Overview
EN ISO 2614:2023 establishes a standardized method for the quantitative analysis of five specific terpenes in biomethane using micro gas chromatography. The standard targets the following terpenes:
- alpha-pinene
- beta-pinene
- para-cymene
- limonene
- 3-carene
This method supports both on-line and offline analysis and is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of biomethane intended for injection into the natural gas grid or for use as a transport fuel. Monitoring terpenes in biomethane is critical as these odoriferous compounds can mask legally required warning odorants, posing potential safety risks.
Key Topics
- Scope and Objective: Defines a micro gas chromatography procedure for accurate quantification of selected terpenes in the range of 1 µmol/mol to 10 µmol/mol in biomethane. The method can be adjusted for higher concentrations if needed.
- Target Compounds: Focuses on the five listed terpenes, recognized for their relevance in biomethane produced from biogas.
- Sampling and Handling: Emphasizes proper sample collection and preparation to prevent adsorption or loss of volatile terpenes. Referenced sampling guidelines minimize contamination or bias.
- Calibration Standards: Specifies preparation and use of calibration gas mixtures to ensure accurate quantification. Calibration gases contain the targeted terpenes in methane.
- Analytical Apparatus: Describes the use of a micro gas chromatograph equipped with a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) and appropriate columns to effectively separate and detect terpenes.
- Quality Assurance: Underlines the need to assess measurement uncertainty, limits of detection, and repeatability, supporting method validation and result reliability.
Applications
EN ISO 2614:2023 is of practical value in various sectors across the biomethane supply chain:
- Biomethane production facilities: Enables operators to monitor and control terpene content, ensuring compliance with safety and quality requirements for biomethane injected into the gas grid.
- Transport fuel suppliers: Supports the quality assurance of biomethane used as a vehicle fuel by providing reliable terpene content data.
- Natural gas distributors and grid operators: Facilitates routine or incident-based analysis of biomethane to safeguard odorant effectiveness and public safety.
- Accredited laboratories: Offers a standardized analytical reference for laboratories performing natural gas and biomethane assessments, promoting methodological consistency across Europe and internationally.
Applying this standard helps identify and mitigate risks related to the masking of odorants, thus supporting regulatory compliance and operational safety in the natural gas sector.
Related Standards
To implement EN ISO 2614:2023 effectively, familiarity with related standards is beneficial:
- ISO 6143: Gas analysis – Comparison methods for determining and checking the composition of calibration gas mixtures.
- ISO 10715: Natural gas – Gas sampling.
- ISO 14532: Natural gas – Vocabulary.
- ISO 16664: Gas analysis – Handling of calibration gases and gas mixtures – Guidelines.
- ISO 19229: Gas analysis – Purity analysis and the treatment of purity data.
These references provide the necessary framework for terminology, sampling, preparation, and quality control in the context of gas analysis, complementing the micro gas chromatography method outlined in EN ISO 2614:2023.
Keywords: EN ISO 2614:2023, biomethane analysis, terpenes in biomethane, micro gas chromatography, natural gas quality, standardization, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, para-cymene, limonene, 3-carene, gas sampling, CEN standards, natural gas grid compliance.