ISO 23219:2022

Overview

ISO 23219:2022 specifies a standardized XML file format for reporting natural gas analysis results from gas chromatograph (GC) analysers. The standard defines a clear, vendor-neutral text format for gas composition, uncertainties and related metadata. Files use the .XML extension (case insensitive) and follow a schema (Annex A) with examples and guidance for consistent data exchange and offline processing.

Key topics and technical requirements

• XML schema and tags: Structured elements such as <measurements>, <peak>, <component>, <amount>, <properties>, <uncertainty>, <correlation_coefficients> and <inchi> (see Annex A). Tags are lowercase, have no attributes and multiword tags use underscores (e.g., <retention_time>).
• Numeric and unit conventions: Use period as decimal separator, no digit grouping, E-notation allowed. Units formatted with single solidus or exponent (e.g., MJ/m3). Amount units (mol%, ppm mol, mol_fr, mass%) and calorific-value units are specified.
• Date/time formatting: <date_time> must follow ISO 8601 (compatible with Excel/VBA).
• Uncertainty and correlation: Standard uncertainty reported with <uncertainty> block including coverage_factor and distribution (Normal by default). Correlation coefficients between mole fractions can be given; identity matrix assumed if absent.
• Data integrity: Recommended checksum (e.g., CRC-16) included as an XML comment for corruption checks.
• Examples and tooling: Informative annexes provide example gas certificates, composition/property examples, software suitable for XML processing and InChI component identifiers.

Applications and practical value

• Interoperable GC output: Producing analyzer output in a common XML makes it easier to ingest composition data into calculation tools, spreadsheets (Excel), and LIMS.
• Input to thermophysical calculations: Designed for direct input to standards-based property calculations (e.g., ISO 6976) and performance evaluation workflows (e.g., ISO 10723).
• Reporting and certificates: Standardizes the format of analysis certificates and performance test results for trading, custody transfer, quality compliance and auditing.
• Quality assurance and uncertainty management: Embeds measurement uncertainty and correlation, supporting traceable reporting and risk-aware use of gas data.

Who should use this standard

• Gas laboratories, GC analyser vendors, pipeline and gas storage operators, custody transfer and metering teams, software developers for energy calculations, and regulatory bodies needing consistent natural gas composition exchange.

Related standards

• ISO 6974‑1 / ISO 6974‑2 (composition and uncertainty), ISO 6976 (property calculations), ISO 10723 (performance evaluation), ISO 8601 (date/time), ISO/IEC Guide 98‑3 (measurement uncertainty), and ISO 20765 (additional properties).