CiGAS

CiGas evaluates the NF labeling application and the conformity of the NF with respect to the MGs and SOPs.The NFs are visited by the units for audits with the objective to check the performance of the NF according to the MGs and SOP provided by the audit unit. Deviations from data quality objectives (DQOs) deserve special attention. During an audit, the following will be evaluated: (1) The sampling and instrument set-up, (2) the calibration and zero gas systems, (3) the QA/QC procedures implemented, (4) the training and instructions sessions, (5) data from calibration, zero gas, target gas, and standard addition, (6) the data delivery, (7) the results from intercomparison exercises, (8) the uncertainty evaluation, (9) the logbooks (instrument, measurements, station), (10) the scientific use of the data and (11) the overall equipment of the station.

CiGas is involved in improving, testing and developing new instrumentation for assessing the ACTRIS chemical target variables in air. Specifically, the suitability of new instruments for long-term monitoring within ACTRIS and the conformity with the data quality objectives is tested and characterized.

CiGas provides support to the NFs and users for achieving traceability of measurements, quality assurance and quality control of the measurements and the data before submission to public databases. Therefore, data quality and compatibility of ACTRIS trace gas measurements as defined in the MG are ensured by station performance tests as parallel offline measurements, side-by-side intercomparisons, on-site reference measurements, round robins, and by reviewing the data. CiGas provides working standards and target gas to NFs and users, links the measurement of ACTRIS reactive trace gases to primary standards and ensures the state-of-the-art traceability international scales.

CiGas develops measurement Guidelines (MGs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for biogenic NMHCs, OVOCs and condensable vapours and updates the existing ones for anthropogenic NMHCs and NOx), based on proven procedures and methodologies in close cooperation with international bodies (e.g. Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW), National Metrological Institutes (NMIs), AQUILA, EMEP, CEN, ISO), NFs, and users.

Transfer of the necessary expertise to operators of an ACTRIS labeled NF and external users (businesses, researchers, monitoring agencies, etc.) to improve their competencies for conducting measurements, data acquisition, data evaluation, and QA/QC measures while covering up to date guidelines and SOPs for anthropogenic NMHCS, biogenic NMHCs, OVOCs, condensables, and NOx. The consultancy shall be provided to stakeholders, users and private companies upon request.