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GC determines BTUs

Journal Article · · Ind. Res.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5157618

Conventionally, the heat value of a gas has been determined by use of a standard calorimeter. Scientists have now developed gas chromatography equipment for separation of the natural gas into its components: methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, n-butane, isopentane, n-pentane, hexanes, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen. By assigning a heat value, related to the heat of combustion, to each component separated by the GC, and applying the peak heights for the respective components, they are able to assign a heat value to the gas mixture. All selling costs are based on the heating value--the therm basis (a therm is 10/sup 5/ BTU). By the GC method, one can assess heat values with a total analysis time of five to six minutes per sample. The accuracy of 1/sup 0///sub 0/ is well within the requirements for pipeline and wellhead measurements. Also, the small sample size permits ready storage and handling prior to analysis.

OSTI ID:
5157618
Journal Information:
Ind. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Ind. Res.; (United States); ISSN IDRSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English