NTL 89-2

Notice to Lessees and Operators of Onshore Federal and Indian
Oil and Gas Leases Within the Jurisdiction
of the New Mexico State Office
(NTL 89-2 New Mexico)
 
Standards for the Use Of Electronic Flow Computers (EFC) and Electronic Gas Measurement Systems.

This notice is to inform lessees/operators of the Bureau of Land Management standards for the use of electronic recording devices used on orifice meters for gas measurement. EFC's that meet these requirements are approved for use on Federal and Indian oil and gas leases within the jurisdiction of the New Mexico State Office.

 

I. On-site (at meter) Equipment and Data Requirements

1. If requested by the Authorized Officer, the following data for the time period specified must be made available within two working days. Data need not be settlement volumes, unless specifically requested. If on-site graphics are used, at least 7 days of data must be displayed.

  • Dates and times of data points
  • Average static and differential pressures in hourly increments
  • Average flowing temperatures in hourly increments
  • Daily volumes
  • Specific gravity (average)
  • Meter ID number (must match on-site number)

2. The following information must be maintained on-site and accessible to BLM personnel:

  • Meter run size
  • Orifice size
  • Differential range
  • Static range
  • Temperature range
  • Calibrated spans
  • A unique meter ID number

3. A11 EFC's must be capable of retaining data collected for a minimum of 35 days if the main power source is interrupted or destroyed. Less retention time may be approved by the Authorized Officer if meter installations are inspected by the company more frequently. Retention time may not be less than company inspection intervals.

This requirement is met when a meter is equipped with an alarm system for power loss and where repairs can be effected before retention of data fails.

4. Equipment must be installed, maintained and operated within the manufacturer's specifications and meet accuracy standards of Onshore 0il and Gas Order No. 5 (OOGO No. 5).

II. Retention of Information for Audit Purposes

1. The following information must be retained for a minimum of 6 years and available to the Authorized Officer upon request:

  • Field edits or volume adjustments
  • Calibration reports
  • Gas analysis used in volume determination
  • Orifice plate or any equipment changes
  • Monthly volume statements (Billing cycle)
  • Hourly average static and differential pressures, hourly flow temperatures, hourly sums of extensions calculated at each data point, hourly volumes and the algorithm used to obtain the summation of extensions, averages and volumes. Extensions are defined for the purpose of this notice as the square root value of the product of the differential pressure and static pressure. . Subsequent edits or adjustments. If several changes are made, only the original and the final readings must be retained.

2. A parity check is to be made whenever data is transferred from one medium to another.

III. Existing Equipment

All equipment in place on the date of this NTL must meet the standards of this notice. Equipment must be installed, maintained and operated within the manufacturer's specifications and meet the accuracy standards of OOGO No. 5.

IV. Calibration Frequency

Calibration frequency shall be the same as the requirements for conventional chart recorders.

V. General Requirements

All the applicable requirements of OOGO No. 5 shall apply to EFC's. Reporting requirements shall be the same as the requirements for conventional chart recorders.

APPROVED:Date: 11-3-89Larry L. Woodard
New Mexico State Director