Measurement of the Calorific Value of Methane by Calorimetry Using Metal Burner

With the diversification of natural gas origins and variations in natural gas compositions, the accurate measurement of the calorific value of natural gas has become a very important issue for the gas industry and standardization. Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science is developing a standard gas calorimeter based on the isoperibolic technique. This work describes the details of the experimental apparatus and procedures of the developed gas calorimeter along with the measurement results for the superior calorific value of methane at \(25\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\). A burner made of stainless steel was used for the first time in this type of calorimeter, and the potential application of a metal burner to a gas calorimeter was investigated. Eight measurements were performed, and the deviation from international standards was 0.16 %. The deviation was mainly caused by the measurement of the burned methane gas. The measurement results show that the metal burner may potentially be employed in a gas calorimeter.