HCOTEG173250 | Measurement: the importance of the location and the environmental conditions surrounding meters

Introduction

Meters and their readings can be affected by many factors. The right type of meter has to be used for any specific type of product mix and for the right type of operation. The misuse of a meter is unlikely to occur by chance, since meter manufacturers clearly specify the uses for which their products are suitable. Positioning a meter in the wrong place, or changes to the environment around a meter can cause it to become inaccurate in use, even where the meter has previously been proved and shown to be accurate in tests.

Other aspects of positioning

Other aspects of positioning which should be considered are, how close the meter is to the point of delivery or from the point of unloading. All meters need to be positioned in such a way that they remain full of fluid at all times i.e. that fluid does not drain out of them and the meter does not have to fill up at the start of any measurement.

Given that a large number of meters either record or transmit (or both) their readings, placing meters or their transmission wires near electrical equipment or high voltages can give false results by introducing induced currents and false pulses. Meters with pulse transmitters should have adequate protection for data transmission to levels A or B security as defined in the Petroleum Measurement Manual Part XIII, Section 1 (IP 252/76).