AGA-GPA Code 101-43: Compression and Charcoal Tests for Determining the Natural Gasoline Content of Natural Gas

AGA-GPA Code 101-43: Compression and Charcoal Tests for Determining Natural Gasoline Content

For engineers and professionals in the oil and gas sector, accurately quantifying the natural gasoline content of raw natural gas is an essential task. This value directly impacts production economics, plant efficiency, and the quality of downstream products. AGA-GPA Code 101-43 provides the industry-leading, proven methodologies for achieving this crucial measurement through standardized compression and charcoal extraction tests.

What is AGA-GPA Code 101-43?

AGA-GPA Code 101-43 is an authoritative standard published by the American Gas Association (AGA) and the Gas Processors Association (GPA). It details two established test methods—the compression test and the charcoal test—for precisely determining the amount of natural gasoline that can be extracted from a given volume of natural gas. This standard ensures consistent and comparable results across different testing environments and operators.

Scope & Purpose

The scope of AGA-GPA Code 101-43 encompasses the apparatus, procedures, and calibration requirements for conducting both the compression and charcoal tests on natural gas samples. It is designed to provide a standardized measure for assessing the comparative richness of natural gasoline in different gas sources, estimating potential natural gasoline yields, and benchmarking the daily performance of commercial gasoline extraction plants. The standard focuses specifically on these two extraction methodologies and does not cover other analytical techniques or the detailed composition analysis of the extracted liquids.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary Audience: Petroleum Engineers, Process Engineers, Laboratory Technicians, and Quality Control Analysts involved in natural gas processing and hydrocarbon measurement.
• • Industries Affected: Oil and Gas Extraction, Natural Gas Processing, and Petrochemical Refining.
• • Compliance Nature: While often adopted voluntarily for consistent benchmarking and contractual agreements, compliance is highly recommended for accurate financial settlements and operational control.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically overseen by industry stakeholders, contractual parties, and quality assurance departments within companies.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires the use of specifically designed and calibrated apparatus for both testing methods. Professionals must ensure that all test procedures are followed meticulously, including maintaining precise operating pressures and temperatures to achieve reproducible results. Key provisions include detailed specifications for the compressor, cooling system, and accumulator components in the compression test, as well as the requirements for the adsorbent material and sample handling in the charcoal test. The standard also mandates the proper correction of gas volumes to standard conditions for accurate volumetric analysis.

Related Standards & References

AGA-GPA Code 101-43 is often used in conjunction with other industry standards for a comprehensive understanding of natural gas properties. For instance, standards related to gas sampling procedures (e.g., ISO 10715 or similar GPA standards) are critical for ensuring representative samples are tested. Furthermore, standards specifying the physical and chemical properties of natural gasoline itself (e.g., GPA 2100 series) are essential for characterizing the extracted product.