Metering Skids: Operation and Proving Techniques

Introduction

This course, based on API, introduces participants to a variety of flow measurement technologies that are used in custody transfer applications while the objective is to gain an understanding about how to achieve the requirements by means of differential pressure (DP) measurement, Turbine meters, Positive displacement meters, Coriolis flow measurement, Magnetic and Ultrasonic flow measurement. Participants will gain the ability to determine if a metering system is fit for the purpose while other key learning objectives of this course include the understanding of the principles of Fluid Dynamics, Meter runs, Flow computers, and related Quality systems, applied specification of Accuracy terms, Calibration and Proving systems.

Oil and gas transactions are conducted globally, each and every day. The aim is to do this as accurately as possible. Although there are different methodologies available to the user, it is a known fact that an inaccurate device (or a device that presents a measurement that is less then precise), can cost either the buyer or the seller millions of dollars, due to reading discrepancies.

As not all measuring devices meet the stringent requirements required for fiscal flow measurement, this workshop steps up to the next level, and explores each one of those devices that can meet the current high international standards. These devices are internationally recognized, and operate within the stringent norms of accuracy, repeatability and auditability.

This training course will highlight:

• Everything that is specific and relevant to flow conditions at the point of measurement
• Fiscal measuring technologies currently utilized (from differential pressure right through to Coriolis)
• The operating principle of each technology with respect to performance, properties, uses, application, installation, calibration, advantages and disadvantages, et cetera
• How to select the best device for the task at hand
• Understand proving, calibration, maintenance, meter runs and other aspects that go together with fiscal flow measurement

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Develop a full understanding of accepted equipment and technology currently being used
• Analyze each unique situation, and suggest a working solution that complies with legislation and standards
• Implement a complete fiscal flow metering system, from the conceptual stage to commissioning
• Apply methods applicable to calibration and auditing, which comply with international best practice
• Design a fully functional fiscal flow metering system, that complies with the company requirements of each delegate

Training Methodology

This is an interactive course. There will be open question and answer sessions, regular group exercises and activities, videos, case studies, and presentations on best practice. Participants will have the opportunity to share with the facilitator and other participants on what works well and not so well for them, as well as work on issues from their own organizations. The online course is conducted online using MS-Teams/ClickMeeting.

Who Should Attend?

This short course is designed for all site personnel not limited to Instrument Technicians or Supervisory Engineers, Process Engineers, Production engineers, Operators, and Control room personnel dealing with fiscal, custody transfer, and allocation flow metering. Also, This training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:-

• Managers
• Engineers
• Process personnel
• Commissioning staff
• Supervisors
• Financial staff
• Auditing staff
• Maintenance staff (of all disciplines)

Course Outline

Part I: Proving Systems

Module (1): Introduction

• Definition of terms.
• Liquid metering hierarchies.
• Proving and meter factor.
• Types of provers.
• Field-Standard test measure.

Module (2): Conventional Pipe Provers

• Introduction.
• General performance considerations.
• General Equipment consideration.
• Design of displacement provers.
• Installation.
• Analysis of sphere position repeatability.
• Examples of prover sizing.
• A procedure for calculating measurement system uncertainty.
• Typical displacement prover design checklist.
• Evaluation of meter pulse variations.
• Prover sphere sizing.

Module (3): Small Volume Provers

• Introduction.
• Small volume prover systems.
• Equipment.
• Design of small volume provers.
• Sample calculations for the design of small volume provers.
• Installation.
• Calibration.
• Operation.
• Non-uniform Pulses.
• Evaluation of displacement meter pulse variations.
• Meter factor determination with small volume provers.

Module (4): Tank Provers

• Introduction.
• Equipment.
• Design and consideration.
• Tank prover calibration.

Module (5): Master Meter Provers

• Introduction.
• Definition of terms.
• Equipment.
• Master Meter Factor.
• Procedures.
• Master meter calibration of provers.
• Records.

Module (6): Pulse Interpolation

• Introduction.
• Definitions.
• Double-Chronometry pulse interpolation.
• Electric Equipment Testing.
• Functional operations test requirements.
• Certification Test.
• Manufacturer’s Certification Tests.
• Pulse-Interpolation calculations.

Module (7): Field Standard Test Measures

• Introduction.
• Definitions.
• Equipment.
• Calibration.
• Calibration Methods.
• Inspection.
• Operation & Use.
• Accuracy requirements for volumetric test measures.
• Calculation of uncertainty of a field standard test measure.
• Test measure control charts.
• Laboratory weights and mass standards.
• NIST certificates of calibration for field standard test measures (Examples).
• Water Density Equations.

Module (8): Operation of Proving Systems 

• Introduction.
• Pertinent Information, Applicable to Meter Proving Systems.
• Conventional pipe provers.
• Small Volume Provers.
• Tank Provers.
• Master Meter Provers.
• Estimating Random Uncertainty.
• Troubleshooting Guide.

Part II: Metering

Module (1): General Considerations for Measurement by Meters

• Introduction.
• Field of application.
• Guidelines for selecting the type of meter.

Module (2): Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Displacements Meters

• Introduction.
• Design Considerations.
• Selecting a meter and Accessory Equipment.
• Installation.
• Meter Performance.
• Operation and Maintenance

Module (3) Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Turbine Meters

• Introduction.
• Field of application.
• Design considerations.
• Selecting a meter and accessory equipment.
• Installation.
• Meter Performance.
• Operation and Maintenance.
• Flow conditioning Technology without straightening elements.
• Signal Generation.

Module (4): Accessory Equipment for Liquid Meters

• Introduction.
• Field of application.
• Selecting accessory equipment for meters.
• Shaft-Driven (Mechanical) Accessories.
• Pulse-Driven (Electronic) Accessories.
• Interface connections to Pulse-Driven Accessories.
• Installing Pulse-Driven Accessories.
• Protection/Control Equipment Conditioners.
• Monitors.
• Security.

Module (5): Fidelity and Security of Flow Measurement Pulsed Data Transmission Systems

• Introduction.
• Field of application.
• Levels of security (A, B, C, D).
• System Design Considerations.
• Installation.
• Inspection and Maintenance.

Module (6): Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Coriolis Meters

• Introduction.
• Field of Application.
• System Description.
• Safety.
• Operations/Performance.
• Proving considerations.
• Auditing and reporting requirements.
• Principle of operation.
• Factory Calibration.
• Proving forms for meters with mass outputs.
• Proving forms for meters with volume outputs.
• Calculations.

Module (7): Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Ultrasonic Flow Meter Using Transit Time Technology

• Introduction.
• Field of application.
• Design considerations.
• Bi-Directional Flow.
• Selecting a meter and accessory equipment.
• Installation.
• Meter Performance.
• Proving accuracy and repeatability.
• Operation and maintenance.
• Auditing and reporting rudiments.
• Diagnostics.
• UFM security and access.
• UFM measurement principle.
• Verification and validation of meter performance.
• Manufactured flow pulses and their impact on the proving process