Determination of propene, propylene

Propene , also known as propylene , is a gas measurement technique used to measure the concentration of this hydrocarbon gas in industrial gases, ambient air, or effluents. This volatile compound is both a major chemical intermediate and a regulated air pollutant , the detection of which is essential for industrial safety and environmental monitoring.

The analysis is carried out by GC-FID (gas chromatography with flame ionization detection) or GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry), reference techniques for the precise quantification of light hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Propene: a strategic industrial gas and a monitored pollutant

Propene C₃H₆ , CAS No. 115-07-1) is an alkene belonging to the hydrocarbon family. It is produced mainly during the catalytic cracking of petroleum , the dehydrogenation of propane or catalytic reforming , and is an essential raw material for the chemical industry.

Propene is used in particular for the manufacture of:

• polypropylene (PP) , one of the most common plastic polymers,
• propylene oxide , acetone and isopropanol ,
• alcohols and technical solvents.

Environmentally, propene is also emitted during incomplete combustion (engines, boilers, incinerators) and can contribute to the formation of tropospheric ozone . As such, it is one of the hydrocarbons regulated in air quality monitoring and industrial impact studies.

Objectives and interest of propene dosage

The dosage of propene responds to several challenges depending on the analysis context:

• control the purity of industrial gases used in chemical processes,
• quantify atmospheric emissions from classified sites (ICPE),
• assess the occupational exposure of operators in production or storage areas,
• monitor the performance of filtration or combustion devices,
• verify regulatory compliance with environmental and safety standards.

The commonly analyzed matrices are:

• process or feed gases
• atmospheric discharges and gaseous effluents,
• ambient air or industrial workshops ,
• petrochemical products or technical solvents.

Analytical methods used

Propene is analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) , the reference method for the detection and quantification of hydrocarbon gases.

• GC-FID (Flame Ionization Detection) : The preferred method for routine quantification of propene in pure gases, effluents, or industrial emissions. The FID detector offers excellent sensitivity for volatile carbon compounds.
• GC-MS (Mass Spectrometry) : Used for complex matrices or confirmatory analyses, this method combines chromatographic separation with specific detection by mass spectrometry, guaranteeing unambiguous identification.

Samples can be taken by:

• adsorbent tubes with thermal desorption,
• waterproof bottles or bags (Tedlar® type),
• or online sampling systems coupled with chromatography.

The results are expressed in mg/m³ or in ppm , depending on the regulations or industrial specifications.

For expanded monitoring, this analysis can be combined with the measurement of propane, butane, methane and total VOCs, or with the measurement of carbon monoxide (CO).

Industrial and regulatory applications

Propene dosage is used in several professional contexts:

• Chemical and petrochemical industry : control of the purity of propene used as raw material in the manufacture of polymers, solvents and additives.
• Environment and air quality : monitoring of VOC emissions in accordance with Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions (IED).
• Hygiene and safety at work : monitoring of work atmospheres to comply with occupational exposure limit values ​​(OELVs) established by INRS.
• Classified installations (ICPE) : assessment of the effectiveness of pollution control devices (filters, catalytic oxidation).
• Risk studies and atmospheric modeling : characterization of hydrocarbon emissions for environmental impact management.

These measures contribute to the control of industrial emissions, operator safety and regulatory compliance of installations.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab works with partner laboratories specialized in the analysis of gases, atmospheres and VOCs , with high-precision GC-FID and GC-MS equipment.

ISO 17025 , NF EN 13649 and ASTM D2163 standards , guaranteeing the reliability and traceability of the results. The protocols are adapted to the matrix and requirements of each customer (air, technical gas, effluent, chemical product).

The YesWeLab scientific team supports manufacturers in the choice of sampling methods, the interpretation of results and the definition of compliance thresholds.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab simplifies the complete management of analyses: requesting quotes, tracking samples and receiving technical reports online.

Since 2020, many players in the chemical, petrochemical and environmental industries have trusted YesWeLab for the monitoring and quality control of their gases and volatile compounds.

Technical data

• Methods: GC-FID, GC-MS
• Expertise: Physicochemical
• Sectors of activity: Environment, chemistry, petrochemistry, industrial safety
• Measured parameters: Propene (C₃H₆) – unsaturated hydrocarbon gas
• Normative references: ISO 17025, NF EN 13649, ASTM D2163

For any specific request, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and recommendations tailored to your regulatory and technical needs.