referansegasser

Referansegasser are standard gases or certified gas mixtures that contain known and documented concentrations of one or more components. They are used as reference points to calibrate and validate analytical instruments and measurement procedures, ensuring that results are accurate, traceable, and comparable across laboratories and over time.

A typical referansegass may include one or several target gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, or volatile organic compounds, often present at parts per million or parts per billion levels. They can be produced by gravimetric or dynamic dilution methods and are issued with certificates that specify nominal values, expanded uncertainties, lot or cylinder identifiers, and traceability to national or international metrology institutes.

Applications span environmental monitoring, industrial hygiene, process control, and research. They are used to calibrate instruments such as gas chromatography, GC‑MS, infrared or laser-based trace gas analyzers, and other detectors, forming the basis for calibration curves, instrument validation, and quality assurance programs.

Production and quality control are conducted under controlled conditions to maintain purity and stability. Traceability to the SI units is established through reference materials and national metrology institutes. Certificates accompany each batch, documenting the intended concentration, uncertainty, storage conditions, and expiry date.

Storage and handling are important to maintain integrity. Cylinders are designed for gas use, with appropriate regulators and materials chosen to minimize sorption or reaction. Users should monitor for drift, leakage, and shelf life, and verify the gas mix periodically as part of routine calibration procedures. See also calibration gases, certified reference materials, and traceability in metrology.