1. (a) No meter or meter run used for measuring gas at custody transfer points will be equipped with a manifold which will allow gas flow to be diverted or bypassed around the metering element with the following exceptions:

   1. (1) Equipment which permits the changing of the orifice plate without bleeding the pressure off the gas meter run shall not be considered a bypass if flow is bypassed only during normal maintenance or verification operations; or

   2. (2)

      1. (A) A manifold having block valves on each end of the meter run, and two (2) bypass valves with a bleeder between the bypass valves.
      2. (B) During normal operations, the two (2) bypass valves will be closed, with at least one (1) bypass valve sealed, and the bleeder valve will be open and unplugged.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Whenever the manifold described in subdivision (a)(2) of this section is employed, a notation will be made on the orifice meter chart any time a seal is broken or replaced.

   2. (2) This notation will include:

      1. (A) The seal number broken;
      2. (B) The seal number replaced;
      3. (C) The reasons for this action; and
      4. (D) Graphic representation of the estimated gas flow during the time the meter is out of service.
3. (c) The party choosing to utilize, construct, or operate a bypass of the type described in subdivision (a)(2) of this section will assume all risks, responsibilities, and liabilities associated with said bypass.
4. (d) Existing meters used for measuring gas at custody transfer points shall be retrofitted in conformity herewith within twenty-four (24) months from the effective date hereof, provided, however, that meters to be installed at additional transfer points from and after the effective date hereof shall be in conformity herewith.

Codification Notes: This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows: "(Source: 1992 rule book)"