In-The-Field Compensation for Changes in Natural Gas Composition

The flow of natural gas in pipelines is often complicated by changes in the composition of the gas. The method described in this paper solves the problem of variable composition via a new four-temperature mass flow sensor. The new flow sensor feeds its measurements into the algorithms of an advanced mathematical model that includes gas properties in its calculations. The method described herein computes the properties of a specified pure gas or gas mixture to manage changes in gas composition, gas temperature, gas pressure, and outside temperature. This advance in thermal dispersion mass flow meters provides an immediate solution for natural gas applications, including distribution systems, flare gas produced in refineries, and flare gas produced in other applications, such as hydraulic fracturing.