South Pars Gas Field Development Phases 22, 23 & 24

Onshore Facilities

Doc Title : MATERIAL REQUISITION FOR LEVEL GAUGE Pars Oil and Gas

Company

Doc. Number : RP-2224-999-1511-065 Rev. No.: 1 Class: 1

FISCAL METERING SYSTEM SPECIFICATION

1 22-Jul-19 IAFD Sh.Kashi H.Tajik B.Yousefian F.Zanjani P.Asgharzadeh A.Shirvani

0 23-Apr-11 AFC R.Karimnia H.Tajik B.Yousefian F.Zanjani H.Hoseini-nik M.A.Haghverdi

P.M. P.D. Contractor Company

REV. DATE DESCRIPTION PREP. CHKD.
APPD. APPD.
APPD.

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Doc. No. RP-2224-999-1511-065 Rev. 1

CONTENTS

1. SCOPE 5
2. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 5
3. CODES AND STANDARDS 5
4. ABBREVIATIONS & DEFINITION 6
4.1. ABBREVIATIONS 6
4.2. DEFINITION 6
5. BASIC CONDITIONS 6
5.1. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 6
5.1.1. AMBIENT CONDITIONS OUTSIDE BUILDING 6
5.1.2. AMBIENT CONDITIONS INSIDE ROOMS 7
5.2. TROPICAL SERVICE 7
5.3. LIGHTNING 7
5.4. GROUNDING 7
5.5 INGRESS PROTECTION 8
5.6 AREA CLASSIFICATION 8
5.7 PAINTING 8
5.8 MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION 8
5.9 ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 9
6. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 9
7. INTERFACE TO IPCS. 9
8. FACTORY ACCEPTANCE TESTING 9
9. INTEGRATION TESTING 9
10. SITE ACCEPTANCE TEST 10
11. DOCUMENTATION 10
12. CONSUMABLES AND SPARE PARTS 11
12.1. CONSUMABLES 11
12.2. COMMISSIONING AND START- UP SPARES 11
13. WARRANTY AND GUARANTEE 11
14. TYPE OF PRIMARY ELEMENT 12
15. SAMPLING 12
16. GAS DENSITY 12
17. GAS CHROMATOGRAPH 13
18. AVOIDANCE OF LIQUID CARRIES OVER 14
19. SECONDARY INSTRUMENTATION 14
20. SPECIAL APPLICATION STANDARD 14

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21. METERING REDUNDANCY 15

22. ISOLATION VALVES 15
23. METERING DIAGNOSTICS 15
24. PRESENCE OF CO2 15
25. ISOLATION OF SECONDARY INSTRUMENTATION 15
26. CALIBRATION 15
27. IMPLEMENTATION OF CALIBRATION DATA 17
28. UNCERTAINTY 18
29. INSTALLATION 19
30. ON-LINE COMPUTATION OF THE FLOW RATE 19
31. FISCAL FLOW COMPUTERS 19
31.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 19
31.2. DATA INTEGRITY AND SECURITY 20
31.3. ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS 21
31.4. PRINT- OUTS AND AUTOMATIC LOGGING 21
31.5. POWER SUPPLY 22
31.6. COMPUTER ROUTINES FOR FISCAL MEASUREMENT 22
32. AVAILABILITY 22
32.1. AVAILABILITY AND SPARES 22
32.2. EXCEPTIONS 23
33. VALIDATION AND MAINTENANCE 23
33.1. GENERAL 23
33.2. TRACEABILITY 23
33.3. CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT 23
33.4. CALIBRATION INTERVALS 24
33.5. RECORDS 24
33.6. INITIAL CALIBRATION AND METER CHECK 24
34. UNCERTAINTY 24
35. UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS 24
36. STATION MANUAL 24
37. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES 25
38. PARAMETER SETTINGS 25
39. MEASUREMENT MANUAL 26
40. OPERATIONS MANUAL 27

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1. SCOPE
This specification covers the minimum requirements and provides a general basis for the design of
the Fiscal metering system (FMS) for the SOUTH PARS FIELD DEVELOPMENT
PHASES 22,23 & 24 ONSHORE FACILITIES PROJECT.
All instrumentation systems and components, as far as mechanical and electrical characteristics and
performances are concerned, shall conform to the present specification and instrument technical data
sheets to be issued by the Contractor.
Any deviation from the present specification at any stage of the project shall be subject to COMPANY
approval.

2. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
This document is complemented by the others as specified below:
DB 2224 999 P332 204 : Basic Engineering Design Data
RP 2224 999 1511 032 : Instrument Design Specification
RP 2224 999 1511 061 : Instrument Installation
RP 2224 999 1511 062 : Instrument Cables
RP 2224 999 1511 064 : Earthing Principles
RP 2224 999 1900 004 : Hazardous Area Classification
DB 2224 999 P332 203: List of applicable codes and industry standards
DW 2224 999 1581 0001: IPCS block diagram.

3. CODES AND STANDARDS

FMSs shall be designed, constructed and tested in accordance with relevant codes and standards
quoted hereunder including amendments;
A) ISO Content
1000: SI units and recommendations for the use of their multiples and of certain other units.
4006: Measurement of Fluid Flow in Closed Conduits - Vocabulary and symbols.
4124: Liquid Hydrocarbons - Dynamic measurement; Statistical control of volumetric Metering systems.
6976: Natural Gas - Calculation of calorific values, density, relative density and Wobbe index from
composition.
10723: Natural Gas – Performance evaluation for on-line analytical systems.
12213: Natural Gas - Calculation of compression factor.
13443: Natural Gas - Standard reference conditions.
TR 12765:1998 Measurement of fluid flow in closed conduits – Methods using transit-time ultrasonic flow
meters
TR 3313: 1998 Measurement of fluid flow in closed conduits – Guidelines on the effect of flow pulsations
on flow measurement instruments.

TR 5168: Measurement of fluid flow – Evaluation of ISO/TR 5168 uncertainties.

A) BSI Content
7405: Guide to the selection and application of flow meters for measurement of fluid flow in closed
conduits.
7965: The selection, installation, operation and calibration of diagonal path transit time ultrasonic flow
meters for industrial gas measurement.

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If not stated, latest edition of the above Standards and Codes in force at time of tender shall be
governed.
In the event of conflict between the provision of the document listed above and the requirements of
this specification, the more stringent interpretation shall apply unless approved otherwise in writing.
Any deviation from the above standards and this specification shall be clearly stated in the vendor’s
proposal.

4. ABBREVIATIONS & DEFINITION

4.1. ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations are used throughout this specification:

FMS: Fiscal metering system
AC: Alternating Current
CCR: Central Control Room
ESD: Emergency Shut down
HMI: Human machine Interface
ISE: IS Electronic Ground
I/O: Input / Output
IS: Intrinsic Safety
JB: Junction Box
ITR: Instrument Technical Room
OCS: Operator Control Station
PC: Personal Computer
PCS: Process Control System
SBM: Single Buoy Mooring
UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply
VDU: Visual Display Unit.

