The DVGW

Your network of excellence in the gas and water industry

The DVGW supports the gas and water industry in all technical and scientific areas. The main focus of the Association’s work is on safety and hygiene as well as environmental and consumer protection. The DVGW elaborates technical rules designed to promote the technical self-management of the German gas and water industry, thus ensuring the safe and secure supply of gas and water according to the highest international standards. The Association, which was founded in 1859, currently has approximately 14,000 members. The DVGW is free from economic and political influences.

www.dvgw.de/english-pages

DVGW Research Center at Engler-Bunte-Institut of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
DVGW Research Center at Engler-Bunte-Institut of KIT
Bitte auf den Obermenüpunkt klicken!
Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer

Fuel analytics

Comprehensive characterisation of all types of fuels

In the fuel laboratory the focus is on characterising gaseous, liquid and solid fuels. In particular, we study the physical/chemical properties, composition, accompanying and trace substances as well as the generation of educts and intermediates. We offer our expertise as a service. This ranges from individual analyses, e.g. for quality assurance, through to permanent measurement campaigns as well as the set up and management of complex test apparatus. Our laboratory is an accredited test laboratory in line with DIN EN ISO 17025 for selected analysis methods and sampling techniques. (D-PL-12098-01-01). What’s more, we are constantly working to develop new and improve existing measurement methods and sampling techniques. We also carry out independent research projects and provide professional and practical support for various other such projects.
In the fuel laboratory the focus is on characterising gaseous, liquid and solid fuels. In particular, we study the physical/chemical properties, composition, accompanying and trace substances as well as the generation of educts and intermediates. We offer our expertise as a service. This ranges from individual analyses, e.g. for quality assurance, through to permanent measurement campaigns as well as the set up and management of complex test apparatus. Our laboratory is an accredited test laboratory in line with DIN EN ISO 17025 for selected analysis methods and sampling techniques. (D-PL-12098-01-01). What’s more, we are constantly working to develop new and improve existing measurement methods and sampling techniques. We also carry out independent research projects and provide professional and practical support for various other such projects.
Physical/chemical analytics: laboratory equipment
Gas chromatography
Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer
The gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer system enables high-precision investigations. © Matthias Bitsch
  • 5 stationary gas chromatographs and 4 mobile micro-gas chromatographs with different injector/detector configurations and sample injector systems.
  • A gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) system with two analysis lines and fully-automated sampler for liquid and gaseous samples (incl. Headspace technique)
  • Two GC-MS systems, each with an analysis line (freely configurable, for research projects) and fully-automated samplers for liquid and gaseous samples (incl. Headspace technique)
  • Two mobile GC-IMS systems for detecting organic silicon compounds (siloxanes) and sulphur compounds

Analysis of the composition of natural gas, CNG, LNG/LBG, RE gases (e.g. from PtX processes), biogases, H2 gases, synthesis gas and liquid gas using specific detectors. Detection of higher hydrocarbons up to C100 using FID screening (simulated distillation) or PIONA analysis. Execution of GC-MS analyses to identify unknown trace substances. Detection of secondary gas substances (BTEX, organic silicon compounds, sulphur components) and odorant concentrations

Mass spectroscopy system with two analysis lines (IMR-MS and EI-MS) for the simultaneous detection of the main gaseous components as a percentage and trace gases in the ppm and ppb range.

Analysis of high-purity hydrogen and characterisation of accompanying substances in the ultratrace range

  • Two elemental analysers with fully-automated samplers
    Determination of the elemental composition of solid and liquid samples with regard to the content of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur (CHNS) after combustion and the detection of the specific thermal conductivity.
  • Analysis to quantify secondary gas substances, especially to determine the total sulphur content in gases, natural gas and CNG via UV fluorescence.
  • Atomic emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES)
    Determination of the elemental composition of liquid and solid samples
  • Two ion chromatographs for detecting anions and cations, with fully-automated combustion and samplers for liquid, solid and gaseous samples.

