Regular gas analysis is essential in many industries that rely on a gas distribution system to support manufacturing processes. Typical examples include food and beverages, metal fabrication and manufacturing in general. Analysis is also routinely required in research and university labs.  

These tests – whether routine or ad-hoc – can help establish compliance with purity, health, safety or environmental regulations. Especially in cases where pharmaceutical or medical gases come into contact with the finished product, gas analysis is vital for factories to prove compliance with good manufacturing practice (GMP). Gas analysis may also be needed to validate a new gas pipe/tank installation or approve changes to existing schemes. In addition, analysis can help pinpoint the source of contamination in the process flow, particularly in the event of variations in purity between the cylinder and the point of use.

In-line gas analysers can be expensive to buy, with ongoing costs for calibration gases, operator training, maintenance and repairs adding to the outlay. In addition, many labs and manufacturers would welcome the opportunity to outsource this service to experts so they can focus on their core business and do not have to invest in costly test equipment.

Here at BOC, we can help. We have an extensive portfolio of both in-lab and mobile analytical services to suit all needs. Covering a wide range of substances, we test from percentage values down to parts per million (ppm).  

Staffed by experienced, highly qualified chemists, our ISO 9001-accredited laboratory employs fully validated methods and equipment. You can also rely on us for experience-based troubleshooting support in closing purity gaps.  

Our lab can test to all commonly applied specifications worldwide, including:

• the European Pharmacopoeia (EP)
• the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP)
• the American Pharmacopeia (USP)
• BS EN 12021 (for breathing air)
• Defence Standard 68-284 (for oxygen) and
• Defence Standard 58-96 (for nitrogen). 
  
  

Complementing our extensive in-house capabilities, we also offer mobile services on a one-off or routine basis so you can target the point of interest to you – whether that be a cylinder, tank, pipeline, in-process or post-process test. We also have the skills and equipment for sample collection, so you do not need to worry about taking a sample yourself.

• Low-CAPEX, fast-track route to regulatory and safety compliance
• Instant access to BOC’s testing gases and proven lab expertise
• Full-service package – no maintenance, calibration or staff training required
• Wide spectrum of impurities/substances down to ppm
• Troubleshooting support
• Freedom to focus on core business
• Fast, responsive service to shorten downtime in the event of a production stoppage 

The following table gives an overview of the main substances and purity levels covered by our analytical services:

*ppm= parts per million