4.2. DEFINITION

COMPANY: PARS OIL & GAS COMPANY (POGC) or his nominated representative.
Contractor: Shall be read GHORB-E-KHATAM.
Vendor: Any person, firm or company which manufacture or supply

5. BASIC CONDITIONS

5.1. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Refer to DB 2224 999 P332 204 "Basic Engineering Design Data for Onshore Facilities”.
5.1.1. AMBIENT CONDITIONS OUTSIDE BUILDING

• Temperature:

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• Minimum: + 5 °C
• Maximum: + 48°C
• Maximum temperature reached in the sunshine: + 85°C.
• Relative humidity outside building: 65 % to 100% .
• Ambient air quality: tropical, dusty and Sal ferrous unit.
• Caution: H2S and S02 content in air in normal conditions with following maximum average
content:
• H2S: 10 ppm
• S02: 5 ppm.

5.1.2. AMBIENT CONDITIONS INSIDE ROOMS

• Temperature:
• Normal conditions: between 19 and 26°C (to be confirmed)
• Design temperature for electrical equipment design: + 10°C to + 40 °C
• Humidity:
• Relative humidity maintained within a range of 30% to 60% (to be confirmed)
• Relative humidity for electrical equipment design: 80% .
The instruments shall be able to withstand the minimum and maximum conditions in case
of HVAC failure.

5.2. TROPICAL SERVICE

All hardware, I/O cards, microprocessors, cables etc shall be tropical zed to eliminate
mildew, fungi and other detrimental effects of a tropical environment, dust and moisture
proof, fungus-growth proof and Resistant to dust and insect attack. Exposed
plugs/pins/contacts, including those on circuit boards, shall be gold plated. Printed circuit
boards shall be protected by coating. Air shall be considered corrosive for the presence of
saline atmosphere, dust and traces of H2S.
Packaging shall be suitable for shipment and prolonged storage under tropical conditions to
desert Location. VENDOR shall clearly state any special measures required – e.g. power to
anti-condensation heaters.

5.3. LIGHTNING

Hazard due to the lightning shall be considered in the installation of instruments and cables.
Field equipment and cabling in areas which are not protected by either earthed steel structures
or dedicated lightning conductors shall be provided with lightning protection.
Instruments located outside protected areas and instrument connected to cables that are routed
outside protected areas shall be provided with protective lightning arrestors at both ends of the
transmission line.
A lightning arrestor shall consist of a gas tube/ varistor /zener diode combination approved by the
CONTRACTOR. Devices with fuses shall not be applied.
For field instruments such as tank level gauges, telemetry systems, local multiplexers,
etc. .advice on Lightning protection should be obtained from the instrument Manufacturer.

5.4. GROUNDING

Level gauge unit and all local housings shall be provided with internal and external groundings
bolts complete with washers and nuts in 31655 material.

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The method for grounding power, signals and shields shall be submitted to Company for
approval.
The isolation of powering field units shall be guaranteed, and good noise immunity shall be
provided for:
• Isolated signal reference
• Galvanic insulation.
The performance in terms of common mode rejection, normal mode voltage rejection,
Maximum over mode voltage protection, maximum common mode voltage, maximum
Permanent voltage shall be stated by the Vendor.
The grounding shall be in accordance with RP 2224 9991511 064 "Earthing Principles”.

5.5 General specifications of instrumentation.

Field mounted equipment ingress protection shall be IP 65 as a minimum.

The material of case/body material of all transmitters shall be 316SS.
All transmitters/actuators shall prepare/use 4-20mA smart hart signal.

5.6 Area Classification

Electrical and electronic instrumentation for installation in hazardous area zones shall be certified
in Accordance with the definitions given in IEC 60079 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas
Atmospheres.

5.7 Painting
External surfaces of field instrumentation shall be painted in accordance with the project painting
specification

5.8 Materials of Construction

Materials exposed to the process fluid shall be in accordance with the fluid conditions (pressure,
temperature, Corrosion, etc) and with the relevant piping class:

 Carbon steel body construction (except transmitters, see here after) shall be a
minimum specification for parts exposed to process fluid when not specified
otherwise.
 For tank gauges measuring elements material shall be AISI 316 as a minimum
standard, or the Manufacturer’s standard material, whichever provides the best
corrosion resistance. Where the nature of fluid requires a higher alloy or other
material, the material shall be consistent with the piping or equipment specification.
 Movements for instruments shall be stainless steel or better when specified.
 NACE requirement shall be applied case of sour service.
 The design of pressure parts shall be based on the allowable stresses of the ANSI.
 All components particularly if containing electric contacts, shall be vibration resistant.
 In _line Instruments shall have flanged connections.
 All instruments shall have an over-range protection up to the maximum design static
pressure indicated on the instrument data sheet.
 Instrument exposed to vacuum shall have under-range protection to full vacuum.

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5.9 Electrical supply

The FMS shall be supplied by dual redundant 230 VAC 50 Hz UPS feeds supplied by
CONTRACTOR. Field mounted gauges shall be supplied with by feed(s) from CONTRACTOR.
VENDOR shall provide CONTRACTOR with power requirements information during the bid
phase.

6. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
FMS shall consist of ultrasonic time transit type flow meter, secondary instrumentation
like pressure and temperature transmitters, flow computer, gas chromatograph and
density meter.

Instrumentation shall be suitable for continues service under normal conditions i.e. Electronic
parts shall be modular, plug-in type.
Fiscal metering are powered from UPS 230 VAC 50 Hz.
All instrumentation shall be suitable to be installed in hazardous area .Instrument enclosure shall
be explosion-proof type to meet the area classification.
As specified on individual data sheet field instrument shall be certified as EEXd .
Field junction boxes for interfacing of instruments in scope FMS shall be supplied as part of the
FMS. Field junction boxes shall be stainless steel 316, with ingress protection rating of IP 65
and EExe .VENDOR shall provide all details of wiring requirements of FMS to client in order for
the design of field wiring and cabling to proceed.

7. INTERFACE TO IPCS.

It shall be a serial link. (Redundant, dedicated, MUDBUS / TCP IP). Selection of protocol shall be
according to client agreement. Same IP address for redundant serial links is requested.

8. FACTORY ACCEPTANCE TESTING

Contractor shall submit the Factory Acceptance Testing procedure for Company approval prior to
the commencement of Factory Acceptance Testing.
Testing shall be witnessed by the Contractor and shall consist of all equipments input/output,
serial interface signals, and alarm signals and all functions in order to demonstrate reliable and
sustainable operation of the circuitry. Test shall be performed using simulated data input. All test
equipment, signal generators, meters, test panels including lights, switches, adjustable pots,
cables shall be provided by the Vendor.
FMS Vendor shall provide qualified technicians to test and debug the system during Factory
Acceptance Testing.
FAT procedure shall be submitted to company at least 30 working days before date of
inspection.
FAT shall be carried out on all of I/O connected to device and control hardware and software.

