In today’s up and down, sometimes struggling but always competitive market, a producer of natural gas must strive to maximize their market value, and achieve the highest return of invested income. The fluctuations seen recently in pricing make this an increasingly important goal. In order to accomplish this goal one must ensure they are receiving maximum value for the natural gas products they produce. In addition to the producer, it is extremely important for the other stakeholders whether they be government, gathering system operator, processor, or transporter to do their due diligence to ensure they are also receiving or properly accounting for the true and full value of the natural gas products that pass through their systems. Royalty rates, transportation levies and processing fees are based on the value of the natural gas being commercially bought and sold, processed or transported.

Sampling and analysis when properly implemented can ensure that everyone’s needs and product expectations are met. This paper will discuss issues that must be considered to obtain a good representative gas sample through continuous composite sampling.