American Gas - August 2012 - (Page 14)

IN THE KNOW Atmos Energy’s choice: The Sensus R-275 gas meter, with FlexNetTM 100GM SmartPointTM transceiver. winter months. The temperature graph provides a visual explanation when natural gas consumption is particularly high due to extremely low temperatures. One of the advantages of the Sensus AMI system is that it can automatically transition from a walk-by or drive-by system to a fixed-base system without needing to replace or revisit the endpoint. We are tactically installing fixedbase infrastructure in some areas where we still use drive-by reading, with the long-range goal of switching to wireless meter reading once the network is fully implemented. Just the Beginning Atmos Energy also is working on ways to enhance the capabilities of its AMI network beyond wireless meter reading. Our engineers and operations personnel are testing a Sensus residential remote gas shutoff valve that would operate over the existing network. This technology could change the way the company responds to natural gas leak calls as well as how it is notified of system pressure changes. The device is designed to continuously check pressure and temperature conditions at meter sets, and can respond automatically by acting on preset commands to close a valve or notify the company. Another feature of this smarter AMI system could involve collecting voltage data from cathodic protection systems throughout the company’s pipeline system, replacing the manual data collection that is now required to maintain the integrity of its natural gas pipelines. With all of these potential benefits, why has the adoption of AMI for natural gas been so slow? The AMI business case for gas utilities differs from that for electric utilities. AMI vendors, consultants, and gas utilities often focus on applying the benefits of the electric smart grid to natural gas networks. This assumption has caused a significant disconnect between vendors and utilities. However, as more AMI products become available for gas utilities and the benefits of AMI that are specific to gas utilities become better understood, more natural gas distributors likely will adopt AMI technology. Atmos Energy is carefully coordinating the timing of its AMI spending with its regulatory strategy to maximize operational gains and savings for its customers. With this careful planning, all parties can benefit from an AMI implementation. What is it that makes A.Y. McDonald the #1 Name in Gas Distribution products? It’s A.Y. McDonald Pride - pride in our products, our service, and most of all, our people. It’s over 150 years of knowing that every member of our company family takes pride in their job – from the people assembling our meter bars, to the customer service representatives who answer the phone when you have a question, to the engineers who design the most innovative products in the industry. Our pride is what sets us apart and makes us the #1 Name in Gas Distribution products. Tami Eastlick 15 Years of Service A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. 800.292.2737 | FAX 800.832.9296 | sales@aymcdonald.com | www.aymcdonald.com G A S VA LV E S | W AT E R W O R K S | P L U M B I N G VA LV E S | P U M P S 14 AMERICAN GAS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 http://www.aymcdonald.com http://www.aymcdonald.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Gas - August 2012

American Gas - August 2012
Contents
President’s Message
Industry News
In the Know
Safety First
Tech Talk
Taming the Talent Pipeline
Decision Time
Places to Be
Vendor News
Noteworthies
Advertisers’ Index
Jobline
Marketplace
Facts on Gas

American Gas - August 2012