9. INTEGRATION TESTING
Comprehensive integration testing shall be carried out on the IPCS Supplier premises. The PCS
Supplier will co-ordinate the integration test program. The FMS Vendor shall fully specify his
requirements for the through testing of the system and its compatibility with other systems and
shall provide all necessary assistance and equipment during integration testing at PCS factory.

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The procedure shall be established upon the discussion among FMS VENDOR, PCS VENDOR
and CONTRATOR during the detail engineering stage.

10. SITE ACCEPTANCE TEST

VENDOR shall provide full details for installing, site testing, commissioning and start up of the
equipment.
When specified in the Purchase Order, the VENDOR shall provide representatives to assist the
CONTRACTOR during installation, commissioning, testing and initial start-up for all aspects of
the package.
VENDOR shall develop and produce a SAT procedure covering all aspects of the system that
have not been tested in the FAT, specific to the site, or included as a punch list item from the
FAT .The SAT procedure shall be submitted to the CONTRATOR for review/approval prior to
commencement of SAT.
SAT shall demonstrate that the system is in the same physical and working condition as FAT, i.e.
there is no corruption, damage during shipment, etc.
The SAT shall include all the interfaces to the actual sub-systems, system redundancy,
configuration, physical installation and interfaces; data links settings and testing of data transfer
from each data point.
During SAT all field devices shall be tested from the field device through to end element i.e. by
means of actual measurement or simulation where it is not possible.
At the satisfactory conclusion of the SAT (Site Acceptance Test), a final Certificate of
Acceptance shall be prepared by the PCS VENDOR. Attached shall be all test records, software
backup media, and receipt for documentation and spare parts plus any other pertinent records
regarding the Vendor’s delivery. The document becomes a Certificate of Final Site Acceptance
which shall be submitted to CONTRACTOR for approval.

11. DOCUMENTATION

Documentation (including Manufacture's data report and Operating & Maintenance manuals)
shall comply with project specification requirements.
It shall include as a minimum:
• Technical documentation pertaining to all hardware/software supplied
• Equipment layout drawings
• Cabling and hook-up drawings
• Communication interfaces specifications
• Displays, reports and print out specifications
• Final system configuration printouts
• Inspection, testing, start-up and tuning data/reports
• Installation manuals
• Operator and Maintenance manuals.
• Trouble shouting diagram
• Terminal wiring diagram
• System database
• Test procedures
• Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) procedure
• Verification and calibration procedure

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12. CONSUMABLES AND SPARE PARTS

The VENDOR shall provide itemized and priced recommended spare parts and consumable lists
as follows for:

a) Installation and commissioning

b) First two years of operation (priced list only)
c) Insurance/Capital spares
d) Parts be replaced because of their operating life limitations

12.1. CONSUMABLES

Consumables for the installation, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up and up to the
end of guaranty period, shall be provided:
• Printer paper
• Printer ink ribbon
• Digital mass storage
• Fuses
• Etc...
The quantities must be estimated and based upon experience and by taking into account two periods:
• Pre-commissioning and commissioning period where consumption of consumables is greater
• Normal use of the systems.

12.2. COMMISSIONING AND START- UP SPARES

Installation and commissioning spare parts for all equipment supplied shall be included as part of
the package scope of the supply.
The Supplier shall provide all special tools (hardware and software), calibrators, auto test
facilities or equipment necessary for preventive maintenance and/or trouble shooting. Equipment
programming, troubleshooting and maintenance Engineering Workstations shall be delivered
complete with licensed software and certificates.
The special tools shall be delivered in dedicated tool case or cabinet together with the main
equipment.
A complete list of special tools shall be provided by vendor at enquiry stage for company
approval.
All necessary materials, tools and adapters for connection to the FMS computers, field
adjustments and calibration shall be provided.
The Vendor shall also supply spares normally required for the installation, testing,
Commissioning and start-up period. The start-up period spare parts shall be delivered on site
with the first system delivery.

13. WARRANTY AND GUARANTEE

The performance of the devices shall be guaranteed for, but not limited to following aspects of
the equipment:
 Accuracy and repeatability
 Dead band
 Materials
 Reliability

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SUPPLIER shall provide warranty and guarantee for all aspects of the WORK, with a minimum of
12 months after successful completion of Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), or 18 month after
delivery of the equipment to site.
All consumable items for installation and commissioning shall be covered by the warranty and
guarantee.

14. TYPE OF PRIMARY ELEMENT

It shall be line-sized multi-path time of-flight ultrasonic flow meters.

All measurement should be made on single-phase gas streams. Hydrocarbon measurements

shall be in mass units. Vendor shall inform to client the gas velocity by calculations .It shall be
less that 20 m/s.

15. SAMPLING
Suitable facilities should be provided for the purpose of obtaining representative samples
referring to ISO 10715.

A provision for conditioning that eliminates solid, liquid and condensable components shall be
installed as a part of the sampling system. The measuring result shall not be influenced by
conditioning. The flow in the sampling line shall remain stable and be independent of other
measurement process variations.

Two weeks after start-up of a new production installation/flow measuring station and on three
occasions there after at fortnightly intervals, samples shall be taken.

The sample shall be withdrawn by means of a sample probe from approximately one quarter of
the diameter of the pipeline and, in large- diameter pipes, with a maximum insertion depth of 40
mm, at the upstream side of the primary flow measuring device. The probe shall be similar to a
thermometer well and located at the top side of the pipe The distance between the probe and
the primary flow device shall be in accordance with For the direct measurement of the operating
density in a turbine meter the pressure reference point (Pm) shall be used as sample point; see
also. The probe shall be of rugged construction to withstand the forces of the gas flow without
deformation. The hook-up shall be such that liquid from the pipe wall cannot enter the probe.

Sampling procedures shall be in accordance with ISO 10715. Sampling lines shall be as short
and as small in diameter as possible to decrease the residence time. If fast response times are
required a fast loop (by-pass loop) shall be applied. Venting of sample lines to the atmosphere,
where permitted by regulations, shall be kept to a minimum. Delay times between sample point
and analyzer shall be kept short and at least shorter than the duration of the analytical cycle .In
all cases the complete sampling line shall be heated to a temperature of at least 5 K above the
gas stream dew point in order to avoid condensation and liquid particle entrainment in the gas.
Electrical heating elements shall meet the requirements of electrical codes for the area in which
they are used and shall be of the type that is self-limiting .Sample line shall be 316SS.

16. GAS DENSITY

Gas density at the meter may be determined by continuous direct measurement, by on-line
densitometer.
And also calculated, using a recognized equation of state together with measurements of the gas

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Temperature, pressure and composition.

Gas density shall be measured in a ‘by-pass’ line to avoid introducing flow profile disturbances.

