Listed below are examples of the workshop topics from previous WGMSC sessions.

The 2009 topics may change based on attendance and review results from the previous Short Course, and by the needs of the host company's interests. Membership does have it's advantages.

13 Measurement Classes

Introduction to Basic Gas Laws (Bob Bennett, American Meter Co.)
For those new to measurement or needing a refresher, a great introduction to the basic gas laws including Boyle's Law, Charles' Law, Ideal Gas Law, Real Gas Law and the Gas Measurement Law; and how they are used in gas measurement.
 

Introduction to Gas Metering (Jeff Webb, Puget Sound Energy)
A discussion of positive displacement and inferential meter basics and their application in natural gas measurement.
 

Essentials of Meter Station Design (Jim Robertson, Pacific Gas & Electric)
Workshop discusses meter station design from concept to final customer acceptance. Course will focus on meter and accessory selection.
 

Fixed Base AMR Systems (Jett Graham, Sensus Metering Systems)
Discussion on the various fixed base AMR systems available for Gas Utilities.
 

Electronic Volume Corrector Basics (Curtis Cowell, Galvanic Applied Sciences)
The use of volume correctors in natural gas measurement.
 

Fundamentals of Multi-path Ultrasonic Meters (Bill Johansen, CEESI)
A thorough discussion of the theory of operation of multi-path ultrasonic meters including velocity of sound determination; effects of gas composition, gas velocity and flow conditioning and flow profiles; accuracy and uncertainty; and flow calibration of ultrasonic meters.
 

Advanced Ultrasonic Meter Diagnostics (John Lansing, Daniel Measurement & Control)
A detailed discussion of advanced diagnostic capabilities in today’s ultrasonic meters; how they provide the ability to monitor for blocked flow conditioners and gas compositional errors.
 

Ultrasonic Meter Station Design (Steve Stark, Stark & Associates)
A discussion of the specific considerations the engineer should consider when designing ultrasonic meter installations such as noise abatement, header design, meter maintenance and gas flow conditioning.
 

Clamp-on Ultrasonic Meters (Peter Espina, Controlotron)
An introduction to the operation of clamp-on ultrasonic meters in gas measurement, including the latest innovations in clamp-on technology for check metering and custody transfer applications.
 

Optical Meter for Gas Measurement (Dr. Ivan Melnyk, Photon Control Inc)
An overview of the theory of operation and application for optical meters for the measurement of flow and composition in the natural gas industry. 
 

Fundamentals of  Gas Turbine Meters (John Gorham, Sensus Metering Systems)
The basic fundamentals of turbine meter measurement.
 

Field Proving (Phil Whittemore, Roots Meters & Instruments)
A basic overview of the various methods used for meter proving with more comprehensive review on the theory of transfer proving and recommended operational procedures.
 

Differential Testing of Rotary Meters (Wayland Sligh, Instromet)
A discussion on how to conduct differential testing of rotary meters, how to interpret and act on the results and the various state commission rules pertaining to differential testing.
 

9 Regulation Classes

Introduction to Gas Regulation (Kevin Shaw, Actaris Metering Systems)
An introduction to the fundamentals of pressure regulation. Covers spring and pilot type regulators, sizing, operation and troubleshooting. Intended for those who are new to the natural gas industry, including design engineers and field personnel charged with day-to-day application of pressure regulators.
 

Introduction to Over Pressure Protection (Steve Pastrano, So Cal Gas Co)
Introduction of several methods available for use in preventing over-pressuring of the downstream pipeline. Discussion of CFR 49, Part 192.
 

Introduction to Regulator/Relief Sizing (Ken Ludvigsen, Fisher Regulator)
Understanding of concepts required to size regulators, relief valves and monitor stations.
 

Flexible Element Regulators (John Anderson, Fisher Controls)
A detailed look at the types of flexible element regulators, advantages and disadvantages. Monitor and relief applications. Discuss operation, application, sizing, installation and maintenance.
 

Industrial (Power Plant) Pressure Control (Jim Green, Becker Technical)
This workshop will consider issues surrounding regulation of large industrial loads such as power plants. Concentration on high volume installations with large combustion turbine engine power plants coupled with small auxiliary loads.
 

Regulator Station Design (Rick Mooney, Dresser Pressure Regulation)
An overview of features which deserve consideration in the design stage of a regulator station. Government regulations, safety, performance and reliability are some of the key factors considered, but others not as prominent are also discussed.
 

Regulator Freeze Protection (Mike Sereda, ATCO Pipelines)
Application of new and existing technology to mitigate freezing issues associated with the Joule-Thompson effect in the natural gas industry.
 

Noise Mitigation in Regulator Stations (Bob Becken, Pacific Gas & Electric)

Discussion of the causes of noise in regulator stations.  Introduction to several methods used to mitigate noise both in the original design of station regulation and in retrofitting existing stations with noise issues.

Troubleshooting Regulators/Control Valves (Paul Adams, Fisher Controls)
Workshop addresses the gas pressure reducing regulator; the issues of erratic control of downstream pressure and installation methods that will help avoid potential problems.
 

