1.3 Gas parameters, gas quality figures (G 260, G 685)

The gas used in the networks for the final customer has to fulfill quality and composition requirements. According to the standard defined by DVGW G 260 working sheet two main types of natural gas (gas families) are distinguished which stem from different sources and production locations:

• H-Gas, high calorific value (Russian source, typically)

• L-Gas, low calorific value (North Sea source, mainly)

The calorific value is generally used for the billing, as the final consumer/customer must receive his bill with the energy value included, meaning in the unit of kWh in a period (i. e. a year, a month). The energy value yields from multiplication of accumulated flow and calorific value, e. g. 3000 m3/a * 10.1 kWh/m3 equal to 30300 kWh/a.