Flow Measurement and Custody Transfer

About the Course

Flow measurement is a fundamental aspect of the oil and gas industry, involving the accurate quantification of fluids as they move through pipelines, processing facilities, and distribution networks. Custody transfer, on the other hand, refers to the point at which the ownership of the product is officially transferred from one party to another, requiring precise and reliable measurement to ensure fairness and regulatory compliance. Custody transfer determines a petroleum product transaction's quantity and financial value (delivery). So, the fiscal metering units (or the sales gas custody transfer units) are concerned with accurately measuring the products at the delivery point from the producer to the customer (or the gathering national grid). It also translates the delivered quantities into BTU values, which will be translated to financial values in USD. So, accurate measurement and operations of this critical system are crucial for oil and gas industry economics.

Because of the critical nature of these measurements, many standards have been developed and adopted by international technical entities around the world to meet the industry's needs. American Petroleum Industry (API), International Standards Organisation (ISO), American Gas Association (AGA), Petroleum Measurement Standards, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American National Standard Institute (ANSI), API Manual of Petroleum Measurement (API MPMS), etc. are some of the standards followed by industries. These standards and all details governing the custody transfer process and fiscal metering units, along with sizing and validation tools, will be deeply discussed within the training course.

This 5-day Flow Measurement & Custody Transfer training course is designed to equip professionals with the essential knowledge and skills required for accurate flow measurement and the efficient management of custody transfer processes, which are critical components in the oil and gas sector. Delegates will gain an in-depth understanding of the various flow measurement technologies, including differential pressure, ultrasonic, turbine, and Coriolis meters. We will also delve into the principles and practices of custody transfer, covering topics such as meter calibration, system design, meter proving, and industry standards. They will be well-versed in the best practices for flow measurement and custody transfer, enabling them to enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and accountability within their organisations.

Core Objectives

The delegates will achieve the following objectives:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and theories behind various flow measurement technologies used in the oil and gas industry
• Learn about different types of flow meters, including differential pressure, ultrasonic, turbine, and Coriolis meters, and their specific applications
• Acquire knowledge of the calibration methods and best practices for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of flow measurement instruments
• Understand the critical elements of custody transfer processes, including the legal, contractual, and regulatory aspects
• Learn how to design and implement flow measurement systems that meet industry standards (like AGA 3, AGA8, and API MPMS) and optimise operational efficiency
• Develop skills in interpreting and analysing flow measurement data to ensure accurate reporting and decision-making
• Gain practical knowledge in troubleshooting common issues and performing routine maintenance on flow measurement and custody transfer equipment
• Familiarise with the relevant industry standards, guidelines, and regulatory requirements governing flow measurement and custody transfer in the oil and gas sector

Training Approach

This training course combines theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on experience to comprehensively understand flow measurement and custody transfer in the oil and gas industry. It begins with foundational lectures on the principles and technologies of flow measurement, providing delegates with a solid grounding in the subject. Interactive discussions and case studies will illustrate real-world applications and challenges, encouraging active participation and knowledge sharing among attendees. It will also cover industry standards, calibration techniques, and system design principles to equip participants with the tools for effective measurement and transfer practices. 

It incorporates practical demonstrations and software simulation exercises using actual flow measurement equipment to reinforce learning. Delegates will engage in calibration procedures, system troubleshooting, and data analysis tasks to apply the concepts learned in the program. This blended approach ensures that delegates understand the theoretical aspects and gain practical skills that can be directly applied to their roles. Delegates will thoroughly understand best practices in flow measurement and custody transfer, enabling them to enhance operational accuracy and efficiency within their organisations.

The Attendees

This training course is tailored to professionals in flow metering, industrial automation, instrumentation, and control systems. It is ideal for those looking to deepen their technical expertise and apply advanced automation technologies within their organisations, especially for individuals responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining flow metering stations and custody transfer systems.

