Recent developments in gas flow computers
- Bristol Babclock, Watertown, CT (United States)
The selection of new products is a real advantage to the industry. Although it is more difficult for customers to consider more alternatives. the new products better match the functional requirements and budget limitations encountered, today. In this paper, new developments in a number of technical areas will be discussed. Of course, the reason for all the new product introductions is that the suppliers see large market potential. Due to initiatives which are now {open_quotes}old news,{close_quotes} the industry is installing electronic gas measurement (EG) products at a record pace. A review of these initiatives shows that the major factor has been FERC 636. One common misconception is that the rule requires electronic flow computers. The truth of the matter is that EG is a solution to the information flow needs which fall-out from FERC 636. To run a business, today, a company simply cannot wait the 30 to 45 days it takes to process charts and turn them into flow information, company-wide. Using EG. today`s operations obtain flow information on, at least, a daily basis. Some literally have up-to-the-minute flow information. Actually, FERC 636 accelerated a trend that was already in process. As the industry downsized in the late I 980`s and lost many people to retirement, the younger replacements were far more willing to use electronics in place of the traditional chart recorders. Suppliers at the time also expended much effort selling the EG concept and their uphill battle was beginning to show a good return when FERC 636 came along. Another factor in favor of EG is the environmental hazard of the numerous mercury manometers in the field. This has particularly affected the production business. Areas managed by the BLM have a specific requirement which calls for removal of mercury manometers and most users have opted for electronic devices as replacements. Additional BLM requirements for on-site information also helped the EG cause.
- OSTI ID:
- 146297
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950553-; TRN: 95:007831-0059
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International school of hydrocarbon measurement, Oklahoma City, OK (United States), 16-18 May 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the seventieth International School of Hydrocarbon Measurement; PB: 811 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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