I.

INRODUCTION

Calorific value (CV) is a measure of heating power and is dependent upon the composition of
the gas. The CV refers to the amount of energy released when a known volume of gas is
completely combusted under specified conditions. The CV of gas, which is dry, gross and
measured at standard conditions of temperature (15oC) and pressure (1013.25 millibars), is
usually quoted in mega joules per cubic metre (MJ/m3). Gas passing through our pipeline
system has a CV of 37.5 MJ/m3 to 43.0 MJ/m3.

Importance of CV

Knowledge of the CV of natural gas is an essential part of our day-to-day activities, as this
information is used to determine the amount of energy we transport. CV information is
provided daily to gas shippers and suppliers, which is then used to bill gas consumers. We also
use this data to determine transportation charges for gas shippers and suppliers.

Measuring CV

The CV of natural gas is measured continually, using process gas chromatographs. Process gas
chromatographs separate natural gas into its constituent compounds (i.e. methane, ethane,
carbon dioxide, etc.) and measures the amount of each in the gas. The physical characteristics
of each component, as defined by ISO 6976, are programmed into the chromatograph and an
overall CV is derived from the measured composition.

The determination of the CV of gas is carried out in accordance with international standards
and the Gas (Calculation of Thermal Energy) Regulations, as amended in 1997. These
regulations stipulate when and where the CV of gas is measured and the type of instrument to
be used. The regulations are enforced by Ofgem, who also perform audit checks on the primary
data.

The calorific value of natural gas is measured at reception terminals and other locations on our
pipeline system. At present, the CV of gas is measured at over 110 different locations in the UK
mainland.

Calculating thermal energy

The amount of energy consumed by a customer is calculated using the formula below. The
United Kingdom mainland has been subdivided into thirteen charging areas. We provide a daily
CV average for each charging area to the gas shippers and suppliers. It's calculated as follows.

The volumes of all inputs into the charging area are measured daily and a daily CV average
determined for each input. The daily CV average for the charging area is then calculated by
summing the product of the CV and volume for all the inputs and dividing by the total volume
of gas entering the charging area.
CV = (38.2 x 6) + (40.2 x 1) + (39.6 x 3) (total energy) / (6 + 1 + 3) (total volume)

The maximum daily CV average for the charging area permitted by the regulations is equal to
1.0 MJ/m³ above the lowest measured daily CV average of the inputs into the charging area. All
domestic customers and most industrial customers are billed on the basis of the daily CV
averages for the charging area in which their premises are situated and are applied to the
volume of gas consumed. Some very large consumers of gas (e.g. gas fired power stations) have
CV measuring apparatus installed on the pipeline leading to their premises, allowing full
accounting for the energy delivered.

II. OBJECTIVE
How to determine the calorific value of fuel
III. PROCEDURE
The steps to determine the calorific value of fuel using a calorimeter are:
1. A known quantity of fuel sample is added in the crucible.
2. Start the stirrer and note down the initial temperature of water.
3. Let the current pass through the crucible and let the fuel sample to burn in
presence of oxygen. Heat released during combustion of fuel is taken by water
and hence temperature of water rises.
4. Note final steady state temperature of water.
5. Solve for the calorific value of fuel.

CV= (m1 + m2) (Tc + T1 - T2) (Cw / mf)

Where,
m1= mass of water in the copper calorimeter
m2=mass of water equivalent in the bomb calorimeter
Tc= temperature correction for radiation losses
T1=final temperature of water
T2= initial temperature of water
Cw= specific heat of water
mf= mass of fuel sample whose calorific value is to be determined

IV. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Bomb calorimeter is used for the measurement of the calorific value of fuel oils,
gasoline or petrol, coke, coal, combustion waste, foodstuffs and building materials
etc. A bomb calorimeter is also used for energy balance study in ecology and study
of Nano-material, ceramics, zeolite. The bomb calorimeter is helpful to study the
thermodynamics of common combustible materials.