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GAS PROPERTIES 27
Example 12
The gravity of a natural gas mixture is 0.60. Calculate the compressibility factor of
this gas at 1200 psig pressure and a temperature of 70°F, using the CNGA method.
Solution
Gas temperature Tf = 70 + 460 = 530°R
From Equation 1.34, the Z factor can be written as
1 1200 × 344, 400 × (10)1.785 x 0.60
=1+ = 1.1849
Z 530 3.825
Therefore, solving for Z, we get
Z = 0.8440
1.12 HEATING VALUE
The heating value of a gas is defined as the thermal energy per unit volume of the
gas. It is expressed in Btu/ft3. For natural gas, it is approximately in the range of
900 to 1200 Btu/ft3. There are two heating values used in the industry. These are
the lower heating value (LHV) and higher heating value (HHV). For a gas mixture,
the term gross heating value is used. It is calculated based upon the heating values
of the component gases and their mole fractions using the following equation:
H m = Σ( yi Hi ) (1.37)
where
Hm = gross heating value of mixture, Btu/ft3
yi = mole fraction or percent of gas component i
Hi = heating value of gas component, Btu/ft3
For example, a natural gas mixture consisting of 80% of gas A (heating value =
900 Btu/ft3) and 20% of gas B (heating value = 1000 Btu/ft3) will have a gross
heating value of Hm = (0.8 × 900) + (0.2 × 1000) = 920 Btu/ft3.
1.13 SUMMARY
We discussed several gas properties that influence gas pipeline transportation. The
ideal gas equation was introduced along with Boyle’s law and Charles’s law, and
how they can be applied with modifications to real gases and real gas mixtures was
explained. The gas deviation factor, or compressibility factor, which modifies ideal
gas behavior, was introduced. Critical properties of hydrocarbon gases and mixtures
and the reduced temperature and pressure that determine the state of a gas were
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28 GAS PIPELINE HYDRAULICS
explained. Variation of the compressibility factor with pressure and temperature was
explored, and calculation methodologies using analytical and graphical approaches
were covered. The influence of non-hydrocarbon components in a natural gas mixture
was also discussed, along with correction factors for CO2 and H2S in sour gas.
PROBLEMS
1. A natural gas mixture consists of three components, C1, C2, and C3. Their mole
fractions and viscosities at a particular temperature are indicated below:
Component Mole Fraction y Viscosity, cP
C1 0.9000 0.0130
C2 0.0800 0.0112
C3 0.0200 0.0098
Total 1.000
Calculate the viscosity of the gas mixture.
2. At 100 psig and 75°F, a gas has a volume of 800 ft3. If the volume is kept constant
and the gas temperature increases to 100°F, what is the final pressure of the gas?
Keeping the pressure constant at 100 psig, if the temperature increases to 100°F,
what is the final volume? Use 14.73 psi for base pressure.
3. Calculate the apparent molecular weight of a natural gas mixture that has 89%
methane, 8% ethane, 2% propane, and 1% normal butane as shown below.
Component Percent Molecular Weight
C1 89 16.01
C2 8 30.10
C3 2 44.10
C4 1 58.10
Total 100
4. Calculate the pseudo-critical temperature and the pseudo-critical pressure of a
natural gas mixture consisting of 89% methane, 8% ethane, and 3% propane.
The critical properties of C1, C2, and C3 components are as follows:
Components Critical Temperature, °R Critical Pressure, psia
C1 343 667
C2 550 708
C3 666 615
5. If the temperature of the gas in the previous example is 80°F and the average
gas pressure is 1000 psig, what are the pseudo-reduced temperature and pseudo-
reduced pressure of this gas? Use 14.7 psia for base pressure.
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GAS PROPERTIES 29
6. Calculate the gravity of a natural gas mixture consisting of 84% methane, 10%
ethane, and 6% propane. From the gas gravity, calculate the pseudo-critical
temperature and pseudo-critical pressure for this natural gas mixture.
7. The pseudo-critical temperature and pressure of a natural gas mixture were cal-
culated as 380°R and 675 psia. If the CO2 content is 12% and H2S is 22%,
calculate the adjustment factor e and the adjusted values of the pseudo-critical
temperature and pseudo-critical pressure.
8. Using the Standing-Katz compressibility chart, calculate the compressibility
factor for the gas in Problem 7 at 80°F and 1000 psig. Use the values of Tpc
and Ppc calculated in Problem 7.
9. A natural gas mixture consists of the following components:
Component Mole Fraction y
C1 0.850
C2 0.004
C3 0.002
N2 0.014
CO2 0.010
H 2S 0.120
(a) Calculate the apparent molecular weight of the gas, gravity, and the pseudo-
critical temperature and pseudo-critical pressure.
(b) Calculate the compressibility factor of the gas at 100°F and 1400 psia.
10. The gravity of a natural gas mixture is 0.62. Calculate the compressibility factor
of this gas at 1400 psig and a temperature of 80°F, using the CNGA method.
REFERENCES
1. McCain, W.D. Jr., The Properties of Petroleum Fluids, Petroleum Publishing Com-
pany, Tulsa, OK, 1973.
2. Holman, J.P., Thermodynamics, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1974.
3. Gas Processors Suppliers Association, Engineering Data Book, 10th ed., Tulsa, OK,
1994.
4. AGA Report No. 10, Steady Flow in Gas Pipelines, AGA, 1965.
5. AGA Report No. 8, Compressibility Factors, AGA, Nov. 1992.
Copyright 2005 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
