Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 150-4-6 - Inspections and Test6.1. Meter testing facilities and equipment.6.1.1. Testing facilities -- Each utility shall provide or have access to such laboratory meter-testing equipment and other equipment and facilities as may be necessary to make the tests required of it by these rules or other orders of the Commission. The apparatus and equipment so provided shall be subject to the approval of the Commission, and it shall be available at all times for the inspection or use of any member or authorized representative of the Commission.6.1.2. Test required -- Each utility shall, as a minimum requirement, make such tests as are prescribed under these rules with such frequency, and in such manner, and at such places as are herein provided or as may be approved or ordered by the Commission.6.1.3. General testing equipment -- Each utility furnishing metered gas service shall own and maintain the equipment and facilities necessary for accurately testing all types and sizes of meters employed for the measurement of gas, unless arrangements shall have been made to have such testing done in a shop or laboratory containing equipment that is acceptable to the Commission. All alterations, accidents or repairs to meter-proving equipment, subject to proof by the Commission, which might affect the accuracy of such equipment or the method of operating it, shall be promptly reported in writing to the Commission. Testing instruments and equipment must be periodically checked against a standard in accordance with accepted engineering practice. The accuracy of all provers and methods of operating them will be checked from time to time by a representative of the Commission.6.1.4. Equipment for testing small capacity meters -- Each utility shall be required, except as provided in Rule 6.1.3. above, to own and maintain a meter prover of approved type and of a capacity of not less than 5 cubic feet for the testing of small capacity meters. Each meter prover shall be supplied with all accessories needed for accurate meter testing and shall be located in a room suitable for the work to be done, protected from drafts and excessive changes of temperature. The utility shall maintain this equipment in good condition and correct adjustment, so that it shall be capable of determining the accuracy of any service meter to within one half (1/2) of one percent (1%).6.1.5. Equipment for testing large capacity meters -- Each utility furnishing metered gas service through orifice or large displacement meters, shall have available, except as provided in Rule 6.1.3. above, and maintain in proper adjustment proving equipment suitable for determining the accuracy of any orifice or large displacement meter to within one half (1/2) of one percent (1%). The accuracy of all provers and methods of operating them shall be established from time to time by a representative of the Commission.6.2. Meter test records. 6.2.1. Data required All records of tests shall contain complete information concerning the test, including the date and place where the test was made, the name of the person making the test, and the result. Whenever any gas service meter is tested, the original test record shall be preserved, including the information necessary for identifying the meter, the reason for making the test, the reading of the meter upon removal from service, and the result of the test, together with all data taken at the time of test in sufficiently complete form to permit the convenient checking of the methods employed and the calculations made. This record shall be kept until a subsequent test of the meter has been made, but in no case less than six (6) months, and must not be destroyed until all pertinent data has been entered on the meter record.6.2.2. Meter record -- A complete record shall be kept of all tests and inspections made under these rules. The record to be known as the "meter record" shall be kept and shall indicate for each meter owned or used by any utility the date of purchase, its identification, a record of the use, repairs, and tests to which it has been subjected, and the general results of such tests.6.3. Tagging, sealing and capping meters. 6.3.1. Tagging meters -- Each meter shall either be marked or accompanied by a record card when installed. The marking or card must show the date of the last test if the meter is tested on a time basis or the registration (index reading) and date if the meter may be tested on either a time or registration basis. In no case shall the elapsed time between the date of test and the date of installation exceed for four (4) months.6.3.2. Sealing meters -- All meters tested for installation shall be sealed at the time of test by the meterman performing the test. The seal shall be of a type acceptable to the Commission. Those utilities using a compression type lead seal shall have as a sealing tool a device furnished with a die, which shall bear the initials of the utility. Utilities using a snap tin type seal shall have the seal shall have the seal stamped in a similar manner.6.3.3. Capping meters -- All incoming meters must be capped when removed from service and awaiting test. All meters that have been tested and sealed or are ready for installation must be capped when sealed and kept capped until installed.6.4. Accuracy requirements for gas meters. 