**Chapter 7**

**The Test**

**Objectives**

Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:

1\. Understand the purpose of testing the performance of LPG
liquid-measuring systems and the reasons for conducting a variety of
performance tests.

2\. Understand special factors associated with testing LPG
liquid-measuring systems in the field.

3\. Learn to make pre-test determinations as specified in the EPO's for
LPG motor-fuel devices and other LPG liquid-measuring devices.

4\. Describe procedures for conducting performance tests specified in
the EPO's.

5\. Analyze and interpret test results, as appropriate.

# Introduction

An LPG liquid-measuring device that conforms with all of the
specifications and requirements set forth in Handbook 44 relating to its
design, installation, maintenance, and use may not meet the accuracy and
repeatability requirements specified in NIST Handbook 44. The reason for
this is that the meter\--being a mechanical device with moving
parts\--is subject to wear, and this wear will eventually have an effect
on accuracy. As a result, the condition of the meter and associated
components like the register, vapor eliminator, etc., are important
factors that must be determined.

Thorough inspection may give some indication of the condition of the
system you are examining, but the results will be usually be based on
observations made while the system is not in operation and so may be
misleading. For example, a metering system that is clean and, to all
outward appearances, well maintained, may be badly worn and in need of
adjustment or reconditioning. The only way to determine the condition of
the equipment\--and thereby to determine how accurate it is likely to be
when used for deliveries of LPG with any degree of confidence--is to
test its performance under conditions that approximate actual conditions
of use. This is the purpose of the Test section of the examination
procedure.

The Test section is comprised of several separate tests, each of which
has a specific testing objective. Some of these tests are intended to
determine the accuracy of the system over the range of operating
conditions for which it was designed (and, presumably, is used). Others
are intended to test specific elements of the system. You should
understand not only how to perform these tests, but also the reasons for
performing them.

In addition, you will learn that the results of these performance tests
can often provide information that is useful to the operator and to
servicepersons in making needed repairs, even on equipment that is
technically in compliance with weights and measures requirements at the
time of the examination. Thus, you should understand how to interpret
the results you obtain and inform the operator of their significance.

This chapter is intended as an introduction to the procedures that you
will review and practice in the field. We will follow the NIST
Examination Procedure Outlines (EPO's) for LPG motor-fuel and
liquid-measuring devices, reviewing relevant requirements and
specifications from Handbook 44. The differences between the procedures
for these two different types of devices are relatively few, and will be
noted as we proceed. Your instructor will describe policies and
procedures employed by your jurisdiction that differ from those outlined
in the EPO's.

**Preparation for Testing**

Prior to beginning the Test you will have arranged your safety gear and
set up your test equipment, as described in Chapters 4 and 5. You should
also prepare your report form by recording certain basic information
about the device you are going to be testing. This basic information
includes:

-   the date of the test;

-   the name and complete address of the operator of the device, the
    make and model, size, and serial number of the meter (from the meter
    identification plate);

-   the maximum and minimum discharge rates that are marked on the
    meter;

-   the accessory devices that are part of the system (register, ticket
    printer, thermometer well, automatic temperature compensator, etc.);

-   the values currently registered on each of the system's totalizers;
    and

-   if the device is equipped with an audit trail, the current audit
    trail values and information.

This information is important for recordkeeping purposes, and some of
it\--the maximum and minimum discharge rates and the existence of a
temperature compensator\--is necessary for determining specific test
factors, as you will see below.

Record totalizer readings before the Test begins and again at its
conclusion in order to determine the total quantity of product metered
during the Test. Operators must be furnished with this data so they can
reconcile inventory figures since product dispensed during the Test will
have been recorded on the totalizer as delivered even though it has all
been returned to the operator's tank. Recording the beginning and ending
totalizer readings simplifies the calculation of the total amount
dispensed since it saves adding indicated quantities for several test
drafts. If the register is of the computing type and has a money-value
totalizer, you should record this value as well. It is good practice to
record this information [before]{.underline} you begin other pre-test
activities so that it will be available and will not be overlooked while
you are concentrating on other tasks.

Note how this information is recorded on the top portion of the report
form shown in Figure 7-11. This report form will be used for all
examples in this chapter. If your jurisdiction uses another report form,
your instructor will explain to you where and how information should be
recorded.

# Pre-Test Determinations

Before you begin the Test you must make several specific determinations
relating to applicable tolerances and other test factors. These
"pre-test determinations" are outlined in a separate section of the
EPO's that precedes the Test and which is reproduced in Figure 7-1. To
make these determinations, you will need to refer to several items of
information about the system and the type of examination you are
conducting.

+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------+
| 1\. Determine that the test liquid is similar in | N.1.              |
| character to the liquid to be measured           |                   |
| commercially                                     |                   |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------+
| 2\. Tolerances.                                  |                   |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------+
| > Applicable requirements                        | G.-T., T.1.       |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------+
| > Tolerance values                               | T.2.              |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------+
| > Repeatability                                  | T.3.              |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------+
| > Automatic Temperature-Compensating System      | T.4.              |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------+
| **Figure 7-1. Pre-Test Determinations Portion of |                   |
| EPO's**                                          |                   |
+--------------------------------------------------+-------------------+

You will need to know:

-   the identity of the liquid product that is normally dispensed by the
    system and the identity of the liquid in the system at the time of
    the Test (if different);

-   how long the system has been in service since its installation or
    since it was last adjusted; and

-   the maximum discharge rate of the system (see above).

Again, recording this information before you begin to make pre-test
determinations will make the procedure most efficient and organized.

**Test Liquid**

You must first determine that the physical properties of the liquid
product in the system are the same, or very nearly the same, as the
physical properties of the product that is metered by the system during
its normal service. Metering systems are generally calibrated for the
product that they will be used to measure and should be expected to
perform within tolerances when metering that product. However, different
LPG products have different properties, depending upon their composition
and grade, and some of these differences can affect the performance of
the system.

Of particular importance for measurement accuracy is the rate at which
the volume of the liquid expands or contracts in response to changes in
temperature \-- its coefficient of expansion. Even the variation that
exists for different grades of the same generic product can make a
significant difference (remember that commercial propane is a mixture of
one or more hydrocarbons with propane and that the composition may vary
even from one shipment to the next from the same supplier).

The coefficient of expansion of the product is especially important if
the system is equipped with an automatic temperature compensator (ATC)
since this device is also calibrated for a specific product and may
cause inaccurate registration if a different product is used.

Another important factor is the tendency of the product to vaporize with
changes in pressure at atmospheric temperatures. Propane, which has a
boiling point of -44 °F, will tend to vaporize readily when pressure
inside the system falls even a small amount (commercial propane,
containing up to 7 percent ethane, has a boiling point well below -44°
F). Butane, on the other hand, with a boiling point of +32 °F, will not
vaporize as readily with relatively small changes in system pressure.

Because the ability of the system to effectively exclude vapor is
essential for accurate measurement of product delivered, a test of a
system that normally is used to dispense *propane* using *butan*e as the
test liquid may provide results that do not reflect the performance of
the system as it is used in its commercial service\--the objective of
these test procedures.

You should question the operator to determine the identity of the
product in the system and record this information on your test report
(see Figure 7-11.). In addition to the name of the product, you should
also ascertain and record its specific gravity since you will use this
value to make temperature corrections during the course of the test.

You should also ask whether or not the product in the system is the same
as that normally dispensed. If not, you should note the product normally
dispensed on your test report. Consult your supervisor if the properties
of the liquid in the system (especially its specific gravity) are
significantly different from those of the product normally dispensed.

**Tolerances**

It is recognized that the measuring device being tested is not capable
of errorless performance under all operating conditions that may occur
in the field. For this reason [tolerances]{.underline} are established
to fix the acceptable range of inaccuracy for weighing and measuring
devices in commercial service. Tolerances are designed to permit only
measurement errors small enough not to cause serious economic injury to
either buyer or seller. At the same time, the tolerances that apply to a
particular device must not be so stringent as to make the costs of
manufacturing and maintaining equipment unreasonably high since these
costs are usually passed on to the consumer. The tolerances established
by code or regulation and enforced by weights and measures officials are
generally considered as minimum standards by meter manufacturers; users
can, and often do, establish performance standards that are more
stringent.

Handbook 44 includes tolerances for LPG liquid-measuring devices. The
applicable tolerance is determined by three factors:

-   the length of time the device has been in service,

-   the type of test that is being performed, and

-   the size of the test draft.

For LPG liquid-measuring equipment\--as for all mechanical devices whose
performance can be affected as a result of extended use\--Handbook 44
establishes two sets of tolerances:

-   [Acceptance Tolerances]{.underline} - Acceptance tolerances shall
    apply to:

> \(a\) equipment to be put into commercial use for the first time;
>
> \(b\) equipment that has been placed in commercial service within the
> preceding 30 days and is being officially tested for the first time;
>
> \(c\) equipment that has been returned to commercial service following
> official rejection for failure to conform to performance requirements
> and is being officially tested for the first time within 30 days after
> corrective service;
>
> \(d\) equipment that is being officially tested for the first time
> within 30 days after major reconditioning or overhaul; and
>
> \(e\) equipment undergoing type evaluation.

(Amended 1989)

-   [Maintenance tolerances]{.underline} shall apply to equipment that
    has been in actual use, except as stated above.

On normal tests (see Figure 7-2.), the acceptance tolerance is less than
the value of the applicable maintenance tolerance. The maintenance
tolerance, therefore, allows a limited degree of deterioration in
performance and generally assures a reasonable period of use before the
system must be adjusted.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **N.4.1. Normal Tests.** - The "normal" test of a device shall be     |
| made at the maximum discharge flow rate developed under the           |
| conditions of the installation. Any additional tests conducted at     |
| flow rates down to and including one-half the sum of the maximum      |
| discharge flow rate and the rated minimum discharge flow rate shall   |
| be considered normal tests.                                           |
|                                                                       |
| (Amended 1998)                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| **N.4.1.1. Automatic Temperature Compensation.** - On devices         |
| equipped with automatic temperature compensating systems, normal      |
| tests shall be conducted as follows:                                  |
|                                                                       |
| > \(a\) by comparing the compensated volume indicated or recorded to  |
| > the actual delivered volume corrected to 15 °C (60 °F); and,        |
| >                                                                     |
| > \(b\) with the temperature compensating system deactivated,         |
| > comparing the uncompensated volume indicated or recorded to the     |
| > actual delivered volume.                                            |
|                                                                       |
| The first test shall be performed with the automatic                  |
| temperature-compensating system operating in the "as found"           |
| condition. On devices that indicate or record both the compensated    |
| and uncompensated volume for each delivery, the tests in (a) and (b)  |
| may be performed as a single test.                                    |
|                                                                       |
| (Amended 1987)                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| **N.4.1.2. Repeatability Tests.** - Tests for repeatability should    |
| include a minimum of three consecutive test drafts of approximately   |
| the same size and be conducted under controlled conditions where      |
| variations in factors, such as temperature pressure and flow rate,    |
| are reduced to the extent that they will not affect the results       |
| obtained.                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| (Added 2001)                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| **N.4.2. Special Tests.** - "Special" tests, to develop the operating |
| characteristics of a device and any special elements and accessories  |
| attached to or associated with the device, shall be made as           |
| circumstances require. Any test except as set forth in N.4.1. shall   |
| be considered a special test.                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Figure 7-2. LPG & AA/LMD Code, Paragraphs N.4.1. and N.4.2.**       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Handbook 44 also establishes two different classes of tests, "normal"
tests and "special" tests. They are described in paragraphs N.4.1. and
N.4.2. of the LPG & AA/LMD Code (see Figure 7-2.). We will look more
closely at these two tests later in this chapter when we discuss
specific procedures. For now, you should simply consider that a normal
test is intended to test performance under conditions that approximate
as closely as possible those that are most usual for the system, that
is, conditions that are "normal." Special tests, on the other hand, are
used to assess the performance of the system under reduced or other flow
conditions for which the device was designed and that may occur in
everyday use.

The applicable tolerance values for any given test are based upon the
indicated quantity of product delivered, that is, usually the size of
the test draft. In accordance with paragraph N.3., the test draft
"should be equal to at least the amount delivered by the device in 1
minute at its normal discharge rate." This is intended to assure that
the system reaches and maintains a "steady-state" condition\--that is,
that it operates at a steady speed, without accelerating or
decelerating\--for a sufficient portion of the delivery to reduce to a
minimum the inertial and other effects associated with starting and
stopping the device.

The test draft will usually be equivalent to the nearest prover size
whose nominal capacity equals or exceeds the number of gallons that can
be delivered by the system in one minute at its maximum discharge rate.
For most LPG motor-fuel devices, test drafts of 25 gallons will be
sufficient; for most other LPG liquid-measuring devices that are
regularly tested by weights and measures jurisdictions, 50- or
100-gallon test drafts are used. With these items of information, the
applicable tolerances are readily determined using the formulas in T.2.
of the LPG & AA/LMD Code (see Figure 7-4.).

