Proving Function

Custody transfer meters require periodic verification maintaining accuracy for commercial transactions. Provers measure actual meter performance against known volume standards determining meter factors applied to correct readings. Proving frequency typically monthly, after maintenance, or per regulatory requirements ensures continued measurement reliability and commercial fairness.

Prover Types

Portable bidirectional provers using piston or sphere displacement travel between facilities for field proving. Compact pipe provers with fixed volumes suit terminal installations. Unidirectional provers provide economical verification for single-direction flow. ERGIL selects configuration based on meter type, product, flow rate, and proving frequency requirements.

System Components

Complete units include calibrated proving section with known volume, displacement sphere or piston, detector switches defining measured volume, four-way valve controlling flow direction, temperature and pressure instrumentation, proving counter accumulating meter pulses, and control panel. Portable units include transport frame and connection hardware for field deployment.

Proving Process

Product flows through prover displacing sphere or piston between detectors. Meter pulse count during displacement compared to prover volume establishes meter factor. Multiple proving runs typically five ensure statistical validity. Meter factors applied to correct meter readings maintaining custody transfer accuracy.

Applications

Crude oil LACT unit proving, refined product terminal meter verification, LPG loading rack calibration, condensate custody transfer proving, and pipeline meter stations. Serves producers, terminals, pipelines, and distributors requiring API compliant meter proving for fiscal measurement applications.

Proving Standards

Systems per API MPMS Chapter 4 for proving procedures. Volume calibration traceable to national standards. Temperature and pressure corrections applied per API standards. Proving reports document meter performance, acceptance criteria, and meter factors supporting custody transfer validation.

Control Integration

Automated proving sequences reduce operator requirements. Pulse interpolation improves resolution. Data acquisition records proving parameters. Integration with flow computers enables automatic meter factor updates. Remote monitoring capabilities support centralized proving management across multiple locations.

Material Selection

Carbon steel or stainless steel construction suitable for products being metered. Materials compatible with crude oil, gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, LPG, or condensate. Pressure ratings match metering system conditions typically 150-600 psig. Proper seals handle product characteristics and temperature ranges.

Performance Features

High accuracy volumetric calibration ensuring meter verification. Repeatability within ±0.02% for stationary provers. Portable units enable cost-effective proving across multiple meters. Proven technology meeting custody transfer requirements. Materials and design for long-term reliable service.

Construction Standards

Design and fabrication per API MPMS Chapter 4. Volume certification traceable to national measurement institutes. Complete documentation with calibration certificates, proving procedures, and acceptance criteria supporting weights and measures approval.

ERGIL meter provers deliver accurate field verification ensuring custody transfer meter reliability and commercial measurement fairness in petroleum product operations.