Natural Gas & Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Sample Details

Currently our lab processes gas samples in several ‘runs’ that analyze 43 separate components. Our equipment is capable of more but is limited to the specific standard lab-grade gases we keep for calibrating the chromatographs. Additional components can be added upon request.

We are currently using TRACE 1310 Analyzers made by ThermoFisher for both our Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) samples. Each has multiple channels and utilize Flame Ionization (FID) to produce a detailed hydrocarbon chromatogram report. Atmospheric gases (N2, O2, CO2) are analyzed using a Thermal conductivity detector (TCD). Total Sulfur is analyzed using a Flame Photometric Detector (FPD) on a separate channel.

Unless otherwise requested, we use the following analytical methods and values:

Extended analysis and reporting performed following procedures outlined in GPA 2261-13: Analysis for Natural Gas and Similar Gaseous Mixtures by Gas Chromatography.
Physical properties and values used in calculations were acquired from GPA 2145-16: Table of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Other Compounds of Interest to Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids Industries. Following GPA 2172-09 for analytical calculations.
Sulfur compounds analysis and reporting performed by Gas Chromatography using a Flame Photometric detector following procedures outlined by ASTM D6228-10.
Limit of Detection = 0.003 PPMV for Sulfur components and 0.00001 Mole Percent for Hydrocarbons.

All analysis includes the report, with the full analysis cost also including additional spreadsheets and formats for uploads into other systems. The raw data used to assemble the reports is also saved on the client’s data drive. This includes the actual chromatographs and each separate run.

Unless otherwise requested, we use 14.696 psia and 60.0 degF as our base pressure and temperature for calculations. Calculations that are provided by default for C6+, C14, and Full Analysis reports:

BTU/SCF (Dry) and BTU/SCF (Sat)
Z Factor (Dry) and Z factor (Sat) – also known as compression factor
Ethane Plus GPM
Ideal and Real Specific Gravity
Total Raw Mole % (Dry) and Total GPM
Wobbe Index
Total Molecular Weight (Dry)

We currently have 300cc and 500cc gas sample bottles, 300cc high pressure (5000 psi) gas sample bottles, and 500cc constant pressure piston cylinders. All our bottles are Sulfinert treated to maintain sulfur levels throughout the process.