For more information contact

Brad Hall (+1 303 497 7011)

Quality standards are essential in order to properly interpret measurements of atmopsheric trace gases. We have been preparing our own compressed gas standards for over 20 years. Standards for various halocarbons including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), methyl halides, halons, chlorinated solvents, and other gases are prepared gravimetrically as primary standards in our laboratory. These standards are then used to calibrate secondary and tertiary gas mixtures that are used within NOAA as well as other federal, state, and private laboratories world-wide. The secondary and tertiary standards normally contain dried, natural air collected using a pumping system located at Niwot Ridge, Colorado.

Gravimetric standards are prepared by mixing aliquots of pure gaseous or liquid reagents with ultra-pure air.  Lower level standards are prepared by static dilution.

Manifold
Dilution manifold
Balances Voland
Balances used in the preparation of gravimetric standards
cylinders

We use three types of cylinder for primary standards. The majority of our standards have been prepared in Aculife-treated aluminum cylinders (size AL-30 or AL-150) purchased from Scott Specialty Gases. For nitrous oxide and sulfur hexafluoride we use aluminum cylinders that are not Aculife-treated (purchased from Scott-Marrin Inc.). These cylinders are cleaned and filled with ultra-pure air prior to use. The third type of cylinder used is a stainless steel cylinder certified for transport at 900 psig (Essex Cryogenics). These electopolished cylinders are used primarily for compounds known to be unstable in Aculife-treated aluminum, such as CH3Br and CH3Cl. We are continuing to investigate the stability of a number of trace gases in various types of cylinders.

A number of gravimetric standards are often used to define a calibration scale.   Scales are defined based on a specific set of primary standards. Scales are named according to the year in which they are adopted. Calibration Scales

We also prepare tertiary standards at near-ambient mixing ratios for other organizations performing research related to our lab's mission. Standards can be analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture or mass spectrometric detection.  Our clients have included the German Environmental Agency (UBA), US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), South African Weather Service, University of Colorado, Harvard University, and many other organizations. Calibration Services