Accurate measurement of gases, particles and process parameters is essential for environmental compliance, process optimization and safety. At AAVOS International, we support industrial users with advanced analyzers based on proven measurement principles, each optimized for specific components and applications.
This guide explains the main measurement principles used in modern monitoring systems and which components are typically measured with each technique.
1. Optical Particle & Aerosol Measurement
(Ambient air & emission monitoring)
Measurement principles
Optical scattering
Condensation Particle Counting (CPC)
Electrical diffusion charging
Gravimetric reference methods
Typical components measured
PM – Particulate Matter
PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10
UFP – Ultrafine Particles
PN – Particle Number
TSP – Total Suspended Particles
TSS – Total Suspended Solids
LDSA – Lung Deposited Surface Area
Black Carbon
Brown Carbon
Dust
Particles
Typical applications
Ambient air quality monitoring
Stack & emission measurements
Occupational exposure monitoring
Health impact assessments
Why it matters: Fine and ultrafine particles are regulated worldwide due to their impact on health and climate.
2. Infrared & Optical Gas Analysis (NDIR, FTIR, UV)
Measurement principles
Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR)
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
UV photometry
Optical absorption spectroscopy
Typical components measured
CO – Carbon Monoxide
CO₂ – Carbon Dioxide
SO₂ – Sulfur Dioxide
NO, NO₂, NOx – Nitrogen Oxides
SOx – Sulphur Oxides
O₃ – Ozone
N₂O – Nitrous Oxide
HCl – Hydrogen Chloride
HF – Hydrogen Fluoride
NH₃ – Ammonia
H₂O – Water
TRS – Total Reduced Sulphur
TS – Total Sulfur
Typical applications
Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)
Industrial stacks and furnaces
Waste incineration
Power generation
Why it matters: Optical methods provide continuous, selective and stable measurements for regulated pollutants.
3. Flame Ionization Detection (FID)
Measurement principle
Ionization of organic compounds in a hydrogen flame
Typical components measured
THC – Total Hydrocarbons
NMHC – Non-Methane Hydrocarbons
VOC – Volatile Organic Compounds
HC – Hydrocarbons
Methane (CH₄)
Typical applications
Emission monitoring
Petrochemical processes
Refinery and chemical plants
VOC compliance monitoring
Why it matters: FID remains the reference technique for hydrocarbon measurement due to its sensitivity and reliability.
4. Gas Chromatography (GC / GC-MS)
Measurement principles
Gas chromatography
GC-FID
GC-MS (mass spectrometry)
Typical components measured
BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylenes)
Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene
Alcohols (Methanol, Ethanol)
Aldehydes (Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde)
Ketones (Acetone)
Organic Acids
Vinyl Acetate
Siloxanes
Halogenated anesthetic gases
Halothane
Isoflurane
Enflurane
Desflurane
Sevoflurane
Typical applications
Process gas analysis
Quality control
Chemical production
Medical and pharmaceutical environments
Why it matters: GC provides compound-specific identification, essential where selectivity is critical.
5. Electrochemical Sensors
Measurement principle
Electrochemical reaction at sensor electrodes
Typical components measured
CO – Carbon Monoxide
NO, NO₂
SO₂
H₂S – Hydrogen Sulfide
NH₃ – Ammonia
O₃ – Ozone
Cl₂ – Chlorine
Typical applications
Safety monitoring
Confined spaces
Leak detection
Portable gas detection
Why it matters: Electrochemical sensors are compact, cost-effective and ideal for local safety monitoring.
6. Thermal Conductivity & Paramagnetic Analysis
Measurement principles
Thermal conductivity detection
Paramagnetic oxygen analysis
Typical components measured
H₂ – Hydrogen
N₂ – Nitrogen
O₂ – Oxygen
Argon (Ar)
Helium (process applications)
Typical applications
Process gas control
Inerting systems
Hydrogen applications
Industrial gas production
7. Elemental Analysis (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF, AAS)
Measurement principles
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)
Typical elements measured
Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hg, I, In, K, La, Lr, Mn, Mo, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Ti, Y, Zr
Typical applications
Environmental monitoring
Soil and water analysis
Industrial quality control
Heavy metal compliance
8. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Analysis
Measurement principles
High-resolution GC-MS
Sample pre-concentration
Typical components measured
Dioxins / Dioxines
Furans
PCDD
PCDF
POPs
Typical applications
Waste incineration
Environmental impact studies
Regulatory compliance
9. Physical & Process Parameters
Measurement principles
Thermal sensors
Capacitive sensors
Flow measurement
Optical turbidity sensors
Acoustic measurement
Typical parameters measured
Temperature
Relative Humidity (%RH)
Airflow
Turbidity
Noise
pH (Acidity)
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Measurement Principle
Each measurement principle has its own strengths, limitations and ideal applications. Selecting the right technology depends on:
The components to be measured
Regulatory requirements
Process conditions
Required accuracy and response time
AAVOS International supports customers in selecting, integrating and maintaining the most appropriate analytical solutions — from ambient air monitoring to complex industrial process analysis.
👉 Contact AAVOS to discuss the right measurement technology for your application.