On-line, at-line, in-line and other near-real time monitoring systems that measure fuel gas characteristics such as heating value are prevalent in various gaseous fuel industries and in industries either producing or using gaseous fuel in their industrial processes. The installation and operation of particular systems vary depending on process type, regulatory requirements, and the user’s objectives and performance requirements. This practice is intended to provide guidance for standardized start-up procedures, operating procedures, and quality assurance practices for calorimeter based on-line, at-line, in-line and other near-real time heating value monitoring systems. Users employing gas chromatographic based instrumentation for measurement of gaseous fuel heating value are referred to Practice D 7164.

1.1 This practice is for the determination of the heating value measurement of gaseous fuels using a calorimeter. Heating value determination of sample gasses containing water vapor will require vapor phase moisture measurements of the pre-combustion sample gas as well as the non-condensed gasses exiting the calorimeter. Instruments equipped with appropriate conditioners and algorithms may provide heating value results on a net or gross and dry or wet basis.

1.2 This practice is applicable to at-line and in-line instruments that are operated from time to time on a continuous basis.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.