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **N.3. Test Drafts.** - Test drafts should be equal to at least the   |
| amount delivered by the device in 1 minute at its normal discharge    |
| rate.                                                                 |
|                                                                       |
| (Amended 1982)                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Figure 7-3. LPG & AA Code Paragraph N.3.**                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **T.2. Tolerance Values. -** The maintenance and acceptance           |
| tolerances for normal and special tests shall be as shown in Table    |
| T.2.                                                                  |
|                                                                       |
| (Amended 2003)                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| +----------+--------------------+----------+----------+---------+     |
| | #        |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | ###### T |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | able T.2 |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | . Accura |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | cy Class |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | es and T |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | olerance |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | s for LP |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | G and An |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | hydrous  |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | Ammonia  |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | Liquid-M |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | easuring |                    |          |          |         |     |
| |  Devices |                    |          |          |         |     |
| +----------+--------------------+----------+----------+---------+     |
| | **       | **Application**    | **Ac     | **Mai    | **      |     |
| | Accuracy |                    | ceptance | ntenance | Special |     |
| | Class**  |                    | Tol      | Tol      | Test    |     |
| |          |                    | erance** | erance** | Tole    |     |
| |          |                    |          |          | rance** |     |
| +----------+--------------------+----------+----------+---------+     |
| | 1.0      | Anhydrous ammonia, | 0.6 %    | 1.0 %    | 1.0 %   |     |
| |          | LPG (including     |          |          |         |     |
| |          | vehicle tank       |          |          |         |     |
| |          | meters)            |          |          |         |     |
| +----------+--------------------+----------+----------+---------+     |
| | (Added   |                    |          |          |         |     |
| | 2003)    |                    |          |          |         |     |
| +----------+--------------------+----------+----------+---------+     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Figure 7-4. LPG & AA Code Paragraph T.2.**                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **G-S.5.4. Repeatability of Indications.** - A device shall be        |
| capable of repeating, within prescribed tolerances, its indications   |
| and recorded representations. This requirement shall be met           |
| irrespective of repeated manipulation of any element of the device in |
| a manner approximating normal usage (including displacement of the    |
| indicating elements to the full extent allowed by the construction of |
| the device and repeated operation of a locking or relieving           |
| mechanism) and of the repeated performance of steps or operations     |
| that are embraced in the testing procedure.                           |
|                                                                       |
| **N.4.1.2. Repeatability Tests. -** Tests for repeatability should    |
| include a minimum of three consecutive test drafts of approximately   |
| the same size and be conducted under controlled conditions where      |
| variations in factors such as, temperature pressure and flow rate are |
| reduced to the extent that they will not affect the results obtained. |
|                                                                       |
| (Added 2001)                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| **T.3. Repeatability.** - When multiple tests are conducted at        |
| approximately the same flow rate and draft size, the range of the     |
| test results for the flow rate shall not exceed 40 percent of the     |
| absolute value of the maintenance tolerance and the results of each   |
| test shall be within applicable tolerance. This tolerance does not    |
| apply to the test of the automatic temperature compensating system.   |
| See also N.4.1.2.                                                     |
|                                                                       |
| (Added 1992) (Amended 1997 and 2001)                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Figure 7-5. General Code Paragraph G-S.5.4. and\                    |
| LPG and AA/LMD Code Paragraphs N.4.1.2. and T.3.**                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

In order to comply with Handbook 44, a device must be capable of
repeating within prescribed tolerances its indications and recorded
representations. Tests for repeatability should include a minimum of
three consecutive test drafts of approximately the same size.
Repeatability tests must also be conducted at approximately the same
flow rate, and differences in other conditions such as temperature and
pressure must be reduced to the extent that they will not affect the
results of the tests. Reducing these variations in the test conditions
helps to ensure that the results obtained reflect the ability of the
device to deliver repeatable results and that device performance is not
influenced by these other factors. The range of test results shall not
exceed 40 percent of the absolute value of the maintenance tolerance and
the results of each test shall be within applicable tolerance.

Consider the example of two 100-gallon normal test drafts run at
approximately the same flow rate. If maintenance tolerance applies, the
tolerance for each individual draft is +/- 1.0 percent or, in this
example, +/- 1 gallon (231 cubic inches); thus, permissible indications
range from +1 gallon to -1 gallon. The absolute value of a number is
equal to that number without the "+" or "-" signs; the absolute value of
maintenance tolerance in this case is 1 gallon. Thus, the repeatability
tolerance is 40 percent of the absolute value of maintenance tolerance
or 40 percent of 1 gallon; 40 percent of 1 gallon is 0.4 gallon or 92.4
cubic inches.

There are two methods for arriving at this calculation as outlined
below.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| *Method 1:*                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| 40 % x Maintenance Tolerance in % =                                   |
|                                                                       |
| 40 % x 1 % =                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| 0.4 x 0.01 =                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| 0.004 = 0.4 %                                                         |
|                                                                       |
| 0.4 % x indicated gallons = 0.004 x 100 gallons = 0.4 gallons = 92.4  |
| cubic inches                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| *Method 2:*                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| 40 % x Maintenance Tolerance in gallons =                             |
|                                                                       |
| 0.4 x 1 gallon =                                                      |
|                                                                       |
| 0.4 gallons = 92.4 cubic inches                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

If the result of the first test is -110 cubic inches and the result of
the second test is +90 cubic inches, each individual result is within
the plus or minus 231 cubic inches tolerance permitted for individual
test drafts. However, the results have a range of 200 cubic inches (-110
to +90 cubic inches), which exceeds the repeatability tolerance of 92.4
cubic inches.

When testing a device with an automatic temperature compensating (ATC)
system, the difference between the meter error for results determined
with and without the ATC activated shall not exceed the limits specified
in paragraph T.4. (see Figure 7-6.). Different tolerances are specified
for mechanical ATC's and for electronic ATC's. The flow rates of the ATC
and non-ATC tests should be approximately equal.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **T.4. Automatic Temperature-Compensating Systems.** - The difference |
| between the meter error (expressed as a percentage) for results       |
| determined with and without the automatic temperature-compensating    |
| system activated shall not exceed:                                    |
|                                                                       |
| > \(a\) 1.0 percent for mechanical automatic temperature compensating |
| > systems; and                                                        |
| >                                                                     |
| > \(b\) 0.5 percent for electronic automatic temperature compensating |
| > systems.                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| The delivered quantities for each test shall be approximately the     |
| same size. The results of each test shall be within the applicable    |
| acceptance or maintenance tolerance.                                  |
|                                                                       |
| (Added 1991; Amended 1992, 1996, and 1997)                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Figure 7-6. LPG & AA Code Paragraph T.4.**                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Consider the example of a 100-gallon test draft run on a system equipped
with an electronic ATC under maintenance tolerance. If a normal test run
with the ATC activated results in an error of +60 cubic inches and a
normal test run with the ATC deactivated results in an error of -70
cubic inches, the range between the results of the two tests is 130
cubic inches (from -70 to +60 cubic inches).

As calculated in the previous example, the maintenance tolerance for a
100-gallon normal test draft is 1 gallon or 92.4 cubic inches. For a
100-gallon draft, the Automatic Temperature-Compensating System
Tolerance as specified in paragraph T.4. is 0.5 percent x 100 gallons,
which is 0.5 gallons or 115.5 cubic inches.

Thus, although the individual test results (+60 and -70 cubic inches)
are within the permissible maintenance tolerance of 1 gallon or 231
cubic inches, the difference between the two results, 130 cubic inches,
exceeds the tolerance of 0.5 percent (115.5 cubic inches) permitted for
a 100-gallon test draft.

An alternative way to determine compliance with paragraph T.4. is to
determine the meter error in percent for each run and compare the
difference with the tolerance. In the example above, the run with the
ATC activated resulted in an error of +0.26 % (+60 cubic inches = +0.26
gallons or 0.26 % of 100 gallons); the run with the ATC deactivated
resulted in an error of - 0.31 % (-70 cubic inches = -0.30 gallons or
0.30 % of 100 gallons). The difference in percent of the ATC and non-ATC
runs is 0.56 percent, which exceeds the permissible 0.5 percent
tolerance.

When you have completed the pre-test determinations portion of the EPO,
you are ready to proceed with the Test.

**The Test**

The Test portion of an official field examination, as set forth in the
EPO's, can be summarized as follows:

-   At least three test drafts are drawn and recorded. Two of these are
    made at the system's maximum discharge rate; if the system is
    equipped with an automatic temperature compensator, one draft is
    made with the ATC activated, the other with the ATC inactivated.
    Both of these tests are considered normal tests. A third draft is
    drawn at a rate of flow that is at or near the minimum discharge
    rate recommended by the manufacturer of the meter. This is
    considered a special test because it is not made at the maximum
    discharge rate.

-   Registration errors are recorded for each draft, based upon prover
    readings that have been corrected for expansion of the prover due to
    pressurization, thermal expansion or contraction of the prover, and
    for the temperature difference between product at the meter and at
    the prover. On a temperature-compensated test, the prover reading is
    corrected to reflect the volume of the liquid at 60 °F. These errors
    are compared to the applicable tolerances to determine conformance
    with performance requirements.

-   All primary indicating and recording elements are checked for
    comparability of indications, and computing type devices are tested
    for agreement between indicated and mathematically computed money
    values.

**Test Notes**

Before looking at the Test procedures in detail, let us turn our
attention briefly to several steps that are repeated for each test
draft. These are listed together at the beginning of the Test section of
the EPO's, where they are designated as "Test Notes" (see Figure 7-7.).

+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   |                                        |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   | **Test Notes:**                        |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   |                                        |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   | 1\. Wet prover (fill to nominal        |                          |
|   | capacity). Allow 30‑second drain       |                          |
|   | period each time prover is emptied.    |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   |                                        |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   | 2\. Read temperature and pressure of   | N.5.                     |
|   | product in prover immediately          |                          |
|   | following each test draft and make     |                          |
|   | appropriate corrections to test        |                          |
|   | results                                |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   |                                        |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   | 3\. If dispenser is equipped with a    | G-S.5.2.2., G‑S.5.6.,    |
|   | recording element,                     | S.1.1.6., UR.2.5.,       |
|   |                                        | UR.2.6.                  |
|   | print ticket after each test run       |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   |                                        |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   | 4\. If computing type, check           | G‑S.5.5., S.1.1.5.,      |
|   | computation                            | S.1.5.2.                 |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   |                                        |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
|   | 5\. To determine proper operation of   |                          |
|   | totalizers, observe and record the     |                          |
|   | totalizer indication before and after  |                          |
|   | all test drafts.                       |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| * |                                        |                          |
| * |                                        |                          |
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| O |                                        |                          |
| N |                                        |                          |
| o |                                        |                          |
| . |                                        |                          |
| 2 |                                        |                          |
| 7 |                                        |                          |
| . |                                        |                          |
| * |                                        |                          |
| * |                                        |                          |
+---+----------------------------------------+--------------------------+

The first of these steps involves assuring the correct condition of the
prover.

**Wet Condition**

As you have learned, the prover must be "wet" condition before the first
official test draft, and this condition must be maintained between
subsequent test drafts by following the evacuation, draining, and
zeroing procedures described in Chapter 5. Unlike tests of
liquid-measuring devices, which dispense products at atmospheric
pressure, this wetting procedure must be conducted for
[each]{.underline} meter that is tested. This helps to ensure
equalization of pressure between the prover and the system under test.
Since loss of this wet condition can have a significant effect on test
results, it is especially important that the drain time be strictly
observed. If it is exceeded by more than a few seconds, the prover
should be re-wetted before another official test draft is drawn. In
addition, if there is a long period of time between test drafts\--a
lunch break or a prolonged time for meter adjustment or repair\--the
prover should be re-wetted before proceeding with further test drafts.

The second step is to read and record the temperature and pressure of
product in the prover and the pressure at the meter immediately after
the delivery has been halted and before the prover is evacuated. The
temperature and pressure readings at the prover are needed to adjust the
prover reading for expansion or contraction of the prover itself due to
pressurization and temperature and for thermal expansion or contraction
of the product due to any temperature difference between the system and
the prover (we will cover the procedure for calculating these
corrections shortly).

The system pressure reading will be compared to the pressure observed at
the prover to determine the difference between the pressure gauges.
Since the pressure inside the system and inside the prover should be in
equilibrium during a delivery or a test draft, a significant difference
(more than 5 psi) between these readings will probably indicate an
obstruction somewhere in the circuit that is restricting flow. If this
is the case, excessive condensation in the region ahead of the
restriction may adversely affect test results. This condition should be
monitored during each normal test draft.

If the system you are examining is equipped with a printer, you should
print a ticket at the conclusion of each test draft. Several
requirements relating to the printed ticket were discussed in the last
chapter. In addition, the following paragraphs from the General Code
establish requirements for the printed ticket, which should be checked
during the Test.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **G-S.5.6. Recorded Representations.** - Insofar as they are          |
| appropriate, the requirements for indicating and recording elements   |
| shall be applicable also to recorded representations. All recorded    |
| values shall be printed digitally.                                    |
|                                                                       |
| (Amended 1975) (Made retroactive 1990)                                |
|                                                                       |
| **G-S.5.2.2. Digital Indication and Representation.** - Digital       |
| elements shall be so designed that:                                   |
|                                                                       |
| > \(a\) All digital values of like value in a system agree with one   |
| > another.                                                            |
| >                                                                     |
| > \(b\) A digital value coincides with its associated analog value to |
| > the nearest minimum graduation.                                     |
| >                                                                     |
| > \(c\) A digital value "rounds off" to the nearest minimum unit that |
| > can be indicated or recorded.                                       |
| >                                                                     |
| > *(d) A digital zero indication includes the display of a zero for   |
| > all places that are displayed to the right of the decimal point and |
| > at least one place to the left. When no decimal values are          |
| > displayed, a zero shall be displayed for each place of the          |
| > displayed scale division.*                                          |
|                                                                       |
| *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1986.\]* (Amended 1973 and 1985)   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Figure 7-8. General Code, Paragraphs G-S.5.6. and G-S.5.2.2.**      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

In summary, you should check the printed ticket to determine the
following:

-   Values are printed digitally. Printed representations of a dial face
    or some similar analog representation are not acceptable (see
    G-S.5.6., above).

