Papers

The American Petroleum Institute (API) Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter 14.1, Collecting and Handling of Natural Gas Samples for Custody Transfer, provides practical guidance for gas sampling in custody transfer applications. It is intended as a collection of lessons learned and best practices, and as such, it is a living document. In support …

Research Topics Influencing Changes to the API 14.1 Standard Read More »

We have all heard of or seen the devastating effects of a direct lightning burst. Communication equipment destroyed. Transmitters and EFM devices vaporized into slag metal. Complete process and measurement systems down with extended recovery times. These effects are the most dramatic and the easiest to trace. However, these kinds of events are rare. The …

Transient Lighting Protection for Electronic Measurement Devices Read More »

Since their introduction to the natural gas industry in the mid-1990s, multipath ultrasonic flow meters have developed a large installed base and have become the meters of choice for a variety of reasons. While one of the initial goals of the manufacturers was to develop a meter that did not require flow calibration, the accuracy …

Ultrasonic Flow Meter Calibration – Considerations and Benefits Read More »

This paper discusses advanced diagnostic features of ultrasonic gas flow meters used for measurement of natural gas which are generally used to assess dynamic meter operation and performance. The basic diagnostic features of most gas ultrasonic flow meters were covered in the companion paper “Ultrasonic Meter Diagnostics – Basics” which covered diagnostics that relate to …

Ultrasonic Meter Diagnostics – Advanced Read More »

This paper discusses fundamental principles of ultrasonic gas flow meters used for measurement of natural gas and the available basic diagnostic capability to assess meter operation and performance. The basic requirements for obtaining good meter performance, when installed in the field, will be reviewed. Most of this information can be generalized to other manufacturer’s transit …

Ultrasonic Meter Diagnostics – Basic Read More »

Liquids measurement in the oil patch is suddenly getting a lot of attention. Some are dismayed at the low level of technology used to measure liquids. Today, custody transfer of 80 to 85% of onshore crude and condensate production is still documented by a hauler climbing to the top of the tank and strapping it. …

Wellheads Liquids Measurement Read More »

The word “Auditing” is often used to imply that activities related to a review of general business practices, and procedures for an asset or business unit, are under way. The objective of those activities is to assure compliance with corporate policies and procedures, industry and government standards, and sound management principles. Additional objectives may include …

Auditing Liquid Measurement Facilities Read More »

This paper will discuss the role of the pycnometer in density meter calibrations. The primary objective will be to provide the necessary steps required to properly install, operate, and maintain the densitometer and pycnometer (pyc). Common issues encountered with pycnometers as well as densitometers are also discussed.

The first flow meter utilizing the Coriolis force to measure mass flow was patented in 1978. Today, hundreds of thousands of Coriolis meters are in service in the hydrocarbon industry to measure mass, volume, and density of a wide variety of fluids. The American Petroleum Institute published Chapter 5.6 entitled “Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by …

Fundamentals of Mass Measurement – Coriolis Meters Read More »

This document will provide the reader an understanding of what a prover is, the need for proving meters for accurate measurement uncertainty verification, the equipment deemed acceptable and available for use in the oil and liquefied gas market. It will also define the general terminology used in the industry, general operational aspects for verification devices, …

Fundamentals of Meter Provers and Proving Methods Read More »