6.4.1. Installation test -- Every gas meter, whether new or repaired, or that has been removed from service for any cause, shall be in good order and shall be correct at all test rates of flow to within one percent (1%) before being installed: Provided, however, that, in case of an emergency, a meter not meeting the requirements of this rule may be installed temporarily.6.4.2. Method of determining the accuracy of small meters -- For the purpose of determining compliance with this rule, the registration of a displacement meter shall be determined by one test at a rate of flow of approximately one fifth (1/5) of its rated capacity and a second test at approximately the rated capacity of the meter. The capacity of the meters for test purposes shall be the capacity at 1/2 inch differential pressure. The test at the two (2) rates of flow shall agree within, plus or minus one percent (1%). The accuracy of the meter shall be determined by taking one half (1/2) the algebraic sum of the errors at check and capacity flow, which shall be considered as its accuracy in determining compliance with Rule 6.4.1. and for the purpose of computing refunds; unless unusual load conditions indicate that a higher or lower rate of flow should be used, in which case the test record must show the rate of flow used.6.4.3. Meter prover required -- All tests to determine the accuracy of any gas service meter used to measure gas at standard distribution pressure shall be made with a bell type prover; unless, because of unusual capacity or construction of the meter, such method of test shall be considered impracticable and another approved method of test shall be used.6.4.4. Method for testing large displacement meters - 6.4.4.a. All tests on large displacement meters shall be made with approved testing apparatus. It is recommended that such meters be tested in the place of permanent location on the customer's premises whenever practicable. When critical flow provers or low pressure flow provers are used for making such tests, it is recommended that the accuracy be determined at three or more rates of flow, ranging from ten percent (10%) of the rated capacity up to flow at maximum operating rate.6.4.4.b. In such tests, when testing with the critical flow prover, the meter shall be operated at a static pressure which approximates average operating static pressure. When similar tests are made with a low pressure flow prover, average operating pressure should be maintained on the meter under test and the prover operated at a range of low pressure required for such a prover. However, in installation where meters operating on pressures higher than standard distribution pressure are limited in their maximum operating dial rate so as to keep the differential pressure equal to or less than two (2) inches, low pressure flow prover tests may be run with low pressure on the meter. In the flow tests by either method, the maximum dial rate should be such that it will ensure tests being run at meter differential pressure equivalent to normal operating meter differential pressure in all cases.6.4.5. Method for testing orifice meters - 6.4.5.a. All tests on orifice meters shall be made in the place or permanent location on the customer's premises, with approved testing apparatus. The accuracy of the differential pressure registration shall be determined on a rising and falling pressure throughout the entire operating range of the gauge.6.4.5.b. The static pressure registration shall be determined at two (2) or more points including operating pressure.6.4.6. Methods for determining accuracy of large displacement meters -- For determining the accuracy of large displacement meters, take the algebraic average of the errors determined at the various rates of flow at which the meter was tested, which shall be considered as its accuracy in determining compliance with Rule 6.4.1. and for the purpose of computing refunds; except where the rates of flow at which the meter has been registering in service can be definitely established, in which case the weighted average error shall be determined and used.6.4.7. Method of determining accuracy of orifice gauges -- The accuracy of the differential element in all orifice meter gauges must be verified by use of a manometer or other approved methods. The accuracy of the static element must be verified by the use of either a dead weight type gauge, an accurate indicating spring gauge or other approved methods. When an orifice meter gauge is tested and the differential and/or static element is found to be within two percent (2%), plus or minus, of the chart reading, such elements may be considered as accurate in compliance with Rule 4.4. of these rules. When the differential or static element is found to be in error, the respective element shall be adjusted to as near correct reading as practical.6.5. Periodic tests. 6.5.1. Periodic test schedule -- All types of meters in service shall be periodically tested according to the schedule below: 6.5.1.a. Displacement meters. 6.5.1.a.1. Group One -- Displacement meters operating on a gauge pressure of less than two (2) pounds, and having a rated capacity of not more than 1,000 cubic feet per hour at 1/2 inch differential pressure, shall be tested at least every fifteen (15) years.6.5.1.a.2. Group Two -- Displacement meters operating on any pressure and having a rated capacity of more than 1,000 cubic feet per hour at 1/2 inch differential pressure, or smaller displacement meters if measuring gas at two (2) pounds gauge pressure or more, shall be tested on the basis of the index reading (cubic feet of gas passed at the normally prevailing pressure) according to the table attached to these rules as Table 150CSR4-A:6.5.1.2.3. No meter in "group two" shall be allowed to remain in service longer than two (2) years without a test; however, such meters shall be tested free upon request, if such requests are not made more often than once each year.6.5.1.b. Orifice meters. 