing a platform with an overview of various European laboratories that offer services linked to energy gases. RISE both participates in and arranges European laboratory comparisons, which are important for maintaining quality in the laboratory. The participating laboratories analyse a reference gas with a known composition and purity. The results are then compared.

“These comparisons are the best way to show the laboratory’s ability and reliability. It is also a requirement for accreditation to participate in such comparisons. Right now, we are organising two comparisons, one with hydrogen with 13 participating laboratories, and one with biomethane.

In addition to chemical measurements, RISE also works with measurements of gas flow, which is needed in areas such as calibrating flow meters at gas stations, and with testing sensors to be able to handle the gases in a safe way. The sensors can be used to trigger alarms, activate ventilation, or shut down systems to prevent flammable levels of gases. During the production of energy gases, carbon dioxide is also formed which needs to be taken care of, either by storing it (CCS, Carbon Capture and Storage) or by using it (CCUS, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage).

“We could, for example, use the carbon dioxide produced in greenhouses or to produce carbonated drinks. Here, too, there are specifications that require chemical analyses”, says Karine Arrhenius.

New questions and problems

Most measurements and analyses take place in a laboratory environment, but field measurements also occur. Some measurements take place online, i.e., while a production process is in progress. For Karine Arrhenius, this means a never-ending stream of questions and problems that need to be solved.

“We develop new analysis methods through new research, which creates new services for customers, new services bring new customers who have new questions. I have sometimes wondered when there will be a point where no new questions can be found, but it doesn't seem to be coming. There are new gases to be analysed, new mixtures, new standardisation needs, new methods to be developed”, says Karine Arrhenius.