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Summary The meeting agenda (Attachment 1) was distributed to those in attendance (Attachment 2). Overview of Samples and Data Trends - Mr. Aaron Dillard of Conoco presented a summary of Domestic Sweet data gathered through August, 1999 compared to proposed and existing stream specifications (Attachment 3). The results shown on the attachment are averages of all the samples taken from Wink, Jal, Midland and Colorado City. Despite sulfur being an Equilon Pipeline specification, results continue to be high, averaging 0.52 wt% versus a standard of 0.42 wt%. Recent data for metals and distillation seem to indicate that the proposed minimums and maximums could be changed, as the standard deviations are much smaller. The decreased “noise” is most likely due to the fact that most of the recent samples are from Midland, which has always been one of the more consistent streams. However, we need more time to adequately assess what changes need to be implemented. Attachment 4 shows data for the West Texas/New Mexico Sour stream. Discussion of Data – Mr. Frank Hagardorn of ITS Caleb Brett presented amended High Temperature Simulated Distillation results, Attachment 5. Corrections needed to be made to the reportable results so that the data reflected actual recovered material. Although a majority of the samples were involved, the end result changed very little and was not enough to affect the recommended standards. Update on Basin Pipeline Specifications – Ms. Patti Edens of Equilon Pipeline reported that the specifications are still not being enforced. Enforcement will not be invoked until all locations are satisfactorily trained on sampling and labeling. Training is underway and enforcement is tentatively set for end-October. Members of the sub-committee expressed some concern that samples are not being provided to ITS Caleb Brett. Patti will investigate each location to ensure that the field personnel are up to speed on what needs to be sampled and where to send the samples. Part of the difficulty is that non-common stream crudes are sometimes included. ITS Caleb Brett will be provided with a list of common stream crudes and will test only samples labeled with those designations. An exception report on other samples received will be included with the testing results. Quality Concerns Due to Recent Acquisitions and Mergers in the Mid-Continent Area - Mr. Aaron Dillard of Conoco led a discussion on the many changes in ownership of the Mid-continent pipeline systems and how they might affect crude oil quality. EOTT and Plains recently acquired several pipeline systems in West Texas and are now very large players in the area. Marathon Ashland Petroleum and Conoco recently met with EOTT to discuss their quality programs. A meeting will be scheduled with Plains prior to the next COQA meeting. Path Forward – Please refer to Attachments 6A and 6B which show the variance, by parameter, for each site. Attachment 6C contains the key to the site numbers. The attachments have been corrected from the meeting presentation and show only Domestic Sweet and West Texas/New Mexico Sour. Possible problem areas, such as sulfur spikes, can be easily assessed through these graphs. Aaron Dillard of Conoco intends to write letters to the operators of Basin and to the owners of all connecting carriers, bringing to their attention these data. Currently, the letters will concentrate on API, sulfur, metals and nitrogen. All members of the Mid-Continent consortium are urged to use the data similarly and write to their carriers.
Harry Giles COQA Facilitator (216) 521-9213
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