Density Measurement Comparisons of Specific Gravity Meter and Gas Chromatography in the Field

실제조건에서 기준 밀도계와 가스 분석기에 의한 밀도 측정 결과 비교

In contracts for sales of natural gas between sellers and buyers, it is not suncient to only measure a volumetric quantity of gas in flowing conditions in metering station. Therefore the measured volumetric quantity must be converted to that of reference conditions. The density of the natural gas required in such a calculation can be measured directly or estimated from the equation of sate or any other experimental methods. The specific gravity meter is the apparatus used to measure the density of fluids under the reference conditions and it can be widely used in industrial areas, especially in massive flow rate natural gas industry. This study has been carried out in an attempt to improve measurement accuracy of natural gas flow rate calculation, providing the adequate installation and proper operation conditions of specific gravity meter. The test results are 1) the density measurement errors in case of using methane and standard gas as calibration gases are smaller than using methane and nitrogen gas, 2) the periodical calibration to maintain accurate density measurements is essential, and 3) the specific gravity meter is sensitive to changes of environmental conditions, especially environmental temperature surrounding the specific gravity meter.