The recommendations contained herein are intended to cover only the production@ transportation@ and custody transfer of natural gas and of those ethane and heavier hydrocarbons which are produced therewith or therefrom. However@ they may be used for similar fluids when mutually agreeable to the contracting parties. Purpose The American Petroleum Institute has adopted this recommended practice in order to simplify and@ insofar as possible@ to encourage standardization of practices for measuring @ sampling@ and testing natural gas fluids@ and to influence thereby the making of contracts which can be clearly interpreted and executed by an operating staff. However@ the recommendations contained herein are not intended to interfere in any way with business contracts or with applicable regulations@ nor should they be applied when they are in conflict with governmental regulations.