If temperature isn’t measured directly at the densitometer, installations must be designed to so

that. The effect of ambient conditions (normally a cooling one) on the temperature of the gas
sample is minimized. This may mean keeping the densitometer inlet line in close thermal contact
with the meter tube; ideally it should be placed under any lagging. In extreme cases it may be
necessary to heat-trace the line; in this case care must be taken not to over-heat the sample.
There is no pressure drop between the densitometer and the point in the system where pressure
is normally measured. Therefore all isolation valves between the densitometer and the pressure
measurement point must be of the full-bore type.

The density cell and its sample line shall be mounted in such a way that the pressure and the
temperature in the density cell continuously represent the conditions at the upstream face of the
orifice plate or the throat conditions in a turbine meter and ultrasonic meter (reference point Pm).
The density cell shall operate free from external vibrations. Environmental temperature effects
shall be minimized by insulation and/or heating of the external part of the cell and its sample line.
Facilities for on-line checks (e.g. sample taking, vacuum testing) shall be permanently available.

Due to their linear, rather than square-root, relationship with density, flow rates determined using
Ultrasonic meters are more sensitive to density error than those based on orifice plate meters.
Special care should therefore be taken to ensure the location of secondary instrumentation is
both representative and accurate. This is particularly important when density is calculated, as
described in 4.2.4 (b).

Ultrasonic meters are more sensitive to density error due square-root, relationships with density.
Then location of secondary instrumentation shall be both representative and accurate.

Discrepancy between ‘measured’ and ‘calculated’ density parameters shall be monitored

continuously as a means of demonstrating the reliability of each measurement.
The system should incorporate an ‘alarm limit’ to highlight the occurrence of a higher-than-
normal discrepancy. This alarm limit shall not normally exceed 2% of the value of the density
being measured.
Gas density discrepancy is more often caused by error in the ‘measured’ quantity the system
shall be set up so that the ‘calculated’ mode becomes the primary measurement whenever this
alarm limit is exceeded.

17. GAS CHROMATOGRAPH

Chromatographs should be installed at ‘high-points’ in the system whenever possible, in order to

reduce the probability of liquid contamination.
The distance of the chromatograph from sample take-off points (from both the meter streams
and the calibration cylinders) should be minimized. Sample lines should be lagged and heat
traced to maintain the temperature of the gas above its dew-point.
A low temperature shut-off valve should be installed on the sample inlet to the pressure let-down
system to prevent any liquid drop-out being transmitted to the gas chromatograph.

Calibration gas cylinders should be prepared by recognized laboratories following procedures

accredited by a client agreed accreditation bodies or companies.

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These cylinders should be maintained at a temperature above the ‘minimum storage

temperature’ stated on their calibration certificates. Either the cylinders should be stored in a
heated enclosure, or the mixtures should be certified to -10ºC or lower.

When a cylinder has been stored at temperatures below this minimum temperature (for example,
during transportation offshore) it should be ‘rolled’ prior to its use in order to homogenize, as far
as possible, the cylinder contents. If this is not done, or if the cylinder is used while stored below
its minimum temperature, it is likely that the lighter components may be preferentially sampled
during chromatograph calibration. This effectively invalidates the calibration gas cylinder’s
certification.
Pressure let-down systems for use with gas chromatographs should, under normal
circumstances, be designed so that the ratio of absolute pressures across each pressure
reduction stage is constant.
With the possible exception of the final stage let-down valve, pressure let-down valves should be
heated to prevent any liquid drop-out caused by Joule-Thompson cooling of the gas as it
expands.
In practice this normally means that valves should be ‘hot to the touch’.
Gas chromatographs shall have self calibration facility.

Calibration reports should feature a value for the ‘un-normalized’ component total. This value
should be monitored, as it demonstrates the reliability of the chromatograph’s ‘response factors’.
Under normal circumstances, it should lie within the range 100 2%. For onshore ‘sales gas’
Measurement stations this tolerance will normally be tighter – typically 100 1%.

18. AVOIDANCE OF LIQUID CARRY-OVER

Metering stations should be designed to minimize the probability of liquid carry-over into the
metering section, and from any condensation or separation that would have a significant effect
on measurement uncertainties.

19. SECONDARY INSTRUMENTATION

Secondary instrumentation shall generally be required for the measurement and recording of
the following parameters:
Line pressure.
Differential pressure (where applicable).
Line temperature.
Flowing density.
Density at base or standard reference conditions.
Gas composition (where applicable).

Suitable facilities for the on-site verification of secondary metering equipment shall be
considered.

20. SPECIAL APPLICATION STANDARD

Ultrasonic meters shall be used and design/installation/operation shall comply primarily with
general guidance given in ISO 12765, BS 7965 and also in AGA 9 plus specific
recommendations from the meter Manufacturer.

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21. METERING REDUNDANCY

Degree of redundancy of an ultrasonic meter shall clearly established at its initial flow calibration,
i.e. chords shall be intentionally ‘failed’ by removing the relevant transducers and the
performance of the meter can then be evaluated in each case. This will help find at what point it
becomes necessary to remove the meter altogether in the event of the failure of one or more
chords.
FMS shall be capable of above mentioned.
Vendor shall guarantee that configuration of meter runs is so that a standby stream, fitted with a
calibrated ultrasonic meter is available at all times.

22. ISOLATION VALVES

Removing of ultrasonic meter from service shall be done without the necessity of shut down of
entire metering or process system.
Removal of the meter may be necessitated by the failure of one or more of its components. The
need for periodic removal of the meter for recalibration at an onshore laboratory must also be
considered.

Meter run isolation valves shall be of the cylindrical full- bore type, presenting minimal restriction
in fully-open position and conveniently located to allow any leakage to be detected.

23. METERING DIAGNOSTICS

Multi-path ultrasonic flow meters have a variety of diagnostic tools that can either individually or
Collectively be employed for ‘health care’ monitoring. Data acquisition features for logging and
shall be considered.
This logged information shall be used to justify an extension of the interval between meter
recalibrations.

24. PRESENCE OF CO2

Vendor shall guarantee good operation of metering system according to accepted uncertainty
With respect to percentage of CO2 and gas density which is mentioned in client process
datasheet.

25. ISOLATION OF SECONDARY INSTRUMENTATION

Secondary instrumentation, which may be susceptible to damage or malfunction if exposed to

foreign matter, shall be isolated from the process for the first 24 to 48 hours after start-up.
Instruments most likely to be affected are densitometers, relative density analyzers and gas
chromatographs. During this period the flow computers shall preferably use a default gas
composition to calculate the gas density at operating and reference conditions or where
appropriate, ‘keypad’ values may be manually entered. The computer should be returned to ‘live
input’ density (line and standard reference) as soon as the process clean-up is complete.

26. CALIBRATION

The ultrasonic flow meter shall have a locally approved certificate of calibration in accordance
with the agreed manufacturer's procedures.

