CALCULATION OF NATURAL GAS LIQUID QUANTITIES

Keith Fry

Howard Measurement

INTRODUCTION

There is no substitute for well maintained, properly installed, and properly performing measurement equipment. Provisions
for measurement equipment installation, operation, and maintenance deliver the raw data required for those dealing with
natural gas liquids (NGLs) to transact business. Then, this raw data can be adjusted or converted to values suitable for
transactions to take place and be accounted for.

To make these adjustments and conversions, it helps to know the desired results. Some measurement software applications
require volume quantities. Others require mass. For many NGL applications, the preferred outcomes are liquid volumes of
pure components. This is because most NGL’s are eventually fractionated into pure products and market prices for these are
readily available. Sometimes, the gas equivalent values are also useful for operations.

Knowing the starting point is equally important. The starting point can vary depending on the type of measurement. Different
resources and applications provide for different means of measuring NGL’s. Measurements can be made by mass or
volumetrically.

MEASUREMENT BY VOLUME

When NGLs are measured volumetrically, the measured volume is converted to contract base conditions. The API Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS), Chapter 12, 1996 Edition, provides guidance for this calculation process.
Because NGLs are processed hydrocarbon liquids, they have no sediment or water in them. Therefore, Gross Standard
Volumes (𝐺𝐺𝐺) is equal to Net Standard Volumes (𝑁𝑁𝑁). 𝐺𝐺𝐺 is the volume indicated by the meter, corrected for the meter’s
performance and the conditions of the liquid. The corrections to the meter’s indicated volume are grouped together into the
Combined Correction Factor (𝐶𝐶𝐶).

𝑁𝑁𝑁 = 𝐺𝐺𝐺 = 𝐼𝐼 × 𝐶𝐶𝐶 (Equation 1)

where:
𝑁𝑁𝑁 = Net Standard Volume
𝐺𝐺𝐺 = Gross Standard Volume
𝐼𝐼 = Indicated Volume
𝐶𝐶𝐶 = Combined Correction Factor

The volume indicated by the meter is called the indicated volume (𝐼𝐼). 𝐼𝐼 is the ending or closing meter reading (𝑀𝑀𝑐 ) less
the beginning or opening meter reading (𝑀𝑀𝑜 ). Stated in equation form:

𝐼𝐼 = 𝑀𝑀𝑐 − 𝑀𝑀𝑜 (Equation 2)

where:
𝐼𝐼 = Indicated Volume
𝑀𝑀𝑐 = Closing Meter Reading
𝑀𝑀𝑜 = Opening Meter Reading
𝐶𝐶𝐶 is the product of two correction factors: the correction for the meter’s performance (Meter Factor; 𝑀𝑀) and the
correction for the temperature and pressure of a liquid (𝐶𝑇𝑇𝑇 ). The 𝐶𝑇𝑇𝑇 factor converts the density (ρ𝑏 ) and volume of the
liquid to base conditions.

𝐶𝐶𝐶 = 𝐶𝑇𝑇𝑇 × 𝑀𝑀 (Equation 3)

where:
𝐶𝐶𝐶 = Combined Correction Factor
𝐶𝑇𝑇𝑇 = Correction for the Temperature and Pressure of the Liquid
𝑀𝑀 = Meter Factor

According to Chapter 12 of the API MPMS, the meter factor (𝑀𝑀) is “a non-dimensional value which corrects a volume as
indicated on a meter to the ‘true’ volume.” 1 It is “a number obtained by dividing the actual volume of liquid passed through a
meter during proving by the volume registered by that meter.” 2

The other term of the 𝐶𝐶𝐶 equation is the factor to correct the volume or density for the temperature and pressure of the
liquid (𝐶𝑇𝑇𝑇 ). 𝐶𝑇𝑇𝑇 is sometimes called a volume correction factor (𝑉𝑉𝑉). It is separated into two calculations; one for the
effect of the temperature (𝐶𝑇𝑇 ) and one for the effect of the pressure (𝐶𝑃𝑃 ) on the liquid.

𝐶𝑇𝑇𝑇 = 𝐶𝑇𝑇 × 𝐶𝑃𝑃 (Equation 4)

where:
𝐶𝑇𝑇𝑇 = Correction for the Temperature and Pressure of the Liquid
𝐶𝑇𝑇 = Correction for the Temperature of the Liquid
𝐶𝑃𝑃 = Correction for the Pressure of the Liquid

The formula to calculate 𝐶𝑇𝑇 is beyond the scope of this paper. It is a fairly complex equation of state calculation which is
described in the API MPMS, Chapter 11, Section 2, Part 4. It is a function of the liquid’s density and temperature. It corrects
the volume of the liquid from one temperature to another; the observed or measured temperature to the base temperature.

