Liquid Hydrocarbon Measurement Fundamentals

This course provides professionals in the energy, utility, and pipeline sectors with a comprehensive overview of hydrocarbon measurement principles. Participants will explore the drivers behind measurement requirements and learn how these elements influence the accuracy and accountability of data across the hydrocarbon value chain.

Key topics include custody transfer, contracts, and the commercial impact of errors and disputes in measurement. A deep dive into the physical properties of hydrocarbon fluids—such as density, viscosity, and phase changes—sets the foundation for understanding how these properties impact fluid handling, transfer, and accurate measurement.

The program also covers various metering principles, flow measurement technologies, and standards critical to precise measurement and efficient operations, as well as the functionality of process instrumentation, data management, and back-office processes. Best practices in equipment calibration, maintenance, and verification will be discussed, alongside milestone events such as commissioning and audits, ensuring that participants are equipped to uphold industry standards and regulatory compliance in all aspects of hydrocarbon measurement.

Review the roles and motivations of various drivers (business, operational, regulatory, and industry) that emphasize accurate measurement along the hydrocarbon value chain
Discuss the different types of hydrocarbon fluids and their physical properties, including density, viscosity, and phase changes, to support effective handling and measurement
Discuss the operating principles, applications, and industry standards of various metering technologies, such as turbine, ultrasonic, and Coriolis meters, and understand their strengths and limitations
Identify the methods for assessing fluid quality, including sampling, chromatography, and spectroscopy, to ensure compliance with standards and accurate fluid characterization
Explore the functionality of instrumentation like flow computers, pressure/temperature transmitters, and distributed control systems in managing and monitoring hydrocarbon flows
Evaluate the data collection, validation, and analysis processes, as well as end-of-month procedures for reconciling and balancing hydrocarbon measurements in commercial and operational contexts
Detail the calibration, maintenance, and verification processes for measurement equipment, and discuss milestone events such as design, construction, commissioning, and audits in the lifecycle of a hydrocarbon measurement system

Why Measure?

Business Drivers
- Overview of the Value Chain from A-Z
- Measurement Along the Value Chain
  - What is Custody Transfer vs. Title Change?
  - Responsibility and Accountability
- Business Areas that Directly or Indirectly Rely on Measurement
- Contracts and Operating Agreements
- Commercial Impact of Error, Uncertainty and Disputes
Operations Drivers
- Supply/Demand Management
- Facility Design Standards
- Function, Range and Flexibility
- Effectiveness of Maintenance
Regulatory Drivers
- Federal Regulations and Requirements
- Regional Regulations and Requirements
- International Regulations and Requirements
Industry Drivers
- Overview of Industry Associations and Institutes
  - Why Industry Creates and Maintains Standards
  - Areas Covered by Industry Standards
  - Best Practices
- Research and Technology Development
  - Pooled Efforts
  - Individual Party

Physical Properties of Hydrocarbon Fluids

Types of Fluids
- Definitions (NG, Crude, NGL, LNG, CNG, etc.)
- Phases of Matter Overview
- Multi-Phase Fluids
- Overview of the Value Chain from A-Z
Classes and Types of Hydrocarbon Liquids
- Common Types and Physical Characteristics
  - Crude Oils and Condensates
  - NGL Product Types
  - LVP Product Types
Composition
- Alkane Hydrocarbon Compounds
- Inert Compounds
- Contaminants
Phase and Phase Change
- Classification of Types
- What is A 2-Phase or 3-Phase Liquid Stream?
- Bubble Point and Dew Point
- Phase Diagrams and Equations of State (EOS)
- Separators and Slug Catchers
- Heating and Cooling
- Cryogenic Processes
- Vapor Pressure and Heat Capacity
Density and Compressibility Factor
- Definitions
- Overview of API MPMS Ch. 11 and 12 Calculations
  - Temperature Corrections
  - Pressure Corrections
  - Vapor Pressure Calculations
- Liquid vs. Gas Density Determination
- Net Oil Calculations
Viscosity and Other Properties
- Enthalpy, Entropy, and Heat Capacity
- Viscosity and Heat Transfer Coefficient
Contaminants and Related Specifications
- Water
- Sediment
- HCDP
- H₂S
- Waxes and Asphaltenes
Special Properties of Crude Oils
- Entrained Gas
- Molecular Weight, Density and API Degrees
- Gas/Oil Ratios