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The calibration data provided in the certificate shall include the error of the meter for at least 6
points over the whole range of the meter according to ISO 9951.

If an ultrasonic meter indicates a flow rate below its specified minimum flow rate value, an alarm
signal shall be initiated.

Provisions shall be available to stop the flow measurement at flow rates below a preset value,
i.e. flow rate output is forced to 0 m3/d. This value shall be set for positive and negative flows
and is to be determined for each individual meter run. Non- equal distribution of flow between the
meter runs shall be taken into account. This is particularly critical with low differential pressure
across the meter runs.

Any unavailability of the flow measuring station shall only make a small contribution towards the
specified unavailability of the production facility, as defined in the field development plan.
Depending on the availability requirements of the flow measuring station the meters shall be
equipped with full-bore double- block-and- bleed valves to allow the transducers to be accessed
or exchanged at line pressure. As a
Minimum one set (2 pcs) of spare transducers of each transducer type (if applicable) shall be
available and properly stored.

The contractual availability of gas flow may require a station by-pass, which shall be normally
closed and controlled by permits or locks.
Detailed procedures for the verification of secondary instrumentation, such as that used to
monitor and record differential pressure, pressure, temperature, gas composition, density and
relative density shall be prepared for review by the client.
The re-calibration frequency for each component in the measurement system (primary
&secondary instrumentation) shall be included within the recertification procedure document.
Initially, the re-certification frequency for most components should be monthly. As a history of
equipment stability is built up it may be appropriate to increase the intervals between
recalibrations. Prior permission to relax these calibration frequencies must be sought from the
client.
In order to support such an application it will be necessary to show that the instruments remain
within tolerance on a number of successive re-calibrations and are returned to service in the ‘as
found’ condition.
Test equipment used for the calibration of secondary instrumentation should be calibrated
following procedures accredited by client agreed bodies/companies whenever possible.

Periodic removal of the meters for calibration at a recognized test facility. Shall be considering in
recalibration procedure. The period between recalibrations varies from application to application,
generally depending on calibration history and meter throughput, but as a rule it does not exceed
12 months.

Multi-path ultrasonic meters shall include a number of inherent diagnostic capabilities to showing
any drift in its operating characteristic.

Self-diagnostic facilities shall be so that a continuous health-checking regime to be available.

Health-checking regime shall comply bellow items:

a) Operating costs may be reduced.
b) Shifts in meter performance shall be detected (at least qualitatively) when the occur, rather

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Than at the next meter calibration.

c) Shift in meter characteristic caused by physical shock during removal and transport to and
from the calibration facility would be prevented.
d) The introduction of a systematic shift due to faulty procedures at the recalibration facility
(for example, failure to install a flow conditioner) shall be prevented.

Requirements for removing and recalibration ultrasonic meters shall be considered.

The Licensee must ensure that the flow profile during meter calibrations matches, as far as
possible, the predicted ‘in-service’ flow profile.
If the meter is to be installed with a flow conditioner, it must be calibrated with the same design of
Flow conditioner, in the same orientation and position within the meter run.

The ultrasonic meter should be flow-calibrated prior to initial installation. This should take place
at a recognized test facility, demonstrating either National or International accreditation.
Vendor shall inform to client, quality and accuracy of calibration under nitrogen and air instead of
gas.
During first 6 month operation, cleaning of the meter bore is forbidden .It is for preventing of bore
Conditioning in calibrations .This subject shall be considered in calibration procedure whish shall
be supplied by vendor.
Vendor shall inform to client effect of calibration under a pressure and operation under other
pressure.

At each meter calibration, the following information should be recorded:

Serial Numbers of the reference meters used at the test facility.
Full details of the configuration of the pipe work between the reference meter and the meter
under calibration – type and position of bends, step changes in pipe diameter, etc.
The position and type of any flow conditioners in the test line.
Operators should retain this information for each meter (preferably in a dedicated dossier). The
relevant information should be available for inspection at all times.

Statistical interpretation of any data from ultrasonic meter calibrations shall take into account the
number of test runs at each flow rate.

Recalibration of the meter shall be done after replacement of the ultrasonic meter
transducers/detectors or electronics .It shall be considered in recalibration procedures.

27. IMPLEMENTATION OF CALIBRATION DATA

Correction routines employed to compensate for process and environmental effects on the
performance of the meter shall be considered flow computers .Similarly, routines adopted to
generate instantaneous flow rate corrections based on multi-point calibration data shall also be
performed within the flow computer.

The preferred option is point-to-point linear interpolation. A single point flow-weighted average
may be applied if all calibration points lie within 0.1% of their average value.

Vendor shall inform to client minimum pressure which ultrasonic transducers/detectors require
for acoustic Coupling.

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28. UNCERTAINTY

Uncertainty in the measurement of a mass flow rate shall be calculated using the method
presented in Annex A of BS 7965.

Alternative methods may be employed for the determination of uncertainty budgets for the
measurement of mass flow rate; the choice shall be discussed with the client prior to
implementation.

For calculation of the overall uncertainty budgets for metering installations, Operators shall use
realistic ‘field’ values for the uncertainties of the secondary instrumentation rather than the
manufacturers’ claimed values.

29. INSTALLATION
Multi-path transit-time ultrasonic flow meters shall be installed and operated in accordance with
ISO/TR 12765, AGA-9 and Manufacturer's recommended installation practices and applicable
regulations.

Swirl and non-uniform velocity profile effects should be reduced to an insignificant level by proper
installation of the meter.

The metering station shall not be installed where vibration or noise levels interfere with the
performance of the meter. In particular, ultrasonic noise from the so-called ‘quiet’ control valves
can interfere with the operation of ultrasonic meters.

The straight pipe sections located immediately upstream and downstream of the meter should be
Selected, fabricated and installed to ensure minimum impact on the performance of the metering
Station or the specified measurement uncertainty.

If flow conditioners are proposed as part of the system design then the type and location of these
devices shall ensure that these devices don’t generate ultrasonic noise or interact with self-
compensating features built into some types of meter. If flow conditioners are installed then
periodically inspection of these devices shall be considered.

Vendor shall verify that the ultrasonic meter is not influenced by the lay-out of the piping
upstream or
Downstream in such a way that overall uncertainty specifications are exceeded. If necessary,
vendor to advice for flow straighteners of standardized design (ref. ISO 5167) or of agreed
proven design may be installed. The flow straightener may form part of the 10D upstream length.

Meter runs shall be thermally insulated in order to eliminate heat transfer from the piping or
instrument well attachments and to meet any limiting value for the accuracy of flow measurement
required. The length of the insulated section shall at least cover the straight length requirements
and shall include the temperature element.

The centre line of the ultrasonic flow meter shall be within ± 1% of the pipe centre line. Gaskets
shall be fabricated and installed in such a way that they do not protrude at any point inside the
meter tube assembly.

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The bores of the upstream straight length section (10D) and the downstream straight length
section (3D) shall equal the inlet and outlet bores of the meter, respectively.

