Papers

In the day-to-day operations of measurement systems, fiscal measurement accuracy remains
critical to pipeline profitability, as vested parties require assurance of the exact quantity and quality
of the transferred material. Measurement drifts caused by failures,

Electronic flow measurement as applied to the natural gas industry has advanced considerably over the last 30 years.
Applications to address Upstream, Midstream and Downstream gas measurement technologies have become more complex.
Over time it has become necessary to understand the fundaments that make up this ever-changing environment.

Flow conditioning is one of the most critical aspects dealing with any type of volumetric flow metering. Flow
conditioning is the final buffer between the flow meter and the upstream piping layout and is responsible for eliminating
swirl, restoring flow symmetry and generating a repeatable, fully developed velocity flow profile.

Flow is one of the four major physical measurements in processes. Flow meters may be classified in four categories:
differential pressure, velocity, mass and positive displacement or volumetric. Each category has advantages and
disadvantages; however, the focus of this paper will be the differential pressure flow meters.

This paper presents fundamental information necessary to understand and appreciate the concept of total
gas energy in a natural gas pipeline. That is, to be able to converse with peers within the natural gas
industry and understand basic concepts and terminology.

A Coriolis mass flow meter is a meter that can be used to measure liquids and gases. It directly measures mass and
density and these can be used to calculate actual volume flow in liquids.

Transferring the knowledge base regarding the measurement equipment between a field measurement technician and a
corporate measurement analyst can be extremely challenging. A Field technician’s skill set is tested on a routine basis;
therefore, the technician must be knowledgeable in:

From these definitions, it appears that one could conclude that a standard should have value; be established by general
consent or by an organization; be a “yardstick” to measure quantity, quality, and value; and be a “base or support” upon
which one can built procedures and policies.

Accurate flow measurement is key in custody transfer applications. To ensure reliable
measurement during energy transactions, it is necessary to incorporate state-of-the-art
technologies into engineered solutions.

Auditing evolved as a business practice as owners began to realize a standardized form of accounting must exist to prevent
fraud. Financial audits made their way into businesses during the late 1700s. The industrial revolution brought about the
separation of job duties beyond what a sole proprietor or family could oversee. Managers were hired to supervise the
employees and the business processes.