Analysis of Natural Gas

Turnkey configurations forgas chromatographic

analysis, includinginstrumentation, methods,

supplies and service.

The process of collecting, processing,transmitting, and distributing naturalgas yields an array of analytical needs.Samples from various points along theproduction train can differ significantly.Some are gas phase, others arepressurized liquids. Accordingly, the compositions of the samples aredifferent, and each poses a uniqueanalytical challenge. These differentanalytical challenges have resulted in a family of gas chromatographconfigurations, each designed to meet task specific needs.

Important benefits ensured by oursystems include:

• Reliability

• Speed of analysis

• Resolution between components of interest

• System flexibility

• Guaranteed turnkey operation

Agilent Technologies analyzers fornatural gas and natural gas liquids are based on the 6890 gaschromatograph, with standard orcustomized subsystems and softwareoptimized for this application.

A variety of chromatograph detectorsis used, depending on theconfiguration. A thermal conductivitydetector (TCD) is used to quantify all components in the samples atconcentrations greater than 200 ppm.A flame ionization detector (FID) isused for the quantification ofhydrocarbons from 10 ppm upward andin conjunction with a capillary columnfor maximum resolution. A flamephotometric detector (FPD) is used forthe quantification of sulfur-containingcomponents in the 1 – 1000 ppmrange. Some configurations employmultiple detectors operatingsimultaneously to quantify separateaspects of the same sample. Thisprocess gives flexibility to address a broad range of analytes using asingle instrument. This also providesefficiency, by reducing analysis timevia parallel separation trains.

We have broad expertise in theseanalyses, and extensive experience in valved gas chromatography, with standard and customizedconfigurations. Our capability iscomplemented by the industry-specific experience of our partner,Wasson-ECE, Inc. All systems useWindows®-based software, with fulldata handling capabilities to facilitatecommunication within laboratory and plant-wide data systems.

Agilent Technologies’ analyzers

for the hydrocarbon processing

industry incorporate our

extensive industry expertise

in creating application-specific

measurement solutions,

based on standard or custom

configurations of gas

chromatographs, supplies,

and methods, complemented

by the specific knowledge of

our channel partners.

Analysis of Natural Gas

Analysis ExamplesThis booklet contains some examplesof specific analyzer configurations.Many more are possible, including the one that will fit your particularanalytical needs.

Configuration SelectorThis table lists the different samplecomponents or analytes that arefrequently quantified in natural gasand natural gas liquid samples, along with the various instrumentconfigurations as identified by theirrespective Application Number. Other configurations are availableupon request.

Industry StandardsMethods are compliant with currentindustry standards as approved by thefollowing organizations:

• ASTM

• GPA

• ISO

• EN

• IP

• DIN

Contact your Agilent representative orauthorized distributor for informationabout a specific method.

Application Number 192 326 241 125

Component

Methane X X X X

Ethane X X X X

Propane X X X X

i-Butane X X X X

n-Butane X X X X

i-Pentane X X X X

n-Pentane X X X X

C6+ composite X X X X

CO2 X X X X

C6 – C12 Separated X

O2/Ar/CO/N2 Composite X

O2/Ar Composite X X X

CO X X X

N2 X X X

H2S, % Level X X X

Sulfurs, ppm X

Analysis of Natural Gas

System ConfigurationThis system utilizes a TCD and packed columns to separate andquantify methane, ethane, propane, i-butane, n-butane, i-pentane, n-pentane, a composite peak of allhydrocarbons hexane and heavier(C6+), carbon dioxide, nitrogen,oxygen/argon composite, carbonmonoxide, and hydrogen sulfide. Theminimum detection limit for any singlecomponent is 0.04%. Analysis time isless than 45 minutes. Customizedreports containing calorific andphysical parameter information are available.

Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids With Oxygen—Nitrogen Separation Plus Hydrogen SulfideApplication 192

This application can be ordered for use with gas and/or pressurized liquidsamples.

The strength of this application is its ability to separate oxygen fromnitrogen. Since oxygen is rarely present in natural gas, analysts use the presence of an appreciableoxygen/argon content as a sign thatthe sample has been contaminatedwith air, and must be resampled to be accurate.

