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MCF (Measuring Natural Gas)

Measuring Natural Gas: What is MCF?

MCF (Measuring Cubic Feet) is a system used to measure natural gas volume. This conventional measuring system is used primarily in the United States and is based on the imperial measurement system. In Europe the equivalent unit of measure is MCM (Measuring Cubic Meters).

What is a Cubic Foot?

A cubic foot is a unit of measure that is equal to the volume of a cube with 1-foot edges. The cubic foot is a unit of volume used in imperial and U.S. customary measurement systems. When MCF is used to measure natural gas, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the natural gas.

Natural Gas Characteristics

Natural gas is comprised of various hydrocarbons, the predominant one being methane. Natural gas also typically contains some impurities including nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. The amount of impurities in natural gas can vary considerably, depending on the fields in which it is extracted. As impurities vary, the volume of the gas will vary.

Using MCF to Measure Natural Gas

When using MCF to measure natural gas, it is important to note that it is typically measured in thousand cubic feet, or MCF. This measurement is typically figured by measuring the natural gas in its purest state, which is generally by removing the impurities and light hydrocarbons. This is done because the impurities can greatly vary in quantity, so they must be excluded in the measurement.

It’s also important to note that the use of an MCF commonly differs depending on the gas source. Most often, in domestic gas applications, an MCF typically means 1,000 cubic feet at a pressure of 14.73 pounds per square inch and a temperature of 60-degrees Fahrenheit.

MCF measurements are also adjusted further based on the specific gravity of the natural gas being measured. Specific gravity (SG) is a measurement that indicates how much a gas deviates from what can be considered standard air.

For natural gas, one cubic foot of pure methane, at a pressure and temperature of 14.73 PSIA and 60°F, has a specific gravity of 0.60 and is the baseline for an MCF measurement.

When SG is below 0.60, then the corresponding MCF measurement is slightly less than 1,000 cubic feet.

Conversely, when SG is above 0.60, then the corresponding MCF measurement is slightly more than 1,000 cubic feet.

MCF measurements, when applied to natural gas, serve as a measure of the volume of natural gas being used in domestic and commercial applications. It is now a common metric for quoting the sale of natural gas, and it is used worldwide. By standardizing the measurements, natural gas suppliers and buyers are able to get an accurate measurement of the quantity they are receiving or selling. Understanding this basic concept of MCF is an essential part of the natural gas industry. Not only does it give an indication of the quality of the gas, but it also sets a standard for what the natural gas price should be.

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