EN ISO 2613-1:2023 PDF

Overview - EN ISO 2613-1:2023 (Analysis of natural gas - Silicon content of biomethane - Part 1)

EN ISO 2613-1:2023 specifies a standardized method to determine the total silicon content in gaseous matrices such as biomethane and biogas. The method collects volatile organosilicon species (predominantly siloxanes, trimethylsilane and trimethylsilanol) by passing a gas sample through liquid absorbents, converts trapped species by derivatization into a stable hexafluorosilicate anion (SiF6 2−) and quantifies silicon by atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) after atomization/ionisation in microwave or inductively coupled plasma. Results are reported as mass of silicon per unit gas volume under standard reference conditions (273 K; 101 325 kPa).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & limits: Applicable up to 5 mg Si/m3 (prevalent use for 0.1–0.5 mg/m3); method detection limit ≈ 0.05 mg/m3 for a 0.020 m3 sample. Can be adapted (absorption efficiency, dilution) for higher concentrations.
• Sampling: Gas drawn through liquid impingers/bubblers (e.g., nitric acid absorbent) to trap volatile organosilicon compounds.
• Derivatization: Trapped organosilicon compounds are chemically converted to soluble hexafluorosilicate ions using controlled addition of hydroxide and hydrofluoric acid reagents.
• Analysis: Measurement of silicon in diluted derivatization media by AES (MWP/ICP-AES). Includes calibration, QC samples, and calculation/reporting procedures.
• Performance: Method precision, measurement uncertainty and expression of results are defined; volumes and concentrations refer to standard reference conditions.
• Safety: Users must apply normal laboratory practice and appropriate precautions (HF and strong acids are used during derivatization).

Applications - who uses this standard

• Biomethane and biogas production labs performing quality control prior to grid injection or vehicle fuel use.
• Gas analysis laboratories and contract testing facilities measuring siloxane/silicon contamination.
• Gas network operators and vehicle fuel regulators enforcing pipeline and fuel specifications.
• Engine and turbine manufacturers assessing fuels to reduce abrasive SiO2 formation and equipment damage.
• R&D teams developing treatment/clean-up processes for organosilicon removal.

Practical value and benefits

• Enables consistent, comparable silicon measurements across laboratories using AES.
• Supports compliance with biomethane injection and transport fuel quality requirements.
• Helps prevent engine/turbine damage by identifying siloxane-related silicon loads and guiding gas treatment.

Related standards

Normative references include ISO 3696 (water for labs), ISO 6143, ISO 14532 (vocabulary), ISO 10715 (gas sampling) and ISO 14912 (conversion of gas data), among others referenced in EN ISO 2613-1:2023.

Keywords: EN ISO 2613-1:2023, silicon content, biomethane, AES, atomic emission spectroscopy, siloxanes, biogas analysis, sampling, derivatization, hexafluorosilicate, detection limit.