The measurement of productivity is a principal concern addressed with the help of mechanical and technological equipment. Metering skid is that combination of equipment mounted to a platform to perform the duties of measuring, analyzing, controlling, and giving feedback with required safety parameters addressed. Metering skids are used at various points in the pipeline of a plant in oil & gas or other industry for the purpose of measuring the flow and other measuring related activities as required by the plant.

Gas metering station

A metering skid at a process line is used to find out if the output from one process to another is as per the set parameters requirements and a custody transfer metering skid is used in case of transfer of custody of the product from one entity to the other. It is more prominent in the matter of custody transfers as the measurement has to be as accurate as possible to avoid conflicts when there are external entities involved and more importantly when monetary terms are involved. The combination of equipment on the skid measures the product in regards to the quantity, quality, pressure, mixture, and does filtration process, when incorporated to the skid, to arrive at the most precise readings.

A skid is a platform made of steel frames to mount a set of equipment, pipes, flanges, panels, etc., which generally performs a combined operation or duty, that is backed by frames and supports to provide the appropriate rigidity to the structure for its operation. The skids are built off-site and transported to the site for quick installation and commissioning. The form of the structure of skids makes it easy for transport and has a smaller footprint. These advantages of a skid make it versatile for different kinds of locations and overall easy to handle.

Metering Skids – What to Look for

In the oil and gas industry, mainly, and also other industries a standard flow metering system may not be sufficient against the need. A custom metering skid is the option in these circumstances and companies have to answer some questions to find the right solution in regards to the product and the producer. The industry regulations, flow characteristics, selection of flowmeter technology, proving practices, temperature, and pressure parameters, flow direction, flow range and its variations, flow meter positioning, etc. are some of the important questions to be answered. The design of a metering skid has to incorporate the site requirements, specifications, and purpose of it. These provide the necessary inputs in designing the metering skid with its headers, elbows, flanges, pipes, panels fittings, etc. and also the communication and interface to be established between the system to the plant viz, pressure, temperature, flow, etc. to be interconnected to a control system or to be communicating with the plant, etc.

The organizations when looking for a custom solution for their metering skid solutions it is most likely for them to partner with another organization that is expert in the field of metering skid manufacturing and installing. The metering skid provider selected for his expertise will be able to ask additional questions regarding the need for the equipment, its operating window, conditions at the locations, etc. that help the owner of the requirement to fully comprehend their own needs. The experts can look into different aspects of the metering skid needs and bring another perspective to the table. Partnering with good experts who are, open-minded to incorporate new ideas and think out of the box, has the potential of bringing success to the endeavor.

Metering Skids – Technology

There are different types of flow metering used on the metering skids according to the specific requirements. From differential pressure to positive displacement, Ultrasonic flowmeters, Coriolis mass flowmeters, etc. From having a fixed flow metering point at any point in the pipeline to having a metering skid which performs the required duty set under some parameters have given rise to the advanced use of metering skids. It has now become a complete package for measuring, analyzing, monitoring, and controlling the gas or liquid delivered through a pipeline. Pressure reduction is a function done at the metering skid if the design demands the same. From basic measuring the flow from the flow meters it has now come to encompass other duties in becoming a metering skid and enabled a lot more information and control. The ultrasonic flow meters using multiple sets of transponders to calculate the velocity of the flowing liquid/gas and the Coriolis mass flowmeters measuring the mass flow directly rather than the velocity all provide different methods and ways to measure and analyze. The use of different types of flow meters in combination on a metering skid to meet the specific needs of the owner or the process has also become a viable solution to finding the perfect measuring toolsets.

Metering skids has become a vital part of the whole in the oil and gas industry and has a major impact in providing transparency in the custody transfer of the liquid/gas products. The metering process has even been called fiscal metering due to the crucial role it plays in the custody transfer and monetary transfers. Metering skids has become the answer to the measuring challenges arising with the growth of the industry and the production. It has evolved to become flexible, adaptable, tough, self-sustaining, and safe over the years. A strategic partnership with an expert in the production of metering skids will provide the successful completion of the goal along with long term benefits.