Crude Oil Metering Experience in the Niger-Delta

Abstract There are increased concerns for improved fluid flow rate measurement by oil & gas producing, processing and distribution companies in order to search for increased flow measurement accuracy and precision. This work looks at the existing metering procedures and practices of fiscal equipment from custody transfer points of various producing onshore and offshore assets in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The work also highlights the sources, magnitudes of these errors and the economic implications of the accruing losses from crude oil metering practices in the Niger Delta. Results were obtained from field trips, discussions, observations and results of the study showed that usually unity meter factor is applied to meter throughput, meter linearity curves and tables are not established for each meter, optimum or mean K-Factors are used In calculating meter factors. These metering practices ranged from not having appropriate fiscal equipment to not proving meters when required. Significant measurement errors can be further reduced via correction of equipment, procedural and metering problems which would improve metering practices in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Introduction The Science and Philosophy of Measurement Measurement is a reference standard used for the quantitative comparison of properties. It is the quantitative and numerical assessment of the dynamic and static properties of naturally occurring phenomena and substances. In the hydrocarbon industry, this is translated to the measurement of fluid flow and static tank gauging. Examples of fluid properties are:Cold (absence of heat) Temperature (T) °F or °C.Mass Volume (V) Cubic Length (cu. ft.- cu. m.).Energy Velocity (S) Length/Time (ft/s. - m/s.).Rate Flow (Q=V/t) Cubic Length/Time (cu. ft./s.-cu m/s.). Other parameters are pressure, viscosity, density and so on. Petroleum Measurement The measurement of the quantity and quality of petroleum and its products, in a liquid or gas phase, has always been important to producers, royalty owners, shippers, transporters, refiners, government agencies and the general public. Measurements are made in connection with custody transfer, inventory control, hydrocarbons movement, and quality determination. Measurements are complicated, so specialized technologies and equipment are developed.