Flow Measurement and Custody Transfer

Introduction:

Flow measurement ensures accurate quantification of fluid movement in industrial processes, while custody transfer involves the precise measurement and transfer of ownership of hydrocarbons, ensuring transparency and compliance in commercial transactions. This training program offers comprehensive instruction on the operation, technology, and maintenance of gas turbines. Through it, participants will develop the skills needed to troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and ensure reliable operation of gas turbine systems.

Program Objectives:

At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Develop a solid understanding of fluid and gas laws essential for utilizing flow measurement devices effectively.

• Grasp the primary requirements of custody transfer systems within the industry.

• Appreciate the critical aspects of flow measurements, including accuracy and repeatability, for efficient operations.

• Gain knowledge of contemporary flow measurement meters, such as differential pressure (DP) meters, turbine meters, positive displacement meters, Coriolis flow meters, magnetic flow meters, and ultrasonic flow meters.

• Evaluate the adequacy of a metering system, select appropriate custody transfer metering systems, and identify potential issues.

Targeted Audience:

• Engineers and technicians from all disciplines.

• Instrumentation personnel.

• Procurement and quality control personnel.

• Inspection and maintenance engineers.

Program Outline:

Unit 1:

Introduction – Basic Fluid and Gas Laws:

• Custody transfer principles and requirements.

• Key fluid properties: pressure, viscosity, and flow volume.

• Flow configurations: laminar and turbulent flow, Reynolds number, and flow losses.

• Understanding energy law (Bernoulli’s) and the continuity principle.

• Ideal and real gases, and gas laws (Boyle's, Charles's, Gay-Lussac’s).

Unit 2:

General Characteristics and Performance of Flow Meters:

• Key concepts in flow measurement: accuracy, precision, and rangeability.

• System characteristics and flow range.

• Performance metrics: accuracy, stability, repeatability, sensitivity, noise, and linearity.

• The importance of flow modification and meter runs.

• Temperature and pressure measurements in flow systems.

Unit 3:

Types and Applications of Flow Meters:

• Differential Pressure (DP) flow meters: orifice, Venturi, nozzles, and Pitot tubes.

• Positive Displacement (PD) meters: rotor, oscillating piston, and oval gear.

• Turbine flow meters: conventional and helical types.

• Common issues: erosion, corrosion, cavitation, and obstructions.

• Applications, installation requirements, and standards for DP, PD, and turbine meters.

Unit 4:

Types and Applications of Flow Meters (Continued):

• Ultrasonic flow meters: operation and applications.

• Magnetic flow meters: principles and uses.

• Coriolis flow meters: design and applications.

• Installation requirements and standards for ultrasonic, magnetic, and Coriolis meters.

• Straight run requirement for accurate flow measurements.

Unit 5:

Flow Measurement Systems and Custody Transfer Considerations:

• Custody transfer requirements and guidelines.

• Meter factor and its impact on custody transfer accuracy.

• Proving systems: direct, indirect, master meter, volume, and displacement.

• Custody transfer skids and their role in accurate measurement.

• The role of flow computers, communication, and the integration of temperature and pressure measurements.