For most, if not all, transactions in the United States, hydrocarbon liquid volumes are converted to 60°F for transaction
purposes. This is important for evaluating NGLs. There is a difference in the value of a barrel of NGL at 60°F and the value
of a barrel of the same NGL at 70°F. The barrel of NGL at 60°F is more valuable because when the NGL at 70°F is allowed
to cool to 60°F, it will be less than a barrel in volume. Heat causes hydrocarbon liquids to expand. The difference in volume
caused by temperature, especially with lighter NGLs, may be several percent. With large volumes or long periods of time, the
difference in money can become very large.

Likewise, pressure has an effect on the volume of a hydrocarbon liquid. As more pressure is applied, the liquid is
compressed. The effect on the volume by small changes in pressure is not as much as small changes in temperature.

𝐶𝑃𝑃 is a function of the liquid’s pressure, temperature, and density. Although still beyond the scope of this paper, the
calculation of 𝐶𝑃𝑃 is less complex than 𝐶𝑇𝑇 . The formula for calculating 𝐶𝑃𝑃 can be found in API MPMS, Chapter 11, Section
2, Part 2. For NGLs with a relative density greater than 0.637 (60°F/60°F), some believe the formula for Part 2 should be
extrapolated. Others believe the 𝐶𝑃𝑃 calculation in API 11.1 should be used. Depending on the application, one equation may
be more accurate than the other. In every case and as necessary, the interested parties should agree how volume corrections
for the effects of pressure should be handled.

While base temperatures may vary across nations and communities, base pressure for liquid hydrocarbons is very common.
Base pressure is the greater of atmospheric pressure or the liquid’s saturation pressure. Saturation pressure is the pressure

1
API Manual of Petroleum Standards, Chapter 12, Section 2, Page 2
2
API Manual of Petroleum Standards, Chapter 12, Section 2, Page 11
exerted by a vapor in thermodynamic equilibrium with the condensed phase of the same substance at a given temperature in a
closed system. Other names for this fluid property are equilibrium pressure, equilibrium vapor pressure, vapor pressure, or
bubble point.

With the desired results in mind, all of the raw data can be adjusted and converted to get the Net Standard Volume. Without
guidelines for the sequence of calculations and rounding of intermediate values, different 𝑁𝑁𝑁s can be calculated from the
same input data.

In addition to the rounding guidelines in Chapter 11, API MPMS Chapter 12. 1996 Edition provides guidance on rounding, as
well as the discrimination levels of input, intermediate, and final values, which depend on the device, the factor, and the units
of measurement. Consistent use of the standard will provide consistent results across measurement systems. A typical
sequence for a dynamic volume calculation is:
1. Determine the density of the liquid at base conditions (ρ𝑏 ; base density); a function of the liquid’s composition or
the liquid’s observed density, temperature, and pressure
2. Determine the Correction for the Temperature and Pressure of the Liquid (𝐶𝑇𝑇𝑇 ); a function of the liquid’s
temperature, pressure, equilibrium vapor pressure, and base density
3. Determine the Combined Correction Factor (𝐶𝐶𝐶) using Equation 3
4. Determine the Indicated Volume (𝐼𝐼) using Equation 2
5. Determine the Gross Standard Volume (𝐺𝐺𝐺) using Equation 1
6. Determine the Net Standard Volume (𝑁𝑁𝑁) using Equation 1

MEASUREMENT BY MASS

Although it can be useful to measure NGLs by volume, there are many uncertainties. The Correction for the Temperature of
the Liquid (𝐶𝑇𝑇 ) is based on the density of the NGL. Density is not a very precise parameter to represent a potentially wide
range of NGL compositions. Different mixtures behave differently. But if they have the same density, they are treated alike
for 𝐶𝑇𝑇 calculations. Without composition information and consideration for volume shrinkage due to molecular mixing, it is
more difficult to predict precise changes in volume due to changes in temperature. The current standard for correcting NGL
volumes for temperature, API 11.2.4 (GPA TP-27), is based on an array of only 12 reference fluids, only three of which are
mixtures. These three mixtures are binary, which means they have two components; one mixture of ethane and ethylene and
two mixtures of ethane and propane. Nine pure products and three binary mixtures is not a very broad range of reference data
to formulate calculations for the wide array of combinations of hydrocarbons which make up typical NGL mixtures.

