ASTM D3588

The heating value is a measure of the suitability of a pure gas or a gas mixture for use as a fuel; it indicates the amount of energy that can be obtained as heat by burning a unit of gas. For use as heating agents, the relative merits of gases from different sources and having different compositions can be compared readily on the basis of their heating values. Therefore, the heating value is used as a parameter for determining the price of gas in custody transfer. It is also an essential factor in calculating the efficiencies of energy conversion devices such as gas-fired turbines. The heating values of a gas depend not only upon the temperature and pressure, but also upon the degree of saturation with water vapor. However, some calorimetric methods for measuring heating values are based upon the gas being saturated with water at the specified conditions.

The relative density (specific gravity) of a gas quantifies the density of the gas as compared with that of air under the same conditions.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers procedures for calculating heating value, relative density, and compressibility factor at base conditions (14.696 psia and 60°F (15.6°C)) for natural gas mixtures from compositional analysis. It applies to all common types of utility gaseous fuels, for example, dry natural gas, reformed gas, oil gas (both high and low Btu), propane-air, carbureted water gas, coke oven gas, and retort coal gas, for which suitable methods of analysis as described in Section 6 are available. Calculation procedures for other base conditions are given.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

ANSI Standard
ANSI Z 132.1-1969: Base Conditions of Pressure and Temperature for the Volumetric Measurement of Natural Gas ,
ASTM Standards
D1717 Method for Analysis of Commercial Butane-Butene Mixtures and Isobutylene by Gas Chromatography
D1945 Test Method for Analysis of Natural Gas by Gas Chromatography
D1946 Practice for Analysis of Reformed Gas by Gas Chromatography
D2163 Test Method for Analysis of Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases and Propane Concentrates by Gas Chromatography
D2650 Test Method for Chemical Composition of Gases by Mass Spectrometry
GPA Standards
GPSA Data Book, Fig. 23-2, Physical Constants
TRC Document
TRC Thermodynamic Tables—Hydrocarbons

Index Terms

heat value; compressibility factor; relative density; gaseous fuels; ICS Number Code 75.160.30 (Gaseous fuels)

Citing ASTM Standards

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