One of UK’s longest running and most widely respected flow metrology training courses had another successful run in November, attracting participants from leading companies and metrology organisations. The success of the Principles and Practice of Flow Measurement Training Course underlines NEL’s commitment to supporting industry through scientifically robust knowledge transfer, delivered in a way that is not biased towards any specific technology or company.
“This course is set-up as an introduction to the basics of flow measurement,” explains Consultant Craig Marshall, who delivered the course along with colleagues Neil Bowman and Marc MacDonald. “It has been developed to meet industry needs and is part of the graduate training scheme of a number of companies. It also attracts experienced technicians looking to get a refresher.”
The 2017 course received good feedback from participants, who particularly liked its mix of technical content and hands-on lab demonstrations. All participants gave it the highest overall assessment rating: Very Good.
“The course gave participants the opportunity to gain significant practical experience using our cutting-edge equipment,” explains Craig. “For example, they got to install an innovative clamp-on meter. They also got the chance to see our world-class facilities and the unique technology and capabilities that we offer.”
The course’s eight modules covered everything from the Basics of Fluid Flow through to Multiphase Flow Measurement. One very popular element was the unique Flow Measurement Game that participants played.
“This is a logic game in which we challenge participants to design a variety of metering system for an offshore oil platform,” says Craig. “They are presented with details of the platforms’ inputs and outputs and are given a working budget. This gets them to understand the commercial decisions that have to be taken when choosing and implementing metering technology.”
Companies that participated in the course included National Grid, Petrofac, Spirax Sarco Ltd, Suncor Energy Inc. and Yokogawa UK Ltd and the Norwegian Metrology Service.
The Principles and Practice of Flow Measurement Training Course has been running for over 30 years. It is usually run twice a year in May and November.