Metering Function

Condensate metering establishes commercial value for production transfers between operators, processors, and purchasers. Skids measure net liquid volume after water and sediment correction with temperature compensation to standard conditions. Accuracy ±0.25-0.5% meets API MPMS custody transfer standards for fiscal metering of light hydrocarbon liquids.

System Components

Complete LACT units include turbine or positive displacement flow meters, BS&W analyzer measuring water and sediment content, temperature transmitters for volume correction, automatic sampling system extracting representative samples, meter proving connections, flow computer calculating net standard volumes, strainers protecting meters, automatic shutdown valves, and control panel with data logging capabilities.

Meter Technology

Turbine meters provide high accuracy for low-viscosity condensate with excellent repeatability. Positive displacement meters handle varying flow rates and viscosities. Coriolis meters measure mass directly. ERGIL selects technology based on condensate properties, flow range typically 100-5000 BPD, and accuracy requirements for custody transfer applications.

BS&W Monitoring

Water cut analyzers using capacitance technology measure water content real-time. Gross volumes adjusted to net condensate for custody transfer. Automatic shutdown protects purchasers when water exceeds limits typically 1-2%. Sampling systems capture composite samples for laboratory verification supporting commercial transactions.

Applications

Gas processing plant condensate sales, production tank battery outlets, condensate gathering systems, pipeline custody transfer stations, and lease automatic custody transfer units. Serves upstream producers, midstream operators, and processors requiring accurate fiscal measurement of stabilized condensate.

Proving Capability

Field proving using portable provers or master meters verifies accuracy. Proving establishes meter factors ensuring continued precision. Bi-directional proving accommodates flow variations. Proving reports document measurement performance for commercial validation meeting API standards.

Control Systems

Flow computers calculate temperature-corrected volumes, apply meter factors, integrate BS&W corrections, and generate batch reports. Communication protocols enable SCADA integration and remote monitoring. Automatic valve control manages flow and provides high water cut shutdown protection.

Material Selection

Carbon steel or stainless steel construction suitable for light hydrocarbon service. Materials rated for operating pressures 100-600 psig. Seals compatible with condensate and trace contaminants. Design accommodates temperature variations in production environments.

Safety Features

Automatic shutdown on high BS&W prevents off-spec product acceptance. Emergency isolation valves. Pressure relief protection. Grounding connections prevent static discharge. Installation per API and NFPA hydrocarbon handling standards. Explosion-proof electrical systems.

Construction Standards

Systems per API MPMS LACT requirements. Meter runs meeting installation standards. Proving per API Chapter 4. Materials suitable for condensate including H₂S when present. Complete documentation with calibration certificates and custody transfer validation.

ERGIL condensate metering skids deliver accurate reliable measurement ensuring fair commercial transactions in natural gas liquids production and pipeline operations.