Measurement solution for tank unloading systems
Reliable flow measurement under demanding conditions
Different grades of crude oil, saline environments and high demands on measurement accuracy present operators of tank unloading systems with particular challenges. Our clamp-on solution enables ESSAR Oil to carry out precise and continuous flow monitoring – without the need for any pipe modifications.
Measurement task and requirements
Within the oil and gas industry, there are various applications where the flow rate of liquids such as oil, hydrocarbons or process water needs to be measured. Operators of oil platforms, for example, must ensure that regulations governing the discharge of oil are adhered to. To this end, there is a statutory requirement for the precise measurement of the quantity of oil that may be discharged into the sea within the process water. This total oil discharge is calculated on the basis of a measurement of the water-oil concentration and the monitored volume of process water. Other applications within the oil industry where clamp-on flowmeters can be useful include measurements in water and methanol injection systems, as well as tank unloading systems. For instance, ESSAR Oil required a device to measure the flow of various grades of crude oil in its tank unloading systems.
Project specifications at a glance
- Industry: Oil and gas
- Installation type: Stationary
- Medium: Crude oil, seawater
- Temperature: +20 °C
- Pipe material: stainless steel
- Pipe diameter: 1,096 mm
- Special requirements: ATEX Zone 1
Technical solution
In the case of ESSAR Oil, two KATflow 170 stainless steel flowmeters provided the best solution. The clamp-on flowmeters were selected as they offer the operator a reliable and accurate way of determining these flow rates without the need for additional investment in pipework modifications. The stainless steel design of the Katronic instruments is ideally suited for use in saline environments and enables continuous measurement despite the presence of different types of oil in the pipeline.
Methodology and Results
Katronic successfully installed and commissioned the two KATflow 170 stainless steel flow meters.
Image credit: U-F-M B.V.