The phase of the hydrocarbon supply value chain known as oil and gas metering or measurement is when exploration and production (E&P) operations are profitable for operators, investors, and other relevant stakeholders. To ensure accuracy, hydrocarbon metering is done with specialized, high-precision machinery.
This article will go through the technology involved in measuring crude oil and natural gas as well as how to discover metering solutions for your oil and gas products.
Oil and Gas Measurement
Quantifying the mass or volume of hydrocarbons produced as the oil and gas are sold to a buyer through the supply chain is the process of oil and gas measurement. As required by law, oil and gas metering often starts at the well site in the United States.
The operator will separate the oil or natural gas before transferring custody. Before crude oil is measured and sold, entrained solids, water vapour, and other contaminants are taken out. Similar to this, natural gas is used to remove pollutants including sulfur, water vapor, and others. After cleanup, the oil and gas must satisfy a set of requirements to be eligible for sale.
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How Is Oil Measured in the Field?
Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbon fluid that has been extracted from an oil well and has not been processed. The main commodity being sold is this liquid. Crude oil barrels (BBL), which are equal to 42 US gallons, are the selling unit. One of two techniques can be used to determine the volume after removing water atoms and sediment from crude:
Oil is measured directly from storage tanks in runs for modest volumes (1-100 barrels per day). A run is when oil is extracted from a lease area and transported somewhere for processing.
To separate the water molecules and sediments from the mixture, we first take a sample of crude and put it in a centrifuge for a test known as a "shake-out." After that, a measuring strap is lowered into the storage tank to determine the run's volume.
This tool has a weighted end and an outlet valve that opens to release liquids into a neighbouring pipeline or vehicle. To determine the precise volume of oil pulled, a second measuring strap measurement is taken (and the quantities are compared) when the storage tank is virtually empty.
Operators often utilize an automated measurement system called a LACT unit, which we shall explore in a moment, for high volumes (100,000–100,000 barrels of oil per day).
Measurement of Natural Gas
Orifice meters are used for measuring natural gas. By locating the differential pressure between the upstream and downstream portions of a pipe (orifice) that is partially obstructed, orifice meters aid in calculating the volumetric flow of natural gas. Thousands of cubic feet (MCF) or British thermal units (MMBTU) are the units of sale for natural gas.
On a metering skid, auxiliary instruments such as Coriolis flow meters, turbine or positive displacement flow meters, densitometers, heat and back pressure relief valves, air eliminators, prover connections, and PLC control systems may be included.
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