Determination of the content of halogens, phosphorous, sulphur, selected alkaline and alkaline earth metals in solid, liquid and gaseous samples, with various combustion methods (e.g. Wickbold, Grote-Krekele or hydro-pyrolytic)

  • Pensky-Martens flash point analyser with fully-automated sampler
  • Cleveland flash point analyser

Detection of the flash point of liquid fuels based on various standards (DIN, ASTM)

Calorimeter
Installation of a sample in the calorimeter © Matthias Bitsch
  • Bomb calorimeter

Determination of the calorific value of solid and liquid fuels

  • Flexural resonator/density meter
  • Helium pycnometer

Determination of the density of liquids (0 – 150 °C) and solids

Laboratory staff
The evaluation of the results is carried out carefully and with many years of experience. © Matthias Bitsch
  • Rheometer with various measurement geometries

Determination of the dynamic viscosity in various temperature ranges

  • Area meter to determine the mass-based specific surface via BET measurement (physisorption)
  • Determination of the catalytic surface via chemisorption (TPD, TPO, TPR)
  • Contact angle microscope to determine the wetting properties of liquids
  • Apparatus for determining the ignition temperature of fuels
  • ATR infrared spectrometer to characterise liquid and pasty samples (e.g. FAME content in diesel samples)
  • Thermo balance to investigate the change in mass of liquid and solid samples depending on temperature and time
  • TG-MS to investigate the change in mass of liquid and solid samples depending on temperature and time, and the analysis of reaction products using mass spectrometry
  • Pressure-thermo balance to investigate the change in mass of liquid and solid samples depending on temperature, time and pressure
  • Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), e.g. to investigate structural transitions and phase changes
  • Test apparatus for investigating gas solubility in liquids at defined temperatures and pressures
  • Test apparatus for investigating the evaporation residue of liquid gas (LPG)
  • Laboratory apparatus for the cryogenic liquefaction of natural gas (LNG)
Muffle furnace
Muffle furnace for ashing samples and annealing vessels © Matthias Bitsch
  • Examination of the water and ash content as well as the content of volatile substances
  • Fuel characterisation (e.g. diesel, biodiesel, e-fuels)
  • Studies on products of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
  • Determination of the composition of sulphurous and sulphur-free odorants
  • Olfactory tests on odorants
  • Production of test gases containing odorants

Mobile laboratory and sampling

We have a modular, mobile laboratory for on-site analysis and sampling.

Equipment

  • Two GC-IMS systems for detecting organic silicon compounds (siloxanes) and sulphur compounds
  • Three micro-gas chromatographs to analyse the gas quality of natural gas and biogas, CNG, LNG/LBG and hydrogen as well as to determine odorant concentrations

Various sampling systems

  • Two sampling systems for CNG (determination of gas composition, compressor oil content and solid particles)
  • Sampling system for LNG filling stations
  • Sampling system for H2 filling stations
  • LPG sampling
‏‏‎

The connection with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology gives us the opportunity to conduct countless additional analyses and take advantage of outstanding scientific expertise across a range of issues.

Overview of relevant accreditations, standards and guidelines

Find out about the organisations with which the research centre is accredited here

Find out more
Contacts
If you have any questions on fuel analysis, please contact
General questions about the fuel laboratory
Jochen Schütz
Gastechnologie ∙ Gruppenleiter Brennstofflabor
Phone+49 721 608-41232
email us
Requests to commission services
Catherine Notar
GASTECHNOLOGIE ∙ BRENNSTOFFLABOR Chemietechnikerin
Phone+49 721 608 41233
email us
Further testing services

Hydrogen in the Test Laboratory Gas

The safe introduction of hydrogen is a cross-cutting task at the Test Laboratory Gas

Find out more

Materials

Sealing and corrosion protection materials, auxiliary supplies and more

Find out more

Fittings

Valves, regulators, connectors and more

Find out more

Gas appliances

From the camp stove through to combined heat and power units

Find out more

Electrical engineering

Electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety

Find out more

Bildmotiv Seitenanfang: © Matthias Bitsch