scope:

The scope of this manual is to provide the reference information necessary for gas system operators to assess, monitor, and manage variables that define the gas quality management plan. This includes:

• understanding the fundamental constituents and properties of natural gas
• understanding the basis of historical pipeline receipt and market area delivery data
• understanding pipeline and delivery system design and market area end-use requirements, including specific limitations at potentially sensitive points within the pipeline system
• understanding the gas constituents of concern and resulting properties and parameters, potential effects on delivery and end use
• conducting the ongoing data collection and retention necessary to define gas quality for a system
• managing gas quality changes

The gas supply picture in the United States is evolving to meet projected current and long-term demand. As a result, stakeholders across the value chain must understand that gas compositions change as new supplies are introduced to the pipeline system. It is this change that drives the industry to understand and define the acceptable ranges of variability without compromising transportation and end-use reliability and safety. In summary, this manual provides the gas operator with a practical set of guidelines and information necessary for developing a gas quality management plan and recognizes that what is in the pipe is as important as the pipe itself.