6.5.1.b.1. Meters measuring not more than 2,000 Mcf per month on the average shall have their differential and static recording gauges tested at least once every six (6) months.6.5.1.b.2. Meters measuring 2,000 Mcf of more per month shall have their differential and static recording gauges tested at least once every two (2) months.6.5.1.b.3. The diameter and condition of orifice plates, meter runs, straightening vanes, shall be checked at least once every year. The gravity of the gas determined at least once every six (6) months: Provided, however, that where previous or subsequent test records show that the specific gravity has not varied by an amount which would make an error in the measurement greater than is consistent with accepted engineering practice, the specific gravity of the gas may be determined at longer intervals, not to exceed one (1) year.6.5.1.b.3. Nothing contained in this rule shall prevent the utility from removing and testing a meter at any time earlier than prescribed at its election.6.5.1.c. Rotary meters. 6.5.1.c.1. For the purpose of testing rotary type meters the manufacturer's certificate of original test shall be accepted for original installation.6.5.1.c.2. Subsequent tests shall be made by differential drop method at a period not to exceed one (1) year.6.5.1.c.3. This differential drop test is to be compared to differential curve developed at operating pressure for various index rates at flow after meter installation. (This procedure is recommended as the original factory differential curve using air at approximate rates of flow is not applicable under operating condition measuring gas under pressure).6.5.2. Reports to Commission. 6.5.2.a. Every utility shall make reports to the Commission on Form E.D. No. 1, or such other forms as may be prescribed. Such reports shall contain complete information regarding meters tested, meters past due for tests, refunds, and all other information requested on the form.6.5.2.b. A utility need not report meters in "group one" as being past due for test unless the meter is more than ninety (90) days past the fifteen (15) year test period.6.5.2.c. The provisions of this section shall not relieve the utility of any of the requirements of Rule 4.4. regarding the manner of computing refunds due to fast meters.6.5.2.d. Reports must be filed not later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the period covered by the reports.6.6. Complaint test. 6.6.1. Application for test -- Upon the written application to the Commission by a customer, a test will be made of the customer's meter, as soon as practicable, supervised by a representative of the Commission.6.6.2. Fee for test -- The application for the test shall be accompanied by a remittance of the amount fixed below as the fee for testing. This fee shall be retained by the Commission. However, if the meter is found to be more than two percent (2%) fast or slow, the utility shall reimburse the customer for the amount of the fee paid by him to the Commission for the meter test. The amount of the fee to be paid for a meter test is set forth on the table attached to these rule as Table 150CSR4-B.6.6.3. Restrictions upon utility -- This rule shall not interfere with the practice of a utility with reference to its tests of meters, except that in the event of application by a customer to the Commission for a complaint test as herein provided, the utility shall not knowingly remove, interfere with, or adjust the meter to be tested without the prior written consent of the customer, and approval of the Commission.6.7. Request tests. 6.7.1. Action required -- If any customer shall request in writing a test of the accuracy of the meter used by her/him, and the meter is not due for periodic test, the utility shall notify the customer of the conditions under which the test will be made by the utility. If the customer shall then request the utility to proceed with the test and remits an amount equal to one half of the scheduled cost of the complaint test (See Rule 6.6.) but not less than five dollars ($5.00), the utility shall make the test promptly. If, when tested, the meter is found to be more than two percent (2%) fast or slow, the amount advanced shall be promptly refunded to the customers. If the meter is not found to be more than two percent (2%) in error, the utility shall retain the amount advanced by the customer for the test.6.7.2. Customer's privilege -- A customer may be present when the utility conducts the tests on his/her meter or, if he/she desires, may send an expert or other representative appointed by her/him.6.7.3. Report to customer -- A report giving the name of the customer requesting the test, the date of the request, the location of the premises where the meter had been installed, the type, make, size, and serial number of the meter, the date of removal, the date tested, the result of the test, and the amount of refund if the meter was found more than two percent (2%) fast, shall be supplied to such customer within ten (10) days after the completion of the test.6.8. Meter testing employees. 6.8.1. Meterman required -- Every utility shall have in its employ, or shall have access to, one or more competent metermen whose duty it shall be to perform such tests as may be necessary to determine the accuracy of the utility's meters.6.8.2. Certification of meterman -- A utility desiring to certify an employee as a meterman must secure a qualification card from the Commission; have same executed by the applicant and returned to the Commission; together with a certification by a responsible representative of the utility as to the facts contained on the card. The Commission will thereupon issue a card to the employee, if the applicant's qualifications are satisfactory, stating that the qualification card has been received and filed, and that the employee is authorized to test meters of the type shown on the card.6.8.3. Experience required -- No employee of a utility shall be authorized to test meters unless he has had at least six (6) months' experience in a utility gas meter shop, or equivalent experience, part of which time must have been spent working on the type meter for which authority to test has been requested. All tests must be made by an authorized meterman.