Quality specs. of a product may be defined as its fitness for a specific need or purpose that may differ from one application to another, the same applies to NG. Appropriate testing and analyses are generally covered by ASTM.
The principal quality criterion of natural gas is its heating value measured by ASTM D 1826-94(2003) or D3588-98(2003).
Since it should be readily transportable through high-pressure pipelines its water dew point, as measured by ASTM D 1142-95(2000), or water content by D 5454-93(1999), must be considered to prevent formation of hydrates.
Hydrocarbons heavier than ethane, as defined by the hydrocarbon dew point, should be considered to prevent accumulation of liquids that may block pipelines.
Its products of combustion must not be corrosive, thus detection of hydrogen sulfide by ASTM D 6228-98(2003), D-4323-84(2003), D 5504-01, D 6828-98(2003), D 6968-03, and total sulfur by ASTM D 1072-90(1999) are of importance. In some cases mercaptans can also be detected by ASTM D 2650-04 (gas chromatography).
Upon liquefaction of NG by cryogenic methods, carbon dioxide will separate out of the cold liquid and interfere with the refrigeration system. CO2 can be determined by ASTM D 1945-96(2001) or D 2650-04.
A complete analysis by ASTM D 1945 (gas chromatography) must be made to be sure of the absence of deleterious materials when intended to be used as feedstock for the production of hydrogen.