-   A printer that is returnable to zero has been properly reset and it
    agrees with the register. The printed quantity value should agree
    exactly with that indicated on a digital register, and with that
    shown on an analog register to the nearest minimum graduation (see
    G-S.5.2.2., above). For money-value agreement, see below.

-   The device is of the computing type, it displays the total computed
    price [and]{.underline} the total volume of the delivery in terms of
    gallons (see S.1.1.6., discussed in the last chapter).

-   All recorded representations are readable (see G-S.5.1., discussed
    in the last chapter).

All tickets printed for test purposes should be returned to the operator
at the conclusion of the examination so that he or she can record
control numbers on the tickets and reconcile ticket inventory. You
should write "void" or "test" on each ticket and retain a carbon copy of
this information, if possible, for your records; in some cases you may
also be asked to initial the ticket.

**Price Computations**

All money values indicated or recorded on any digital computing type
device, or on any [retail]{.underline} analog computing device, must
meet certain requirements for agreement with the price computed
mathematically, that is, with the value produced by multiplying the unit
price by the quantity. The applicable paragraphs of the General and LPG
& AA/LMD Codes are quoted in Figure 7-9.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **G-S.5.5. Money Values, Mathematical Agreement.** - Any recorded     |
| money value and any digital money-value indication on a               |
| computing-type weighing or measuring device used in retail trade      |
| shall be in mathematical agreement with its associated quantity       |
| representation or indication to the nearest one cent of money value.  |
| This does not apply to auxiliary digital indications intended for the |
| operator's use only, when these indications are obtained from         |
| existing analog customer indications that meet this requirement.      |
|                                                                       |
| (Amended 1973)                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| **S.1.1.5. Money Values\--Mathematical Agreement.** - Any digital     |
| money-value indication and any recorded money value on a              |
| computing-type device shall be in mathematical agreement with its     |
| associated quantity indication or representation to within one cent   |
| of money value; except that a stationary retail computing-type device |
| must compute and indicate to the nearest one cent of money value (see |
| Section 1.10., G-S.5.5.).                                             |
|                                                                       |
| (Amended 1984, 1988)                                                  |
|                                                                       |
| **S.1.5. For Stationary Retail Devices.**                             |
|                                                                       |
| **S.1.5.2. Money-Value Computations.** - A computing device shall     |
| compute the total sales price at any single-purchase unit price       |
| (excluding fleet sales and other price contract sales) for which the  |
| product is offered for sale at any delivery possible within either    |
| the measurement range of the device or the range of the computing     |
| elements, whichever is less. The analog money value indication shall  |
| not differ from the mathematically computed money value (quantity x   |
| unit price = sales price), for any delivered quantity, by an amount   |
| greater than the values shown in Table 1.                             |
|                                                                       |
| (Amended 1995)                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Figure 7-9. General Code, Paragraph G-S.5.5;\                       |
| LPG & AA/LMD Code, Paragraphs S.1.1.5. and S.1.5.2.**                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------------+------------------+---------+---------+-----------+
| **Table 1.**     |                  |         |         |           |
|                  |                  |         |         |           |
| **Money-Value    |                  |         |         |           |
| Divisions and**  |                  |         |         |           |
|                  |                  |         |         |           |
| **Maximum        |                  |         |         |           |
| Allowable        |                  |         |         |           |
| Variations for   |                  |         |         |           |
| Money-Value**    |                  |         |         |           |
|                  |                  |         |         |           |
| **Computations   |                  |         |         |           |
| on Mechanical    |                  |         |         |           |
| Analog           |                  |         |         |           |
| Computers**      |                  |         |         |           |
+------------------+------------------+---------+---------+-----------+
| Unit Price       |                  | Money   | Maximum |           |
|                  |                  | Value   |         |           |
|                  |                  |         | Al      |           |
|                  |                  | D       | lowable |           |
|                  |                  | ivision | Va      |           |
|                  |                  |         | riation |           |
+------------------+------------------+---------+---------+-----------+
| From             | To and including |         | Design  | Field     |
|                  |                  |         |         |           |
|                  |                  |         | Test    | Test      |
+------------------+------------------+---------+---------+-----------+
| 0                | 0.25/liter or    | 1¢      | ± 1¢    | ± 1¢      |
|                  |                  |         |         |           |
|                  | \$1.00/gallon    |         |         |           |
+------------------+------------------+---------+---------+-----------+
| 0.25/liter or    | 0.75/liter or    | 1¢ or   | ± 1¢    | ± 2¢      |
|                  |                  | 2¢      |         |           |
| \$1.00/gallon    | \$3.00/gallon    |         |         |           |
+------------------+------------------+---------+---------+-----------+
| 0.75/liter or    | 2.50/liter or    | 1¢ or   | ± 1¢    | ± 2¢      |
|                  |                  | 2¢      |         |           |
| \$3.00/gallon    | \$10.00/gallon   |         |         |           |
+------------------+------------------+---------+---------+-----------+
| 0.75/liter or    | 2.50/liter or    | 5¢      | ± 2     | ± 5¢      |
|                  |                  |         | 1/2¢    |           |
| \$3.00/gallon    | \$10.00/gallon   |         |         |           |
+------------------+------------------+---------+---------+-----------+
| **Figure 7-10.   |                  |         |         |           |
| LPG & AA/LMD     |                  |         |         |           |
| Code, Table 1.** |                  |         |         |           |
+------------------+------------------+---------+---------+-----------+

Following the first test draft, you should check all indicated and
recorded money values to determine whether or not they are in
conformance with these requirements.

In summary:

-   For a digital device, the indicated or recorded money value must
    agree with the mathematically computed price to within 1 cent; a
    stationary retail device must be to the nearest 1 cent (see G-S.5.5.
    and S.1.1.5., Figure 7-9.).

-   For example, consider a delivery of 152.7 gal of product at a unit
    price of \$0.84. The mathematically computed price is \$128.268. To
    conform with the requirement, a stationary retail device would have
    to indicate \$128.27; any other LPG device could read either
    \$128.27, \$128.26, or \$128.28.

-   For a retail analog device, the indicated money value must not
    differ from the mathematically computed money value by an amount
    more than that shown for the given unit price and type of test in
    Table 1 of the LPG & AA/LMD Code (reproduced in Figure 7-10.; see
    S.1.5.2. in Figure 7-9.).

If the system you are examining is equipped with a computing type
register and/or printer you should check money-value indications and
recorded representations after each test draft to determine if the
requirements described in Table 1 are being met consistently.

Finally, you should observe and record totalizer readings after each
test draft. Subtracting the newly recorded value from that recorded for
the previous draft will produce a value that you can compare with the
register reading. If these values do not agree, there is a problem
somewhere in the indicating mechanism.

**The First Test Draft**

The first test of the system establishes baseline results that are
needed to analyze and evaluate subsequent tests. It should approximate
as closely as possible the conditions of service that occur in most
deliveries: the draft is drawn at the system's full flow rate, and if
the system is equipped with an automatic temperature compensator (ATC),
this device is left activated during the first test draft.

We have covered the procedure for drawing a test draft and reading
indications on the register, prover gauge, thermometers, and pressure
gauges in Chapter 5. Before turning to the subject of temperature and
pressure corrections, however, a couple of notes on the delivery
procedure are in order. You should time the first test draft to
determine the actual maximum discharge rate of the system. Time the
delivery of 10 gallons of product (but neither the first nor the last 10
gallons of the run). (Note that for smaller test drafts, such as when a
25-gallon prover is used, these quantities are reduced accordingly.)
Divide 600 by the observed time in seconds. The result will be the
discharge rate in gallons per minute. For example, if you determine that
it took 10 seconds for the delivery of 10 gallons of product, then the
discharge rate is 600/10 = 60 gpm. This rate should not exceed the
maximum discharge rate marked on the meter identification plate. You
should mark this amount on your report for future reference.

If the system is not equipped with an ATC, you should observe and record
the temperature of product at the meter twice during the delivery: when
the register indicates approximately one-third and two-thirds of the
nominal capacity of the prover. Thus, for a 100-gallon draft, meter
temperature should be recorded at about 35 gallons delivered and again
at about 70 gallons. Record the temperature each time to the nearest
one-half degree.

The reason for multiple temperature readings is that the temperature of
product passing through the meter may change by as much as one or two
degrees over the course of the delivery, depending upon the ambient
temperature, the flow rate, the amount of time that has passed since the
last delivery, the amount of time that the pump is activated before the
delivery begins (product circulating through the by-pass circuit is
likely to be heated slightly by friction), etc. Because the meter
temperature is used as the basis for adjusting the prover reading to
reflect temperature change, and since the coefficient of expansion of
LPG products is so high, the value used should reflect an average of
readings taken at evenly spaced intervals over the course of the
delivery.

If the system [does]{.underline} have an ATC, it should be operative
during the first test draft. Since in this case the registered volume
will be assumed to have been corrected to 60 °F, the actual temperature
at the meter is irrelevant to the temperature correction. Meter
temperature on a compensated draft should be recorded as 60 °F. See
Figure 7-11. Sample Report Form, First Test Draft on the following page.

+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [date       | **[D      |        |   | [Test No      | [Truck id   |
| ***August   | epartment |        |   | ***5698***    | ***AR       |
| 15,         | Head      |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} | 364***]{    |
| 1998***]{   | ing]{.sma |        |   |               | .smallcaps} |
| .smallcaps} | llcaps}** |        |   |               |             |
|             |           |        |   |               |             |
|             | **[LPG    |        |   |               |             |
|             | Meter     |        |   |               |             |
|             | Test      |        |   |               |             |
|             | Rep       |        |   |               |             |
|             | ort]{.sma |        |   |               |             |
|             | llcaps}** |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [name       |           |        |   | [Inspector:   |             |
| ***Propane, |           |        |   | ***Lou        |             |
| Incorp      |           |        |   | Fischer***    |             |
| orated***]{ |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [address    |           |        |   | [Owner:       |             |
| ***123 Main |           |        |   | ***S.W.       |             |
| Street      |           |        |   | Stratton***   |             |
| ***]{       |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
|             |           |        |   |               |             |
| [State:     |           |        |   |               |             |
| ***MD***    |           |        |   |               |             |
| Zip:        |           |        |   |               |             |
| **          |           |        |   |               |             |
| *01234***]{ |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Make of    |           |        |   | [Register     |             |
| meter:      |           |        |   | Model:        |             |
| ***Liq      |           |        |   | ***Regitrue   |             |
| uidmeter*** |           |        |   | Model         |             |
| model:      |           |        |   | 124***        |             |
| ***8979***  |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| sn:         |           |        |   |               |             |
| **          |           |        |   | [Serial       |             |
| *N1160***]{ |           |        |   | Number:       |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   | ***AB142***   |             |
|             |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Meter Size |           | [tot   |   |               |             |
| (inches):   |           | alizer |   |               |             |
| ***2.0***   |           | Fi     |   |               |             |
| in]{        |           | nish:] |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | {.smal |   |               |             |
|             |           | lcaps} |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Flow Rate: |           | [Tot   |   | [product:     |             |
| min ***20   |           | alizer |   | ***L          |             |
| gpm*** max  |           | Start: |   | PG/Propane*** |             |
| ***100      |           | ***798 |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| gpm***]{    |           | 48***] |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | {.smal |   | [Specific     |             |
|             |           | lcaps} |   | Gravity:      |             |
|             |           |        |   | ***0.505***   |             |
|             |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [           |           | [Total |   |               |             |
| thermometer |           | Pro    |   |               |             |
| we ll **** |           | duct:] |   |               |             |
| Printer     |           | {.smal |   |               |             |
| ****]{     |           | lcaps} |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
|             |           | *[Re   |   |               |             |
| [           |           | turned |   |               |             |
| Temperature |           | to     |   |               |             |
| Com         |           | sto    |   |               |             |
| pensator:]{ |           | rage]{ |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | .small |   |               |             |
|             |           | caps}* |   |               |             |
| [ elec     |           |        |   |               |             |
| ****       |           |        |   |               |             |
| mech]{      |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [tolerance  |           |        | [ |               |             |
| applied:    |           |        | S |               |             |
| Acceptance  |           |        | e |               |             |
| ****       |           |        | c |               |             |
| Maintenance |           |        | u |               |             |
| ]{         |           |        | r |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        | i |               |             |
|             |           |        | t |               |             |
|             |           |        | y |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | e |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | l |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | i |               |             |
|             |           |        | n |               |             |
|             |           |        | t |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | c |               |             |
|             |           |        | t |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | f |               |             |
|             |           |        | o |               |             |
|             |           |        | u |               |             |
|             |           |        | n |               |             |
|             |           |        | d |               |             |
|             |           |        | ? |               |             |
|             |           |        | Y |               |             |
|             |           |        | e |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        |  |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        | N |               |             |
|             |           |        | o |               |             |
|             |           |        |  |               |             |
|             |           |        | ] |               |             |
|             |           |        | { |               |             |
|             |           |        | . |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | m |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | l |               |             |
|             |           |        | l |               |             |
|             |           |        | c |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | p |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | } |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+

  -------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  Test Data                  1st run                2nd run                 3rd run                 4th run

  [1. Type of Test           [normal ****\         [normal\_\_\_           [normal\_\_\_           [normal\_\_\_
  Run]{.smallcaps}           spec\_\_ atc           spec\_\_\_ atc          spec\_\_\_ atc          spec\_\_\_ atc
                             ****]{.smallcaps}     \_\_\_]{.smallcaps}     \_\_\_]{.smallcaps}     \_\_\_]{.smallcaps}

