Wobbe Index (WI) is the ratio of the fuel’s calorific value to the square root of its specific gravity or relative density. WI is a critical factor in evaluating the interchangeability of fuel gases, such as natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), by comparing the combustion energy output between the different compositions of fuel gases. Natural gas quality (WI) in the United States varies regionally and seasonally in between 47 and 57 MJ/Nm<sup>3</sup>. WI is used in a wide variety of equipment and processes that require a specific NG combustion energy output. However, WI is typically measured using bulky and expensive analyzers. These devices measure the energy value of the fuel via direct calorimetry followed by a separate measurement of density using an optical method. The complexity of the existing WI measurement systems prevents its off-site application. A machine learning-based predictive model is proposed for accurate estimation of WI of the gaseous fuel mixture. The model uses thermal conductivity, sound velocity at different temperatures and pressure for estimation of WI. The results can enable the technology needed to develop an intelligent sensor that can estimate the WI of natural gas online and in real-time, economically and reliably, overall increasing fuel efficiency and emission performance.

Development of a natural gas Wobbe Index prediction model

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

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