BirdDog Version 4.0
BirdDog™ Information Systems is pleased to announce the release of Version 4.0 of Remote Data Retrieval. This newest system, to which you automatically have access when you log into our host site, provides enhanced features that are certain to make you even more productive... such as a more streamlined and intuitive user interface, the ability for end-users to perform ad hoc changes to alarm settings, and layered administration. With layered administration, end-user organizations can assign BirdDog client administrators who, in turn, will be able to add/delete other enterprise users, set each user's rights (from read-only through full editing, including use of Demand Polling), reset user passwords, add/delete Morning Report recipients, and much more.

In addition to the BirdDog Remote Data Retrieval system functional enhancements, we've also deployed new security provisions to further complement our previously implemented use of an HTTPS website to provide full SSL encryption of your sensitive and proprietary information. These enhancements include the use of unique email addresses as User IDs, as well as stronger Password requirements with history restrictions and forced routine changes. As before, with just a single account User ID and Password, your log-in will provide direct access to all BirdDog SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) systems to which you have end-user rights. And as you add or remove systems from your user profile, the single sign-on process will automatically recognize those changes.

BirdDog Security Policy Change Alert
Security Policy Change Alert - For the enhanced security of BirdDog™ Information Systems users, effective November 11, 2013, User IDs will be unique email addresses and account password requirements will be strengthened. New passwords will need to be at least 8 characters in length and contain at least one each of the following characters: uppercase alphabetical; lowercase alphabetical; numeric; and “special” (such as @, &, _, #, etc.). At the appropriate time, you will be prompted during your BirdDog log-in to click on a webpage link that will provide more details and guide you through your password change process.

BirdDog System Support
  • Log-in and system support, including password resets, are available to customers on a 24x7 basis by calling, toll-free, 800-231-9741. During business hours (8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday), your call will be directed to the appropriate technical support or customer service team member.

  • During non-business hours, callers will be presented with a main menu which includes an option to reach system support and, if appropriate, to mark your message as “urgent” for an expedited response. Non-urgent support calls will be returned the next business day.

  • System support requests or questions may also be submitted via e-mail to BirdDogSystemSupport@birddog.coastalflow.com

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Real vs. Ideal: Compressibility is the Key
Date: 9/25/2018

In the domestic natural gas industry, "real" standard cubic feet is the volumetric unit referenced by the American Gas Association (AGA) and most natural gas contracts.  A real gas volume is distinguished from its counterpart, an "ideal" gas volume, by the compressibility factor (Z), which is the basis for converting between the two units of measurement.  Although the Z factor is an adjustment in flow computer calculations, many other important applications beyond the flow computer also require compressibility correction.  As a result, a practical understanding of real gas volumes is essential for accurately evaluating your system and quantifying production.
 
One notable application is plant balancing.  In order to accurately quantify liquid volumes produced from a gas stream, physical constants from GPA 2145 (Table of Physical Properties of Hydrocarbons and Other Compounds — from the GPA Midstream Association, formerly the Gas Processors Association) are used in conjunction with ideal rather than real gas volumes.  Applying the physical constants to real volumes would result in inaccurate product quantities.
 
In addition, formulas from GPA 2172 (Calculation of Gross Heating Value, Relative Density, Compressibility and Theoretical Hydrocarbon Liquid Content for Natural Gas Mixtures for Custody Transfer) often require a compressibility correction.  These include:
  • Relative Density
  • Heating Value
  • Liquefiable Contents (GPM, the abbreviation for gallons of liquid per thousand cubic feet of gas) 
In each of these cases, failing to account for Z results in misstated physical quantities.
 
Understanding when and how to convert between real and ideal gas volumes is critical for a range of industry applications.  Although flow computers are programmed to automatically calculate and apply the compressibility factor, incorporating Z into plant balances and other more standardized gas quality calculations is often required.
 
Industry standards offer guidance, but may not specifically address compressibility for every application.  For additional insights and guidance related to real gas volumes and the compressibility factor, be sure to consult with your company’s measurement experts, whether in-house or third-party.
 
"Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be."
~ Jack Welch, American businessman, author, & engineer



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Coastal Flow Measurement, Inc.
P.O. Box 58965 , Houston, TX, 77258-8965
Phone: 800.231.9741; Fax: 281.282.0792