The location of the pressure tapping to be used as the pressure sensing point for the pressure
measurement shall be in accordance with the Manufacturer's recommendations (often the Pr
point on the body of the meter).

The temperature sensor for the temperature measurement, for one- directional flow
measurement, shall be located between 2D and 5D downstream of the meter. For two directional
flow measurement this location shall be between 3D and 5D upstream or downstream of the
meter. The temperature measurement shall not be influenced by heat transfer from the piping or
thermowell attachment.

The position of the primary element shall enable its easy removal or replacement but shall not be
located so that dirt or liquid may be collected in the meter. The meter shall not be installed in the
immediate vicinity of pressure reduction valves which may affect the ultrasonic signals. Some in-
line noise reduction could be accomplished by tees or short-radius bends.

The pressure and temperature devices installed for PTZ calculation shall be of sufficient
accuracy for the application of meter body expansion routines.
The installation of the instruments shall ensure proper readability of their gauges. Facilities shall
be available for the calibration of the secondary devices.

Pressure measurement instruments etc. and calibration connections shall be mounted in a

dedicated
Temperature- controlled calibration housing, in order to condition the inside environment in line
with the temperature specifications of the calibration equipment, and to accommodate utilities
and calibration facilities.
The design shall cover at least:
- Area classification and electrical safety requirements;
- Room heating and (natural) ventilation;
- Utilities and calibration facilities;
- Sufficient space for the application of calibration equipment.
An additional thermo well shall be provided for reference measurement.

30. ON-LINE COMPUTATION OF THE FLOW RATE

The flow rate (both negative and positive) shall be calculated according to ISO 12765.The
energy flow is determined from the product of the volume flow and the Gross Heating value, both
expressed at the same reference conditions.

31. FISCAL FLOW COMPUTERS

31.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The fiscal flow computer(s) and the associated counter(s)/ticket printer(s) shall comply with local
legal requirements (e.g. weights & measures) and/or requirements of contract parties.

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A flow computer should be dedicated to each meter run. However if multiple meter runs are
computed by one flow computer, an additional stand-by flow computer shall be provided to allow
maintenance or replacement to be carried out without interruption.
The computer of the measuring system shall have no functions other than those associated with
the metering.
The fiscal flow computer may consist of a number of digital computers (e.g. several flow
computers and a supervisory fiscal system). The locations where the different tasks are
performed shall be clearly defined and agreed.
Signal transmission from the gas flow meter and from the sensors to the computer shall be free
of interference and cause no systematic errors.
The computer shall have dedicated calibration and test modes which are activated when the gas
flow meter is undergoing calibration or when the computer is tested. The test mode shall enable
functional testing of all or some of the computer hardware and software functionality. The
computer design shall be such that during calibration or test the amounts shall be registered
separately and independently of measured amounts.
All fiscal quantities for each meter run and the total metering system shall be stored and backed
up internally. The computer shall switch its registration of fiscal quantities to ‘errant’ counters and
electronic storage in case of malfunctioning of the measurement system.
Totalizers shall have sufficient digits so that roll-over can not occur more frequently than every
two months at maximum flow. The figures shall be stored for the time period deemed necessary.
Manually entered parameters shall be displayed without rounding off or truncation of digits.
The resolution on the visual display shall be sufficient to verify the requirements for calculation
accuracy.
It shall be possible to read the binary signal from the A/D converter as an unscaled/
uncompensated value, presented in a binary, hexadecimal or decimal form.
It shall be possible to read the pulses received by the computer from a turbine meter directly or
as a turbine meter calibration factor (pulse transmission check).
It shall be possible to read the information received from an ultrasonic meter for health
monitoring and to judge the meter performance.
When a flow computer is in standby mode, all functions, fiscal values and parameters shall at all
times be available and equal to those in the main flow computer.
The fiscal flow computer system shall provide standardized facilities for data communication with
other (computer) systems.
Full documentation of the flow computer software shall be available providing the functional
design and the implementation of the package (e.g. for audit purposes).
The total error of the analog to digital convertor of the fiscal flow computer, including resolution,
linearity, repeatability and other random errors shall not exceed ± 0.020%.
Algorithm and unintentional rounding- off errors for computations of fiscal quantities in the
computer shall be less than ± 0.001%.
The fiscal flow computer shall be installed in accordance with Manufacturer's recommendations
(temperature, vibration etc.).
The computer shall automatically stop the flow measurement (flow rate output is forced to 0 m3
(STP)/d) at flow rates below a preset value. This value is to be determined for each individual
application (low flow cut-off).

31.2. DATA INTEGRITY AND SECURITY

The overall logical and physical security of a computer configuration shall be demonstrated and
ensured. The computer shall be equipped with automatic self-diagnostic functions, ensuring that,
at any time and at any level, the computer equipment is operating correctly.

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The algorithms and fixed parameters important for accurate computation of fiscal quantities shall
be organized in a layered security system in such a way that they can only be zeroed or altered
by authorized personnel. Any change in algorithms and/or parameters shall be registered and
stored with identification of the initiator and the date, as well as the as-found and the as-left
values of parameters.
The present program version shall be identified by version number.
The version number shall be changed and registered every time permanent program data are
altered. It shall be possible to determine directly the present program version, which shall be
shown on every computer print-out.
The data transmission links shall be continuously monitored and an alarm generated if faults are
detected.
The computer shall have, as a minimum, continuous monitoring facilities for the following
conditions (when applicable):
- Error in execution of routines;
- Error in permanent stored data;
- Error in internal voltage reference values;
- Flow outside the range of the metering system;
- Faulty transmitters, gas chromatographs, densitometers etc.;
- Deviations between measured values, valve status and parallel metering runs.
Typical monitoring interval is 10 seconds or less.

31.3. ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS

The fiscal flow computer shall provide ample recording and logging functions through a secure
communication facility to other systems (e.g. transmission of hourly or daily reports).
The following functions shall be provided by the fiscal flow computer system (if applicable):
- Storage of accumulated fiscal quantities for each metering run and the total metering system
and an option to print these quantities;
- Alarm reports;
- Monthly storage of measured parameters and accumulated quantities for each metering run. An
option for print-out of such data;
- Communication facilities via VDU, printer and terminal.

31.4. PRINT- OUTS AND AUTOMATIC LOGGING

The computer shall have ports for dedicated printers for alarms and reports where required by
legislation. A common printer for alarms and reports may be used if an acceptable priority routine
is established. The computer shall have provision for (suppressed) automatic logging, storing
and reporting of the following information:
- Alarms for any faults detected by the computer;
- Manually entered parameters on the computer that can be changed by an operator.
Where fixed values are used instead of the live signals this shall be identified on the print-out;
- Quantity reports, printed every 24 hours with optional interim reports;
- Instantaneous values for flow rate and all signals from the meters and the instrument loops;
- Any change of parameters or algorithms;
- Calibration reports;
- Configuration parameters e.g. calibration constants, meter dimensions, time averaging period,
and sampling rate.
The computer shall, for each meter run, automatically log and store at intervals of 1 and 24
hours: cumulative quantities and average values of pressure, temperature, density and energy.
Storage retention time for these data shall be as required by regulation or contract.