Likewise, it will be valuable to the professionals but not limited to the following:

• Automation Engineers
• Flow metering engineers & technicians
• Custody Transfer Systems Engineers
• Control System Technicians
• Industrial Engineers
• Maintenance Technicians
• Process Engineers
• Instrumentation Engineers
• Instrumentation Technicians
• Calibration Engineers and Technicians

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: FUNDAMENTALS OF FLOW MEASUREMENT

• Definition and Importance of Flow Measurement
• Overview of Flow Measurement Technologies
• Applications of Flow Measurement in Various Industries
• Key Concepts: Flow Rate, Volume, and Mass
• Basic Principles of Fluid Dynamics
• Positive Displacement (PD) Flow Meters: Rotary, Reciprocating, and Oval Gear
• Differential Pressure Flow Meters: Orifice Plates, Venturi Tubes, and Flow Nozzles
• Velocity Flow Meters: Turbine, Vortex, and Ultrasonic
• Mass Flow Meters: Coriolis and Thermal
• Selection Criteria for Flow Meters
• Importance of Calibration in Flow Measurement
• Calibration Techniques and Procedures
• Industry Standards and Protocols (e.g., API, ISO, AGA)
• Traceability and Certification of Calibration
• Documentation and Record-Keeping 

DAY TWO: ADVANCED FLOW MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES

• Ultrasonic Flow Meters: Principles and Applications
• Coriolis Flow Meters: Principles and Applications
• Electromagnetic Flow Meters: Principles and Applications
• Emerging Technologies in Flow Measurement
• Comparative Analysis of Advanced Flow Measurement Techniques
• Measuring Flow in Liquids: Water, Oil, Chemicals
• Measuring Flow in Gases: Natural Gas, Compressed Air
• Measuring Flow in Slurries and Multiphase Fluids
• Challenges and Solutions in Different Fluid Types
• Fluid-Specific Flow Measurement
• Site Preparation and Safety Considerations for Installation
• Installation Procedures for Various Flow Meters
• Ensuring Correct Alignment and Positioning
• API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Systems Standard
• Common Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Best Practices for Maintaining Accuracy and Reliability

DAY THREE: CUSTODY TRANSFER BASICS

• Definition and Importance of Custody Transfer
• Legal and Commercial Implications
• Industry Standards for Custody Transfer (e.g., API, AGA, OIML)
• Key Components of a Custody Transfer System
• Flow Metering in Custody Transfer: Requirements and Challenges
• Positive Displacement Flow Meters in Custody Transfer
• Coriolis Flow Meters in Custody Transfer
• Ultrasonic Flow Meters in Custody Transfer
• AGA3 Standard
• Proving Systems and Calibration for Custody Transfer Meters
• Ensuring Accuracy and Repeatability in Custody Transfer
• Documentation Requirements for Custody Transfer
• Metering Agreements and Contracts
• Data Logging and Reporting
• Verification and Auditing Procedures
• Legal Considerations and Compliance

DAY FOUR: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS AND TROUBLESHOOTING

• Applications in Oil and Gas
• Applications in Chemical Processing
• Applications in Water and Wastewater Management
• Flow Measurement in the Food and Beverage Industry
• Common Issues in Flow Measurement Systems and Their Causes
• Diagnostic Tools and Techniques
• Discussing AGA8 Standard
• Troubleshooting Steps for Different Types of Flow Meters
• Preventive Maintenance Strategies
• Enhancing System Reliability and Performance
• Pressure and Temperature Compensation in Gas Flow Measurement
• Collecting and Analysing Flow Measurement Data
• Identifying Patterns and Anomalies
• Using Data for Process Optimisation
• Statistical Methods in Flow Data Analysis
• Reporting and Presenting Flow Measurement Data

DAY FIVE: ADVANCED CUSTODY TRANSFER TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY

• Dynamic Measurement Techniques
• Real-Time Monitoring and Control
• Integration with SCADA Systems
• Advanced Proving and Calibration Methods
• Innovations and Future Trends in Custody Transfer
• Industry Safety Standards for Flow Measurement and Custody Transfer
• Risk Assessment and Management
• Ensuring Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
• Safety Protocols and Best Practices
• Conducting Safety Audits and Inspections