Metering Function

Refined product custody transfer establishes commercial value for transactions between refineries, terminals, pipelines, and distributors. Metering skids measure net volume with temperature correction to standard conditions typically 15°C or 60°F. Accuracy ±0.25% meets API MPMS, weights and measures, and international custody transfer standards for fiscal metering applications.

System Components

Complete skids include turbine or positive displacement flow meters, temperature transmitters for volume correction, strainers protecting meters from particulates, meter proving connections for field verification, flow computer calculating standard volumes, preset controllers for batch loading, automatic valves managing flow, printer generating loading tickets, and control panel. Factory-assembled units minimize field construction.

Meter Technology

Turbine meters provide proven accuracy for clean refined products with wide turndown ratios. Positive displacement meters suit varying viscosities and flow rates. Mass flow meters eliminate density compensation. ERGIL selects technology based on product type, flow range typically 100-3000 GPM, accuracy requirements, and proving capabilities.

Product Handling

Skids accommodate multiple products including regular and premium gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosene, and heating oil. Quick product changeover with proper flushing procedures. Materials compatible with additives and oxygenates. Filtration removes particulates protecting meters and ensuring product quality.

Applications

Refinery loading racks for trucks and railcars, pipeline custody transfer stations, terminal distribution operations, aviation fuel loading, marine fueling facilities, and retail fuel terminals. Serves refiners, pipeline operators, distributors, and large consumers requiring accurate fiscal measurement.

Proving Systems

Meter proving using portable or fixed provers verifies accuracy meeting custody transfer requirements. Proving frequency typically monthly or after maintenance. Meter factors applied to ensure continued accuracy. Proving reports document performance for commercial validation and regulatory compliance.

Control and Automation

Flow computers calculate temperature-corrected volumes, apply meter factors, generate batch totals with BOL quantities. Preset controls stop loading at target volumes with automatic valve closure. Ticket printers produce custody transfer documentation. SCADA integration enables remote monitoring and inventory management.

Material Selection

Carbon steel or stainless steel construction suitable for refined products. Seals and gaskets resistant to hydrocarbons and oxygenates. Materials rated for operating pressures 50-300 psig. Proper bonding and grounding prevent static accumulation.

Safety Features

Emergency shutdown systems provide rapid isolation. Overfill protection prevents tank overflow. Leak detection integration. Vapor recovery connections where required. Installation per NFPA and API safety standards. Explosion-proof electrical classification.

Construction Standards

Systems per API MPMS Chapter 5 and 6 custody transfer standards. Meter runs with proper straight pipe requirements. Proving per API Chapter 4. Complete documentation with calibration certificates and weights and measures approval.

ERGIL refined-product metering skids deliver accurate custody transfer measurement ensuring commercial fairness in petroleum product distribution operations.