  [2. Flow Rate]{.smallcaps} [***98***              [gal/min]{.smallcaps}   [gal/min]{.smallcaps}   [gal/min]{.smallcaps}
                             gal/min]{.smallcaps}                                                   

  [3. Meter Temp (1/3 Prover [***60*** °            [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}
  Cap)]{.smallcaps}          f]{.smallcaps}                                                         

  [4. Meter temp (2/3 Prover [***60*** °            [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}
  Cap)]{.smallcaps}          f]{.smallcaps}                                                         

  [5. Tank                   [***120***             [psi]{.smallcaps}       [psi]{.smallcaps}       [psi]{.smallcaps}
  pressure]{.smallcaps}      psi]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  [6. Prover                 [***118***             [psi]{.smallcaps}       [psi]{.smallcaps}       [psi]{.smallcaps}
  pressure]{.smallcaps}      psi]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  [7. Prover                 [***68.0*** °          [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}
  temperature]{.smallcaps}   f]{.smallcaps}                                                         

  [8. Prover reading to 0.05 [***98.15***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  gal]{.smallcaps}           gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  [9. Meter                  [***97.00***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  reading]{.smallcaps}       gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  **[USE FOR UNCOMPENSATED                                                                          
  RUN]{.smallcaps}**                                                                                

  10\. a. [Avg Meter         [° f]{.smallcaps}      [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}
  Temp]{.smallcaps} (3 + 4)                                                                         
  ÷ 2                                                                                               

  b\. [Temp                  [° f]{.smallcaps}      [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}
  Difference]{.smallcaps}                                                                           
  (10a - 7)                                                                                         

  c\. [Temp Corr Factor      [gal/°f]{.smallcaps}   [gal/°f]{.smallcaps}    [gal/°f]{.smallcaps}    [gal/°f]{.smallcaps}
  (Table 2)]{.smallcaps}                                                                            

  d\. [Temp Diff             [gal]{.smallcaps}      [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  Corr]{.smallcaps} (10b x                                                                          
  10c)                                                                                              

  11\. [Temp corrected       [gal]{.smallcaps}      [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  prover                                                                                            
  reading]{.smallcaps}                                                                              
  (10d + 8)                                                                                         

  **[USE FOR COMPENSATED                                                                            
  RUN]{.smallcaps}**                                                                                

  [10. Volume correction     [gal]{.smallcaps}      [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  factor at prover                                                                                  
  temperature (table                                                                                
  4)]{.smallcaps}                                                                                   

  [11. Temp corrected prover [gal]{.smallcaps}      [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  reading (10 x                                                                                     
  8)]{.smallcaps}                                                                                   

  **[USE FOR EITHER                                                                                 
  RUN]{.smallcaps}**                                                                                

  [12. Corr for prover       [gal]{.smallcaps}      [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  pressure (table                                                                                   
  1)]{.smallcaps}                                                                                   

  [13. Corr for prover temp  [gal]{.smallcaps}      [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  (table 3)]{.smallcaps}                                                                            

  [14. Corrected prover      [gal]{.smallcaps}      [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  reading                                                                                           
  (11+12+13)]{.smallcaps}                                                                           

  [15. Meter reading (row    [gal]{.smallcaps}      [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  9)]{.smallcaps}                                                                                   

  [16. Net meter error (14 - [gal]{.smallcaps}      [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  15)]{.smallcaps}                                                                                  

  [17. percent error (row 16 [%]{.smallcaps}        [%]{.smallcaps}         [%]{.smallcaps}         [%]{.smallcaps}
  ÷15) x 100]{.smallcaps}                                                                           

  [18. Tolerance Calculation [gal]{.smallcaps}      [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  (Row 15 x                                                                                         
  %Tol)]{.smallcaps}                                                                                

  [19. Difference between                                                                           
  Atc and Non- Atc Test                                                                             
  Run(s): (% error Atc - %                                                                          
  error Non-Atc )                                                                                   
  =]{.smallcaps}                                                                                    

  [Remarks:]{.smallcaps}                                                                            

  [Action taken:  approved                                                                         
   rejected  condemned                                                                            
  (Form Rev                                                                                         
  5/31/98)]{.smallcaps}                                                                             
  -------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

**Figure 7-11. Sample Report Form, First Test Draft.**

By the end of the first test, you should have recorded the following
items of data:

-   the actual discharge rate;

-   the temperature of product at the meter after intervals
    corresponding to about one‑third and two-thirds of the nominal
    capacity of the prover;

-   the temperature at the prover immediately following product
    delivery;

-   the pressure in the metering system tank and at the prover
    immediately after delivery has been completed;

-   the prover reading to the nearest 0.05 gal; and

-   the register reading to the nearest one‑tenth of the value of the
    smallest graduated quantity interval (that is, to the nearest 0.1
    gal if the smallest unit is gallons; to the nearest 0.01 gal if the
    smallest unit is tenths of a gallon).

These items of information are recorded on the sample report form shown
in Figure 7-11. Note also the basic device information and pre-test
determinations that are recorded on the top portion of the form. Before
proceeding further, review the recorded test data and look for apparent
anomalies. When satisfied that the test data are valid, proceed to make
the appropriate corrections to the prover reading for temperature and
pressure effects. For the first test draft, there are three corrections:

-   for change in product volume between the meter and the prover
    resulting from temperature difference in the product;

-   for the expansion or contraction of the prover container caused by
    pressure;

-   for thermal expansion or contraction of the prover caused by
    temperature.

To make the appropriate correction in each case, you will need to refer
to tables that furnish correction factors or values for specific
conditions.

**Temperature Correction**

One set of tables (Table 4, included in Appendix B) is used to correct
the volume of an LPG product at any given temperature to its volume at
60 °F. The tables are used to correct prover volume readings to 60° F
after [compensated]{.underline} test runs (that is, when the ATC is
activated). They are reprinted from API Standard: 2540, "Petroleum
Measurement Tables," Table 24, Volume Reduction to 60 °F (see below).

Another table (Table 2 in Appendix B and on the report form) gives
volume correction values for each degree of difference in temperature
between the metering system storage tank and the prover. These are used
for [uncompensated]{.underline} test drafts (see section on
"Uncompensated Drafts" later in this chapter).

You will also need to use the pressure correction table that was
prepared when the prover was calibrated. As you learned in Chapter 5,
the response of a particular prover to pressurization may be unique to
that prover and not predictable from its material or design.
Accordingly, you should only use the table that was prepared for the
prover you are using. Pressure correction tables used with examples
later in this chapter are [samples]{.underline}, and should not be used
in the field.

Another table also accompanies the prover and shows correction values
for thermal expansion or contraction for the material of which the
prover container is made. Examples below use a table that is appropriate
for a 100-gal prover constructed of low-carbon steel [only]{.underline}.
A copy of this table is included in Appendix B (designated Table 3 in
the appendix and on the report form). If the prover you use has a
different nominal capacity or is made of another material (stainless
steel, for example), you will need a table with appropriate values; or
you can use the coefficient of expansion that is marked on the prover.

These are the tables you will use to make correction to the prover
volume. The correction procedure depends upon whether you are performing
a compensated or an uncompensated test run. Let us follow the complete
prover correction procedure for a compensated draft first.

**Temperature-Compensated Draft**

If the ATC is activated during the first test, the volume registered by
the metering system will presumably have been corrected to its volume at
60 °F. To make the prover reading comparable, we must also correct it to
60 °F. This is accomplished by multiplying the prover reading by a
volume correction factor that can be found in Table 4 in Appendix B. The
appropriate page of this table for our example is reproduced in Figure
7-12.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Observed     **Specific Gravity                    
  Temperature\   60/60°F**                             
  °F**                                                 
  -------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
                 **0.500**          **0.505**          **0.510**

                 **Factor for                          
                 Reducing Volume to                    
                 60°F**                                

  50             1.017              1.017              1.016

  51             1.015              1.015              1.014

  52             1.014              1.013              1.012

  53             1.012              1.012              1.011

  54             1.010              1.010              1.009

                                                       

  55             1.009              1.008              1.008

  56             1.007              1.007              1.006

  57             1.005              1.005              1.005

  58             1.003              1.003              1.003

  59             1.002              1.002              1.002

                                                       

  60             1.000              1.000              1.000

  61             0.998              0.998              0.998

  62             0.997              0.997              0.997

  63             0.995              0.995              0.995

  64             0.993              0.993              0.994

                                                       

  65             0.991              0.992              0.992

  66             0.990              0.990              0.990

  67             0.988              0.988              0.989

  68             0.986              0.986              0.987

  69             0.985              0.985              0.985

                                                       

  70             0.983              0.983              0.984

  **Figure 7-12.                                       
  Excerpt from                                         
  Table 4 (ASTM                                        
  24)**                                                
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The appropriate correction factor is determined by finding the prover
temperature in the left-hand column and reading the value in that row
under the specific gravity of the product being metered. The first two
pages of Table 4 include correction factors for standard grades of
commercial propane, which have specific gravities between 0.500 and
0.510. The last four pages have factors appropriate for butane products;
the specific gravity for commercial butane is generally around 0.580.

If the specific gravity of the product in the system you are testing is
between two of the values shown across the top row of the table, use the
value that is closest to it.

We do not need the meter temperature for this determination since the
meter registration is already assumed to be corrected to 60 °F. Let us
use the sample data recorded on the test form in Figure 7-11. The prover
temperature was recorded as 68.0 °F, and a specific gravity of 0.505 was
recorded for the product in the system.

We find the prover temperature (68.0 °F) in the left-hand column of the
page from Table 4 reproduced in Figure 7-12. and read the corresponding
value in the column headed by 0.505. This corresponding value, 0.986, is
multiplied by the prover [volume]{.underline} reading (not the
temperature) to produce the corrected reading. In our example, 98.15
gallons (the prover reading) is multiplied by 0.986 to give a corrected
prover reading of 96.78 gallons. This is the volume that the liquid
inside the prover would occupy if the temperature of the liquid were at
60 °F. The recording and computation of these values is shown in Figure
7-13. (note that for a compensated run we disregard the first lines 10
and 11 on the form and make the correction on the corresponding lines
labeled "Use for Compensated Run").

+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [date       | **[D      |        |   | [Test No      | [Truck id   |
| ***August   | epartment |        |   | ***5698***    | ***AR       |
| 15,         | Head      |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} | 364***]{    |
| 1998***]{   | ing]{.sma |        |   |               | .smallcaps} |
| .smallcaps} | llcaps}** |        |   |               |             |
|             |           |        |   |               |             |
|             | **[LPG    |        |   |               |             |
|             | Meter     |        |   |               |             |
|             | Test      |        |   |               |             |
|             | Rep       |        |   |               |             |
|             | ort]{.sma |        |   |               |             |
|             | llcaps}** |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [name       |           |        |   | [Inspector:   |             |
| ***Propane, |           |        |   | ***Lou        |             |
| Incorp      |           |        |   | Fischer***    |             |
| orated***]{ |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [address    |           |        |   | [Owner:       |             |
| ***123 Main |           |        |   | ***S.W.       |             |
| Street      |           |        |   | Stratton***   |             |
| ***]{       |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
|             |           |        |   |               |             |
| [State:     |           |        |   |               |             |
| ***MD***    |           |        |   |               |             |
| Zip:        |           |        |   |               |             |
| **          |           |        |   |               |             |
| *01234***]{ |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Make of    |           |        |   | [Register     |             |
| meter:      |           |        |   | Model:        |             |
| ***Liq      |           |        |   | ***Regitrue   |             |
| uidmeter*** |           |        |   | Model         |             |
| model:      |           |        |   | 124***        |             |
| ***8979***  |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| sn:         |           |        |   |               |             |
| **          |           |        |   | [Serial       |             |
| *N1160***]{ |           |        |   | Number:       |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   | ***AB142***   |             |
|             |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Meter Size |           | [tot   |   |               |             |
| (inches):   |           | alizer |   |               |             |
| ***2.0***   |           | Fi     |   |               |             |
| in]{        |           | nish:] |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | {.smal |   |               |             |
|             |           | lcaps} |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Flow Rate: |           | [Tot   |   | [product:     |             |
| min ***20   |           | alizer |   | ***L          |             |
| gpm*** max  |           | Start: |   | PG/Propane*** |             |
| ***100      |           | ***798 |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| gpm***]{    |           | 48***] |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | {.smal |   | [Specific     |             |
|             |           | lcaps} |   | Gravity:      |             |
|             |           |        |   | ***0.505***   |             |
|             |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [           |           | [Total |   |               |             |
| thermometer |           | Pro    |   |               |             |
| we ll **** |           | duct:] |   |               |             |
| Printer     |           | {.smal |   |               |             |
| ****]{     |           | lcaps} |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
|             |           | *[Re   |   |               |             |
| [           |           | turned |   |               |             |
| Temperature |           | to     |   |               |             |
| Com         |           | sto    |   |               |             |
| pensator:]{ |           | rage]{ |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | .small |   |               |             |
|             |           | caps}* |   |               |             |
| [ elec     |           |        |   |               |             |
| ****       |           |        |   |               |             |
| mech]{      |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [tolerance  |           |        | [ |               |             |
| applied:    |           |        | S |               |             |
| Acceptance  |           |        | e |               |             |
| ****       |           |        | c |               |             |
| Maintenance |           |        | u |               |             |
| ]{         |           |        | r |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        | i |               |             |
|             |           |        | t |               |             |
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+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+

