LNG Testing Services
A single contaminant can shut down a train or put a cargo in dispute. SPL delivers defensible data at every stage, from feed gas to final cargo. Talk to our LNG Team.
Defensible Data From Feed Gas to Final Cargo
LNG facilities run on tight specifications. Feed gas has to reach the cold box without excess CO2, sulfur, or heavy hydrocarbons. Amine systems have to keep treating without foaming or losses. When a cargo changes hands, composition and heating value have to hold up for both buyer and seller.
SPL’s LNG testing services cover each of those points. Our laboratory scientists analyze feed gas, custody transfer samples, amine solutions, and condensate using recognized GPA and ASTM methods. Our field measurement teams investigate fugitive leaks and production losses, verify calibration blends, and maintain the sample cylinders your results depend on. The two teams work together, so you get one answer, from the sample to the source, instead of two sets of numbers to reconcile.
For facilities that run their own labs, SPL goes a step further. We build, equip, and staff laboratories at operating LNG facilities, from commissioning through startup, and we train the people who will run them for the long term.
SPL has delivered hydrocarbon testing and measurement since 1944. With 30+ locations nationwide, including laboratories in Alaska, we support LNG operations wherever they run, with defensible data your commercial, operations, and engineering teams can act on.
Supporting LNG Operations at Every Stage
- LNG Export Terminals: Custody transfer, condensate, and on-site lab support
- Liquefaction Facilities: Feed gas composition, amine health, and cold box protection
- Feed Gas Producers and Midstream Pipelines: Gas composition and sulfur data at the point of supply
- LNG Marketers and Traders: Composition and sulfur data using recognized methods
- Project Owners and EPC Contractors: Laboratory commissioning, staffing, and equipment procurement
Our LNG Testing Services
LNG Custody Transfer Analysis
We deliver accurate gas composition and sulfur data for every cargo.
- Natural gas composition: GPA 2261
- Extended hydrocarbon analysis: GPA 2286
- Sulfur compounds: ASTM D5504 / GPA 2199, ASTM D6228
- H2S and CO2: GPA 2377
- Noncondensable gases: ASTM D2504
LNG Condensate Characterization
We profile condensate composition to support sales specs, blending, and handling.
- Extended liquid analysis: GPA 2186
- Vapor pressure: ASTM D5191
- PIANO analysis: ASTM D6730, including Atmospheric or Pressurized Samples
Amine Analysis
Healthy amine systems keep CO2 and sulfur out of the cold box. We test for the problems that cause foaming, losses, and off-spec gas.
- Foaming tendency
- Amine concentration
- Amine speciation by GC
- Oxygenate and surfactant contamination
- Particulates
Field and Measurement Services
Our measurement teams go where the problem is.
- Fugitive leak investigations
- Production loss investigations
- Calibration blend verification
- Sample cylinder inspection and maintenance
- Natural gas sulfur emission testing
Laboratory Support Services
Need help running an on-site lab? SPL can build, equip, and manage it.
- Laboratory commissioning and staffing
- Packaged laboratory equipment and instrument procurement
- Laboratory consulting and audits
- Staff development and training
Recognized Methods and Accredited Quality
SPL follows recognized GPA and ASTM methods for LNG gas and liquid analysis, the same standards named in natural gas and LNG commercial agreements. Our Houston hydrocarbon laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, and every SPL laboratory operates under documented quality systems built to produce defensible data.
LNG Support Wherever You Operate
With 30+ locations nationwide, including laboratories in Houston, Texas and Broussard, Louisiana – right in the heart of the Gulf Coast Energy Corridor. With a presence in every major US Oil Basin, SPL supports LNG facilities across the country. Our field measurement teams travel to your site, and our on-site laboratory teams can be stationed at your facility from commissioning through startup.
LNG Testing Services FAQ
What LNG testing services does SPL offer?
SPL offers LNG testing at every stage of the process. Services include custody transfer analysis for gas composition and sulfur, feed gas analysis, amine system testing, and LNG condensate characterization. Our field measurement teams handle fugitive leak and production loss investigations, calibration blend verification, sample cylinder maintenance, and sulfur emission testing. SPL also builds, equips, and staffs on-site laboratories at LNG facilities.
Which GPA and ASTM methods does SPL use for LNG analysis?
SPL uses GPA 2261 for natural gas composition, GPA 2286 for extended hydrocarbons, ASTM D5504 / GPA 2199 and ASTM D6228 for sulfur compounds, GPA 2377 for H2S and CO2, and ASTM D2504 for noncondensable gases. For LNG condensate, we use GPA 2186 for extended liquid analysis, ASTM D5191 for vapor pressure, and ASTM D6730 for PIANO analysis.
Does SPL support LNG facilities outside of Texas?
Yes. SPL operates 30+ locations nationwide, including laboratories in Alaska and our headquarters in Houston. Our field measurement teams travel to LNG facilities, and our laboratory support teams can staff on-site labs wherever your operation runs.
How quickly can SPL turn around LNG sample results?
Turnaround depends on the method, sample volume, and the location receiving the samples. SPL’s laboratory and field teams coordinate closely, so urgent questions like production losses or off-spec gas get fast attention. Contact our LNG team to set turnaround expectations for your testing program.
Can SPL staff and run an on-site laboratory at our LNG facility?
Yes. SPL staffs and runs laboratories at operating LNG facilities, from commissioning through startup. We handle laboratory commissioning and staffing, packaged equipment and instrument procurement, laboratory consulting and audits, and staff development and training.
Why test amine systems at an LNG plant?
Amine systems remove CO2 and H2S before gas reaches liquefaction. A degraded or contaminated amine solution can cause foaming, amine losses, and off-spec gas that puts the cold box at risk. SPL tests foaming tendency, amine concentration, amine speciation by GC, oxygenate and surfactant contamination, and particulates so operators can correct problems early.
How do I start LNG testing with SPL?
Starting is simple. Email info@spllabs.com or use the Request a Quote form to tell us about your facility, sample points, and testing needs. Our LNG team will recommend methods, sampling and shipping logistics, and a schedule that fits your operation, whether you need routine analysis, a field investigation, or a full on-site laboratory.
Put Defensible Data Behind Every Cargo
From feed gas and amine health to custody transfer and on-site lab staffing, SPL supports LNG operations wherever they run.