ASTM Work Item 43267 Standard Test Method for Dissolved Gases

Oral Presentation

Prepared by A. Jurek
EST Analytical, 503 Commercial Dr., Fairfield, OH, 45036-9180, United States


Contact Information: ajurek@estanalytical.com; 513-642-0100


ABSTRACT

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” in order to recover natural gas from deep beneath the earth’s surface. As a result of this drilling, there has also been a rise in the concern of gases escaping during the “fracking” process and contaminating nearby water sources. In order to test for the possible dissolved gas contamination, most laboratories refer to a standard operating procedure entitled “RSK-175”. This procedure calls for static headspace sampling of the water samples and calculating the amount of dissolved gas using Henry’s Constant. However, as RSK-175 is standard operating procedure and not a formal method, interpretations can vary. In order to address this issue, a formal method is currently being written by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Committee D-19. This presentation will discuss the ASTM Standard Test Method for Dissolved Gases that is currently under review.