ABSTRACT

The energy content of natural gas is normally expressed in the United States as B.T.U. per cubic foot. This definition, therefore dictates that a method of measuring B.T.U as well as volume must be considered if total energy is to be measured. There are a number of methods and systems available to measure the B.T.U. of natural gas. This chapter describes one of those methods based on a process gas chromatograph, the Danalyzer, manufactured by Daniel Industries. There are three basic elements in any industrial gas chromatograph: Sample conditioning system, Analyzer and Controller The sample conditioning system provides a representative sample from the pipeline that is filtered and pressure regulated. The sample conditioning system prepares the sample for the sample inject valve. The sample valve performs an extremely exacting function. It must take a precise volume of the sample and inject it into the column each cycle.