  -------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  Test Data                  1st run                2nd run                 3rd run                 4th run

  [1. Type of Test           [normal ****\         [normal\_\_\_           [normal\_\_\_           [normal\_\_\_
  Run]{.smallcaps}           spec\_\_ atc           spec\_\_\_ atc          spec\_\_\_ atc          spec\_\_\_ atc
                             ****]{.smallcaps}     \_\_\_]{.smallcaps}     \_\_\_]{.smallcaps}     \_\_\_]{.smallcaps}

  [2. Flow Rate]{.smallcaps} [***98***              [gal/min]{.smallcaps}   [gal/min]{.smallcaps}   [gal/min]{.smallcaps}
                             gal/min]{.smallcaps}                                                   

  [3. Meter Temp (1/3 Prover [***60*** °            [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}
  Cap)]{.smallcaps}          f]{.smallcaps}                                                         

  [4. Meter temp (2/3 Prover [***60*** °            [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}
  Cap)]{.smallcaps}          f]{.smallcaps}                                                         

  [5. Tank                   [***120***             [psi]{.smallcaps}       [psi]{.smallcaps}       [psi]{.smallcaps}
  pressure]{.smallcaps}      psi]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  [6. Prover                 [***118***             [psi]{.smallcaps}       [psi]{.smallcaps}       [psi]{.smallcaps}
  pressure]{.smallcaps}      psi]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  [7. Prover                 [***68.0*** °          [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}
  temperature]{.smallcaps}   f]{.smallcaps}                                                         

  [8. Prover reading to 0.05 [***98.15***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  gal]{.smallcaps}           gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  [9. Meter                  [***97.00***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  reading]{.smallcaps}       gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  **[USE FOR UNCOMPENSATED                                                                          
  RUN]{.smallcaps}**                                                                                

  10\. a. [Avg Meter         [\-\-\-\-- °           [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}
  Temp]{.smallcaps} (3 + 4)  f]{.smallcaps}                                                         
  ÷ 2                                                                                               

  b\. [Temp                  [\-\-\-\-- °           [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}       [° f]{.smallcaps}
  Difference]{.smallcaps}    f]{.smallcaps}                                                         
  (10a - 7)                                                                                         

  c\. [Temp Corr Factor      [\-\-\-\--             [gal/°f]{.smallcaps}    [gal/°f]{.smallcaps}    [gal/°f]{.smallcaps}
  (Table 2)]{.smallcaps}     gal/°f]{.smallcaps}                                                    

  d\. [Temp Diff             [\-\-\-\--             [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  Corr]{.smallcaps} (10b x   gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       
  10c)                                                                                              

  11\. [Temp corrected       [\-\-\-\--             [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  prover                     gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       
  reading]{.smallcaps}                                                                              
  (10d + 8)                                                                                         

  **[USE FOR COMPENSATED                                                                            
  RUN]{.smallcaps}**                                                                                

  [10. Volume correction     [***0.986***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  factor at prover           gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       
  temperature (table                                                                                
  4)]{.smallcaps}                                                                                   

  [11. Temp corrected prover [***96.78***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  reading (10 x              gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       
  8)]{.smallcaps}                                                                                   

  **[USE FOR EITHER                                                                                 
  RUN]{.smallcaps}**                                                                                

  [12. Corr for prover       [***+0.02***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  pressure (table            gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       
  1)]{.smallcaps}                                                                                   

  [13. Corr for prover temp  [***+0.02***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  (table 3)]{.smallcaps}     gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  [14. Corrected prover      [***96.82***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  reading                    gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       
  (11+12+13)]{.smallcaps}                                                                           

  [15. Meter reading (row    [***97.00***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  9)]{.smallcaps}            gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  [16. Net meter error (14 - [***-0.18***           [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  15)]{.smallcaps}           gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       

  [17. percent error (row 16 [***-0.19***           [%]{.smallcaps}         [%]{.smallcaps}         [%]{.smallcaps}
  ÷15) x 100]{.smallcaps}    %]{.smallcaps}                                                         

  [18. Tolerance Calculation [***+/- 0.97***        [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}       [gal]{.smallcaps}
  (Row 15 x                  gal]{.smallcaps}                                                       
  %Tol)]{.smallcaps}                                                                                

  [19. Difference between                                                                           
  Atc and Non- Atc Test                                                                             
  Run(s): (% error Atc - %                                                                          
  error Non-Atc ) =                                                                                 
  ***-0.19*** %                                                                                     
  TO]{.smallcaps}                                                                                   

  [Remarks:]{.smallcaps}                                                                            

  [Action taken:  approved                                                                         
   rejected  condemned                                                                            
  (Form Rev                                                                                         
  5/31/98)]{.smallcaps}                                                                             
  -------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

**Figure 7-13. Sample Report Form, First Test Draft \-- Calculation of
Results.**

Figure 7-13. also shows the appropriate corrections for prover pressure
and temperature (lines 12 and 13). The first of these steps involves a
correction for expansion of the prover from its calibrated capacity due
to its pressurization. For this value, we consult the pressure
correction table that was prepared for this prover. A
[sample]{.underline} of such a table is shown in Figure 7-14. (remember
that you must use the table that was prepared for the prover you are
using in the field).

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **Pressure Corrections                          
  to indicated Volume of                          
  LP Gas Meter Prover**                           

  **If gauge pressure     **Add to prover gauge   
  is:**                   reading:**              

  **psi**                 **cubic inches**        **gallons**

  50                      \- 12                   \- .05

  60                      \- 10                   \- .04

  70                      \- 8                    \- .03

  80                      \- 5                    \- .02

  90                      \- 2                    \- .01

  100                     0                       0

  110                     \+ 2                    \+ .01

  120                     \+ 5                    \+ .02

  130                     \+ 8                    \+ .03

  140                     \+ 10                   \+ .04

  150                     \+ 12                   \+ .05

  160                     \+ 15                   \+ .06

  170                     \+ 18                   \+ .08

  180                     \+ 20                   \+ .09

  190                     \+ 22                   \+ .10

  200                     \+ 25                   \+ .11

  **Figure 7-14. Sample                           
  prover pressure                                 
  correction table.**                             
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

According to the sample table, if the prover pressure gauge reading is
118 psi, as in our example, the pressure correction to the nearest 10
psi will be +0.02 gal (if the pressure is exactly between two successive
values on the table, use the higher value). Adding this value to the
prover reading will offset the expansion in volume that has occurred as
a result of being pressurized.

Finally, we must correct the prover reading for the expansion or
contraction of the prover from its calibrated capacity as a result of
the effects of ambient temperature and delivered product temperature on
the metal of the prover. For this we must use a table similar to that
shown in Figure 7-15 (this table is also included in Appendix B as Table
3 and is appropriate for low-carbon steel provers only; see Chapter 5).

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **Prover**              **Prover Correction**   

  **° F**                 **cubic inches**        **gallons**

  \- 20                   \- 34                   \- 0.15

  \- 15                   \- 32                   \- 0.14

  \- 10                   \- 30                   \- 0.13

  \- 5                    \- 28                   \- 0.12

  0                       \- 26                   \- 0.11

  5                       \- 24                   \- 0.10

  10                      \- 21                   \- 0.09

  15                      \- 19                   \- 0.08

  20                      \- 17                   \- 0.07

  25                      \- 15                   \- 0.07

  30                      \- 13                   \- 0.06

  35                      \- 11                   \- 0.05

  40                      \- 9                    \- 0.04

  45                      \- 6                    \- 0.03

  50                      \- 4                    \- 0.02

  55                      \- 2                    \- 0.01

  60                      0                       0

  65                      2                       +0.01

  70                      4                       +0.02

  75                      6                       +0.03

  80                      9                       +0.04

  85                      11                      +0.05

  90                      13                      +0.06

  95                      15                      +0.07

  100                     17                      +0.07

  105                     19                      +0.08

  110                     21                      +0.09

  115                     24                      +0.1

  120                     26                      +0.11

  **Figure 7-15. Table 3.                         
  Volume corrections for                          
  thermal expansion or                            
  contraction of a                                
  100‑gal low-carbon                              
  steel LPG Prover.**                             
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

The nearest temperature in the left-hand column to the recorded prover
temperature of 68.0 °F is 70 °F. Opposite this temperature we find a
correction in decimal gallons of +0.02 gal. Adding this value to the
prover reading will offset the expansion in the prover that has occurred
as a result of ambient product temperature above the prover's
calibration temperature of 60 °F.

When the prover reading has been corrected for temperature and pressure
(see Figure 7-13., lines 12-14), it is comparable to the meter reading.
Subtracting the meter reading (line 15) from the corrected prover
reading (line 14) gives the [net meter error]{.underline} for this first
test. If the value is a positive number, the system is underregistering
(registering less product than is actually delivered); if the error is a
negative number \-- as in our example \-- the system is overregistering
(registering more product than it actually delivers).

As you can see on the sample report form (Figure 7-13), the error is
computed first in decimal gallons, since the register and prover
readings were recorded in these units. The applicable tolerances are
often expressed in cubic inches, so the meter error must be converted to
cubic inches before it can be compared. This is easily done by
multiplying the net meter error in decimal gallons by 231; the result is
the error for the test in cubic inches. Referring again to our example,
the meter error is -0.18 gal x 231 = -41.58 cubic inches. This value is
then rounded to the nearest whole cubic inch (-42 cubic inches in our
example) and recorded on the report form.

The indicated delivery was 97.00 gallons. Since this is a normal test
and maintenance tolerance applies, the applicable tolerance is 1 percent
of the test draft or 1 percent of 97.00 gallons; thus, the tolerance is
plus or minus 0.97 gallons or 224 cubic inches (0.97 x 231). Thus, this
meter is well within tolerance on this first test draft.

If the meter error for this or any other test is within 10 percent of
the applicable tolerance for that test, either plus or minus, the test
should be repeated to confirm the results. In our example, 10 percent of
the applicable tolerance would be 22.4 cubic inches, which we can round
to 22 cubic inches. Adding and subtracting this value from the tolerance
value gives a range of values that would indicate the need to repeat the
test. Thus, if the meter error had been within the range -202 cubic
inches or within the range of +202 cubic inches, a repeat test would
have been indicated.

Likewise, if the meter error for this or any other test exceeds the
tolerances, the test should be repeated to confirm the results.

This is especially important for performance tests of LPG metering
systems because the [test procedure]{.underline} is especially
sensitive: it involves not just two readings (one from the measuring
device and one from the proving device), but as many as
[seven]{.underline}, all but one of which (system pressure) are used to
make corrections that can have a significant effect on the outcome.
Since each reading has some margin of inaccuracy, the probability of
some degree of error in the procedure is higher than on tests of many
other devices.

Another significant factor, especially in the case of the first draft
drawn, is often temperature differential between the prover and the
metering system.

If a repeated test produces a meter error value that agrees with its
predecessor to within 10 percent of the applicable tolerance, an average
of the two should used as the final result for that test. If results
still do not agree within this guideline, the test should be repeated
again.

**Uncompensated Draft**

If you are testing a system that is [not]{.underline} equipped with an
automatic temperature compensator, or if the ATC has been deactivated
(see below) and if product in the prover at the time when it is read is
at a different temperature than it was when it passed through the
meter\--as is often the case--, the prover reading will have to be
corrected to reflect the effect of this difference on the volume; if
product in the prover is [warmer]{.underline} than it was at the meter,
an amount will have to be [subtracted]{.underline} from the prover
reading to compensate for the expansion that has taken place since the
liquid was metered; if the product is [cooler]{.underline} at the prover
than it was at the meter, an amount will have to be [added]{.underline}
to the prover reading to compensate for the contraction that has
occurred. In either case, the amount of the correction will depend upon
the specific gravity of the product and the temperature difference
between the prover and the meter. Since in our example, the first test
draft was compensated, let us turn to the second test draft to see how
the correction is made for an uncompensated run.

**The Second Test Draft**

The second test draft is also performed at the metering system's maximum
discharge rate and so should confirm the results of the first draft. The
second test draft is always uncompensated. If the metering system is not
equipped with an ATC, the first and second drafts will be thus be
conducted under the same operating conditions, and results should be
quite similar. However, if the system is equipped with an ATC, this
device is deactivated for the second test. If the ATC is functioning
correctly, results from a compensated and an uncompensated test run
should be quite close; if they are not, a malfunction of the ATC may be
indicated. An uncompensated draft is performed in the same manner as a
compensated draft, except that meter temperatures are recorded during
the draft, as described above. If the first test draft was compensated,
you should have the operator deactivate the ATC for the second draft.
Sample data for a second test draft are given in Figure 7-16.