13 General Interest Classes
 

Introduction to Gas Quality (Rob Hornberger, Galvanic Applied Sciences)
An introductory level presentation on the fundamentals of gas quality parameters, analysis and methods used to determine gas composition.
 

Natural Gas Sampling Methods (Lance Witt, Welker Engineering)
An intermediate level discussion on natural gas sampling methods, determining accurate gas quality, techniques and factors involved in the collection of spot or composite gas samples.
 

Changes to Gas Sampling Standards: API 14.1 (Fred Van Orsdol, SPL Inc)
An in depth examination of the changes to the gas sampling and gas quality determination standard (API MPMS Chapter 14.1).
 

Odorization Systems (Tommy Tucker, Odor-Tech)
A review of odorization systems, the chemistry and characteristics of gas odorants, along with a discussion of the requirements for DOT compliance and effective protection of the customer.
 

Gas Odorants: Safe Handling, Health, and Environment Affects (Steve Hannah, Natural Gas Odorizing, Inc)
A detailed review of current health, environmental and safety information on gas odorants, including odorant handling and emergency procedures.
 

Laser Based Moisture Analyzers (Joseph McMenamin, SpectraSensors, Inc.)

Overview of Tunable diode laser (TDL) spectroscopy, developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and its application to measurements of water vapor in natural gas.

Using Software to Determine Hydrocarbon Dew Point (Don Mayeaux, A+ Corporation)

An advanced presentation on the use of Equations of State Software to determine if system conditions are conducive to the proper sampling of a specific natural gas composition.
 

Fugitive Emissions & Environmental Impact (Milton Heath III, Heath Consultants Inc)
A look at the impact of hydrocarbon gases on the environment with an emphasis on current methods used to detect and abate fugitive emissions.
 

Coriolis Mass Flow Meters (Karl Stappert, Emerson Process Inc.)

An intermediate level presentation of the application, use, installation and maintenance of Coriolis mass flow meters.
 

New Curb Meter Design (Murray Royce, American Meter Co.)
Overview of the development of a new design meter for curb locations and other harsh environments.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for Gas Meters  (Terry Mohn, Sempra Utilities)
An overview of this unique Electronic Product Code (EPC) technology being implemented in the industry; explains use of RFID tags and readers for tracking/controlling inventory and more.

Field Proving of Turbine Meters (Daniel Rudroff, Sick Maihak Inc.)
Discussion of onsite field proving of gas turbine meters.
 

LNG Facility Design (Tom Quine, NorthStar Industries Ltd.)
A discussion of the historical use and future development of LNG Gas and Storage facilities in the USA.
 

11 Roundtable Discussions

Sulfur in Natural Gas
Discuss issues surrounding Sulfur measurement, impact of Sulfur on equipment operation, removal and disposal of collected Sulfur deposits and general trends in Sulfur concentrations in our pipelines and distribution systems.
 

Fixed Factor vs. Electronic Metering

Discuss criteria for installing electronic metering, determining and verifying pressure/temperature values to apply to fixed factors, applying compressibility to fixed factor meters, and determining pressure zones.
 

Computerized Maintenance and Scheduling Systems
Discuss utility needs; use of commercial or in-house developed computerized asset tracking/scheduling systems; reducing frequency of crew meetings, employee reticence or acceptance, implementation costs and problems; relate positive experiences.
 

Ultrasonic Measurement

Discuss re-calibration requirements and frequencies, installation and operation experiences, clamp-on meters, software issues, failure parameter, maintenance issues and inspection frequencies.
 

Lost & Unaccounted For Gas (LUAF)
Discuss calculation methods and frequencies, toleration limits, effect of electronic measurement, mitigation and investigation methods, and recent and long term trends.
 

Residential AMR
Discuss major deployments, limited strategic deployments, telecommunication devices, communication methods, implementation problems, validation methods, and host hardware and software.
 

BTU Zone Considerations

Discuss zone determination, variation within zones, zone area, and establishing BTU values.

Succession Planning and Training
Discuss aging workforce issues, maintaining expertise with changing technologies, limiting personal liabilities after retirement, new hire training beyond Operator Qualification, and reducing turnover. 
 

Remote Communications and Data Collection
Discuss new communication bands, competing technologies, line of site limitations, regulatory issues, and changing price structures.
 

Hot Topics
Discuss current and near future problems and solutions in the gas measurement world.
 

Low Pressure Ultrasonic Meters
Discuss results of recent testing by distribution companies, experience with replacing turbine meters, reliability so far, expected long term benefits, and accuracy considerations.

21 Vendors providing 45 “Hands-On” classes

AMR / Volume Correctors

Galvanic, Mercury, Reynolds

Gas Analyzers

Ametek, Panametrics, Spectra Sensors

Flow Computers

ABB TotalfFow, Fisher

Meters

American Meter, Daniel, Dresser, Instromet, Romet, Sensus

Odorizers / Odorant Testers

Heath, YZ

Regulators

Actaris, American Meter, Fisher, Mooney

Transducers

Ametek

Transmitters

Rosemount

Tube Bending

Hy-Lok

Valve Control Systems

Becker, Fisher