There is no substitute for well maintained, properly installed, and properly performing measurement equipment. Provisions for measurement equipment installation, operation, and maintenance deliver the raw data required for those dealing with natural gas liquids (NGLs) to transact business. Then, this raw data can be adjusted or converted to values suitable for transactions to take place and be accounted for.

To make these adjustments and conversions, it helps to know the desired results. Some measurement software applications require volume quantities. Others require mass. For many NGL applications, the preferred outcomes are liquid volumes of pure components. This is because most NGL’s are eventually fractionated into pure products and market prices for these are readily available. Sometimes, the gas equivalent values are also useful for operations.

Knowing the starting point is equally important. The starting point can vary depending on the type of measurement. Different resources and applications provide for different means of measuring NGL’s. Measurements can be made by mass or volumetrically.