Additional uncertainty in the 𝑁𝑁𝑁 results from the calculation of the Correction for the Pressure of the Liquid (𝐶𝑃𝑃 ). 𝐶𝑃𝑃 is
based on the difference between the liquid’s measured pressure and its saturation pressure. Unless measured, a common
method for determining a fluid’s saturation pressure is presented in API MPMS Chapter 11.2.5. As with 𝐶𝑇𝑇 , this standard is
based on a liquid’s density, neglecting its composition. The standard acknowledges errors of more than 40% for natural
gasoline mixtures around the upper density range of NGLs. It also affirms that relative density is not a highly precise
parameter in predicting vapor pressures of widely variable NGL compositions.

For these and other reasons, the NGL measurement industry leans toward mass calculations. Knowing fluid mixture and pure
component densities allows for easy conversion from mass to component base volumes. Measured volumes are sometimes
converted to mass for calculation purposes. These are called indirect or implied mass measurements.

𝑚 = 𝐼𝐼 ∗ 𝑀𝑀 ∗ ρ𝑓 (Equation 5)
where:
𝑚 = Mass (Implied)
𝐼𝐼 = Meter’s Indicated Volume
𝑀𝑀 = Meter Factor
ρ𝑓 = Density at flowing conditions
Other times NGL is measured by mass. Sometimes weight is used when mass is required. They are not the same. Confusion
is added by the common use of vocabulary, such as “pounds” or “kilograms,” to describe both mass and weight.

Mass is an extensive property of matter; a measurement of the amount of a substance. Weight is a measurement of force
(force = mass × acceleration), the force that results from the action of gravity on the substance. Objects with the same mass
(same number and kind of molecules) can have different weights, depending on where they are weighed. Different locations
on the surface of the earth may have different gravitational forces.

There are many factors which affect the acceleration due to gravity at a particular point on the earth's surface such as:
• Geology - the density of material beneath the location,
• Latitude - because the earth is an oblong spheroid (the diameter of the earth at the equator is greater than the
diameter at the poles),
• Altitude - measurements farther away from the center of the earth tend to have less acceleration due to gravity,
• And other gravitational forces from the sun, moon, and local topography (Bouguer anomaly).
Therefore, it is best to use a measured value for the local acceleration due to gravity to convert weight to mass or use
measurement devices calibrated to mass. Otherwise, formulas or geodesic data may be available for estimating the local
acceleration due to gravity.

To find the mass of an object from its weight, a standard gravity (980.665 cm/s2 or approximately 32.1740 ft/s2) is related to
the local gravity where the mass was weighed. The equation to convert weight to mass is:

𝑚 = 𝑊 × 𝑔0 ÷ 𝑔 (Equation 6)

where:
𝑚 = Mass
𝑊 = Weight
𝑔0 = gravitational constant (980.665 cm/s2 or approximately 32.1740 lb m -ft/lb f -s2)
𝑔 = local acceleration due to gravity

For example, in Anchorage, Alaska, the acceleration due to gravity is about 32.24 lb m -ft/lb f -s2. If the net weight of a
transaction is 1,350,495 lbs:

𝑚 = 1,350,495 × 32.1740 ÷ 32.24

MASS TO VOLUME CONVERSIONS

Although generally more accurate to measure by mass, custody of NGLs are often transferred by volume. Given a
representative analysis, mass can be converted to component volumes. This is done by multiplying the total mass by the mass
fraction of each component, giving the mass of each component. Dividing each component’s mass by the absolute density of
the component yields the component’s volume. The absolute density of the components can be found in GPA 2145.
However, contracts may require the use of other standards or variations to GPA 2145. The procedures for converting mass
natural gas liquids to equivalent liquid volumes are found in GPA 8173 (API MPMS 14.4).

NGL analyses may be presented in mole percent or volume percent, according to the calibration of the analytical instrument.
To calculate component volumes from total mass, these analyses must first be converted to mass percent. Mole percent is
converted to mass percent (see Table 1) by:
1) Dividing each mole percent by 100 to convert to mole fraction
2) Multiplying mole factions by the component’s molar mass to get mass portion
3) Dividing component mass portion by total mass portion to get mass fractions
 Mass
Mole Mole Molar Portion of Mass
Component Percent Constant Fraction Mass1 Mixture Fraction
Carbon Dioxide 0.08 ÷ 100 = 0.0008 × 44.0095 = 0.035208 0.00083
Methane 2.65 ÷ 100 = 0.0265 × 16.0425 = 0.425126 0.0098
Ethane 38.10 ÷ 100 = 0.3810 × 30.0690 = 11.456289 0.2628
Propane 35.77 ÷ 100 = 0.3577 × 44.0956 = 15.772996 0.36174
Normal Butane 9.56 ÷ 100 = 0.0956 × 58.1222 = 5.556482 0.1275
Iso Butane 4.78 ÷ 100 = 0.0478 × 58.1222 = 2.778241 0.0637
Normal Pentane 1.91 ÷ 100 = 0.0191 × 72.1488 = 1.378042 0.0316
Iso Pentane 0.94 ÷ 100 = 0.0094 × 72.1488 = 0.678199 0.0156
Hexanes+ 6.21 ÷ 100 = 0.0621 × 88.7716 2
= 5.512716 0.1265
Totals 100 1.0000 43.593299 1.0000
Table 1 – Converting Mole Percent to Mass Fraction

