Papers

We have all heard of or seen the devastating effects of a direct lightning burst. Communication equipment destroyed. Transmitters and EFM devices vaporized into slag metal. Complete process and measurement systems down with extended recovery times. These effects are the most dramatic and the easiest to trace. However, these kinds of events are rare. The …

Transient Lightning Protection for Electronic Measurement Devices Read More »

Determination of fluid properties and phase conditions of hydrocarbon mixtures is critical for accurate hydrocarbon measurement, representative sampling, and overall pipeline operation. Fluid properties such as compressibility and density are critical for flow measurement and determination of the hydrocarbon due point is important to verify that heavier hydrocarbons will not condense out of a gas …

USE OF EQUATIONS OF STATE AND EQUATION OF STATE SOFTWARE PACKAGES Read More »

What is a standard? Why are standards important? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines standard as: 1) a conspicuous object (as a banner) formerly carried at the top of a pole and used to mark a rallying point especially in battle or to serve as an emblem 2) something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a …

An Overview of Industry Standards Related to Natural Gas Measurement Read More »

Natural gas sampling is performed for a variety of reasons. Sampling is performed to determine total gas composition, hydrocarbon dew point, specific gravity, and most importantly, the value of the gas. Three techniques are normally used to obtain gas samples continuous composite sampling, continuous online sampling, or spot sampling. This paper will discuss the various …

TECHNIQUES FOR NATURAL GAS SAMPLING A DISCUSSION OF FIELD METHODS FOR OBTAINING SPOT SAMPLES Read More »

Over 300 people died in an explosion on March 18, 1937 in a New London, Texas public school building. The natural gas that was being delivered to the school building was not odorized. At that time the natural gas was odorless, and there wasnt a law on record to mandate Odorization. As a direct result …

DETERMINING PROPER ODORANT LEVEL Read More »

Meter station piping installation configuration is one of a number of effects that may adversely affect meter accuracy. Some piping configurations can distort the flow stream and produce flow measurement bias errors (i.e., offsets in the meter output) of up to several percent of reading. Valves, elbows, or tees placed upstream of a flow meter …

FLOW METER INSTALLATION EFFECTS Read More »

Many (likely most) gas pipeline companies struggle with lostand- unaccountcd-for-gas (L&U) and it can be a significant cost to their bottom line as shown below. As shown in this inset, by reducing L&U from 0.6 percent to ,25 percent, a typical company with a 2 BCF daily throughput could save almost S18 million annually based …

HOW TO PERFORM A LOST & UNACCOUNTED FOR – GAS PROGRAM Read More »

The gas chromatograph (GC) is an integral component of the natural gas custody metering station and has a large impact on the accuracy of the fiscal flow calculation. For this reason it is imperative that you install, operate and maintain the GC with the goal of maximum reliability and accuracy

Process measurements and analyzer calibrations are key components to bottom-line success in the Petrochemical and Industrial Gas market. Analytical results drive processes to higher yields by monitoring vital components and impurities that either achieve desired results or lead to costly reruns and downtime. Analyzers must be kept in constant calibration to eliminate senseless downtime, and …

CALIBRATION STANDARDS Read More »

Odorization of natural gas is one of the most important aspects of delivering gas to customers in a distribution system. It is a requirement that is mandated by the Federal Government ever since the tragic death of students and teachers in a school house in New London, Texas in 1937. Technology, along with innovations to …

OVERVIEW OF ODORIZATION SYSTEMS Read More »