Natural gas analysis
SIAD’s calibrated gas mixtures and its Reference Materials are typically used to calibrate analyzers that measure the composition of incoming natural gas. The gas distributed by the mains network in fact consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons containing mainly methane, ethane, propane, traces of nitrogen, helium and carbon dioxide. This is a crucial measurement in the energy sector, because it indicates the actual quality of the natural gas, which in turn makes it possible to accurately calculate the calorific value on which the gas’s commercial value depends.
Biogas
SIAD gas mixtures and SIAD reference materials are also used to calibrate special analyzers designed to determine whether biogases meet existing regulatory standards. Since biogas has to be mixed with natural gas and piped into the existing distribution networks, it is imperative to know its exact composition in order to ensure safety and prevent damage to the gas networks as a result of possible impurities or particulate. SIAD is accredited to calculate calorific value in accordance with ISO 6976 SIAD gas mixtures and SIAD Reference Materials are also used to calibrate the analytical instruments needed to determine the odorization level of natural gas. This is because sulfur-containing compounds are added to natural gas to give rise to a characteristic odor that enables people to detect it in the event of potentially hazardous leaks. The very low odor thresholds of these sulfurated components mean that they can be detected by the human nose at minimal concentrations. SIAD can supply binary or multicomponent mixtures in a methane or nitrogen matrix. The SIAD Research Laboratory can supply gravimetrically or analytically calibrated gas mixtures and multicomponent Certified Reference Materials containing all the main analytes required by the market. See our Accreditation Tables for further information.
Other uses
Gas mixtures typically containing light hydrocarbons and nitrogen are also used to measure the efficiency of boilers and industrial turbines running on methane: SIAD gas mixtures are used to verify combustion efficiency so as to maximize performance.