Natural GasApplication 192–00

Analysis of Natural Gas

System ConfigurationThis system utilizes a TCD and packedcolumns to separate and quantifymethane, ethane, propane, i-butane, n-butane, i-pentane, n-pentane, acomposite peak of all hydrocarbonshexane and heavier (C6+), carbondioxide, nitrogen, oxygen/argoncomposite, carbon monoxide andhydrogen sulfide. An FID with acapillary column separates andindividually quantifies thehydrocarbons from C5 to C12. Note that n-pentane can be used as thebridging component between the twodetectors. The minimum detectionlimit for any single component on theTCD is 0.04%. The minimum detectionlimit for any single component on theFID is 10 ppm. Analysis time is lessthan 45 minutes; both the TCD and the FID chromatograms are producedsimultaneously for efficiency.

Extended Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids WithOxygen—Nitrogen Separation Plus Hydrogen SulfideApplication 326

A single, combined report results when ChemStation Ver. 6, or later, isused. Customized reports containing calorific and physical parameterinformation are available.

N-paraffins and BTEX by Extended Natural Gas Analysis

This application can be ordered for use with gas and/or pressurizedliquid samples.

It has the ability to separate oxygenfrom nitrogen. Since oxygen is rarelypresent in natural gas, analysts usethe presence of an appreciableoxygen/argon content as a sign thatthe sample has been contaminatedwith air, and must be resampled to be accurate.

Analysis of Natural Gas

System ConfigurationThis system utilizes a TCD and packedcolumns to separate and quantifymethane, ethane, propane, i-butane, n-butane, i-pentane, n-pentane, acomposite peak of all hydrocarbonshexane and heavier (C6+), carbondioxide, nitrogen, oxygen/argoncomposite, and carbon monoxide, aswell as an FPD with a capillary columnto separate and individually quantifyhydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide,methyl mercaptan, and ethylmercaptan. The minimum detectionlimit for any single component on theTCD is 0.04%. The minimum detectionlimit for any single sulfur componenton the FPD is 1 ppm. Analysis time is

Simple Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids Plus Trace Sulfur ComponentsApplication 241

less than 45 minutes; both the TCD andthe FPD chromatograms are producedsimultaneously for efficiency. A single, combined report results whenChemStation Ver. 6, or later, is used.Customized reports containing calorificand physical parameter information are available.

This application can be ordered for use with gas and/or pressurized liquidsamples.

This system can also be configured per ASTM Method 6228 to analyze forodorants in natural gas and liquefiedpetroleum gases.

Trace Sulfur Contaminates by FPD

Analysis of Natural Gas

This instrument utilizes a TCD andpacked columns to separate andquantify methane, ethane, propane, i-butane, n-butane, i-pentane, n-pentane, a composite peak of allhydrocarbons hexane and heavier(C6+), carbon dioxide, and air (nitrogen plus oxygen, argon, andcarbon monoxide). The minimumdetection limit for any singlecomponent is 0.04%. The C6component must be less than 25%.Analysis time is typically 20 minutes.Customized reports containing calorific and physical parameterinformation are available.

This application can be ordered for use with gas and/or pressurized liquid samples.

Simple Natural Gas and Natural Gas LiquidsApplication 125

Analysis of Natural Gas

Industry-Specific AnswersTake advantage of the industryexpertise that’s available to you fromAgilent Technologies and our partners.We can provide the answer to yourchemical analysis requirements.

Ask Agilent TechnologiesLet’s talk about your analysisrequirements for natural gas andnatural gas liquids. Contact yourAgilent representative or authorizeddistributor. Or for more information,visit www.agilent.com/chem. Help us help you analyze your world.

A Solution PartnershipAgilent Technologies’ channel partners complement our expertise in the hydrocarbonprocessing industry. Wasson-ECE is an Agilent Technologies Premier Solution Provider, apartnership that helps provide you with the most comprehensiveanalyzer solutions. Wasson’s expertise in producing innovativesolutions to support the hydrocarbon processing industry will greatly complement AgilentTechnologies’ products andknowledge.

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Analysis of Natural Gas