Papers

Part 1 of this paper provided basic information on the theory, application, and installation of ultrasonic flow meters to natural gas measurement. This paper covers additional information related to the interface and operation of ultrasonic meters.

This paper is the first of a two-part series that provides an introduction to flow measurement using transit-time ultrasonic flow meters. This paper covers the essential knowledge that users should have regarding the basic operation of ultrasonic flow meters. The second paper will provide more detail on diagnostics and operational effects on ultrasonic flow meters.

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 requirements of most measurement applications dictate that ultrasonic flow meters need to be flow calibrated. This paper provides an overview of the calibration process and elements that should be considered by those responsible for the calibration.

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
more prominent events are those that occur on a day-to-day basis without we, the user, even knowing. With the advent of the transistor and today when surface mount electronics is the norm and not the exception, transient suppression has become a science of necessity. Tight tolerances of voltage requirements and limited current carrying capabilities makes the new compact integrated circuits much more susceptible to many types of transients.

The purpose of this paper is to explain the measurement of natural gas for custody transfer applications through the
use of ultrasonic meters. Specifically, this paper explains the operation of ultrasonic meters, issues surrounding their
performance in natural gas, calibration procedures, and proper installation considerations. Additionally, the electronics making the measurements generate calculated values relating to the operation of the meter and as a result a database is available to provide analysis of the meter’s ongoing performance. Meter health parameters can be evaluated to verify the meter’s operation and these principles are explained.

The measurement of oil & gas production has progressed considerably since the days of paper charts and manual integration. Technology has moved increasingly to microprocessor based flow computers allowing for greater measurement accuracy, increased control functionality, and ready integration into a company’s enterprise computer networks.

This presentation addresses problems associated with moisture and corrosion caused by high relative humidity and airborne contaminants. By controlling moisture and corrosion long-term, many problems associated with sensitive field electronics can be avoided.

The drill bit penetrates a rock formation thousands of feet below the surface of the earth, a steel casing is slid into the hole, and
perforations are made to the casing that reach into the surrounding rock. At that point, an escape route is created for anything
in the formation that can be released to the surface, which has lower pressure, or that can be lifted by that process. The producer
must be able to obtain enough of what comes up to the surface and conditioned to a marketable state to make it worthwhile. Obviously, the natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), crude oil and condensates are the valuable commodities that are produced and sold. Unfortunately, other materials are included in what surfaces from inside the earth. Many of these require production equipment to remove the material or condition the product for sale, and the effects of some types of production equipment used can have an effect on measurement.

Some major problems and unique solutions will be addressed with gas measurement on offshore platforms in the Gulf of
Mexico. This presentation will show the major roll safety, transportation, and weather play in the technician’s ability to verify the accuracy of the gas measurement facility. Proper operation, design, and installation will ensure accurate measurement.

This paper explains the general working principle of gas turbine meters and the common causes for turbine metering errors. Field observations and laboratory test examples are presented in this paper. The author also suggests methods to optimize the measurement performance of turbine meter installations.