This paper provides a fundamental overview of an NGL meter station design reviewing the nuances of configuring similar
components in different ways. There are multiple considerations that influence the meter station design and all must be taken into account. Major considerations are: what product or products will be measured, what meter technology to utilize, and the process design limitations.
The first thing that must be taken into account is whether the product is a purity product or a mixed compositional product. Most purity products are measured and accounted for by volume, while a mixed compositional product is measured and accounted for by mass. This influences the meter skid design, since mass product skids must be set-up to allow for the stream’s mass and stream’s composition to be measured properly.
The second consideration that influences the skid design is the meter technology chosen. The skid components required can change depending on the meter technology selected. There are numerous meter technologies available on the market, but the three major meter technologies commonly used for NGL custody measurement are Turbine meters, Coriolis meters, and Positive Displacement (PD) meters. Other minor considerations will be discussed at the appropriate times throughout the paper.