3.1 Generally, contracts governing the pipeline transmission of natural gas contain specifications limiting the maximum concentration of water vapor allowed. Excess water vapor can cause corrosive conditions, degrading pipelines and equipment. It can also condense and freeze or form methane hydrates causing blockages. Water–vapor content also affects the heating value of natural gas, thus influencing the quality of the gas. This test method permits the determination of water content of natural gas.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the water vapor content of gaseous fuels by measurement of the dew-point temperature and the calculation therefrom of the water vapor content.

Note 1: Some gaseous fuels contain vapors of hydrocarbons or other components that easily condense into liquid and sometimes interfere with or mask the water dew point. When this occurs, it is sometimes very helpful to supplement the apparatus in Fig. 1 with an optical attachment that uniformly illuminates the dew–point mirror and also magnifies the condensate on the mirror. With this attachment it is possible, in some cases, to observe separate condensation points of water vapor, hydrocarbons, and glycolamines as well as ice points. However, if the dew point of the condensable hydrocarbons is higher than the water vapor dew point, when such hydrocarbons are present in large amounts, they may flood the mirror and obscure or wash off the water dew point. Best results in distinguishing multiple component dew points are obtained when they are not too closely spaced.

FIG. 1 Bureau of Mines Dew-Point Apparatus

Note 2: Condensation of water vapor on the dew-point mirror may appear as liquid water at temperatures as low as 0 to −10°F (−18 to −23°C). At lower temperatures an ice point rather than a water dew point likely will be observed. The minimum dew point of any vapor that can be observed is limited by the mechanical parts of the equipment. Mirror temperatures as low as −150°F (−100°C) have been measured, using liquid nitrogen as the coolant with a thermocouple attached to the mirror, instead of a thermometer well.

1.2 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.