Impact of Inerts, Diluents and Trace Constituents in Natural Gas on the NaturalGas Industry and the Interstate Pipeline Grid

摘要

This report addresses gas quality concerns that have arisen industry-wide. Thetraditional properties affecting gas quality and interchangeability are the BTU content, relative density (specific gravity), the hydrogen to carbon ratio, and hydrocarbon dew point. These properties are directly related to the major and minor component composition of natural gas. Components that have a bearing on gas quality and interchangeability include those that contribute to corrosivity, such as water, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and oxygen. As part of the examination of the effect gas composition has on gas processing, transportation, and the end-use marketplace, this study focused on the variability of inerts and diluents in the natural gas pipeline system and the presence of various trace contaminants.