"Master Meter" testing is a new program added to our services in fall 2007.
A Master Meter System is defined by the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) as a natural gas pipeline system for distributing natural gas for resale within areas such as a mobile home park, housing project, or apartment complex, where the operator purchases metered gas from an outside source. The natural gas system supplies the ultimate consumer, who either purchases the gas directly through a meter on the property, or by other means such as service included as part of the rent.
Chapman Engineering personnel visit "Master Meter Operator" (MMO) facilities all over Texas to evaluate their natural gas system's corrosion protection. These systems most often have metal piping and/or metal pipe risers to the pressure regulators, and any metal in contact with soil or water needs cathodic protection testing on an annual basis. There are also quarterly "leak checks" and safety inspection requirements. We now provide over 100 facilities with annual and/or quarterly inspections, system tests and training for on-site personnel.
Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) contains the actual safety regulations that must be complied with by the natural gas operator. Parts 190, 191, 192 and 199 of 49 CFR contain the federal pipeline safety regulations relevant to operators of natural gas pipeline systems.
Chapman Engineering provides a broad range of corrosion protection services. These include "pipe to soil" cathodic protection testing on pipelines, underground storage tank systems, water tanks, the above-mentioned master meter operator systems, and other metallic structures in soil or water contac. Testing will show whether the coatings present (we hope to find good coatings in use) are providing protection against corrosion, and will show whether a cathodic protection (CP) system is installed, and how well that CP system is working. Testing is done to NACE International standards.
Corrosion protection projects we are involved in include water system protection at Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston, and other military installations, public water well protection for water utility and golf course customers, UST system protection at convenience stores and bulk plants, and many other locations.
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