Flow Measurement and Custody Transfer in Oil & Gas

Introduction:

As petroleum and crude oil are valuable and critical raw and processed resources, it is essential that flow calculations for such transactions adhere to stringent regional authority standards. The use of technology, particularly in flow measurement, is crucial across various industries, including oil, power, chemicals, food, water, and waste treatment.

Typical flow measurement devices in processing plants can measure transmission flows with an accuracy of less than 1%. A measurement error of this magnitude can potentially result in annual losses of several million dollars due to operational inconsistencies. Therefore, these industries require precise and reproducible measurements of the fluids—whether gas, liquid, or steam—passing through specific checkpoints.

In this oil and gas flow measurement and custody transfer training, participants will gain comprehensive knowledge about custody transfer, flow measurement definitions, types, and their relevance to the strategic and tactical goals of the organization. The course aims to enable participants to appreciate the interrelationship between the organization’s activities and its financial performance, addressing logical challenges related to financial transaction measuring techniques, production allocation, and custody transfer.

Objectives:

At the completion of the course on oil and gas flow measurement and custody transfer, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the relevant fluids and gases used in flow measuring devices and the compliance requirements.
• Differentiate the key requirements of a custody transfer system.
• Understand how inventory control relates to flow measurement.
• Recognize equipment or instruments for flow or level measurement.
• Familiarize themselves with the basic laws of fluids or gases related to flow or level measurement.
• Appreciate the important specifications required for flow measurement, such as repeatability and accuracy.
• Explain the operating principles of various contemporary metering devices, including differential pressure (DP) meters, turbine meters, positive displacement meters, Coriolis meters, magnetic flow meters, and ultrasonic flow meters.
• Assess the suitability of a metering system and choose the most accurate custody transfer metering systems.
• Familiarize themselves with flow computers, quality systems, calibration, meter runs, and supporting automation.

Training Methodology:

• PowerPoint presentations
• Case study method
• Brainstorming sessions
• Exposition
• Equipment simulations
• On-the-spot situations
• Problem-solving activities
• Interaction with the instructor
• Guest lectures from industry specialists
• Visits to industrial measurement sites

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Introduction and Key Concepts for Custody Transfer and Flow Measurement

• Management of custody transfer procedures
• Understanding methods of flow meters, velocity, and density measurement
• Revenue allocation for profits and expenses
• Determining amounts paid to regulatory authorities
• Physical science laws governing gases and liquids; common key equations
• Measurement uncertainties (accuracy, precision, repeatability, and reliability)

Unit 2: General Flow Meter Performance and Characteristics

• Cohesiveness and system performance, calibration, and technical parameters (accuracy, stability, repeatability, sensitivity, noise, linearity, and reliability)
• Flow applications and usage, including temperature and pressure measuring devices, flow changes, and meter runs
• Applications of electromagnetic flow measurement (EMMFM) and flow meter types

Unit 3: General Characteristics and Performance of Flow Meters

• Key design parameters of the system and flow range
• Monitoring performance parameters (accuracy, stability, repeatability, sensitivity, noise, linearity, reliability)
• Flow control and meter runs
• Flux applications and sizing
• Study of temperature and pressure effects

Unit 4: Applications and Types of Flow Meters

• Ultrasonic flow measurement devices
• Magnetically augmented flow meters
• Uses, applications, installation requirements, and standards for Coriolis mass flow meters
• Requirements for straight run

Unit 5: Aspects Determining Custody Transfer and Metering

• Custody transfer requirements
• Methods for measuring meter factors: Master Meter method, direct/indirect measurement, and volume/displacement measurements
• Custody transfer skids
• Flow computing and communication
• Pressure and temperature measurement