RMGA Meter Reading and Measurement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a meter bypass valve?
- To allow gas to flow around the meter for meter replacement or testing without interrupting customer service (Correct answer)
- To increase gas pressure for high-demand customers
- To vent excess gas when demand drops
- To prevent backflow from the customer's system
Correct answer: To allow gas to flow around the meter for meter replacement or testing without interrupting customer service
A meter bypass valve allows gas to continue flowing to the customer through an alternate path while the meter is removed, tested, or replaced.
Question 2: What federal regulation governs the accuracy requirements for natural gas meters used in billing?
- 49 CFR Part 192
- 16 CFR Part 503
- State public utility commission regulations and ANSI/AGA standards (Correct answer)
- OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926
Correct answer: State public utility commission regulations and ANSI/AGA standards
Gas meter accuracy for billing is primarily governed by state public utility commission regulations and industry standards such as ANSI B109 and AGA measurement standards.
Question 3: What is the 'index' on a natural gas meter?
- The serial number stamped on the meter body
- The register or display showing accumulated gas volume consumed (Correct answer)
- The pressure rating label on the meter
- The odorant concentration measurement port
Correct answer: The register or display showing accumulated gas volume consumed
The index is the meter's register or display—a series of dials or a digital counter—showing the cumulative volume of gas that has passed through the meter.
Question 4: What does it mean when a gas meter 'registers zero' or fails to advance?
- The customer is not using any gas
- The meter may be stuck, bypassed, or there is a connection issue that requires investigation (Correct answer)
- The meter has reached the end of its useful life
- Gas supply to the meter has been shut off by the utility
Correct answer: The meter may be stuck, bypassed, or there is a connection issue that requires investigation
A non-advancing meter index when gas is being consumed indicates a possible meter malfunction, bypass, or theft of service that requires field investigation.
Question 5: What is 'meter set assembly' in natural gas distribution?
- A group of meters installed at a large commercial facility
- The combination of meter, inlet and outlet valves, regulator, and associated piping at a customer location (Correct answer)
- A collection of meter reading data for a billing cycle
- The team of utility employees who install meters
Correct answer: The combination of meter, inlet and outlet valves, regulator, and associated piping at a customer location
A meter set assembly is the complete installation at the customer service point, including the meter, shutoff valves, pressure regulator, and connecting piping.
Question 6: At what pressure is a residential natural gas meter typically tested for accuracy by most utilities?
- At the transmission pipeline operating pressure (500+ psig)
- At or near the normal operating pressure of the meter (typically around 0.25 to 2 psig for residential) (Correct answer)
- At a standard test pressure of 100 psig
- At maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP)
Correct answer: At or near the normal operating pressure of the meter (typically around 0.25 to 2 psig for residential)
Residential meters are tested for accuracy at pressures representative of their normal operating range, typically in the low-pressure distribution range.
RMGA Meter Reading and Measurement 2
What is the purpose of a meter bypass valve?