Given the large volumes of LNG under transport, ROI on real-time measurement systems such as the ClearView db can be measured in days. LNG is natural gas cooled to a liquid state. Natural Gas is composed primarily of methane, but may also contain propane, ethane, and other heavier hydrocarbons as well as small residual quantities of N2, O2, CO2, H2O, and some sulfur-containing compounds. Prior to liquefaction, these residual materials are removed with only clean hydrocarbons remaining. The composition of natural gas can vary slightly from different producing locations. Typically LNG is a colorless material, but during distillation, the carryover of larger hydrocarbons (C6+) can affect the color of the LNG (the typical specification for C6+ in LNG is 0 to 0.05%).

Saybolt Color (ASTM D156) has a scale that ranges from -16 (darkest) to +30 (lightest). Figure 2 shows the Saybolt measurement scale on a ClearView db photometer equipped with a standard 50mm pathlength cell. Any material darker than -16 can be measured using the ASTM Color scale (ASTM D1500). Both Saybolt and ASTM color can be measured online in real time using a ClearView db dual beam photometer. The ClearView db can be configured to measure either one or two sample points. Each unit can have 4-20 mA analog outputs (6 outputs max on a single channel system, and 4 outputs per channel on a dual channel system) along with corresponding contact closure outputs to alert error states. The ClearView db is also capable of Modbus TCP communication via Ethernet.