Analysis of natural gas — Determination of sulfur compounds — Determination of hydrogen sulfide by laser absorption spectroscopy

This document describes a method for the online determination of hydrogen sulfide content in natural gas by laser absorption spectroscopy. The analytical range expressed as mole fraction is 1 μmol/mol to 50 μmol/mol.

Analyse du gaz naturel — Détermination des composés soufrés — Détermination du sulfure d’hydrogène par spectroscopie par absorption laser

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
27-Jan-2026
Current Stage
6060 - International Standard published
Start Date
28-Jan-2026
Due Date
08-Feb-2027
Completion Date
28-Jan-2026

Overview

ISO 24894:2026 specifies an analytical method for the online determination of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) content in natural gas using laser absorption spectroscopy. Designed for precise detection, the method operates within an analytical range of 1 μmol/mol to 50 μmol/mol (mole fraction). The standard outlines calibration, measurement devices, sample preparation, and result reporting, supporting accurate monitoring of sulfur compounds in natural gas streams. Adoption of this standard enables rapid, automated, and reliable quantification of H₂S, contributing to operational safety and compliance with regulatory limits in the natural gas industry.

Key Topics

  • Hydrogen Sulfide Measurement: Focused on quantifying H₂S in natural gas using advanced laser absorption spectroscopy, which delivers high sensitivity and selectivity.
  • Analytical Range: The method is validated for a mole fraction range from 1 μmol/mol to 50 μmol/mol, addressing typical concentrations found in commercial natural gas.
  • Calibration and Quality Control: Emphasizes the importance of using calibration gas mixtures and periodic validation in accordance with related ISO gas analysis standards.
  • Measurement Devices and Operation: Includes guidance on instrument setup, such as the use of semiconductor lasers, filtering systems, pressure and flow control, and passivated pipeline components.
  • Sample Handling: Recommends proper sample collection and handling protocols to prevent contamination and ensure accuracy, referencing ISO 10715 for sampling procedures.
  • Performance and Precision: Defines repeatability and uncertainty requirements, with data-driven limits based on collaborative laboratory studies.

Applications

The method established by ISO 24894:2026 offers practical value across the natural gas sector:

  • Continuous Process Monitoring: Enables real-time, online measurements of hydrogen sulfide in pipelines and process streams, facilitating immediate detection and control.
  • Gas Quality Assurance: Ensures compliance with contractual and regulatory specifications by providing reliable H₂S quantification, preventing corrosion, environmental harm, and safety hazards.
  • Custody Transfer and Billing: Supports accurate documentation of gas composition for commercial transactions, where sulfur content may influence pricing or acceptance.
  • Operational Safety: Minimizes the risk of damage to infrastructure and personnel by providing rapid feedback about H₂S concentrations, allowing timely interventions.
  • Research and Development: Useful in laboratories and technical centers developing new materials or optimizing natural gas purification processes.

Related Standards

ISO 24894:2026 integrates harmoniously with a suite of standards for natural gas analysis and sulfur compound determination:

  • ISO 6143: Gas Analysis - Comparison methods for determining and checking calibration gas mixtures.
  • ISO 10715: Natural Gas - Gas Sampling.
  • ISO 12963: Gas Analysis - Comparison methods for calibration (one- and two-point methods).
  • ISO 14532: Natural Gas - Vocabulary.
  • ISO 16960: Determination of total sulfur by oxidative microcoulometry.
  • ISO 19739: Determination of sulfur compounds using gas chromatography.
  • ISO 20729: Determination of total sulfur by ultraviolet fluorescence.
  • ISO 20676: Hydrogen sulfide content by laser absorption spectroscopy (upstream area).
  • ISO 11626: Determination of hydrogen sulfide by UV absorption.
  • ISO 4259-1: Precision of measurement methods and results - Statistical evaluation.

The adoption of ISO 24894:2026 fosters interoperability, consistency, and high-quality data across global natural gas operations, supporting both regulatory compliance and industry best practices.

