ASTM D7833 is a standard test method for the detection and quantification of hydrocarbons and non-hydrocarbon gases in gaseous mixtures through gas chromatography (GC), using a combination of thermal conductivity detectors (TCD) and a flame ionization detector (FID). GC is used for the hydrocarbon gas/fuel gas and methane radiocarbon dating service to confirm concentration of target gas and potential air intrusion prior to isotopic analysis.

This method applies to non-condensed hydrocarbon gases with carbon numbers from C1 to C5+ and non-hydrocarbon gases, such as H2, CO2, O2, N2, and CO, in gaseous samples. Hydrogen sulfide can be detected but ASTM D7833 may not be able to accurately quantify it.

Calibrated gas compositions include oxygen/argon, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, i-butane, n-butane, i-pentane, n-pentane, C6+, among others.

For details, please see the official page: ASTM D7833 – Standard Test Method for Determination of Hydrocarbons and Non-Hydrocarbon Gases in Gaseous Mixtures by Gas Chromatography.

Gas Samples Accepted for ASTM D7833 Testing

See below the approximate low concentration and high concentration ranges of the following gas samples. Analytical standards are measured and reported within 2% of the average concentration of each component. Final reports are normalized to 100%.

Compound	Low Concentration	High Concentration
Hydrogen	500 ppm	30%
Oxygen/Argon	500 ppm	30%
Nitrogen	500 ppm	30%
Carbon Monoxide	500 ppm	20%
Carbon Dioxide	500 ppm	20%
Hydrogen Sulfide	1000 ppm	2%
C6+ Composite	10 ppm	40%
Methane	1 ppm	90%
Ethane	1 ppm	90%
Ethylene	1 ppm	90%
Propane	1 ppm	50%
Propylene	1 ppm	50%
Acetylene	1 ppm	50%
Isobutane	1 ppm	50%
Propadiene	1 ppm	50%
n-butane	1 ppm	50%
Trans-2-butene	1 ppm	50%
1-butene	1 ppm	50%
Isobutylene	1 ppm	50%
Cis-2-butene	1 ppm	50%
Neopentane	1 ppm	50%
Cyclopentane	1 ppm	50%
Isopentane	1 ppm	50%
Methyl acetylene	1 ppm	50%
n-pentane	1 ppm	50%
1,3-butadiene	1 ppm	50%

Page last updated: June 2026