Investigation of U. S. natural gas reserve demographics and gas-treatment processes. Topical report

The report presents the results of a study undertaken to consolidate and analyze publicly available information on (1) the quantity and composition of U.S. natural gas reserves; and (2) gas treatment processes. This was done in order to determine the amount of sour gas treated and the fate of that material. Natural gas production statistics (Oil Gas Journal, 1987) and Bureau of Mines natural gas analysis data (1917-1987) were compiled in an in-house database. Computer-generated plots showing the demographics of natural gas reserves and its components were produced. Data from the 1982 API Gas Plant Survey on characteristics of natural gas processed in the U.S. and applications of gas sweetening and sulfur recovery processes were also summarized and observations made. An effort was made to obtain additional information on the hydrogen sulfide content of natural gas through telephone contacts with numerous government and private industry sources.