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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science.

Research

Gas and particle metrology

Impacting everyday lives by underpinning measurements of gas composition and airborne particles

Helping government, industry and consumers make informed decisions

NPL has world-class capability in the accurate production and analysis of gas reference materials to support a wide range of applications. In particular, we provide the underpinning measurement infrastructure, via reference materials and state-of-the-art calibration techniques with unprecedented uncertainties.

Our research has a direct impact on a range of major UK sectors, including: atmospheric monitoring (in particular, greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds); air quality; advanced manufacturing; natural gas trading; hydrocarbon fuel refining; hydrogen fuel quality; vehicle emission monitoring; and breath alcohol legislation.

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Our research

We use the latest techniques in gas and particle research to accurately inform industry and policy-makers on air quality, so we know exactly what we are exposed to.

Industrial gases

We ensure traceability and validation for industrial contamination and processes

Energy gases

We provide reference gases and standards to make accurate and traceable measurements

Environmental gases

We develop gas standards for atmospheric monitoring of pollution

Airborne particle metrology

We analyse physical and chemical properties of airborne particles

Our services

We offer a range of accredited services for monitoring gases and particles. We identify impurities in hydrogen for use in cars and also monitor air quality to ensure it is safe to breathe, in both indoor and outdoor environments, including submarines.

Case study

Enabling the injection of biomethane into the gas grid

Article

Case study

Providing accredited measurements for hydrogen fuel

Article

Our resources

Whether you’re looking for good practice guidance, more information on our research, or our latest publications, we have made a broad range of resources freely available.

Resources

Our team

Our people are leaders in their fields. Take a look at our gas and particle measurement team.
View our team