Natural Gas Measurement, Underground Utilities and More Blog

DUALCO has become a reliable source for valve lubrication equipment, valve lubricant, sealant and cleanser for oil and natural gas high-performance plug valves, ball valves and gate valves.

In my earlier post, Operator Qualification Program Provision 1: identify covered tasks, I discussed how regulations require pipeline operators to prepare a written Operator Qualification Plan. The first step in the plan is to determine the covered tasks and create an OQ task list, and the second step is to evaluate the individuals while performing the duties to ensure they are adequately trained.

One of the many fine product lines Linc Energy Systems represents is Integrity Fusion Products, the manufacturer of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fittings, valves and electrofusion equipment. The products are designed for applications in natural gas, industrial, landfill, potable water, and mining. Linc Energy represents these products in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico and Montana.

A new standard has emerged, from burning flare gas to recycling it and creating renewable energy, creating the need to monitor and measure flare gas flow.

In my earlier post, “Guidelines for developing an Operator Qualification Plan” I identified eight provisions the PHMSA mandates to be included in any Operation Qualification Program. Within this post I discuss the first step which is to identify the “covered tasks” performed by the employee or contractor.

In my earlier post, What is Operator Qualification? I shared the government mandates that operators qualify employees or contractors who operate or maintain small distribution systems within the oil and gas industry. The PHMSA has set up guidelines to help small distribution operators and master meter system operators develop an Operator Qualification plan.

Engineers at various wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are recognizing the benefits of using thermal mass flow meters to monitor air flow or aeration flow, improve process efficiency, reduce energy costs, and measure digester gas.

On November 9, 2011, the EPA amended and clarified many subsections to the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule which requires facilities to monitor and report emissions. A one-time extension deadline of September 28, 2012, was given for any entity reporting under various source categories.

More and more dairies and farming operations are putting waste to work by using the manure from their livestock to create electric and thermal power. Farming operations, like Lochmead Farms in Oregon, are taking advantage of new technology, and developing renewable energy, receiving tax credits and reducing emissions.

While the majority of thermal mass flow meter manufacturers recommend their meters be returned to the factory every year for calibration, there is one manufacturer that offers the ability to calibrate the meter onsite, or in-situ calibration.

During interesting economic times, we often hear about budget cuts and layoffs, but there is one area of business that usually does well in a down economy—repair and maintenance. This is true for at least one company specializing in natural gas meter repair and calibration; especially commercial meters.

Submetering is a metering system implemented in buildings or communities where there are multiple tenants, so the property owner or management company can bill the individual tenants for their utility usage. While submetering was initially invented in the 1920s, it didn’t become popular until the late 80s, because of increasing utility costs and environmental conservation.

What is a burner management system (BMS)?

Picture this. A process burner flame goes out, and natural gas vents for days. Jacob, 19-year-old pipeline operator-in-training drives to a wellhead. Combine inexperience with a strike of a match to light a cigarette, and Jacob meets with a tragic demise.

The decision to use insulating flange kits or monolithic isolation joints just got easier as one United States manufacturer is offering attractive alternatives to the notorious long lead times from importing.

Operator Qualification Training (OQ) is a safeguard mandated through congress from 1992 and is currently enforced through Pipeline Safety Acts. To ensure the safe transportation of hazardous liquids and gases through pipelines, operators must be qualified. The burden of getting pipeline operators properly trained lies on private pipelines or pipeline contractors.

In my post “Natural gas leak detection and what to do,” I discussed methods of detecting, isolating and what to do in the event of a gas leak. I noted that the real first alert for detecting natural gas is the nose, thanks to our sense of smell. Which raises the question – what is natural gas odorization?

Tracer wire manufacturers routinely strive for advancements to prevent situations where tracer wire fails. Recently Copperhead Industries introduced a new product, corrosion-proof tracer wire connectors which minimize connection failure while backfilling, provide corrosion protection and save time and money.

Valve maintenance is critical to any damage prevention program as it ensures the proper functioning of a pipeline. After all, if your valves do not turn freely and seal properly, you have little or no control of your crude oil or natural gas pipeline.

In a down economy, manufacturers are becoming more creative by suggesting the reuse, recycle, repair or even exchange of their existing equipment rather than investing in new products. I’m seeing more and more manufacturers offering renovation or exchange programs such as DUALCO, the manufacturer of hydraulic grease guns for valve maintenance.

In “What are carbon credits?” I explained how carbon credits (CERs) are awarded to those parties which reduce their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) below a specified quota. Those tradable credits earned can be sold to companies, countries or organizations that cannot reduce their emissions, thus making a new income source for landfill and livestock operations. In this post, I discuss agricultural and landfill methane emission offsets.

In North America, the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) offers creative mechanisms to promote the reduction of Greenhouse Gases which are linked to global warming. The group provides an emission registry, reduction, and trading syste