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31.5. POWER SUPPLY

The metering system shall be powered by an uninterruptable power supply (UPS). Failure of the
normal power supply and UPS fault status shall be monitored and alarmed by the flow computer.
Back-up facilities in each computer shall additionally ensure that fiscal figures are not lost under
any circumstances.

31.6. COMPUTER ROUTINES FOR FISCAL MEASUREMENT

Computer routines for fiscal measurement and calibration shall fulfill the requirements detailed in
the relevant standards.
The time interval of the computer responding to changes of the metering system's input signals
shall not be greater than 1 second. Parameters having longer response time, such as density
and temperature, shall not exceed a response time of 5 seconds.
The computer shall be configurable to perform coherent fiscal calculations applying at least the
following calculations/standards:
- Isentropic exponent, according to applicable standard of this document (3.4.5).
- Kinematic viscosity, according to applicable standard of this document (3.4.5).
- Reynolds number, according to ISO 5167- 1.
- Z0 at Standard Conditions, according to ISO 6976.
- Z at actual temperature and pressure, according to applicable standard of this document
(3.4.5).
- Relative Density, according to ISO 6976.
- Density at Normal Conditions, according to ISO 6976.
- Operating density at actual temperature and pressure, according to ISO 6976.
- Molecular Weight, according to ISO 6976.
- Gross Heating Value, according to ISO 6976.
- Wobbe Index, according to ISO 6976.
- Orifice meters: Actual flow rate, according to ISO 5167- 1
- Turbine meters: Actual flow rate, according to ISO 9951
- Ultrasonic meters: actual flow rate, according to ISO 12765
In order to verify the flow computer software, duly tested and accepted flow and uncertainty
calculation programs, independent of and not identical to the programs used in the flow
computer, that apply the standards cited above and are run on an off- line computer, shall be
available to provide the necessary reference information.

32. AVAILABILITY

32.1. AVAILABILITY AND SPARES

The flow measuring station shall be arranged in such a way that a single failure with its related
failures does not result in a complete loss of measurement.
This means:
· The power supply of the flow measuring station up to and including the field instrumentation
shall be redundant.
· The pressure and temperature measurements shall be redundant.
· For orifice meters, at least the differential pressure measurement with the highest range shall
be redundant.

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· The computing device shall have back-up facilities. In the case of a redundant computing
device with a dedicated back-up printer it is not necessary to have a recorder back-up.
· In some cases legislation may require a turbine meter to be equipped with a mechanical
counter.
· For the determination of the physical properties of the gas by measurement, a spare instrument
or an alternative method shall be available to estimate the required properties.
· The following relationship may be used to show the relationship between the specified
unavailability (U) of the production facility and the contribution of the flow measuring station to
that unavailability:

Unavailability of the Contribution of the flow measuring

production facility (U) station

£ 3% 1% (i.e. contributes £ 0.03% of U)

> 3% 2% (i.e. contributes £ 0.06% of U)

32.2. EXCEPTIONS

Simultaneous failure of the power supply and the back-up supply shall not be designed for. In
multi-meter run stations the requirement for independently operating back-up computing devices
and transmitters shall be specified and agreed on the basis of the availability requirements for
each individual application.

33. VALIDATION AND MAINTENANCE

33.1. GENERAL
The station operator shall duly provide auditable procedures and instructions pertaining to the
validation and maintenance of each individual measurement station. These procedures shall
ensure that the measuring station is validated and maintained so as to retain its design
performance during its service life.

Validation comprises calibration and, if necessary, adjustment of the gas flow meters and the
secondary instrumentation pertaining to the measuring system. A component shall only be
adjusted if its calibration shows errors outside the maximum permissible error limits.

33.2. TRACEABILITY
Calibration shall be traceable to national standards and should be performed at conditions as
close as possible to the actual operating conditions. It shall be carried out over the whole
operating range of the component. Calibration of a component at different conditions is only
acceptable if this is accounted for in agreed uncertainty calculations.

33.3. CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT

Equipment used for calibration and adjustment shall have a valid calibration certificate issued by
a national or accredited laboratory. Such equipment shall have an uncertainty of measurement of

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maximally one third of the uncertainty of the instruments to be calibrated under the conditions at
which the tests take place.
Calibration certificates shall specify the systematic error in the measurement result as a function
of calibrated range and include a statement on the uncertainty of the calibration results.

33.4. CALIBRATION INTERVALS

Initial minimal calibration intervals shall be established per type of instrument, based on the
assessment of the drift and its associated uncertainty. With increasing certainty of instrument
performance, calibration intervals shall be adapted in steps (increase by 1.5, decrease by 0.5),
respecting minimum and maximum intervals per instrument type.

33.5. RECORDS
All data pertaining to calibrations, adjustments (measurement data, calibration factors, events
etc.) and changes in parameters shall be registered and stored for a period of time required by
regulation or agreement. This information shall be conditionally accessible for inspection by
contract parties (witnessing).

33.6. INITIAL CALIBRATION AND METER CHECK

The initial calibration certificate of an ultrasonic flow meter shall be based on a comparative
calibration against an approved and traceable metering standard. At the time of initial calibration
a full metrology and geometry check of the meter shall be carried out. The calibration and checks
shall together constitute the “footprint” of the meter, which will be used at future verifications.
These verifications will consist solely of the metrology and geometry tests (ref. AGA-9), the
results of which will, after comparison with the footprint, lead to re-certification or rejection (dry
calibration).

34. UNCERTAINTY
The uncertainty of the gas flow meters and the secondary instrumentation shall at least comply
with the legal/contractual requirements.
The maximum permissible planned accuracy errors shall be specified for the following:
- For the components of the measuring system that can be calibrated and adjusted individually
and can be replaced in case of failure;
- For the measuring system as a whole, if required by the contract. A systematic error in one
component of the measuring system shall not be cancelled out by an opposite systematic error in
another component.

35. UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS

The station operator shall be able to demonstrate that the error of each component of the
measuring system for which a maximum permissible error has been specified and/or of the
measuring system as a whole lies within the maximum permissible error (2 sigma). For this
purpose a well documented uncertainty analysis of the measuring system is required.