+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [date       | **[D      |        |   | [Test No      | [Truck id   |
| ***August   | epartment |        |   | ***5698***    | ***AR       |
| 15,         | Head      |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} | 364***]{    |
| 1998***]{   | ing]{.sma |        |   |               | .smallcaps} |
| .smallcaps} | llcaps}** |        |   |               |             |
|             |           |        |   |               |             |
|             | **[LPG    |        |   |               |             |
|             | Meter     |        |   |               |             |
|             | Test      |        |   |               |             |
|             | Rep       |        |   |               |             |
|             | ort]{.sma |        |   |               |             |
|             | llcaps}** |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [name       |           |        |   | [Inspector:   |             |
| ***Propane, |           |        |   | ***Lou        |             |
| Incorp      |           |        |   | Fischer***    |             |
| orated***]{ |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [address    |           |        |   | [Owner:       |             |
| ***123 Main |           |        |   | ***S.W.       |             |
| Street      |           |        |   | Stratton***   |             |
| ***]{       |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
|             |           |        |   |               |             |
| [State:     |           |        |   |               |             |
| ***MD***    |           |        |   |               |             |
| Zip:        |           |        |   |               |             |
| **          |           |        |   |               |             |
| *01234***]{ |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Make of    |           |        |   | [Register     |             |
| meter:      |           |        |   | Model:        |             |
| ***Liq      |           |        |   | ***Regitrue   |             |
| uidmeter*** |           |        |   | Model         |             |
| model:      |           |        |   | 124***        |             |
| *           |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| **8979***]{ |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   | [Serial       |             |
|             |           |        |   | Number:       |             |
| [sn:        |           |        |   | ***AB142***   |             |
| **          |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| *N1160***]{ |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Meter Size |           | [tot   |   |               |             |
| (inches):   |           | alizer |   |               |             |
| ***2.0***   |           | Fi     |   |               |             |
| in]{        |           | nish:] |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | {.smal |   |               |             |
|             |           | lcaps} |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Flow Rate: |           | [Tot   |   | [product:     |             |
| min ***20   |           | alizer |   | ***L          |             |
| gpm*** max  |           | Start: |   | PG/Propane*** |             |
| ***100      |           | ***798 |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| gpm***]{    |           | 48***] |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | {.smal |   | [Specific     |             |
|             |           | lcaps} |   | Gravity:      |             |
|             |           |        |   | ***0.505***   |             |
|             |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [           |           | [Total |   |               |             |
| thermometer |           | Pro    |   |               |             |
| we ll **** |           | duct:] |   |               |             |
| Printer     |           | {.smal |   |               |             |
| ****]{     |           | lcaps} |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
|             |           | *[Re   |   |               |             |
| [           |           | turned |   |               |             |
| Temperature |           | to     |   |               |             |
| Com         |           | sto    |   |               |             |
| pensator:]{ |           | rage]{ |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | .small |   |               |             |
|             |           | caps}* |   |               |             |
| [ elec     |           |        |   |               |             |
| ****       |           |        |   |               |             |
| mech]{      |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [tolerance  |           |        | [ |               |             |
| applied:    |           |        | S |               |             |
| Acceptance  |           |        | e |               |             |
| ****       |           |        | c |               |             |
| Maintenance |           |        | u |               |             |
| ]{         |           |        | r |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        | i |               |             |
|             |           |        | t |               |             |
|             |           |        | y |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | e |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | l |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | i |               |             |
|             |           |        | n |               |             |
|             |           |        | t |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | c |               |             |
|             |           |        | t |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | f |               |             |
|             |           |        | o |               |             |
|             |           |        | u |               |             |
|             |           |        | n |               |             |
|             |           |        | d |               |             |
|             |           |        | ? |               |             |
|             |           |        | Y |               |             |
|             |           |        | e |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        |  |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        | N |               |             |
|             |           |        | o |               |             |
|             |           |        |  |               |             |
|             |           |        | ] |               |             |
|             |           |        | { |               |             |
|             |           |        | . |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | m |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | l |               |             |
|             |           |        | l |               |             |
|             |           |        | c |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | p |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | } |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+

+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| Test Data                | 1st run  | 2nd run | 3rd run | 4th run  |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [1. Type of Test         | [normal  | [normal | [norma  | [norm    |
| Run]{.smallcaps}         | ****\   | ***    | l\_\_\_ | al\_\_\_ |
|                          | spec\_\_ | *]{.sma | spe     | sp       |
|                          | atc      | llcaps} | c\_\_\_ | ec\_\_\_ |
|                          | **       |         | atc     | atc      |
|                          | **]{.sm | [spe    | \_\_\   | \_\      |
|                          | allcaps} | c\_\_\_ | _]{.sma | _\_]{.sm |
|                          |          | atc     | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          |          | \_\_\   |         |          |
|                          |          | _]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [2. Flow                 | [        | [*      | [gal/mi | [gal/    |
| Rate]{.smallcaps}        | ***98*** | **98*** | n]{.sma | min]{.sm |
|                          | gal/     | gal/mi  | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | min]{.sm | n]{.sma |         |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [3. Meter Temp (1/3      | [        | [***    | [°      | [°       |
| Prover Cap)]{.smallcaps} | ***60*** | 66.0*** | f]{.sma | f]{.sm   |
|                          | °        | °       | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | f]{.sm   | f]{.sma |         |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [4. Meter temp (2/3      | [        | [***    | [°      | [°       |
| Prover Cap)]{.smallcaps} | ***60*** | 66.5*** | f]{.sma | f]{.sm   |
|                          | °        | °       | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | f]{.sm   | f]{.sma |         |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [5. Tank                 | [*       | [**     | [ps     | [        |
| pressure]{.smallcaps}    | **120*** | *119*** | i]{.sma | psi]{.sm |
|                          | psi]{.sm | ps      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | i]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [6. Prover               | [*       | [**     | [ps     | [        |
| pressure]{.smallcaps}    | **118*** | *117*** | i]{.sma | psi]{.sm |
|                          | psi]{.sm | ps      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | i]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [7. Prover               | [**      | [***    | [°      | [°       |
| temperature]{.smallcaps} | *68.0*** | 67.0*** | f]{.sma | f]{.sm   |
|                          | °        | °       | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | f]{.sm   | f]{.sma |         |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [8. Prover reading to    | [***     | [***9   | [ga     | [        |
| 0.05 gal]{.smallcaps}    | 98.15*** | 8.90*** | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
|                          | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [9. Meter                | [***     | [***9   | [ga     | [        |
| reading]{.smallcaps}     | 97.00*** | 9.00*** | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
|                          | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[USE FOR UNCOMPENSATED |          |         |         |          |
| RUN]{.smallcaps}**       |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| 10\. a. [Avg Meter       | [\       | [***6   | [°      | [°       |
| Temp]{.smallcaps} (3 +   | -\-\-\-- | 6.25*** | f]{.sma | f]{.sm   |
| 4) ÷ 2                   | °        | °       | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | f]{.sm   | f]{.sma |         |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| b\. [Temp                | [\       | [***-   | [°      | [°       |
| Difference]{.smallcaps}  | -\-\-\-- | 0.75*** | f]{.sma | f]{.sm   |
| (10a - 7)                | °        | °       | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | f]{.sm   | f]{.sma |         |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| c\. [Temp Corr Factor    | [\       | [***0   | [gal/°  | [gal     |
| (Table 2)]{.smallcaps}   | -\-\-\-- | .170*** | f]{.sma | /°f]{.sm |
|                          | gal      | gal/°   | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | /°f]{.sm | f]{.sma |         |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| d\. [Temp Diff           | [\       | [**     | [ga     | [        |
| Corr]{.smallcaps} (10b x | -\-\-\-- | -0.13** | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
| 10c)                     | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| 11\. [Temp corrected     | [\       | [***9   | [ga     | [        |
| prover                   | -\-\-\-- | 8.77*** | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
| reading]{.smallcaps}     | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
| (10d + 8)                | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[USE FOR COMPENSATED   |          |         |         |          |
| RUN]{.smallcaps}**       |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [10. Volume correction   | [***     | [\-     | [ga     | [        |
| factor at prover         | 0.986*** | \-\-\-- | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
| temperature (table       | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
| 4)]{.smallcaps}          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [11. Temp corrected      | [***     | [\-     | [ga     | [        |
| prover reading (10 x     | 96.78*** | \-\-\-- | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
| 8)]{.smallcaps}          | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[USE FOR EITHER        |          |         |         |          |
| RUN]{.smallcaps}**       |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [12. Corr for prover     | [***     | [***+   | [ga     | [        |
| pressure (table          | +0.02*** | 0.02*** | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
| 1)]{.smallcaps}          | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [13. Corr for prover     | [***     | [***+   | [ga     | [        |
| temp (table              | +0.02*** | 0.01*** | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
| 3)]{.smallcaps}          | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [14. Corrected prover    | [***     | [***9   | [ga     | [        |
| reading                  | 96.82*** | 8.80*** | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
| (11+12+13)]{.smallcaps}  | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [15. Meter reading (row  | [***     | [***9   | [ga     | [        |
| 9)]{.smallcaps}          | 97.00*** | 9.00*** | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
|                          | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [16. Net meter error     | [***     | [***-   | [ga     | [        |
| (14 - 15)]{.smallcaps}   | -0.18*** | 0.20*** | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
|                          | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [17. percent error (row  | [***     | [***-   | [       | [%]{.sm  |
| 16 ÷15) x                | -0.19*** | 0.2***  | %]{.sma | allcaps} |
| 100]{.smallcaps}         | %]{.sm   | %]{.sma | llcaps} |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [18. Tolerance           | [***+/-  | [***+/- | [ga     | [        |
| Calculation (Row 15 x    | 0.97***  | 0.99*** | l]{.sma | gal]{.sm |
| %Tol)]{.smallcaps}       | gal]{.sm | ga      | llcaps} | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma |         |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [19. Difference between  |          |         |         |          |
| Atc and Non- Atc Test    |          |         |         |          |
| Run(s): (% error Atc - % |          |         |         |          |
| error Non-Atc ) =        |          |         |         |          |
| ***0.19 % to -0.2% =     |          |         |         |          |
| 0.01 %***]{.smallcaps}   |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [Remarks:]{.smallcaps}   |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [Action taken:          |          |         |         |          |
| approved  rejected     |          |         |         |          |
| condemned (Form Rev      |          |         |         |          |
| 5/31/98)]{.smallcaps}    |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+

**Figure 7-16. Sample Report Form, Second Test Draft and Calculation of
Results.**

As before, you should first review the test data for anomalies.
Temperatures recorded at the meter may differ slightly from the first to
the second reading, but should not vary by more than 1 or 2 °F. Nor
should there be a difference of more than one or two degrees between the
meter temperature and the prover temperature. If readings significantly
outside these guidelines are observed, the cause should be determined
and corrected, and the test repeated. When satisfied that the data are
valid, you can proceed to perform the temperature correction.

The first step is to determine the difference between the
[average]{.underline} meter temperature and the temperature of liquid in
the prover. This calculation is performed on lines 10a and 10b of the
report form (see Figure 7-16.). The correction factor is then determined
from Table 2 (Appendix B), which gives temperature correction factors
for a 100-gallon prover.

This table is reproduced in Figure 7-17. It includes correction factors
for propane products. The factor is based upon the prover temperature.
Returning to our example, the average meter temperature was 66.25 °F.
Subtracting this from the prover temperature (67.0 °F) gives a
temperature difference of -0.75 °F (line 10b). The correction factor for
decimal gallons from Table 2 for product with a specific gravity of
0.505 at the temperature that is closest to the actual prover
temperature is 0.170.

+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| **Temperature of      | **100-Gallon          |                       |
| Liquid**              | Correction Per °F     |                       |
|                       | Difference between    |                       |
| **in Prover**         | Meter Temperature and |                       |
|                       | Prover Temperature**  |                       |
| **°F**                |                       |                       |
+=======================+=======================+=======================+
|                       | **Propane Specific    |                       |
|                       | Gravity 60/60°F       |                       |
|                       | 0.505\***             |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|                       | **cu in/°F**          | **gal/°F**            |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| -20 to -10            | 33.9                  | 0.147                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over -10 to 0         | 34.1                  | 0.148                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 0 to 10          | 34.6                  | 0.150                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 10 to 20         | 35.7                  | 0.154                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 20 to 30         | 36.6                  | 0.159                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|                       |                       |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 30 to 40         | 37.0                  | 0.160                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 40 to 50         | 37.7                  | 0.163                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 50 to 70         | 39.3                  | 0.170                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 70 to 80         | 39.3                  | 0.170                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 80 to 90         | 39.7                  | 0.172                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|                       |                       |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 90 to 100        | 40.6                  | 0.176                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 100 to 110       | 41.3                  | 0.179                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Over 110 to 120       | 42.0                  | 0.182                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| \* Approximate        |                       |                       |
| specific gravity for  |                       |                       |
| a commercial LPG      |                       |                       |
| product               |                       |                       |
|                       |                       |                       |
| Note: The appropriate |                       |                       |
| correction factor     |                       |                       |
| should be multiplied  |                       |                       |
| by the number of      |                       |                       |
| degrees difference    |                       |                       |
| between the meter and |                       |                       |
| prover temperatures.  |                       |                       |
| If the temperature at |                       |                       |
| the meter is *higher* |                       |                       |
| than the temperature  |                       |                       |
| of the prover, the    |                       |                       |
| correction should be  |                       |                       |
| *added* to the prover |                       |                       |
| gauge reading to      |                       |                       |
| compensate for the    |                       |                       |
| contraction of the    |                       |                       |
| liquid that has taken |                       |                       |
| place after it was    |                       |                       |
| measured by the       |                       |                       |
| meter. If the         |                       |                       |
| temperature at the    |                       |                       |
| meter is *lower* than |                       |                       |
| the temperature of    |                       |                       |
| the prover, the       |                       |                       |
| correction should be  |                       |                       |
| *subtracted* from the |                       |                       |
| prover gauge reading  |                       |                       |
| to compensate for the |                       |                       |
| expansion of the      |                       |                       |
| liquid that has taken |                       |                       |
| place after it was    |                       |                       |
| measured by the       |                       |                       |
| meter.                |                       |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| **Figure 7-17. Table  |                       |                       |
| 2. Temperature        |                       |                       |
| Corrections to        |                       |                       |
| Indicated Volume of a |                       |                       |
| 100-Gallon LPG Prover |                       |                       |
| (From Appendix B)**   |                       |                       |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+

This factor is the appropriate correction [per degree]{.underline} of
temperature difference. To arrive at the total correction, we must
multiply it by the temperature difference (-0.75 °F). The result (-0.13
gal) is then added to the prover reading. This has the effect, as you
can see by comparing lines 8 and 11 on the sample report form, of
reducing the prover reading to compensate for expansion of product after
it passed through the meter.