Table 1 notes:
1
Values for molar mass are from GPA 2145-09
2
The “Hexanes+” molar mass value is a characterization from an extended analysis or GPA 2103 tests
3
Component Mass Fraction of Mixture = Component Mass per Mole of Mixture ÷ Total Mass per Mole of Mixture

𝑤𝑖 = 𝑀𝑖 ÷ 𝑀𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 (Equation 7)

where:
= Component Mass Fraction of Mixture; formerly Weight Fraction
= Component Mass per Mole of Mixture
= Total Mass per Mole of Mixture

For example:
• Using Equation 7, CO2 Component Mass Fraction of Mixture = CO2 Component Mass Per Mole of
Mixture ÷ Total Mass per Mole of Mixture
• 0.0008 = 0.035208 ÷ 43.593299
4
The mass fraction of propane was adjusted to normalize the total mass fraction to unity

In a similar manner, component volume percentages can be converted to component mass fractions (see Table 2) by:
1) Dividing each volume percent by 100 to convert to volume fraction
2) Multiplying volume fractions by the component’s absolute density to get mass portion
3) Dividing component mass portion by total mass portion to get mass fractions
 Mass
Volume Volume Absolute Portion of Mass
Component Percent Constant Fraction Density1 Mixture Fraction3
Carbon Dioxide 0.05 ÷ 100 = 0.0005 × 6.8129 = 0.003406 0.00084
Methane 1.56 ÷ 100 = 0.0156 × 2.5000 = 0.039000 0.0097
Ethane 35.40 ÷ 100 = 0.3540 × 2.9704 = 1.051522 0.2622
Propane 34.23 ÷ 100 = 0.3423 × 4.2285 = 1.447416 0.36115
Normal Butane 10.87 ÷ 100 = 0.1087 × 4.8706 = 0.529434 0.1320
Iso Butane 5.23 ÷ 100 = 0.0523 × 4.6925 = 0.245418 0.0612
Normal Pentane 2.43 ÷ 100 = 0.0243 × 5.2584 = 0.127779 0.0319
Iso Pentane 1.18 ÷ 100 = 0.0118 × 5.2120 = 0.061502 0.0153
Hexanes+ 9.05 ÷ 100 = 0.0905 × 5.57332 = 0.504384 0.1258
Totals 100 1.0000 4.009861 1.0000
Table 2-Converting Volume Percent to Mass Fraction

Table 2 notes:
1
Values for absolute density are from GPA 2145-09
2
The “Hexanes+” absolute density is a characterization from an extended analysis or GPA 2103 tests
3
Mass fractions vary between mole analysis and volume analysis due to rounding
4
Component Mass Fraction of Mixture = Component Mass per Mole of Mixture ÷ Total Mass per Mole of Mixture
(see Equation 7)
For example:
• Using Equation 7, CO2 Component Mass Fraction of Mixture = CO2 Component Mass Per Mole of
Mixture ÷ Total Mass per Mole of Mixture
• 0.0008 = 0.003406 ÷ 4.009861
5
The mass fraction of propane was adjusted to normalize the total mass fraction to unity

From the mass fractions, the component volumes can be calculated (see Table 3). This is done by:
1) Multiplying each of the component mass fractions by the total mass measurement to get the mass of each component
2) Dividing each component’s mass by the component’s absolute density to get the component’s volume at base
conditions

