How to Distinguish Between Methane and Carbon Monoxide

Initially, it’s important to recognize that both pure methane and carbon monoxide are devoid of odor, while biogas emits an unpleasant smell due to additional gases, rendering smell an ineffective identification tool.

The appropriate approach is to ignite these gases and observe their combustion behaviors. Methane combustion generates a greater number of water molecules compared to that of carbon monoxide.

By individually igniting each gas and then covering the flame with a dry, cool beaker, the formation of condensation on the beaker’s interior signifies methane, whereas its absence indicates carbon monoxide.