Gas Flow Measurement

Oil and Gas Technology October 25, 2025
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Introduction

This in-depth course is designed to provide comprehensive expertise in the theory, equipment, and application of natural gas flow measurement, which is fundamental to custody transfer and process control. It covers the full spectrum of technologies from differential pressure meters to ultrasonic and Coriolis systems. Participants will gain a robust understanding of the critical calculation methods, including gas laws, compressibility factors, and adherence to relevant industry standards like API and AGA. The course strongly emphasizes the practical aspects of installation, calibration, proving, and maintenance of metering systems to ensure high accuracy, regulatory compliance, and maximum financial accountability in gas sales and transportation.

Objectives

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

  • Apply the ideal and real gas laws, including the calculation of the compressibility factor (Z) using AGA 8.
  • Design, install, and operate orifice meters according to AGA Report No. 3 and API standards.
  • Explain the working principles and best practices for ultrasonic and Coriolis gas flow meters.
  • Calibrate and verify meter performance using established proving and testing procedures.
  • Understand and apply the correct equations for flow calculation and energy measurement.
  • Configure and troubleshoot flow computers and electronic volume correctors (EVCs).
  • Analyze the effects of gas composition and contaminants on measurement accuracy.
  • Implement best practices for ensuring custody transfer accuracy and minimizing measurement uncertainty.
  • Determine the critical installation effects and flow conditioning requirements for different meters.

Target Audience

  • Measurement and Instrumentation Technicians
  • Gas Pipeline and Compressor Station Operators
  • Process and Control Engineers
  • Custody Transfer Specialists and Auditors
  • Gas Plant Operations Supervisors
  • Project Engineers involved in metering station design
  • Gas Accountants and Revenue Analysts

Methodology

  • Practical problem-solving on calculating gas flow using AGA equations.
  • Scenario-based design of a custody transfer metering station.
  • Group activities on troubleshooting common meter errors (e.g., wet gas, pulsation).
  • Case studies highlighting the financial impact of measurement inaccuracy.
  • Hands-on (simulated) practice with flow computer configuration and data validation.

Personal Impact

  • Specialized expertise in high-accuracy custody transfer gas measurement.
  • Ability to design and manage complex metering stations compliant with API/AGA.
  • Improved diagnostic skills for all major gas flow technologies.
  • Increased personal accountability and technical credibility in financial measurement.
  • Mastery of flow computer configuration and data validation.
  • Enhanced understanding of the financial and technical aspects of gas sales contracts.

Organizational Impact

  • Minimization of "unaccounted-for gas" (UFG) and significant reduction in financial loss.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance for gas sales and transportation.
  • Improved operational efficiency and reduced downtime of metering stations.
  • Accurate calculation of gas energy content for trading and billing.
  • Better maintenance planning through condition monitoring of meter systems.
  • Stronger defense during measurement audits and contractual disputes.

Course Outline

Unit 1: Gas Flow Fundamentals and Standards

Section 1: Gas Properties and Basic Flow Equations
  • Ideal and Real Gas Laws and their application in measurement
  • Calculation of the Compressibility Factor (Z) using AGA 8
  • Importance of gas composition (chromatography) for calorific value and Z factor
  • Overview of API and AGA measurement standards and their scope

Unit 2: Differential Pressure Meters (Orifice)

Section 1: Orifice Meter Design and Operation
  • Theory of differential pressure measurement and the flow equation
  • Installation and piping requirements (AGA 3 standards) and primary element selection
  • Selection of differential pressure transmitters and static pressure elements
  • Sources of error and troubleshooting DP measurement systems

Unit 3: Modern Gas Metering Technologies

Section 1: Ultrasonic and Turbine Meters
  • Principles of multi-path Ultrasonic Flow Meters (USM) and their advantages in CT
  • Installation effects, calibration, and proving of USMs
  • Turbine meters for gas measurement, their application, and maintenance
  • Comparison of meter technologies for custody transfer applications
Section 2: Mass Flow Measurement
  • Principles and application of Coriolis Mass Flow Meters (CMFM) for gas
  • Advantages of mass measurement in custody transfer and energy calculation
  • Thermal mass flow meters for low-pressure and flare measurement applications
  • Field verification and calibration methods for CMFMs

Unit 4: Flow Calculation and Automation

Section 1: Flow Computers and Data Handling
  • Function and components of gas flow computers and EVCs
  • Input devices: PT sensors, DP transducers, and temperature elements calibration
  • Configuration of measurement algorithms (AGA flow equations) and data logging
  • Data validation, logging, reporting protocols, and remote communication (SCADA)

Unit 5: Maintenance and Quality Assurance

Section 1: Calibration and Troubleshooting
  • Calibration procedures for pressure, temperature, and DP transmitters
  • Field checks and proving of flow meters against primary standards
  • Root cause analysis of metering errors and inaccuracies (UFG)
  • Developing a robust quality management system for gas measurement integrity

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