Component
Total Volume
Mass Measured Component Absolute (US gallons
Component Fraction Mass Mass Density @EVP, 60°F)
Carbon Dioxide 0.0008 × 1,347,720 = 1,078.176 ÷ 6.8129 = 158
Methane 0.0098 × 1,347,720 = 13,207.656 ÷ 2.5000 = 5,283
Ethane 0.2628 × 1,347,720 = 354,180.816 ÷ 2.9704 = 119,237
Propane 0.3617 × 1,347,720 = 487,470.324 ÷ 4.2285 = 115,282
Normal Butane 0.1275 × 1,347,720 = 171,834.300 ÷ 4.8706 = 35,280
Iso Butane 0.0637 × 1,347,720 = 85,849.764 ÷ 4.6925 = 18,295
Normal Pentane 0.0316 × 1,347,720 = 42,587.952 ÷ 5.2584 = 8,099
Iso Pentane 0.0156 × 1,347,720 = 21,024.432 ÷ 5.2120 = 4,034
Hexanes+ 0.1265 × 1,347,720 = 170,486.580 ÷ 5.5733 = 30,590
Totals 1.0000 1,347,720.000 336,258
Table 3 – Converting Mass Fraction and Mass to Component Volumes
The resulting component volumes can then be used for transaction evaluation and plant allocation. Other calculations may be
necessary for operations, balancing, and reporting.

PHASE VOLUME CONVERSIONS

Phase volume conversions, converting liquids to gas equivalents and gas to liquid equivalents, are common operational
calculations in the NGL industry. These conversions aid in accounting, material balancing and understanding plant
efficiency.

Phase volume conversion calculations are accomplished with Theoretical Hydrocarbon Liquid Content (𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇) values. A gas
component’s 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 is the product of its mole fraction and the inverse of its ft3 ideal gas per gallon liquid factor, divided by
the compressibility of the gas, converted to the contract pressure base. In the United States, this factor is generally reported
per 1,000 cubic feet of gas. In equation form:

𝑥𝑖 𝑉𝑙 𝑃𝑏 (Equation 8)
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 = × �𝑉 × × 1000
𝑧 𝑔 𝑃𝑠

where:
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 = Theoretical Hydrocarbon Liquid
Content
𝑥𝑖 = mole fraction of component
𝑧 = compressibility of gas mixture
𝑉𝑙 3
�𝑉 = component gallon liquid/ft ideal
𝑔 gas factor derived from the
reciprocal of ft3 ideal gas/gallon
liquid value from GPA 2145-09
𝑃𝑏 = contract pressure base
𝑃𝑠 = reference pressure base

This calculation can be found in GPA 2172-09 (API MPMS 14.5). As an example, given a gas mixture with 0.0440 mole
fraction propane (𝑥𝑖 ), compressibility of the gas (𝑧) as 0.99673, and a contract pressure base (𝑃𝑏 ) of 14.65 absolute psi, using
Equation 8:

. 0440 1 14.65
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 = × × × 1000 = 1.209
0.99673 36.391 14.696

In this example, a thousand cubic feet of gas potentially yields 1.209 gallons of propane. The 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 is multiplied by the total
volume of the mixture for the operational period, resulting in the theoretical liquid volume for the propane. This process is
repeated for each of the components in the gas mixture, as required by the application. Often, only the values for hydrocarbon
components with two or more carbon atoms (Ethane+) are converted to a total 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 because these are the main components
processed as NGLs.

Gas stream component 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇s provide a basis for transaction evaluation. Knowing the potential liquids to be generated from
a particular gas stream helps to place a value on each of the gas streams entering a gas processing plant. The difference
between the actual liquids generated by the plant and the potential liquids entering the plant over an operational period is a
good indicator of the plant’s efficiency.

Invariably, some of the NGL components from the gas stream(s) exit the plant’s demethanizer as residue gas. For this reason,
it is more efficient to convert a plant’s NGL product to gas for balancing purposes. The NGL converted to a gas equivalent
volume, combined with the residue gas, can be compared with the total inlet gas for a specific operational period. A gas
equivalent factor can be found from the above 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 calculation process by taking the reciprocal of the total 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇. Inlet gas
can be compared to the sum of the gas equivalent liquid product volumes and plant residue gas to balance the plant. This type
of balance provides not only a reflection of the plant’s efficiency, but also helps identify quantity and quality measurement
errors.

These phase volume conversion calculations involve combining individual component values to get full station stream
values. This provides high level information about quantity measurements. But again, these quantity calculations leave out
the consideration for shrinkage due to molecular mixing. Therefore, NGL balances are also commonly performed at the
component level.

Component level balancing provides additional information about quality analysis and plant efficiency. At the same time, the
results better correspond to the level at which transactions take place.

CONCLUSION

Different operations and stakeholders will require different information. Some will need more detailed information than
others. Some applications will lend themselves to volumetric measurement, where others are better suited to mass. These
calculations associated with NGLs help to take those different types of measurements, calculate the various results
stakeholders require, and provide the basis for NGL evaluations and transactions.