Measure

A prototype sensor that can quickly and cost-effectively measure pitting and deterioration of natural gas pipelines has moved one step closer to being commercialized, the Department of Energy (DOE) said last week.

A prototype sensor that can quickly and cost-effectively measure pitting and deterioration of natural gas pipelines has moved one step closer to being commercialized, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

A prototype sensor that can quickly and cost-effectively measure pitting and deterioration of natural gas pipelines has moved one step closer to being commercialized, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

While repairing an equipment failure at the Castle Valley CO2 Plant, Questar decided to inspect and repair additional equipment as a preventative measure. To facilitate the work, a plant outage originally scheduled for Feb. 11-12 will be extended through Feb. 13-14. The plant is expected to return to service at a reduced processing level of about 70,000 Dth/d for the Feb. 15 gas day. Because no processing will be available during the Feb. 11-14 period, Questar will work closely with upstream producers to maintain gas quality within tariff specifications. Equipment removed during the shutdown is scheduled for reinstallation during the last week of February, after which the plant is expected to return to normal service. No plant shutdown is required and no customer impact is expected during this installation, Questar said.

California Gov. Gray Davis on Friday signed a short-term measure(AB 7X) to allow the state to get into the bulk power spotpurchasing business immediately. He also ordered the state waterresources department to begin setting up a power auction processanticipating it will be authorized by another new state law thatwill be finalized this week to seek long-term electricitycontracts. Observers and market participants, however, say themeasures probably are inadequate to solve the state’s currentsupply crisis.

California consumers, regulators and utilities have expanded their complaints against sky-high power prices to include natural gas prices, leveling accusations against El Paso Natural Gas and demanding federal intervention in the 15-year old competitive natural gas market.

Officials at the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America say they have no problem with new pipeline safety legislation and increased regulatory scrutiny stemming from a recent pipeline accident that caused the deaths of 12 campers in New Mexico.

Officials at the Interstate Natural Gas Association of Americasay they have no problem with new pipeline safety legislation andincreased regulatory scrutiny stemming from a recent pipelineaccident that caused the deaths of 12 campers in New Mexico.

Senate and House lawmakers last week voted out a $15-billionemergency funding measure that, among other things, will give somelong-sought relief to domestic natural gas and oil producers. Thebill is expected to be signed by President Clinton.