What is the difference between LPG and NGL?
- From a BCS measurement standard point of view (considering the basic thermodynamical properties of temperature, density, pressure / vapor pressure) , LPG and NGL (high vapor pressure) are identical, covered by the same group of supported BCS measurement standards*.
Thus, either a BCG or a BCP license** is required for quantity conversions of LPG and NGL, but not both. - From a business point of view, taking into account the different LPG or NGL financial value, there are considerable differences:
- LPGs – in many countries – are defined by their chemical composition analysis: LPGs are a mixture of propane / butane (and low fractions of propylene and/or butene), with LPG compositions ranging from 100 % propane to 100% butane and any ratios “in between”.
- NGLs, on the other hand, may contain many more additional chemical components – a complete list of the supported NGL compositions is documented in the LPG ISO 6578 Chemical Components FAQ ; Thus, if your NGL is covered by this list of chemical components, either a BCG or BCP license will be required, but not both.
- If your NGL, on the other hand, is of a condensate type (i.e. with even higher carbon atom number components as defined in the LPG ISO 6578 Chemical Composition FAQ), you may require both a BCG and a BCP license, since only the BCP license includes the relevant condensate measurement standards – and you may also require a BCG license for other products (e.g. for LNG quantity conversions).
- Finally, the origin of LPG and NGL – either from crude oil (petroleum) or natural gas wells is reflected in the naming, which may lead to additional confusion.
- Read the LPG and NGL Support FAQ for additional details.
Categories: BCG & BCP Configuration FAQs | Pricing & Usage FAQs
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