Metering Principles, Types and Standards

Key Definitions of Accuracy, Uncertainty, etc.
Product Batching and Interface Fluids
Volumetric Shrinkage
Units of Measure and the Need for Consistency
Fluid Reference Conditions and Qualifiers
Mass, Volume and Energy (and Interchangeability)
Static Measurement
- Vertical and Horizontal Tanks
- Pipelines and Other Vessels
- Rail Cars, Tanker Trucks and Portable Tanks
Overview of Flow Meter Types
Head Type Meters
- Principles of Operation
  - Bernoulli’s Theorem
  - Pressure vs. Velocity
  - What is Fully Developed Flow?
- Orifice Plates and Meter Run Assemblies
  - Plate Holders
  - Meter Runs
- Cone Meters
  - Basic Configuration
  - Strengths and Limitations
- Pitot Tubes
- Orifice Meter Flow Equations
  - Overview
  - Implementations and Verification
- Maintenance and Calibration
Turbine and Positive Displacement (PD)
- Principles of Operation
- Turbine Meters
  - Rotor Types
  - Strengths and Limitations
  - Typical Configuration
  - Calibration and Maintenance
  - Industry Standards
- Positive Displacement Meters
  - Types
  - Principles of Operation
  - Typical Applications and Installations
  - Strengths and Limitations
Ultrasonic Flow Measurement
- Principles of Operation
  - Chords and Paths
  - Full Bore vs. Reduced Bore
  - Signal Propagation and Detection
  - Mathematical Basics
  - Flow Conditioning
Coriolis Force Mass Flow Meters
- Principle of Operation
- Typical Applications, Designs and Installations
- Strengths and Limitations
- On-Board Density Measurement
Other Metering Technologies
- Vortex Shedding Meters
- Thermal Mass Meters
- Weigh Tanks and Certified Volume Standards
Flow Conditions and Other Facility-Related Requirements
- Flow Disturbances (Causes and Effects)
- Piping Design Requirements
- Flow Conditioners and Tube Bundles
- Temperature Probes and Sample Probes
- Static Mixers
- Headers, Filters, Valves and Other Apparatus
Meter Proving
- Principles
- Overview of API MPMS Ch. 4
- Type of Provers
- Pycnometers and Densitometers
- Operation
- Proving Reports vs. Tickets
- Water Draw

Fluid Quality and Analytical Methods

On-Site or Off-Site?
Density Measurement Principles
Overview of API MPMS Ch. 8
Sampling Systems
- Sample Probes, Regulators, Filters and Cylinders
- Static Mixers
- Automatic Sampling Apparatus
Process Analysers
- Characteristic vs. Composition
- Principles of Operation
- Spectroscopy
Chromatography
- Principles of Operation
- Typical Implementation

Process Instrumentation and Flow Computing

Pressure and Temperature Transmitters and Recorders
- Transmitters and Transducers
- Chart Recorders and Chart Integration
PLCs, Flow Computers, RTUs and Distributed Control Systems
- What is a Flow Computer?
- Overview of API MPMS Chapters 21.1 and 21.2
- What is an RTU, PLC or Distributed Control System?
Tickets and Proving Reports
- Requirements
- Typical Reports

Back Office Systems and Business Processes

Data Collection, Validation, Storage and Retrieval
- Types of Records
- Measurement Data Processing Systems
- SCADA Systems
- Data Historians
- Telecommunications and Security
Measurement Data Analysis
- Overview of Analysis Processes
- Integration with Business Processes and Field Operations
Data Validation and Corrections
- Validation Principles (Validation vs. Calibration)
- Correction Tools and Techniques
End-of-Month Processes
- Totalization and Balancing
- What is Shrinkage?
- What is Measurement by Difference?
- What is Lost and Unaccounted-For?
  - Physical Balance
  - Commercial Balance
- Error Management and Problem Escalation
- Commercial Balance Reconciliation

