METERING OF OIL,GAS & WATER

SEM. VI, PE-633, 2012 13

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Importance of Pipeline Metering Systems

Crude oil, NG & NG liquids important part of pipeline system
& measurement accuracy because of increase in prices
Ownership may change many hands from WH to Consumer
Custody transfers buyers & sellers want exact amounts and
so also pipeline and tanker transportation demand accurate
measurements for volumes and prevention of losses
Field operator wants accurate measurement from each well
to analyze well performance
Value of HCs depends on:
- For natural gas, it is part on its heat or energy content
(BTU/scf or K Cal/scm) e.g. CH is more valuable than CH.
Gross heating value of Methane=1,009, Ethane=1,769 &
Propane=2,517 BTU/scf i.e. heavier components in gas
stream increase its heat content
- For crude oil it is its API, entrained Bottom Sediment
&Water (BS&W). Volume of sediment & water measured &
total volume passing is corrected for payments.

Measurement Fundamentals
Flow is one of the most difficult variables to
measure, because it cannot be measured directly
like pressure & temperature. It must be inferred
by indirect means, such as P, displacement rate in
a measurement chamber etc. Many devices have
been developed for a wide range of applications
for use in oil and gas industry.
Attributes of Flow Devices:
Flowmeter or measurement device is characterized
using the following parameters:
- Accuracy: Abs (Actual rate Measured rate) X
100%
Actual rate
Accuracy is reported in either of two
ways: % of full scale or % of reading
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- Rangeability: Flowmeters rangeability is the ratio of max.

flow rate to the minimum flow rate at specified accuracy.
Rangeability = Max. rate that can be measured
Minimum rate that can be measured
Rangeability is usually reported as a ratio X:1.
- Repeatability is the ability of a meter to reproduce the same
measured readings for identical flow conditions over a
period of time. It is computed as the max. difference
between measured readings, sometimes expressed as a % of
full scale.
Note repeatability does not imply accuracy; a flowmeter may
have very good repeatability, but a lower overall accuracy.
- Linearity is a measure of deviation of calibration curve of a
meter from a straight line. It can be specified over a given
flow-rate range, or at a given flow rate. Linear calibration
curve is desirable because it leads to a constant meter
accuracy, with no portion of scale being relatively more or
less sensitive than the other.
Note that a flowmeter could have a good linearity, but poor
accuracy if its calibration curve is offset (shifted).
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Selection of Measurement Devices

Selection of a measurement device depends
upon:
Accuracy & reliability of the device
Range of flow rate maximum & minimum
Range of flow temperature & pressure
Fluid to be measured gas or liquid, their
constituents & SG
Maintenance requirements
Expected life of the device and its initial cost &
operating costs
Other considerations, such as simplicity,
availability of power or other inputs required
by the device, its susceptibility to theft or
vandalism etc.
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Device

Rangebility

Accuracy

Orifice meter

3.5 : 1

0.5%

Venturimeter

3.5 : 1

1%

Flow Nozzle

3.5 : 1

1.5 2%

Pitot Tube

Poor Accuracy
Temporary use

Orifice Well Tester

Limited

Turbine Meter

Elbow (centrifugal)
Meter

100 : 1 (gases)

0.25%
Repeatability
0.05%

3:1

1%

Rotameter

10 : 1

1%

Ultrasonic Meter

50 :1

2%

Orifice Metering

Factors Affecting Accuracy:

- Incorrect estimate of orifice size
-

Convex or concave contouring of orifice plate

Thick or dull orifice edge
Eccentricity of orifice w.r.t. pipe
Incorrect estimate of pipe diameter
Excessive recess between end of pipe & face of orifice plate
Excessive pipe Roughness

- Variable Errors (most common):

- Flow disturbance due to insufficient provisions of flow
stabilization or by irregularities in pipe, welding etc.
- Imprecise location of pressure taps
Pulsating flow
Buildup of solids or sediment on upstream face of orifice
plate
Liquid accumulation in bottom of a horizontal pipe run, or in
pipe sags or in meter body

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Difference or changes in prevailing operating conditions from

those used for calculation purposes
Incorrect zero adjustment of the meter
Non-uniform calibration characteristic of meter
Corrosion or deposits in the meter internals or contaminated
mercury
Emulsification of liquids with mercury
Leakage around the orifice plate
Formation of hydrates in meter piping or body
In correct pen movement
On chart, such as incorrect arc for the pens or excessive friction
between pen & chart
Chart Malfunctions incorrect range, incorrect rotation time
Over-dampening of meter response

Common Measurement Problems:

-

Hydrate formation
Pulsating flow
Slugging
Sour gas
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