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ISO 24894:2026 - Analysis of natural gas — Determination of sulfur compounds — Determination of hydrogen sulfide by laser absorption spectroscopy Released:28. 01. 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 24894:2026 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Analysis of natural gas — Determination of sulfur compounds — Determination of hydrogen sulfide by laser absorption spectroscopy". This standard covers: This document describes a method for the online determination of hydrogen sulfide content in natural gas by laser absorption spectroscopy. The analytical range expressed as mole fraction is 1 μmol/mol to 50 μmol/mol.

This document describes a method for the online determination of hydrogen sulfide content in natural gas by laser absorption spectroscopy. The analytical range expressed as mole fraction is 1 μmol/mol to 50 μmol/mol.

ISO 24894:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.060 - Natural gas. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ISO 24894:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


International
Standard
ISO 24894
First edition
Analysis of natural gas —
2026-01
Determination of sulfur compounds
— Determination of hydrogen
sulfide by laser absorption
spectroscopy
Analyse du gaz naturel — Détermination des composés soufrés
— Détermination du sulfure d’hydrogène par spectroscopie par
absorption laser
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Reagents and material . 2
5.1 Calibration gas .2
5.2 Methane .2
5.3 Absorption solution for hydrogen sulfide .3
6 Measurement device . 3
6.1 General requirements .3
6.2 Laser generator .3
6.3 Pretreatment system .3
6.3.1 Filter unit .3
6.3.2 Pressure control unit .3
6.3.3 Flow control unit .3
7 Sample . 3
8 Measurement . 4
8.1 Preparation .4
8.2 Calibration of analyser .4
8.2.1 Calibration frequency .4
8.2.2 Calibration procedure.4
8.2.3 Calibration method .4
9 Analysis . . 4
10 Precision and measurement uncertainty . 4
10.1 Repeatability .4
10.2 Uncertainty evaluation .5
11 Test report . 5
Annex A (informative) Example of statistical procedure for estimation of the repeatability . 6
Bibliography . 9

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
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with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
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Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 193, Natural gas, Subcommittee SC 1, Analysis
of natural gas.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
Five methods for determination of sulfur compounds in natural gas already exist as International Standards:
ISO 16960, ISO 19739, ISO 20729, ISO 20676, ISO 11626.
Laser absorption spectroscopy is a more efficient method compared with chemical titration because it is
an optical and instrumental method. It offers a more convenient and more stable means to analyse H S in
natural gas.
v
International Standard ISO 24894:2026(en)
Analysis of natural gas — Determination of sulfur compounds
— Determination of hydrogen sulfide by laser absorption
spectroscopy
1 Scope
This document describes a method for the online determination of hydrogen sulfide content in natural gas
by laser absorption spectroscopy. The analytical range expressed as mole fraction is 1 μmol/mol to 50 μmol/
mol.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 6143, Gas analysis — Comparison methods for determining and checking the composition of calibration gas
mixtures
ISO 10715, Natural gas — Gas sampling
ISO 12963, Gas analysis — Comparison methods for the determination of the composition of gas mixtures based
on one- and two-point calibration
ISO 14532, Natural gas — Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 14532 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Principle
A sketch of the measuring principle is shown in Figure 1. The semiconductor laser generator generates a
laser beam: the laser beam goes through the sample in a gas chamber and reflects many times between the
high reflectivity mirrors at both ends. Then, the laser beam is detected by the photoelectric sensor. The
energy of the laser beam is attenuated because of the absorption by the test sample. The absorbance obeys
the Beer-Lambert law. which describes the relationship between the absorbance and the mole fraction of (in
this case) hydrogen sulfide.
Al ·· c (1)
where
A is the absorbance;
-1 -1
εε
is the molar absorption coefficient (M cm );
l is the optical path length (cm);
c is the molar concentration (mol/L or M).

Key
1 analytical unit
2 laser generator
3 mirror
4 gas chamber
5 sensor
a
Gas input.
b
Gas output.
Figure 1 — Working principle of the hydrogen sulfide laser absorption analyser
5 Reagents and material
5.1 Calibration gas
Calibration shall be performed in accordance with ISO 6143. Hydroge
...

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