If you are using a prover with a nominal capacity other than 100
gallons, the correction (line 10d) must first be multiplied by the
capacity of the prover divided by 100. For example, if we had been using
a 50-gallon prover instead of a 100-gallon prover for our test draft, we
would have to multiply the correction (-0.13 gal) by 0.5 (50/100) to
obtain the proper correction, -0.065.

The corrections for prover expansion due to pressurization and thermal
expansion or contraction (lines 12 and 13) are performed in exactly the
same way as for the first test draft. Note that in the sample, the
correction for prover temperature is smaller than for the first test
draft. This is because the prover temperature dropped 1 °F between the
first and second drafts.

The corrected prover reading for this draft is then 98.80 gallons, which
will produce a net meter error of -0.20 gallons or -46.20 cubic inches,
which is rounded to -46 cubic inches. Since the applicable tolerance is
±0.99 gallons (1 % of 99.00 gallons: 99.00 x 0.01) or ±229 cubic inches
(0.99 gallons x 231), this system is well within tolerance on the second
test draft also. The fact that meter errors for both the compensated and
the uncompensated drafts are so close indicates that the ATC is
functioning properly in this example.

In the case of a system that is equipped with an ATC, if the meter
errors for the compensated and uncompensated runs are substantially
different, this difference may be attributable to malfunction or
improper adjustment of the ATC. However, other factors may be
responsible for divergent results. As noted earlier in this chapter, the
difference between the meter error for results determined with and
without the automatic temperature-compensating system activated shall
not exceed the values specified in paragraph T.4. of Handbook 44.

You must understand that interpreting test data in this way can be
useful, but that it is based upon experience and probability and is,
therefore, never certain. As you gain experience with different types of
metering equipment, you will develop the ability to interpret test
results with considerable skill and accuracy. However, diagnosing meter
problems usually cannot be based on performance data alone. The specific
cause and remedy should always be determined by a qualified
serviceperson. The data obtained from the tests can be very useful in
doing this, but you should use it to [inform]{.underline} the operator
of the condition of the equipment, rather than taking on the role of
troubleshooter or serviceperson.

**Special Test**

The third test draft of an LPG liquid-measuring system is a Special
Test. It is customarily referred to as a "slow-flow" test because the
test draft is drawn at a flow rate that is at or near the minimum
discharge rate recommended by the manufacturer (see below). Tolerances
set forth in the LPG & AA/LMD Code for special tests are the same as
maintenance tolerance values for Normal Tests (1 percent of the test
draft). If the system is equipped with an ATC, the device is left
[deactivated]{.underline} for the Special Test. Temperature and pressure
correction computations are the same as those for an uncompensated
Normal Test.

In fact, the only difference in procedure between the Special Test and
the Normal Test involves maintaining a low discharge rate during the
delivery. The appropriate rate depends upon the class of device
(motor-fuel, other retail, or wholesale), and is specified in subsection
N.4.2. of the LPG & AA/LMD Code, which is reproduced in Figure 7-18.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **N.4.2. Special Tests.** - "Special" tests, to develop the operating |
| characteristics of a device and any special elements and accessories  |
| attached to or associated with the device, shall be made as           |
| circumstances require. Any test except as set forth in N.4.1. shall   |
| be considered a special test.                                         |
|                                                                       |
| **N.4.2.1. For Motor-Fuel Devices.** - A motor-fuel device shall be   |
| so tested at a minimum discharge rate of:                             |
|                                                                       |
| > \(a\) 20 L (5 gal) per minute, or                                   |
| >                                                                     |
| > \(b\) the minimum discharge rate marked on the device, whichever is |
| > less.                                                               |
|                                                                       |
| **N.4.2.2. For Other Retail Devices.** - A retail device other than a |
| motor-fuel device shall be tested at a minimum discharge rate of:     |
|                                                                       |
| > \(a\) the minimum discharge rate that can be developed under the    |
| > conditions of installation, or                                      |
| >                                                                     |
| > \(b\) the minimum discharge rate marked on the device, whichever is |
| > greater.                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| (Amended 1973)                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| **N.4.2.3. For Wholesale Devices.** - A wholesale device shall be so  |
| tested at a minimum discharge rate of:                                |
|                                                                       |
| > \(a\) 40 L (10 gal) per minute for a device with a rated maximum    |
| > discharge less than 180 L (50 gal) per minute.                      |
| >                                                                     |
| > \(b\) 20 percent of the marked maximum discharge rate for a device  |
| > with a rated maximum discharge of 180 L (50 gal) per minute or      |
| > more, or                                                            |
| >                                                                     |
| > \(c\) the minimum discharge rate marked on the device, whichever is |
| > least.                                                              |
|                                                                       |
| (Amended 1987)                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Figure 7-18. LPG & AA/LMD Code, Subsection N.4.2.**                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

In the case of a retail device other than a motor-fuel device, you will
have to ascertain from the operator the minimum rate that can be
developed by the system. For all other classes, the appropriate
discharge rate can be determined by referring to the minimum discharge
rate marked on the device and comparing it with the specifications of
subsection N.4.2. Record the appropriate rate on your report form.

The delivery of the test draft will have to be monitored with a watch
that displays seconds or, preferably, with a stopwatch. The discharge
rate should be controlled by manipulating the prover inlet valve. The
system pump speed should not be lowered for this purpose unless
absolutely necessary. If the pump speed must be lowered in order to
obtain the desired flow rate, this should be noted on the test report.
Experience with your prover will allow you to make a preliminary setting
of the valve to reduce the discharge rate substantially without
restricting it below the specified rate (excessive restriction at the
beginning of the delivery may adversely affect test results, even if
adjustments are made quickly).

After the meter has gotten up to speed (usually after about 5 gallons),
time the delivery of the next 5 gallons by monitoring the register.
Dividing the number of elapsed seconds for delivery of this amount into
300 will give you the actual delivery rate. If "trimming" the flow rate
is necessary, as it probably will be, make an approximate (but again
conservative) adjustment at the inlet valve and time another 5 gallons.
Make any necessary correction based upon your computation of the actual
discharge rate and continue to fine-tune the discharge rate in this way
until it is near to the specified rate.

Keep in mind that the average delivery rate for the draft should be as
close as possible to the specified rate (if you have a stopwatch that
times laps, you can determine the actual discharge rate for the entire
delivery at the same time). If you are not able to attain the specified
rate exactly, you should make sure that any overall error is in the
direction of a rate [higher]{.underline} than the minimum discharge rate
specified for the meter.

Temperature, pressure, prover, and meter readings are observed and
recorded as for a the first and second test drafts. It may take some
practice and experience before you become proficient at performing all
of these procedures for the Special Test, since you will be monitoring
the discharge rate at the same time as meter temperature, etc.

The primary purpose of a slow-flow test is to determine the condition of
the meter. Figure 7-19 illustrates the type of results you may obtain
and their significance. The curves describe the performance of a typical
metering system in various conditions of wear over the range of
discharge rates at which it operates. The curve marked "a" represents
the expected performance of a meter that is new or that has recently
been reconditioned and readjusted. You can see that the performance at
full rated flow and at 20 percent of full rated flow is virtually
identical. At these rates the system "gives" very slightly; that is, it
delivers slightly more product than it registers.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image1.wmf){width="5.9944444444444445in"
  height="4.417361111111111in"}

  **Figure 7-19. Typical Meter Performance Curve**
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

You will see why we use the term "gives" rather than "underregisters" if
you compare the curve marked "b", which depicts the performances that
may be expected of a meter that has been in service for some time since
its last adjustment. As you can see, it is out of tolerance at both ends
of its rated discharge range, and [underregisters]{.underline} at all
delivery rates. However, its performance at full flow and at 20 percent
of full rated flow are still virtually identical, and the shape of the
curve is nearly the same as that of "a". As was the case for the newly
adjusted meter described by curve "a", this meter "gives" slightly more
at both ends of its range than at intermediate rates, but gives about
the same amount of product at slow flow as at maximum flow.

This kind of performance indicate that the system's registration simply
needs to be readjusted to bring it as close as possible to zero error.
This can usually be accomplished by manipulating the adjustment
mechanism between the meter and register and does not require
dismantling and reconditioning the meter. The effect of the adjustment
will be to "lower" the performance curve so that it is situated
approximately where "a" is with respect to the zero-error line.

Curve "c", depicts the performance of a meter that is badly worn. Not
only does it underregister rather severely at all flow rates, but it
"gives" substantially more at slow rates of flow than it des at its
maximum rate. It is this characteristic of the performance curve that
indicates the meter is badly worn, not merely the fact that it
underregisters.

As a meter wears, the clearances between the segmenting elements and the
walls of the meter chamber tend to wide (see Chapter 3 to review the
operation of the meter). This results in more product slippage (and
hence underregistration) at all discharge rates. However, at relatively
low flow rates, the rate of slippage is markedly higher because of the
low flow rate. Simply readjustment a meter that is this badly worn will
not remedy the situation, even if it brings registration temporarily
within tolerance, since the condition will continue to deteriorate
rapidly and the system will very quickly be out of tolerance again. The
only adequate remedy is to recondition or overhaul the meter, replacing
badly worn components and adjusting others.

You can see how the results of the Special Test, conducted at a slow
flow rate, when compared with the results of the Normal Test, can
indicate the condition of the meter: they represent the critical points
on a performance curve like those we have been looking at -- their
relative positions on the curve indicate the extent of wear. In general,
the greater the difference between meter errors observed for the Normal
and Special Tests, the stronger the indication that the meter chamber is
worn and in need of reconditioning.

The performance curves shown in Figure 7-19 are somewhat idealized. In
practice it is normal for a meter to give slightly more product at its
specified slow-flow rate, even if it is in good condition. However, if
the meter error recorded for a slow-flow test indicates
[less]{.underline} "give" than was observed for delivery at the system's
maximum discharge rate, you may have reason to be suspicious of the
results.

Throttling at the prover inlet valve to obtain the specified low flow
rate may results in production of vapor in the prover, which will have
the effect of offsetting the increased slippage of product, even to the
point of indicating relative overregistration. This might happen, for
example, if the system is not equipped with an external pump bypass
circuit, or if the bypass circuit has been shut or throttled because of
a worn pump. If this occurs, you should repeat the Special Test at a
discharge rate somewhat higher than the specified, or at a lower pumping
speed, and compare the results to those for the earlier test. The
operator should be informed that the system is not capable of
registering accurately at the lower rate, and that steps should be taken
to correct this condition. A notation to that effect should also be made
on your test report.

After some experience with different makes and models of metering
equipment, you will develop the ability to judge whether the degree of
difference observed in results between a given set of Normal and Special
Tests suggests wear that is sufficient to require that the meter be
reconditioned. Because such repair is costly to the operator, you should
check borderline results with the manufacturer or a qualified
serviceperson.

It is mostly likely that a meter that is badly worn will be out of
tolerance on the Special Test and possibly on the Normal Test as well.
However, that the tolerances apply individually to results of the
separate tests. It is therefore possible that a badly worn meter could
be technically in conformance with performance requirements. For
example, if the operator of a device like the one whose performance is
depicted by curve "c" were to attempt to remedy the out-of-tolerance
condition by readjusting, the effect might be to lower the curve as
shown in Figure 7-20. Although this has the desired effect of brining
the meter technically within tolerances, it is not an adequate remedy.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image2.wmf){width="5.996527777777778in" height="3.7125in"}

  **Figure 7-20. Adjustment of a Badly Worn Meter.**
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Because replacement or reconditioning is considerably more expensive
than readjusting the meter, and usually means taking the system out of
service for a period of time, the operator may prefer to attempt a
remedy such as this. In the long run, he or she will probably simply be
incurring further expense to have the system repaired correctly, but may
argue that the meter is technically in compliance with weights and
measures regulations. In such a situation, you may determine that the
system does not conform with the requirements of the General code
(paragraph G-UR.4.1., discussed in Chapter 6) that the equipment be
"maintained in a proper operating condition." To save yourself and the
operator considerable time and expense, you should inform him or her of
this requirement when results of the special Test strongly suggest that
the meter is badly worn even though it is within tolerances.

In general, if the range of errors observed in the Normal and Special
Tests approaches or exceeds the sum of the applicable tolerances for
underregistration and overregistration, the meter is badly worn and
replacement ore reconditioning is in order. In some cases, a
recommendation that the meter be reconditioned may be appropriate even
if the range of errors is somewhat smaller. This is especially true if
the metering system is outside of one or more tolerances and will be
rejected anyway on those grounds.

This situation is illustrated in the example we have been using. As the
completed results for the Special Test show (Figure 7-21), the system is
underregistering to a degree that exceeds the applicable tolerance
(here, 0.97 gallons or 224 cubic inches). The range of meter errors
between the second and third tests drafts is 483 cubic inches and
indicates a considerable degree of meter wear. Even though the first and
second tests drafts were well within tolerances, the system must be
rejected and the operator should be informed that the meter is clearly
in need of reconditioning. Note that the three necessary corrections to
the prover volume are determined and recorded in exactly the same manner
as for the earlier uncompensated test draft.

