Bulletin Category: GAS Bulletin: G-23 Page: 1 of 7 The copy of this document located on Measurement Canada s website is considered to be the controlled copy. Recognition of data from specialty gas suppliers and/or testing laboratories 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this bulletin is to communicate requirements and conditions that apply to organizations seeking to be recognized by Measurement Canada (MC) to provide test data for natural gas mixtures used in approval evaluations, analyzer standards calibration or analyzer inspections. Such data from recognized organizations may be used by MC for the purposes of certifying gas mixtures and generating certificates of calibration accordingly. 2.0 Scope This bulletin applies to any specialty gas supplier or laboratory seeking to have its data recognized by MC and able to comply with the specific requirements and conditions on this bulletin. 3.0 References a) GPA 2172 : 1996 Calculation of Gross Heating Value, Relative Density and compressibility Factor for Natural Gas Mixtures from compositional analysis b) GPA 2145 : Table for Physical Constants for Hydrocarbons and Other Compounds of interest to the Natural Industry c) GS-ENG-06-12 Requirements for selection and use of Natural Gas Mixtures used [link 1] by Measurement Canada d) ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories e) ISO 6141 : 2000(E) Gas analysis Requirements for certificates for calibration gases and gas mixtures
Category: GAS Bulletin: G-23 Page: 2 of 7 4.0 Limitations 4.1 This recognition does not delegate or confer any legal authority upon the operator of the organization to certify gas mixtures intended for use in verification of meters pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act (EGIA). 4.2 For the purposes of satisfying the requirements of the EGIA, the use of data generated by recognized organizations is limited to MC and Authorized Service Providers. 4.3 Recognition of data from a particular organization is limited to the capabilities listed for that particular organization. 5.0 Terminology Gas analyzer Any gas analysis device with MC approval of type that may be used in a custody transfer application, e.g. gas chromatograph, calorimeter, densitometer, therm-titrator, etc. Specialty gas supplier An organization that prepares gas mixtures or a laboratory that analyzes prepared gas mixtures, either of which is seeking recognition, or is already recognized, by MC to provide test data. 6.0 Technical conditions and requirements A specialty gas supplier (referred to hereinafter as organization), seeking to be recognized by MC to provide test data for gas mixtures including gas composition and heating value shall comply with the technical conditions and requirements of this section. 6.1 Gas composition The supplied gas mixtures shall be in accordance must comply with the gas composition and condition of use stated in GS-ENG-06-12 Requirements for Selection and Use of Natural Gas Mixtures Used by Measurement Canada. 6.2 Heating value and relative density calculations The true heating value and relative density of the gas mixtures supplies shall be calculated using the true relative concentrations of all components of the gas mixture as established in accordance with GPA 2172 : Calculation of Gross Heating Value, Relative Density and Compressibility Factor for Natural Gas Mixtures from Compositional Analysis and GPA 2145 : Table for Physical Constants for Hydrocarbons and Other Compounds of Interest to the Natural Industry.
Category: GAS Bulletin: G-23 Page: 3 of 7 6.3 Calibration certificates / test reports produced by the supplier Subject to section 4.1, the following information shall be included on the calibration certificate / test reports provided by the organization: a) The name and address of the organization and the location where the calibrations were carried out, if different from the address of the organization. b) The name and address of the supplier if different from the organization. c) Unique identification of the calibration test report/certificate (such as the serial number). d) Calibration and expiry date (maximum of 3 years). e) The name(s), function(s) and signature(s) or equivalent identification of person(s) authorizing the test. f) Date of the authorization of the test report/certificate. g) The page number and total number of pages. h) Identification of the method of preparation used. i) Identification of the method of analysis used. j) Identification of the container (cylinder); lot number, cylinder number, cylinder size. k) Specified components name, (nominal value optional). l) Gas composition, reported value of all specified components of the gas mixture must be stated in mole fraction. Balance value is accepted for methane. m) Real gas relative density (specific gravity). n) Gross heating value for Ideal dry gas and Real dry gas, expressed in units of Btu units per standard cubic foot (e.g. : Btu (60,5)/scf, Btu (IT)/scf, Btu (59)/scf) and/or Joule per standard cubic meter. o) Base or standard temperature and pressure used in establishing the heating value. p) Compressibility factor (dry gas). q) Identification of heating value calculation and method used. r) Expanded uncertainty of the content with a coverage factor of two (k=2) /or a statement of compliance with an identified specification or clauses. s) Evidence that the measurements are traceable; (statement of traceability). t) Filling pressure. u) Valve outlet connection. v) Minimum utilization pressure; (below this pressure significant deviations from stated composition may occur). w) Storage and utilization temperature.
