Papers

Protection against direct lightning strikes has been a subject of controversy since the days of Benjamin Franklin. In 1752, Benjamin Franklin introduced a lightning strike collection system. Subsequently, it became known as the “Franklin System,” and the more contemporary name is the “lightning conductor”, air terminal or lightning rod.

This paper summarizes a SCADA implementer’s perspective regarding the intent of the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Control Room Management (CRM) rule. In addition, this paper provides a fresh approach to CRM, describing why companies should use the CRM process to go beyond compliance requirements and implement operating best practices that would significantly enhance …

PHMSA’S RULE IMPACT ON GAS MEASUREMENT (CONTROL ROOM MANAGEMENT) Read More »

Inspections and tests on regulators and relief valves is a Department of Transportation Compliance rule. The sections within the DOT manual stating the rule include 192.351 through 192.359, 192.751, 192.479, 192.481, 192.739, and 192.741. Keep in mind; these rules are the minimum required tests.

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 …

OVERVIEW OF EQUATIONS OF STATE (EOS) Read More »

This paper presents methods for determining the uncertainty of both differential and positive metering stations. It takes into account the type of meter, number of meters in parallel, type of secondary instruments, and the determination of physical properties. The paper then relates this information to potential influence on system balance

All around the world, propane, butane and natural gas must be odorized. The odorization ensures a safe transport, distribution and use of this valuable energy to residential buildings. Regulations vary from one country or state to another.

Well and pipeline flow rates are often variable. Shale wells experience a steep decline curve. Pad drilling can bring on new wells, increasing flow, followed by declining flow in the future. This paper describes a strategy that can be employed to increase the operational flow range over which an orifice meter may be operated, thus …

NEW IDEAS FOR ORIFICE METERING: INCREASING TURNDOWN USING ORIFICE METER TECHNOLOGY & ESG MITIGTIGATION IN ORIFICE METERING SYSTEMS Read More »

The necessity to be able to take a representative sample of the hydrocarbon product known as natural gas is to ensure proper accounting for transactions and efficient product processing. The various sampling methods that are available and the most widely known options and limitations of these methods are discussed here.

Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) streams consist of mixtures of hydrocarbons including ethane, propane, butane, pentane and natural gasoline. NGL is sometimes referred to as ygrade. The American Petroleum Institute (API) Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter 14 Section 7 provides guidance on the mass measurement of NGL.

Like any other piece of equipment, a measurement artifact must be maintained. Obviously, it has to be in working order in general. However, what is more important is that it be operating within specified parameters and providing measurements that are traceable to a known source or sources. This paper provides a general overview of calibration …

METHODS FOR CERTIFYING MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT Read More »