Papers

The knowledge base from a field measurement technician to the measurement analyst is extremely demanding. Every field technician is tested in both knowledge and skills on a daily basis regarding: Electronic controls to pneumatic controls x Communication system support Multiple technical disciplines x Support of measurement equipment Procedures that must be followed (SOP) – Standard …

Improving Flow Measurement with Improved Calibration and Data Handling Procedures Read More »

The American Petroleum Institute (API) Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter 14.1, Collecting and Handling of Natural Gas Samples for Custody Transfer, provides practical guidance for gas sampling in custody transfer applications. It is intended as a collection of lessons learned and best practices, and as such, it is a living document. In support …

Current Research Driving Changes to the Chapter 14.1 Standard Read More »

The condition of gas as it presents itself in the pipeline is often not ideal for accurate measurement, by an orifice flow meter. It is the requirement of the American Gas Association (AGA) that the natural gas be in a single phase and with a swirl-free fully developed profile as it passes across the orifice …

Production Equipment Effects of Gas Measurement Read More »

Measuring natural gas is both a science and an art. Guidelines and industry practices explain how to accurately measure natural gas. The ‘art” comes in trying to minimize errors and prevent measurement problems. However, sometime it’s easier to explain “how not” to measure gas when reviewing measurement errors. Measurement errors can be caused through poor …

How Not to Measure Gas/Orifice Flow Meters Read More »

This paper described the current contents of the United States orifice flow metering standard – American Petroleum Institute (API) Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chaper 14.3, “Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocarbon Fluids”, Part 2, “Specification and Installation Requirements.”(1) This document is also knows as American Gas Association Report No. 3, …

A Review of API MPMS Chapter 14.3 / AGA 3 – Part 2 Read More »

This paper presents methods for determining the uncertainty of both differential and linear 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

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 »

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 to as …

An Overview of AGA 9 – Ultrasonic Meters 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.

Measurement in today’s natural gas pipeline systems encompasses many challenges. Measurement departments are faced with tighter system measurement balances than they were ten short years ago. Ultrasonic meters are the meter of choice to help with these challenges. Pipeline companies have pushed USM manufacturers to advance the USM technology to help with the challenges of …

Ultrasonic Meter Flow Calibrations Wet & Dry Read More »