Category: GAS Bulletin: G-23 Page: 4 of 7 In addition to the above, the following information is recommended to be included on the calibration test report /certificate when possible: x) The name and address of the customer. y) Commercial name of the gas mixture. z) Equipment used for the preparation. aa) Equipment used for the analysis. 6.4 Proficiency testing and monitoring of results 6.4.1 In order to assess the proficiency of the organization and to ensure continued compliance with the requirements of this bulletin, the organization shall utilize methods such as: a) Participation in inter-comparisons with one or more of the other organizations which have been recognized by MC. b) Monitoring the performance of the equipment used and measurement standards using a suitable statistical process control. c) Establishing consistency between prepared mixtures and suitable traceable standards. d) Use of check or monitoring standards. e) Other methods approved by MC. 6.4.2 The results of these monitoring processes shall be provided to MC upon request. 7.0 Applying for recognition Organizations seeking to be recognized by MC to provide test data shall supply the information listed under this section: a) A written expression of interest, including the name and address of the test facility, telephone number, with an email address of the contact person. b) A copy of existing accreditations or certification and reference numbers e.g. ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001 if applicable. c) A copy of the scope of the test facility's accreditation if applicable. d) A copy of the last audit report. e) A sample of a calibration certificate or test report for the gas mixture. f) Information required in sub-section 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 of this bulletin. g) Any specific technical information requested by MC s Engineering and Laboratory Services.
Category: GAS Bulletin: G-23 Page: 5 of 7 7.1 Traceability 7.1.1 The organization shall submit sufficient information to demonstrate traceability to relevant national standard recognized by MC. 7.1.2 MC s Engineering and Laboratory Services will perform a technical assessment to determine the organization s ability to provide calibration within the values claimed in the submission. 7.1.3 The method employed is dependent on the location of the organization on the International Traceability Chain and current certifications or accreditations. 7.1.4 When traceability to the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) cannot be achieved, the organization shall obtain traceability from a national metrology institute that actively participates in the activities of Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) either directly or through regional groups and that are recognized by MC. 7.1.5 Traceability may also be obtained through a system of calibrated masses and balances that are directly traceable to NRC or MC recognized metrology institute. 7.1.6 Traceability to the SI may also be attained by analytical testing through the use of a validated test method and the use of gas standards traceable via certified reference material. 7.1.7 For those organizations which have been accredited to ISO 17025 by an institution which is recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to which the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a signatory member, a certificate of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 will be deemed as proof of compliance. 7.2 Measurement uncertainty 7.2.1 The organization shall submit sufficient information on its overall measurement uncertainty and the specific method(s) used in its determination. The uncertainty should include the contributions from all relevant uncertainty sources. Additional information on the uncertainty evaluation shall be provided as required. 7.2.2 The measurement uncertainty shall be reported at the 95% confidence interval and include all contributors associated with the preparation of the gas mixture and or heating value determination. When a contributor is not considered, it shall be appropriately noted. 7.2.3 When the preparation and analysis methods are rigorous and valid such as methods published in international, regional or national standards, the organization shall at least identify all uncertainty components and make a reasonable uncertainty estimation based on knowledge of the performance of the method and on the measurement. 7.2.4 The method used for uncertainty calculation shall be as prescribed in the ISO Guide for the Expression of Uncertainty (GUM) or ISO 5725 Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results.
Category: GAS Bulletin: G-23 Page: 6 of 7 7.3 Test equipment 7.3.1 The organization shall submit information related to the test equipment used to obtain test results. 7.3.2 The organization shall demonstrate that the equipment used for preparation and analysis is capable of achieving the accuracy required. 7.4 Technical procedures The organization shall submit copies of the laboratory procedures used in the preparation of the gas mixture as well as having value determination and these shall make reference to normalised test procedures used (international or regional standard). 8.0 Evaluation criteria MC s evaluation process will focus on the items listed in sections 6 and 7 of this bulletin. It is therefore recommended that the documentation in the submission be organized around these items. 9.0 Recognition 9.1 MC will monitor the recognized organization s performance and will determine whether or not to continue recognizing the organization based upon the results of the review. Recognized organisations will be re-evaluated periodically. MC may perform on-site audits as part of the evaluation and monitoring of recognized laboratories. 9.2 The suitability of MC s recognition process and requirements will be periodically evaluated for effectiveness and may be modified or discontinued as necessary. Recognized organizations must be prepared to update processes and procedures to meet any changes in MC requirements. 9.3 Requirements may be of a technical or administrative nature. Organizations may, in the future, be required to fulfil certain quality system requirements as MC adjusts its recognition program. 10.0 Recognized organizations A detailed listing of the organizations that will be recognized by MC and retained by ELSD Gas Engineering will be published in the next revision of this bulletin.
Category: GAS Bulletin: G-23 Page: 7 of 7 11.0 Measurement Canada certification of gas mixtures 11.1 Any request for a gas mixture to be certified by MC shall include the following documentation: a) A copy of a completed Calibration Services Request Form. b) The gas mixture's calibration certificate or test report provided by an organization recognized by MC as meeting the requirements of this bulletin. 11.2 The information shall be sent to the Gas Laboratory Manager, Approval and Calibration Services Laboratory (ACSL) [link 2]. [Link 1] http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm04696.html [Link 2] joel.guidon@canada.ca