Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Introduction to Process Metering and Custody Transfer

• Understand the role of metering and custody transfer in oil & gas, petrochemical, and LNG industries.
• Identify key challenges in measurement accuracy, loss control, and regulatory compliance.
• Learn about international standards for custody transfer (API, AGA, OIML, ISO, ASTM, MID, and local regulations).

2. Principles of Flow Measurement and Metering Technologies

• Primary measurement methods:
• Mass vs. volumetric flow measurement.
• Turbine meters, ultrasonic meters, Coriolis meters, positive displacement meters.
• Orifice plates, venturi meters, and differential pressure flowmeters.
• Gas metering technologies:
• Gas chromatography for composition analysis.
• Thermal mass flowmeters for natural gas measurement.
• Liquid metering technologies:
• Dynamic and static metering systems.
• Prover loops and tank gauging.

3. Custody Transfer Measurement Standards and Accuracy Requirements

• Understand API MPMS, AGA, OIML, and ASTM measurement guidelines.
• Learn about uncertainty, repeatability, and reproducibility in custody transfer systems.
• Ensure proper implementation of calibration and verification processes.

4. Metering System Calibration and Proving Techniques

• Meter calibration methods:
• Master meter calibration.
• Bi-directional and unidirectional prover techniques.
• Gravimetric and volumetric proving.
• Correction factors in custody transfer:
• Temperature and pressure correction.
• Water and sediment corrections.
• Flow conditioning and fluid viscosity considerations.

5. Flow Computer and SCADA Integration in Metering Systems

• Implement flow computers and digital processing for custody transfer calculations.
• Integrate Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for remote monitoring.
• Use real-time data analytics for flow assurance and measurement optimization.

6. Loss Control and Dispute Resolution in Custody Transfer

• Identify sources of metering errors and operational losses.
• Implement measurement verification strategies to detect discrepancies.
• Manage disputes between buyers and sellers through transparent metering practices.

7. Regulatory Compliance and HSE Considerations

• Follow OSHA, API, ISO, and MID safety and operational standards.
• Implement environmental compliance requirements for metering operations.
• Ensure safe handling of hydrocarbons and proper maintenance of metering equipment.

8. Troubleshooting and Case Studies

• Analyze real-world custody transfer disputes and resolution strategies.
• Participate in hands-on exercises for meter calibration and proving.
• Develop a metering management plan to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Target Audience

• Metering and custody transfer engineers
• Process and operations managers
• Measurement and calibration specialists
• Flow assurance and instrumentation engineers
• HSE and regulatory compliance officers