The demand for analytical and flow measurement equipment in the gas industry is often a surprisingly reliable indicator for larger trends across segments. When production is booming, the demand for spot samples from test wells grows with it. When pipeline construction is high, the demand for custody transfer analysis at gate stations and industrial offtakes rise. As emission monitoring evolves, sampling and analysis of the gases involved are widespread and critical. Power generation creates a demand for high pressure metering and real-time analysis, and naturally housing starts demand residential metering. What can we learn from examining the first half of 2025’s equipment demand that may have been surprising to us as last year wanted?
The demand for gas analysis solutions related to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) remains as high, if not higher, than in 2024. According to The RNG Coalition, there are more than 500 operational facilities (producing gas) and approximately the same number either under construction or planned. Projects include traditional landfill, agricultural waste (manure), and wastewater treatment plants with new entries including food waste and grass crops. California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) along with the EPA’s administration of the Clean Air Act, continue to generate incentives for developers and consumers alike. Additionally, several states are in the process of introducing their own versions of the LCFS, with specific goals for food and other solid waste. RNG is acceptable as a fuel into traditional natural gas systems, is a direct replacement for other methane blends, and will be an available source of energy as long as meat, food, and other waste products exist. For these reasons, RNG is anticipated to remain a strong market segment for growth through the end of the decade. Analysis methods used directly in the RNG segment include gas chromatography, infrared absorption spectrometry, Zeeman (effect) spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and electrochemical interaction. Laboratory analysis of samples captured from the field are also widely utilized. Ultrasonic metering has been recently introduced as an acceptable measurement technology for RNG (US Code / Title 42 / Chapter 85 / Section 101) and has become the industry favorite for custody transfer measurement.
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) for both export and domestic use has been one of the greatest growth stories of the past ten years. Large-scale export of US produced LNG has increased from essentially zero in 2013, to over 12 Billion Cubic Feet per Day (BCFD) currently, leading the world in LNG exports. LNG exports are critical as an energy source to both Asia and Europe, neither of which can supply enough energy from domestic resources and are simultaneously committed to carbon reduction. Small scale LNG is a growing segment in North America and is quickly establishing itself as a vital energy source during peak demand periods. LNG can be easily stored (or produced) far from its original source, for quick consumption when pipeline supplies are strained. LNG sampling and analysis requires specialized equipment, designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures (about -256° F, or 113 Kelvin). The extremely cold liquid is vaporized into a gas, after which it can be analyzed using similar gas chromatography equipment as pipeline natural gas.
The requirements of analytical equipment for the power industry are distinctly different than those for custody transfer from pipelines, RNG, or LNG. Power generating equipment is highly tuned for specific fuel mixtures and analytical equipment must determine changes quickly to prevent equipment damage and to maximize power efficiency. Multiple manufacturers have introduced new analyzers, designed for speed, using optical methods of analysis rather than traditional gas chromatography. While chromatography is reliable and extremely accurate, the response time is typically measured in minutes rather than seconds. As the energy markets move toward electrification, and with additional demand from manufacturing reshoring, data, and air conditioning demand, natural gas will continue to grow for another decade as it displaces higher carbon fuel sources.