Pipeline Quality Natural Gas (US)
Practical Law Glossary Item w-026-2249 (Approx. 3 pages)
Glossary
Pipeline Quality Natural Gas (US)
This is raw natural gas that has been processed to remove impurities and separate various hydrocarbons and fluids. Raw gas must be pipeline quality before it can enter the pipeline network for transport and delivery to natural gas power plants, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, and other end users.
Pipeline quality natural gas is mostly methane but may include:
- Minor components of:
- ethane, propane, butanes, pentanes, and pentanes plus; and
- carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and other inert constituents.
- Trace components of hydrogen sulfide, mercaptan sulfur, water vapor, and oxygen.
Actual pipeline gas quality specifications may vary for specific pipelines but generally:
- Limit the maximum allowable content of each minor and trace component.
- Set an acceptable range of heating value (typically 950 – 1,150 British thermal units per standard cubic foot).
- Require that the gas be free of:
- water and hydrocarbons in liquid form (at delivery and pressure conditions); and
- solid particles that can be detrimental to the equipment.
Depending on the ultimate purpose of this gas, additional processing may be required. For example, if the gas is to be converted into LNG, it undergoes additional processing at the liquefaction terminal before it is cooled to the required temperature.
For more information on pipeline quality natural gas, see Practice Notes, Understanding the US LNG Value and Process Chain, Gas Processing Agreements: Overview and Oil & Gas Pipeline Transportation Agreements: Overview.