Gas Analysis

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

last updated: June 22, 2026

About the Laboratory

Gas Analysis

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

@ Section 3.1 Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry

This Laboratory is part of:

Geochemistry Laboratories laboratory complex
Networks: Geo.X

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Description

Gas geochemistry is an essential aspect in many areas of research, such as volcanology, environmental research and raw materials exploration.

The GFZ's Gas Geochemistry Laboratory (GGL) routinely analyzes most permanent gases. In addition to the gas phase from various sources, process gases (e.g. corrosion and hydrolytic H₂ in boreholes) and synthetic tracer gases (e.g. SF₆) can also be analyzed.

On-site gas sampling (boreholes, active volcanic areas, cave systems, underground salt and gold mines, CO₂ sequestration sites and areas with natural hydrogen emissions) makes up a large part of the GGL team's work. The installation and maintenance of permanent gas measuring stations is also part of the GFZ GGL's work.

Instruments

Gas chromatography - specifically gas-liquid chromatography - involves a sample being vapourised and injected onto the head of the chromatographic column. The sample is transported through the column by the flow of inert, gaseous mobile phase. The column itself contains a liquid stationary phase which is adsorbed onto the surface of an inert solid. (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3 [...] )
GC - Gas Chromatograph
Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector or GC-FID is a common analytical technique that is widely used in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical and natural gas markets. A flame ionization detector (FID) is a scientific instrument that measures the concentration of organic species in a gas stream. It is frequently used as a detector in gas chromatography. An FID typically uses a Hydrogen/Air flame into which the sample is passed to oxidize organic molecules and produces electrically charged particles (ions). The ions are collected and produce an electrical signal which is then measured. (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3 [...] )
GC-FID - Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector
MASS SPECTROMETERS are spectrometers that deal mainly with mass or quantitative amount such as weight in a gravitational field. (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3 [...] )
MS - Mass Spectrometer

Analytical Methods

Gas chromatography - specifically gas-liquid chromatography - involves a sample being vapourised and injected onto the head of the chromatographic column. The sample is transported through the column by the flow of inert, gaseous mobile phase. The column itself contains a liquid stationary phase which is adsorbed onto the surface of an inert solid.
Column chromatography in which the mobile phase is a gas. (Note 1: Gas chromatography is always carried out in a column.) (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2017-0111) (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3 [...] )
GC - Gas Chromatography
Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector or GC-FID is a common analytical technique that is widely used in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical and natural gas markets. A flame ionization detector (FID) is a scientific instrument that measures the concentration of organic species in a gas stream. It is frequently used as a detector in gas chromatography. An FID typically uses a Hydrogen/Air flame into which the sample is passed to oxidize organic molecules and produces electrically charged particles (ions). The ions are collected and produce an electrical signal which is then measured.
Detector in chromatography: Sensor that responds to components in the effluent. (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2017-0111) (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3 [...] )
GC-FID - Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detection
MASS SPECTROMETERS are spectrometers that deal mainly with mass or quantitative amount such as weight in a gravitational field.
Instrument that measures the m/z values and abundances of gas-phase ions. / Study of matter through the formation of gas-phase ions that are characterized using mass spectrometers by their mass, charge, structure, and/or physico-chemical properties. (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-06-04-06) (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3 [...] )
MS - Mass Spectrometry

Laboratory Keywords

Disciplines

Geoscience > Geochemistry > Geochemistry
Geochemistry

The Research Network for Geosciences in Berlin and Potsdam

Gas Analysis

GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

About the Laboratory

Gas Analysis

Access

Description

Instruments

Analytical Methods

Laboratory Keywords

Disciplines

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