Development of standardized methods for the analysis of amines, terpenes and ammonia in biomethane

European Commission targets specify that 32% of the European energy consumption should come from renewable sources by 2030. One of the most promising options to reach this target is gas generation from biomass, especially biomethane, for injection into natural gas grid. EN 16723 presents specifications for VOCs, corrosive components and compressor oil in biomethane, impurities monitored because of integrity of gas infrastructure and for health and safety reasons. Currently, it proposes test methods that are neither harmonized nor validated, and usually not dedicated to biomethane. Launched in June 2017, the EMPIR project 16ENG05 Metrology for Biomethane is aimed for specific, robust and standardized analytical methods development, along with novel and improved reference standards. The present paper focusses on the developed methods for the monitoring of amines, terpenes and ammonia involving μGC-TCD, TD-GC-MS and OFCEAS.