Quality evaluation of biogas and biomethane

Renewable gases are playing a crucial role in the transition to cleaner energy. Biogas is produced by, e.g., the anaerobic digestion of organic material, such as manure, food waste and green waste. It can then be upgraded to biomethane. In the process, impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, siloxanes, ammonia and moisture are removed. While biogas is often used in combined heat-and-power (CHP) plants, biomethane can be injected into the gas grid as a substitute for natural gas.

Certification systems are in place to prove that the gas meets EU quality standards and is produced, processed and used sustainably. The certification of biogas and biomethane is sometimes even required by law. It involves measuring and assessing various parameters such as their composition, calorific value and any impurities present in them. Metrology provides the necessary methods and reference materials to measure these parameters accurately and reliably.

Research on biogas and biomethane

VSL has been actively involved in European research projects for over 10 years, developing internationally traceable gas standards and measurement methods for conformity assessments of biogas and biomethane.

The challenges of measuring biogas and biomethane

Reliable measurements are needed to assess the quality of biogas and biomethane. Biogas is a mixture of gases, including methane, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, each of which has different properties and requires different measurement methods. Their composition can vary depending on their source and on conditions such as temperature, pressure and humidity.

The presence of impurities such as sulfur-containing components and siloxanes can also affect the accuracy of measurement results and shorten the lifetime of infrastructure, appliances and measurement equipment. Measuring various impurities is very challenging due to their physical properties, high adsorption and reactivity, cross-interference and other factors. It is therefore essential to use dedicated measuring equipment, SI-traceable gas standards and dedicated measurement methods that meet accuracy and safety requirements.

How VSL can help

VSL provides consultancy, proficiency tests, SI-traceable gas standards, reference materials and calibration services and organises interlaboratory comparisons for biogas and biomethane. VSL is also happy to calibrate, evaluate the performance and certify your own systems and equipment.