Papers

While inaccuracies in measurement can be costly and common, they are also avoidable in most cases. Technicians willing to study the experiences and best practices of industry leaders can make a world of difference by applying what they’ve learned and sharing the knowledge shared in this paper with others. This paper aims to describe spot …

Techniques for Spot Sampling Gas Read More »

Chromatography is one of the most widely used means of performing chemical analyses in the world. Russian botanist Mikhail Tswett is credited with discovering the technique of chromatography. Using alcohol as a mobile phase and chalk as a stationary phase, Tswett was able to separate various plant extracts.

This paper describes the current contents of the United States (U.S.) orifice flow metering standard − American Petroleum Institute (API) Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter 14.3, “Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocarbon Fluids,” Part 2, “Specification and Installation Requirements.”[1] This document is also known as American Gas Association Report No. …

A Review of API MPMS Chapter 14.3 / AGA Report No. 3 – Part 2 Read More »

The American Gas Association published Report No. 9, Measurement of Gas by Multipath Ultrasonic Meters 2nd Edition [Ref 1] in April 2007. Report 9 details recommended practice for using multipath gas ultrasonic meters (USMs) in fiscal (custody) measurement applications. This paper reviews some of history behind the development of AGA Report No. 9 (often referred …

An Overview and Update of AGA 9 – Ultrasonic Meters Read More »

What is a standard? Why are standards important? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines standard as: “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” “something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or …

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

The measurement of oil & gas production has progressed considerably since the days of paper charts and manual integration. While still in use today, the technology has moved increasingly to microprocessor based flow computers. Such devices allow for greater measurement accuracy, increased control functionality, and are readily integrated into a company’s enterprise computer networks.

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 …

Auditing Electronic Gas Measurement Per API MPMS Chapter 21.1 Read More »

This paper will address concepts of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Systems and their application to the measurement industry. An important focus of the paper is to provide the reader with an understanding of the technology and with guidelines to be used to evaluate this equipment as part of an automation project.

Electronics have worked their way into every aspect of our lives today. This fact is especially true in the oil and gas industry. With modern electronics it has become easier to attain accurate measurement and automated controls using electronic systems. These devices have become increasingly capable and affordable cementing their use in nearly every company …

Basic Electronics for Field Measurement Read More »

The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines hazardous locations as those areas “where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or filings.” A substantial part of the NEC is devoted to the discussion of hazardous locations. That’s because electrical equipment can become a source …

Basic National Electric Code Applicable to Measurement Read More »