Equipment Calibration and Maintenance

Flow and/or Volume Calibration
- Calibration vs. Verification vs. Inspection
- Industry Practices
- Witnessing
In-Situ Flow Verification vs. Off-Site
- Meter Proving
  - Prover Types and Operation
  - Proving Reports
  - Water Draws
Secondary Equipment
- Pressure and Temperature Measurement
- Density Measurement, including Hydrometers
- Process Analyzers
- Tools and Procedures
  - Test Equipment
  - Traceability
  - Procedures and Best Practices
- Training and Certification
Tertiary Equipment
- Flow Computer Verification
  - References and Tools
- RTUs, PLCs, DCS and Other Devices
  - Verification Challenges
  - Approvals and Certification

Milestone Events and Processes

Design
- Participants and Roles
- Engineering Standards
Construction
- Transport, Storage and Assembly
- Successful Migration of Off-Site Calibration to the Field Site
Commissioning
- Typical Steps
- Documentation
- Compliance Checking
- Turnover to Operations
Audits and Disputes
- Contractual and Tariff Limits
- Audits and Dispute Resolution
- Uncertainty Analysis

Overview of Industry Standards, Contracts and Regulations

Industry Standards from API and GPA
- Flow Measurement-Related
- Fluid Quality Related
- Flow Computing-Related
- Contracts and Tariffs
Tariffs, Contracts and Templates
- Overview of Functions and Roles
- Legal Requirements
- Typical Pipeline Tariffs and Requirements
- Typical operating agreements
Regulatory Requirements and Agencies
- FERC/NEB
- Measurement Canada (as applicable)
- Environmental Agencies

Warren Peterson is a measurement specialist with over 40 years of experience in the oil & gas industry. Throughout his career he has worked for companies like Alliance Pipeline, TC Energy, and Kenonic Controls, specializing in flow measurement and the determination of fluid properties. Along with pipeline operating experience, he has been active in industry standards and research. On that foundation, he incorporated his own consulting company, Peterson Measurement, Inc. in late 2017.

Engineers and technicians specializing in flow measurement, instrumentation, and process control within the hydrocarbon industry
Professionals responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of hydrocarbon facilities, including fluid measurement, equipment calibration, and maintenance
Individuals involved in ensuring compliance with federal, regional, and international regulations related to fluid measurement and quality in the hydrocarbon sector
Professionals focused on maintaining and improving the quality of hydrocarbon fluids, including those responsible for implementing analytical methods and ensuring adherence to industry standards
Managers overseeing technical aspects and projects related to the design, construction, and commissioning of hydrocarbon facilities, with a focus on fluid measurement systems
Individuals responsible for understanding and implementing industry standards from organizations such as API and GPA, ensuring adherence to best practices in fluid measurement
Individuals involved in environmental impact assessments and safety considerations within the hydrocarbon industry, with a focus on fluid quality and measurement-related processes

Individual attendee(s)$ 1295.00 each
Volume pricing also available Individual attendee tickets can be mixed with ticket packs for complete flexibility
Pack of 5 attendees$ 5,500.00 (15% discount)
Pack of 10 attendees$ 10,360.00 (20% discount)
Pack of 20 attendees$ 19,425.00 (25% discount)

Liquid Hydrocarbon Measurement Fundamentals

Learning Outcomes

Register

Volume pricing also available

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Agenda

Log In and Welcome

Lunch Break

Adjourn for the day

Log In and Welcome

Lunch Break

Course Timing

Why Measure?

Physical Properties of Hydrocarbon Fluids

Metering Principles, Types and Standards

Fluid Quality and Analytical Methods

Agenda

Log In

Lunch Break

Adjourn for the day

Log In

Lunch Break

Course Timing

Process Instrumentation and Flow Computing

Back Office Systems and Business Processes

Equipment Calibration and Maintenance

Milestone Events and Processes

Overview of Industry Standards, Contracts and Regulations

Instructor

Warren Peterson

Continuing Education Credits

IACET

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Instructional Methods

CPE

Who Should Attend