A combustionless measurement method and apparatus are described for ascertaining the quality and/or quantity of gaseous fuels fed to gas consumption devices, and particularly natural gas consumption devices. The technique utilizes a novel empirical algorithm for correlating easily measured gas parameters to any one of the: heating value of the fuel gas; density of the fuel gas; and percent concentration of inert gases within the fuel gas. Sensed fuel gas parameters can include any combination of viscosity, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and optical absorption, etc., at more than one temperature if needed for accuracy. Specific structures are set forth for implementing the technique.

Patent Information

Number	US  5311447
Country	US
Status	Issued
Date	05/10/1994