Overview
ISO 19230:2020 - Gas analysis - Sampling guidelines provides general provisions, definitions and technical guidance for sampling gases for analytical purposes. The standard covers both direct and indirect sampling of gases in pressure receptacles (cylinders, tubes, tanks) and pipelines, and applies to compressed gases and liquefied gases used in processed gas analysis. It focuses on sampling devices, sampling methods, technical considerations (leaks, purging, adsorption, condensation), and sampling safety. ISO 19230:2020 does not cover specialized products already addressed by other standards (e.g., liquefied petroleum gases and natural gas).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Definitions and classification: clear terms for gas, compressed gas, liquefied gas, toxic gas, high/low pressure liquefied gas, and sampling system components.
- Sampling plan and classification: guidance on planning sampling campaigns for different packaging and delivery methods.
- Sampling technical considerations:
- Adsorption, reaction and permeation risks in sampling systems.
- Leak testing and prevention of atmospheric ingress.
- Purging procedures and estimation of purging time/cycles to avoid contamination.
- Homogeneity assessment of gas mixtures and avoiding condensation during sampling of compressed gases.
- Special considerations for liquefied gas sampling and handling evaporated samples.
- Sampling devices and components:
- Sample containers: material selection, structure and appropriate volumes.
- Sample probes, pressure reducers, flow controllers, pumps and lines: materials, length/diameter considerations, connectors and sealing.
- Cleaning, drying and connection procedures for sampling equipment.
- Sampling methods and quality assurance: block diagrams for compressed/liquefied sampling, direct vs indirect sampling, storage and leakage testing of sample containers.
- Safety guidance: general and substance-specific recommendations; identification of hazards and user responsibility for safety measures.
Applications and who uses this standard
ISO 19230:2020 is relevant to:
- Analytical laboratories performing gas composition and impurity testing.
- Gas manufacturers and suppliers designing sampling systems and protocols.
- Process engineers and quality managers in industries using compressed or liquefied gases.
- Metrology institutes, calibration and testing facilities establishing sampling quality assurance.
- Health, safety and environmental officers responsible for safe gas sampling procedures.
Practical uses include developing sampling plans, selecting appropriate sample containers and probes, defining purging and leak-testing routines, and documenting sampling records for traceable gas analysis.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 19230:2020, gas analysis, gas sampling, sampling guidelines, sampling devices, compressed gas, liquefied gas, sampling safety, purge, leak testing, sample container.
