Papers

This paper discusses fundamental principles of ultrasonic gas flow meters used for measurement of natural gas and the available basic diagnostic capability to assess meter operation and performance. The basic requirements for obtaining good meter performance, when installed in the field, will be reviewed. Most of this information can be generalized to other manufacturer’s transit …

Ultrasonic Meter Diagnostics – Basic – Overview of operation and maintenance of wetted-sensor ultrasonic flow meters Read More »

Prior to the evolution of flow computers being commonly used in the measurement of hydrocarbons, most telemetry systems were used to collect control information and real time data and provide control commands to a Remote Terminal Unit at major pump and compressor stations. Most of the local metering was being handled by chart recorders and …

BASIC APPLICATION OF FLOW COMPUTERS AND TELEMETRY SYSTEMS Read More »

This paper is directed to ultrasonic natural gas meters using transit time across the gas pipe as the measurement variable. Custody transfer meters using sensors wetted with gas are the more familiar meter format. Clamp-on meters are quite similar.

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 »

Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about Turbine meter measurement, wham, out comes a revised AGA 7 standard. Now those basic principles are all still valid but maybe those operating practices we have built into our operating procedures need a little review. Rather than proceed as generations have done before …

Overview of AGA 7 Revision Read More »

The measurement of gas 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.

This paper is intended to provide meter station designers with a basic methodology for selection of an appropriate flow meter (or meters) for a given application. Since many applications require that a meter station operate over a broad range of flow rates or loads, an example is provided on how to address system rangeability while …

METER SELECTION FOR VARIOUS LOAD REQUIREMENTS Read More »

Turbine meters have been used for the custody transfer of refined petroleum products and light crude oils for over 40 years. When correctly applied, they offer high accuracy and long service life over a wide range of products and operating conditions. Traditionally turbine metes were used for the measurement of low viscosity liquids and PD …

FUNDAMENTALS OF LIQUID TURBINE METERS Read More »

In this paper I will attempt to give a fundamental overview of an NGL meter station design; however, it is not a straight forward, one size fits all scenario. There are multiple considerations that influence the meter station design and all must be taken into account. Major considerations are: what product or products will be …

Fundamental Overview of an NGL Meter Station Design Read More »

In order to understand the chemistry of natural gas, it is important to be familiar with some basic concepts of general chemistry. Here are some definitions you should know: Matter – anything that has mass and occupies space. Energy – the capacity to do work or transfer heat. Elements – substances that cannot be decomposed …

FUNDAMENTALS OF NATURAL GAS CHEMISTRY Read More »