GE collaboration will help provide metering packages to South American marketOne of the most respected names in the world of oil and gas engineering has chosen NEL as a main test partner in a contract to supply metering solutions to a key player in the South American energy sector.

“GE has asked us to undertake testing and performance validation for the significant number of Venturi meters it is providing,” says Dr. Phil Mark, Group Manager at NEL. “This is part of a complete metering package it is developing for its client.”

The project is challenging for a number of reasons, including the wide range of Reynolds number required by the end customer, the very low acceptance limits for measurement uncertainty and the tight delivery schedule.

“GE came to NEL because of our proven knowledge of Venturi metering, the capabilities of our facilities and our strong customer focus and flexibility,” says Phil. “The confidence the company has in our team to deliver a complex project to a strict deadline is due to our focus on customer engagement throughout each calibration activity.”

Nick Ellson, Product Manager for GE said “GE is committed to providing the highest quality instruments to the market. This involves using the best possible suppliers, such as NEL – whose expertise in flow measurement, their specific knowledge in the field of Venturi meters and their focus on customer service enabled the delivery of flow meters that push the boundaries of technology.”

The project began in late 2015 and involves the use of NEL’s upgraded High Pressure Gas facility.

GE provides a range of innovative monitoring solutions, from subsea acoustic monitoring sensors to refining and petrochemical applications.

For more information, contact Dr. Phil Mark, Phil.mark@tuv-sud.co.uk

Market engagement studies to drive technology transfer between sectorsTwo new market engagement studies have recently been started. These joint projects with the Flow Measurement Institute (FMI) are part of NEL’s on-going push to transfer metering expertise gained in the oil and gas industry to other sectors.

“NEL and FMI have jointly identified the need for these two studies,” says Anne Farr from the FMI Secretariat. “The emphasis will be on face-to-face research so that we can really get to grips with what industry wants. The studies will investigate market drivers and end-user requirements with a view to shaping future research programmes.”

The first study aims to identify applications for industrial densitometers in non-oil and gas sectors. A lot of work has been done in the oil and gas sector to improve the accuracy of density measurements and the study will look at the demand for this type of technology in other sectors, including pharmaceuticals. It will assess how densitometers are currently being calibrated, determine the issues that need to be resolved and highlight what knowledge can be shared between industries.

The second study will focus on the Food and Drink industry. Flow measurement is a component of areas such as food safety, traceability and process efficiency, rather than an industry driver in itself. The study will look at the current flow measurement utilisation in this sector, future challenges faced and longer term research and technology needs.

The studies will be completed in April. NEL and the FMI are currently looking for any organisations or individuals that would like to get involved. If you are interested, please get in touch.

For more information, contact Phil Mark or Anne Farr, Phil.mark@tuv-sud.co.uk or anne@flowmeasure.com

February 2017

Flow metrology standards work moving forward2017 has seen significant work being done to drive forward the development of a wide range of standards linked to flow metrology.

“This work demonstrates the importance of the UK’s role in delivering the underpinning research and work necessary to develop standards and guidance to support trade and industry,” says Group Manager Mark Roscoe.

“One of the highlights of this work has been the excellent progress made in developing the draft of the new multiphase flow measurement standard (ISO/TR 21354),” explains Mark. “This was identified as an industry need at last year’s North Sea Flow Measurement Workshop held in St Andrews.”

“The work on ISO/TR 21354 will bring to the forefront the results of the European multiphase research project which is being led by NEL under the EMRP (European Metrology Research Programme),” says NEL Principal Consultant, Dr Michael Reader-Harris. “Similarly, the clarifications currently being made to ISO/DTR 15377 (Differential Pressure Devices) covering orifice plates with drain holes will showcase the results of NEL research carried out under the UK Government’s Flow Programme”.

NEL has also reviewed the draft of ISO/WD 5167-6 (wedge meters) and pursued the revision of ISO 11631 covering fluid flow measurement. Dr Reader-Harris is actively involved in planning the forthcoming generic flow measurement ISO/TC 130 meeting which will be held in China in June 2017.

A number of NEL staff have been actively supporting the development of standards in other key areas, including chair of the ISO/TC 30/5 committee which oversees mass and velocity meters, and involvement in ISO/DIS 2714 (positive displacement meters) and ISO/DIS 2715 (turbine meters) to ensure that the meters are satisfactory for all liquid flows, and not just oil.

For further information, contact Craig Marshall, Craig.marshall@tuv-sud.co.uk

What roles do you play at NEL?Since mid 2015 I have been a consultant as part of the Physical Properties Data Service (PPDS) Section. In January 2016, I became PPDS Section Leader. Our PPDS software package provides quality-assured physical properties of fluid data.

Where were you prior to NEL?I was a Senior R&D Engineer at Doosan Babcock Ltd. My team and I developed in-house dynamic modelling software

What are your main areas of expertise?I am a skilled Mechanical Engineer with 12 years of industrial experience and I focus on software development and problem solving. I have 5 patent applications and have helped ensure the continuous growth of NEL’s PPDS business year on year.

What are your current key projects?We regularly engage with our customers to understand how we can best support them and each year we plan maintenance and development of the PPDS software. In 2017, our aim is to enhance the functionality, compatibility and

capabilities of the service and to make it possible for users to embed the system in their own applications and systems.

What most excites/interests you about working at NEL?I like the fact that NEL’s relatively small structure means that decisions are made very quickly and efficiently. NEL enables people to move fast and achieve more ambitious goals. Plus, my colleagues represent a vast source of knowledge and experience.

What future trends do you see developing?The main developments will be around growing the business by enhancing the capabilities of the PPDS software for customers. We will also be deploying the software in new and emerging markets.

Please contact us to find out more about any of these news items:NEL, East Kilbride, Glasgow G75 0QF, United KingdomTel: + 44 (0) 1355 220222 E: info@tuvnel.com www.tuvnel.com

NEL, the flow measurement specialist, plays a key role in ensuring accurate flow measurement across a range of industries.

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Konrad Kuczynski, PPDS Section Leader

Career Profile

Asia Pacific Team strengthened with new regional postingNEL is strengthening its Asia Pacific presence by transferring one of its senior consultants to its Kuala Lumpur operation.

“I hope to utilise my knowledge and expertise to benefit operators, manufacturers and services companies in this region,” says Alick MacGillivray, who has 30 years’ experience in flow measurement consultancy, specialising principally in the Oil and Gas Sector.

The move is designed to increase the depth of NEL’s technical expertise in the region and demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to the rapidly expanding Asia Pacific market. Alick’s role will be to continue developing customer awareness of NEL’s consultancy services and training offering, and support ongoing business development activities. He will act as a bridge for British expertise and technological know-how.

Alick already has significant experience across southeast Asia, having helped some of the biggest operators in the region. NEL is currently working with Petronas on a study of the upgrade of a metering system for the Angsi field. This involves flow meter selection and uncertainty analysis. Other recent work includes auditing a crude oil Custody Transfer Measurement System for a company operating in Malaysia. This highlighted inaccuracies that were costing the operator over $1.1 million per year.

Alick has excellent contacts with key industry and government bodies and is a well-known speaker at regional conferences. Most recently, he highlighted the importance of auditing in flow measurement at the 3rd Malaysian Oil and Gas Services Exhibition and Conference.

For further information, contact Alick MacGillivray, Alick.macgillivray@tuv-sud.co.uk