A portable calorimeter for measuring the calorific value of natural gas

Abstract Natural gas quality assessment is a relevant issue. A critical analysis of calorimeter designs for measuring the calorific value of natural gas was carried out. The most common methods for determining the calorific value of natural gas are as follows: direct by gas calorimeters; indirect by gas chromatographs; indirect, based on correlations. The advantages of isoperibolic calorimeters of measuring calorific value of natural gas directly in the consumer’s conditions are substantiated. The design of a portable calorimeter containing a thermostated shell, calorimetric tank, Peltier element with tank, circulating pump, gas burner, thermostat systems, metered supply of natural gas and air, fuel ignition, sensors, combustion analyzer and control and measurement unit, was developed. The geometric dimensions of the calorimetric tank are optimized, materials and technologies of manufacturing parts are specified. The metrological analysis of the developed portable calorimeter was carried out. A method for measuring the calorific value of natural gas directly in the conditions of household consumers and transport enterprises was developed. The results of testing the prototype calorimeter in the laboratory confirmed its high performance and metrological characteristics, and the deviation of the measurement of the calorific value of natural gas from that determined using a gas chromatograph was 0.6%.