ABSTRACT
The method for calculating the gross heating value from the recommended values will be outlined. In the gas industry, the value of natural gases are based on their gross heating values. The relative density can be determined from a knowledge of the molar volumes of the component gases as a function of temperature and pressure and selected binary mixture properties. The gross heating value of a fuel is also used to determine the price of gas in custody transfer, and it is required to calculate the efficiencies of energy conversion devices such as gas turbines. The specific gravity of the gas is required for calculating flow through pipes and orifices and to establish the relationship between the amounts of gas measured volumetrically to the corresponding mass or molar amounts. Natural gas consists of methane with small amounts of other hydrocarbons, principally in the range of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, water, and hydrogen sulfide.
