Calorific Value Description

What is Calorific Value?

Calorific Value (CV) is a measure of heating power and is dependent upon the composition of the
gas. The CV refers to the amount of energy released when a known volume of gas is completely
combusted under specified conditions.
The CV of gas, which is dry, gross and measured at standard conditions of temperature (15oC) and
pressure (1013.25 millibars), is usually quoted in Megajoules per cubic metre (MJ/m3).
Gas passing through the National Grid pipeline system has a CV of 37.5 MJ/m3 to 43.0 MJ/m3.
Why is Calorific Value Important?
Knowledge of the CV of natural gas is an essential part of the day to day activities of National Grid
as this information is used to determine the amount of energy transported by National Grid. CV
information is provided daily to gas shippers and suppliers, which is then used to bill gas
consumers. This data is also used by National Grid to determine transportation charges for gas
shippers and suppliers.
How is Calorific Value Measured?
The CV of natural gas is measured continually using process gas chromatographs.
Process gas chromatographs separate natural gas into its constituent compounds (i.e. methane,
ethane, carbon dioxide, etc.) and measures the amount of each in the gas. The physical
characteristics of each component, as defined by ISO 6976, are programmed into the
chromatograph and an overall CV is derived from the measured composition.
The determination of the CV of gas is carried out in accordance with international standards and the
Gas (Calculation of Thermal Energy) Regulations, as amended in 1997. These regulations stipulate
when and where the CV of gas is measured and the type of instrument to be used. The regulations
are enforced by Ofgem, who also perform audit checks on the primary data.
Where is Calorific Value Measured?
The calorific value of natural gas is measured at reception terminals and other locations on the
National Grid pipeline system. At present the CV of gas is measured at over 110 different locations
in the UK mainland.
Calculation of Thermal Energy
The amount of energy consumed by a customer is calculated using the following formula:
The United Kingdom mainland has been subdivided into thirteen charging areas.
A daily CV average for each charging area is provided by National Grid to the gas shippers and
suppliers, and is calculated as follows:The volumes of all inputs into the charging area are measured on a daily basis and a daily CV
average determined for each input.
The daily CV average for the charging area is then calculated by summing the product of the CV
and volume for all the inputs and dividing by the total volume of gas entering the charging area.
CV = (38.2 x 6) + (40.2 x 1) + (39.6 x 3) (total energy) / (6 + 1 + 3) (total volume)
The maximum daily CV average for the charging area permitted by the regulations is equal to 1.0
MJ/m above the lowest measured daily CV average of the inputs into the charging area.
All domestic customers and most industrial customers are billed on the basis of the daily CV
averages for the charging area in which their premises are situated and are applied to the volume of
gas consumed.

Some very large consumers of gas (e.g. gas fired power stations) have CV measuring apparatus
installed on the pipeline leading to their premises, allowing full accounting for the energy
delivered.