Overview
ISO/TR 17910:2024 - Natural gas - Coal-based synthetic natural gas quality designation and the applicability of ISO/TC 193 standards is a Technical Report (first edition, 2024) that describes the production, distribution and quality designation of coal‑based synthetic natural gas (CBSNG). It evaluates whether existing ISO/TC 193 natural‑gas standards for sampling, testing and calculation methods are applicable to CBSNG, a natural‑gas substitute synthesized from coal by gasification, water‑gas shift and methanation processes.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Production process overview: gasification of coal, gas cleaning, water‑gas shift, methanation, dehydration and compression - showing typical intermediate gas streams and evolution to a final CBSNG product.
- Typical composition: CBSNG normally contains >90% methane, up to 5% hydrogen, with small amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, minor ethane/propane and trace ammonia.
- Applicability assessment: systematic review of ISO/TC 193 standards addressing:
- Sampling standards - representative and indirect sampling applicability for CBSNG streams;
- Test and calculation methods - suitability for measuring major components, minor components and trace constituents, and for calculating physical properties (density, compression factor, calorific value, Wobbe index);
- Solid particulate matter considerations and measurement needs.
- Terminology and units aligned with ISO 14532 (vocabulary) and references to gas property calculation standards such as ISO 6976.
- Informative annexes: technical requirements and test methods for CBSNG, plus targeted test methods for hydrogen and ammonia, and guidance on interchangeability.
Applications and who uses this standard
ISO/TR 17910:2024 is practical for organizations involved in the emerging CBSNG value chain:
- CBSNG producers and project developers - to define product quality and process control points (gas cleaning, methanation).
- Pipeline and distribution operators - to assess interchangeability and compatibility with existing natural‑gas networks and end‑use appliances.
- Analytical laboratories - to select appropriate sampling and test methods for major/minor/trace constituents, hydrogen and ammonia.
- Regulators and standards bodies - to harmonize quality designation, custody transfer criteria and safety requirements.
- Energy planners and investors - to evaluate CBSNG projects in regions producing or planning CBSNG (notably United States, China, and project plans in South Korea, Ukraine and Brazil).
Related standards
- ISO/TC 193 portfolio (natural gas sampling, analysis and calculation standards) - applicability reviewed throughout the report.
- ISO 14532 (vocabulary) and ISO 6976 (gas property reference) are explicitly referenced.
For implementation or procurement, consult the full ISO/TR 17910:2024 document via your national standards body or ISO’s catalogue to review the detailed annexes and specific test‑method recommendations.