+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [date       | **[D      |        |   | [Test No      | [Truck id   |
| ***August   | epartment |        |   | ***5698***    | ***AR       |
| 15,         | Head      |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} | 364***]{    |
| 1998***]{   | ing]{.sma |        |   |               | .smallcaps} |
| .smallcaps} | llcaps}** |        |   |               |             |
|             |           |        |   |               |             |
|             | **[LPG    |        |   |               |             |
|             | Meter     |        |   |               |             |
|             | Test      |        |   |               |             |
|             | Rep       |        |   |               |             |
|             | ort]{.sma |        |   |               |             |
|             | llcaps}** |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [name       |           |        |   | [Inspector:   |             |
| ***Propane, |           |        |   | ***Lou        |             |
| Incorp      |           |        |   | Fischer***    |             |
| orated***]{ |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [address    |           |        |   | [Owner:       |             |
| ***123 Main |           |        |   | ***S.W.       |             |
| Street      |           |        |   | Stratton***   |             |
| ***]{       |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
|             |           |        |   |               |             |
| [State:     |           |        |   |               |             |
| ***MD***    |           |        |   |               |             |
| Zip:        |           |        |   |               |             |
| **          |           |        |   |               |             |
| *01234***]{ |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Make of    |           |        |   | [Register     |             |
| meter:      |           |        |   | Model:        |             |
| ***Liq      |           |        |   | ***Regitrue   |             |
| uidmeter*** |           |        |   | Model         |             |
| model:      |           |        |   | 124***        |             |
| *           |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| **8979***]{ |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   | [Serial       |             |
|             |           |        |   | Number:       |             |
| [sn:        |           |        |   | ***AB142***   |             |
| **          |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| *N1160***]{ |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Meter Size |           | [tot   |   |               |             |
| (inches):   |           | alizer |   |               |             |
| ***2.0***   |           | Fi     |   |               |             |
| in]{        |           | nish:] |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | {.smal |   |               |             |
|             |           | lcaps} |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [Flow Rate: |           | [Tot   |   | [product:     |             |
| min ***20   |           | alizer |   | ***L          |             |
| gpm*** max  |           | Start: |   | PG/Propane*** |             |
| ***100      |           | ***798 |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
| gpm***]{    |           | 48***] |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | {.smal |   | [Specific     |             |
|             |           | lcaps} |   | Gravity:      |             |
|             |           |        |   | ***0.505***   |             |
|             |           |        |   | ]{.smallcaps} |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [           |           | [Total |   |               |             |
| thermometer |           | Pro    |   |               |             |
| we ll **** |           | duct:] |   |               |             |
| Printer     |           | {.smal |   |               |             |
| ****]{     |           | lcaps} |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
|             |           | *[Re   |   |               |             |
| [           |           | turned |   |               |             |
| Temperature |           | to     |   |               |             |
| Com         |           | sto    |   |               |             |
| pensator:]{ |           | rage]{ |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           | .small |   |               |             |
|             |           | caps}* |   |               |             |
| [ elec     |           |        |   |               |             |
| ****       |           |        |   |               |             |
| mech]{      |           |        |   |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        |   |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+
| [tolerance  |           |        | [ |               |             |
| applied:    |           |        | S |               |             |
| Acceptance  |           |        | e |               |             |
| ****       |           |        | c |               |             |
| Maintenance |           |        | u |               |             |
| ]{         |           |        | r |               |             |
| .smallcaps} |           |        | i |               |             |
|             |           |        | t |               |             |
|             |           |        | y |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | e |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | l |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
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|             |           |        | t |               |             |
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|             |           |        | c |               |             |
|             |           |        | t |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | f |               |             |
|             |           |        | o |               |             |
|             |           |        | u |               |             |
|             |           |        | n |               |             |
|             |           |        | d |               |             |
|             |           |        | ? |               |             |
|             |           |        | Y |               |             |
|             |           |        | e |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        |  |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        | * |               |             |
|             |           |        | N |               |             |
|             |           |        | o |               |             |
|             |           |        |  |               |             |
|             |           |        | ] |               |             |
|             |           |        | { |               |             |
|             |           |        | . |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | m |               |             |
|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | l |               |             |
|             |           |        | l |               |             |
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|             |           |        | a |               |             |
|             |           |        | p |               |             |
|             |           |        | s |               |             |
|             |           |        | } |               |             |
+-------------+-----------+--------+---+---------------+-------------+

+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| Test Data                | 1st run  | 2nd run | 3rd run | 4th run  |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [1. Type of Test         | [normal  | [normal | [normal | [norm    |
| Run]{.smallcaps}         | ****\   | ***    | \_\_\   | al\_\_\_ |
|                          | spec\_\_ | *]{.sma | _]{.sma | sp       |
|                          | atc      | llcaps} | llcaps} | ec\_\_\_ |
|                          | **       |         |         | atc      |
|                          | **]{.sm | [spe    | [sp     | \_\      |
|                          | allcaps} | c\_\_\_ | ec**** | _\_]{.sm |
|                          |          | atc     | atc     | allcaps} |
|                          |          | \_\_\   | \_\_\   |          |
|                          |          | _]{.sma | _]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [2. Flow                 | [        | [*      | [*      | [gal/    |
| Rate]{.smallcaps}        | ***98*** | **98*** | **23*** | min]{.sm |
|                          | gal/     | gal/mi  | gal/mi  | allcaps} |
|                          | min]{.sm | n]{.sma | n]{.sma |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [3. Meter Temp (1/3      | [        | [***    | [***    | [°       |
| Prover Cap)]{.smallcaps} | ***60*** | 66.0*** | 66.0*** | f]{.sm   |
|                          | °        | °       | °       | allcaps} |
|                          | f]{.sm   | f]{.sma | f]{.sma |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [4. Meter temp (2/3      | [        | [***    | [***    | [°       |
| Prover Cap)]{.smallcaps} | ***60*** | 66.5*** | 67.0*** | f]{.sm   |
|                          | °        | °       | °       | allcaps} |
|                          | f]{.sm   | f]{.sma | f]{.sma |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [5. Tank                 | [*       | [**     | [**     | [        |
| pressure]{.smallcaps}    | **120*** | *119*** | *119*** | psi]{.sm |
|                          | psi]{.sm | ps      | ps      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | i]{.sma | i]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [6. Prover               | [*       | [**     | [**     | [        |
| pressure]{.smallcaps}    | **118*** | *117*** | *117*** | psi]{.sm |
|                          | psi]{.sm | ps      | ps      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | i]{.sma | i]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [7. Prover               | [**      | [***    | [***    | [°       |
| temperature]{.smallcaps} | *68.0*** | 67.0*** | 67.0*** | f]{.sm   |
|                          | °        | °       | °       | allcaps} |
|                          | f]{.sm   | f]{.sma | f]{.sma |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [8. Prover reading to    | [***     | [***9   | [***9   | [        |
| 0.05 gal]{.smallcaps}    | 98.15*** | 8.90*** | 8.95*** | gal]{.sm |
|                          | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [9. Meter                | [***     | [***9   | [***9   | [        |
| reading]{.smallcaps}     | 97.00*** | 9.00*** | 7.00*** | gal]{.sm |
|                          | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[USE FOR UNCOMPENSATED |          |         |         |          |
| RUN]{.smallcaps}**       |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| 10\. a. [Avg Meter       | [\       | [***6   | [***    | [°       |
| Temp]{.smallcaps} (3 +   | -\-\-\-- | 6.25*** | 66.5*** | f]{.sm   |
| 4) ÷ 2                   | °        | °       | °       | allcaps} |
|                          | f]{.sm   | f]{.sma | f]{.sma |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| b\. [Temp                | [\       | [***-   | [***    | [°       |
| Difference]{.smallcaps}  | -\-\-\-- | 0.75*** | -0.5*** | f]{.sm   |
| (10a - 7)                | °        | °       | °       | allcaps} |
|                          | f]{.sm   | f]{.sma | f]{.sma |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| c\. [Temp Corr Factor    | [\       | [***0   | [***0   | [gal     |
| (Table 2)]{.smallcaps}   | -\-\-\-- | .170*** | .170*** | /°f]{.sm |
|                          | gal      | gal/°   | gal/°   | allcaps} |
|                          | /°f]{.sm | f]{.sma | f]{.sma |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| d\. [Temp Diff           | [\       | [**     | [**     | [        |
| Corr]{.smallcaps} (10b x | -\-\-\-- | -0.13** | -0.09** | gal]{.sm |
| 10c)                     | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| 11\. [Temp corrected     | [\       | [***9   | [***9   | [        |
| prover                   | -\-\-\-- | 8.77*** | 8.86*** | gal]{.sm |
| reading]{.smallcaps}     | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
| (10d + 8)                | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[USE FOR COMPENSATED   |          |         |         |          |
| RUN]{.smallcaps}**       |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [10. Volume correction   | [***     | [\-     | [\-     | [        |
| factor at prover         | 0.986*** | \-\-\-- | \-\-\-- | gal]{.sm |
| temperature (table       | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
| 4)]{.smallcaps}          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [11. Temp corrected      | [***     | [\-     | [\-     | [        |
| prover reading (10 x     | 96.78*** | \-\-\-- | \-\-\-- | gal]{.sm |
| 8)]{.smallcaps}          | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[USE FOR EITHER        |          |         |         |          |
| RUN]{.smallcaps}**       |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [12. Corr for prover     | [***     | [***+   | [***+   | [        |
| pressure (table          | +0.02*** | 0.02*** | 0.02*** | gal]{.sm |
| 1)]{.smallcaps}          | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [13. Corr for prover     | [***     | [***+   | [***+   | [        |
| temp (table              | +0.02*** | 0.01*** | 0.01*** | gal]{.sm |
| 3)]{.smallcaps}          | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [14. Corrected prover    | [***     | [***9   | [***9   | [        |
| reading                  | 96.82*** | 8.80*** | 8.89*** | gal]{.sm |
| (11+12+13)]{.smallcaps}  | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [15. Meter reading (row  | [***     | [***9   | [***9   | [        |
| 9)]{.smallcaps}          | 97.00*** | 9.00*** | 7.00*** | gal]{.sm |
|                          | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [16. Net meter error     | [***     | [***-   | [***+   | [        |
| (14 - 15)]{.smallcaps}   | -0.18*** | 0.20*** | 1.89*** | gal]{.sm |
|                          | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [17. percent error (row  | [***     | [***-   | [***+   | [%]{.sm  |
| 16 ÷15) x                | -0.19*** | 0.2***  | 1.95*** | allcaps} |
| 100]{.smallcaps}         | %]{.sm   | %]{.sma | %]{.sma |          |
|                          | allcaps} | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [18. Tolerance           | [***+/-  | [***+/- | [***+/- | [        |
| Calculation (Row 15 x    | 0.97***  | 0.99*** | 0.97*** | gal]{.sm |
| %Tol)]{.smallcaps}       | gal]{.sm | ga      | ga      | allcaps} |
|                          | allcaps} | l]{.sma | l]{.sma |          |
|                          |          | llcaps} | llcaps} |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [19. Difference between  |          |         |         |          |
| Atc and Non- Atc Test    |          |         |         |          |
| Run(s): (% error Atc - % |          |         |         |          |
| error Non-Atc ) =        |          |         |         |          |
| ***0.19 % to -0.2% =     |          |         |         |          |
| 0.01 %***]{.smallcaps}   |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [Remarks:]{.smallcaps}   |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+
| [Action taken:          |          |         |         |          |
| approved  rejected     |          |         |         |          |
| condemned (Form Rev      |          |         |         |          |
| 5/31/98)]{.smallcaps}    |          |         |         |          |
+--------------------------+----------+---------+---------+----------+

**Figure 7-21. Sample Report Form, Results of Special Tests.**

**Systems With Multiple Discharge Hoses**

If you are testing a system with more than one discharge hose, you
should follow the procedures described above using the hose that is used
most frequently (if known). After you have completed these procedures,
you should run additional normal tests using each additional hose.

# Concluding the Test

When you are satisfied with the results for all performance tests
specified in the EPO's, you should make sure that all product has been
returned to the operator's tank and that you have taken a final
totalizer reading. If an ATC has been deactivated, the operator should
reactivate it and a new security seal should be installed (see Chapter
8). Then disconnect the prover from the system and, if no more tests are
to be conducted that day, or if you are changing location, bleed the
prover hoses. Only after the metering system and prover are secure
should you proceed to the post-test tasks that are described in the next
chapter.

**Summary**

The purpose of the Test component of a field examination is to determine
whether the system being examined can perform within legal limits of
inaccuracy (tolerances) under conditions that approximate, as nearly as
possible, actual service conditions. The Test is comprised of several
distinct procedures: some are designed to develop the operating
characteristics of the system; others test for performance of specific
elements or under specific conditions that may affect accuracy in
commercial service. Before the Test is begun, a number of Pre-test
Determinations must be performed to establish applicable tolerances and
other test conditions. Guidelines for Test procedures are provided in
the EPO's. The first official test draft is always made at the system's
maximum discharge rate; if the system is equipped with an ATC, it is
left activated for this draft. The second test draft is always
uncompensated, and it performed at the system's maximum discharge rate.

Results of this draft should confirm those of the first test draft. The
third test draft is a slow-flow test and is intended to indicate the
condition of the meter. Comparison and interpretation of results
obtained from various Test procedures can provide operators,
servicepersons, and the weights and measures jurisdiction with important
information regarding the current condition of the LPG liquid-measuring
device(s) examined.