36. STATION MANUAL

The station operator shall prepare a station manual comprising comprehensive and detailed
instructions for the operation, calibration, adjustment, maintenance and documentation of the
primary and secondary fiscal flow measurement devices at the measurement station.
These instructions shall include:
- Preparation and leak testing;
- Calibration of primary elements: turbine meters, check of orifice meters (meter run and plate)
and ultrasonic meters (dry calibration);

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- Calibration of secondary instruments: pressure, differential pressure, temperature transmitters,

density and relative density cell, gas chromatograph;
- Determination and documentation of the accuracy and measurement error per instrument and
of the overall station;
- Check of signal transmission between sensors and computer;
- Judgment of instrument and/or station performance, preferably via a statistical approach in
order to enable easy comparison of results;
- initiating changes in calibration and maintenance intervals,
- Handling and communication of acknowledged measurement deviations exceeding agreed
limits, with special attention to the notification of this sensitive information to parties and
authorities.
A practical procedure including rules for intervention in the setting of instruments and handling of
measurement deviations should be agreed amongst parties and include the following aspects:
- Intervention shall be based on control and significance limits established per instrument or
instrument group and registered in the station manual. The control limit (CL) is the measurement
deviation which, if exceeded, justifies adjustment of the instrument. The significance limit (SL) is
the measurement deviation which, if repeatedly exceeded in one direction, justifies adjustment of
the instrument.
- Setting and adjustment of the limits.
- Definition of maximum allowable deviation of the total measurement system and its control limit.
- Procedure to be followed if SL and CL are exceeded especially as to their possible effects on
the overall deviation of the measurement system.
- Determination of the overall deviation of the measurement system for a mutually agreed yearly
averaged flow rate.

37. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

The station operator shall prepare procedures governing competences and responsibilities for
validation, maintenance, modification and assessment of fiscal flow measurement stations.
These procedures shall comprise:
- Organizational responsibilities for planning, scheduling and implementation of calibration DEP
32.32.00.12-Gen. December 1999 Page 35 and maintenance activities;
- Organizational responsibilities with respect to the modification of the fiscal flow measurement
installations;
- Nomination of qualified and competent instrumentation technician, responsible for calibration
and maintenance of fiscal measurement systems;
- Formulation of a yearly plan for maintenance and calibration of the fiscal flow measurement
stations, agreed with operations and other parties;
- Formulation of performance indicators necessary to judge the performance of the fiscal
measurement station and its components (hardware and software);
- Realization of improvements/changes in instrumentation and/or their calibration/maintenance
instructions.
- clear instructions, in line with the gas contract, for informing witnessing parties about future
calibrations, their non-interference with local activities and their access to installations and
relevant information.
Where applicable the operation of the meter run and by-pass valves, the pressure regulation
equipment and associated filters should be checked for correct operation if they have an
influence on the performance of the measuring system.

38. PARAMETER SETTINGS

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The validity of the gas-composition parameters of the fiscal measurement stations (e.g. calorific
value, relative density, CO2 etc.) shall be regularly reviewed according to a contractually agreed
procedure.
Relative density and gross heating value, calculated via ISO 6976 from the valid analysis results
of last year’s periodic sampling, shall be individually reviewed and compared with the respective
existing reference values based on the parameter determination procedure of the previous
year(s). While the deviations of these individual parameters remain within a certain margin (e.g.
0.2%), the physical properties of the gas are considered to be unchanged.
If deviations exceed this margin of the reference values, parameter outliers shall be identified
and eliminated using Grubb’s test for the rejection of outliers (ref. ISO/TR 5168).
For this test the newly calculated parameters shall be supplemented with existing parameters of
earlier years (minimal 6, maximal 25). From this data set, after elimination of possible outliers, an
arithmetical average shall be calculated. If the resulting parameters are within or equal to the
margin of the reference parameters, then the physical properties of the gas are considered to be
unchanged and the parameter setting of the station shall remain constant.
If this arithmetical average exceeds the margin of the existing reference values then the
compositions used for the Grubb’s test (rejection of outliers) shall be averaged per component
and normalized at 100%. From these averaged and normalized components new reference
parameter values shall be calculated and installed in the station at an agreed point in time.
The above process shall be documented, registered and stored for a period of time required by
regulation or agreement.

39. MEASUREMENT MANUAL

Within an agreed period (e.g. three months after start-up of the station) the measurement manual
of the fiscal measuring station shall be available to all parties involved. This manual shall give a
detailed description of the flow measuring station. In this manual, the following information shall
be specified in detail:
- the operating conditions, design parameters (partly originating from the contract), (uncertainty)
calculations, PEFS, engineering details, instrument specifications, specific maintenance and
validation procedures etc;
- Description of measurement system;
- Methods and criteria for measurement corrections in case of dispute;
- Measurement values inferred instead of directly measured;
- agreed tolerances of measurement;
- Documentation in support of the qualitative and quantitative operation of the measurement
station (including logbook, calibration results/reports, (yearly) planning, parameter list of flow
computer, gas composition information, maintenance activities etc.);
- Cases not covered in the manual (refer to the contract).
It shall describe the following:
- Methods and instrumentation for measuring and/or calculating the quantity, composition and
physical properties of the natural gas;
- Estimation of the uncertainty of the flow rate measurement;
- Methods, procedures and criteria applicable to the quality assurance of the flow measuring
station.
The logbook shall comprise:
- Maintenance/validation activities;
- Operational activities;
- Latest calibration result;
- Latest sample analysis;
- Etc.

This document is the property of N.I.O.C.. Any unauthorized attempt to reproduce it, in any form, is strictly prohibited

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 South Pars Gas Field Development – Phases 22, 23 & 24

Doc. No. RP-2224-999-1511-065 Rev. 1

40. OPERATIONS MANUAL

The operator of the measuring station shall prepare and maintain auditable procedures for its
operation. These procedures shall ensure that the measuring station is operated within and
retains its design performance during its service life. They shall be agreed between the parties
involved and include:
- A functional description of the equipment in service during normal operation.
- A list of alarms that can occur and how they should be followed up.
- Planning of periodic measurement station inspection to ensure that the measuring system
performs within the required accuracy and maintains the agreed level of reliability. The frequency
of inspection/calibration should be based on the required system uncertainty, the meter
performance and any changes to the process parameters.
The gas flow meters should be examined for signs of faulty operation such as excessive noise,
irregular movement of the index and evidence of corrosion or other damage.
Typical inspection intervals for primary elements are:
Ultrasonic meters: once per 3 years
Orifice plate: once per 2 years
Meter runs: once per 6 years
Turbine meters: once per 3 years
- (Yearly) planning of calibrations for existing and new measurement stations and where
necessary the review of the calibration interval. Review of possible gas supply constraints
resulting from limited measurement capacity.
- (Yearly) planning of natural gas sampling and sample frequency for existing and new
measurement stations and handling of parallel sampling in accordance with the contract.
- Instructions for intervention (e.g. calibration) if the agreed uncertainty limits are exceeded and
the nature of such overshoot (exceeding of the control limit, the significance limit, total station
uncertainty etc.).
- Switching meter runs in or out to meet capacity demand of the measurement station.
Switching of meter runs via the upstream isolation valves to keep the instrumentation at line
pressure for optimal performance.
Flow rates and operating pressures shall be checked periodically to ensure that the measuring
system, including the secondary instrumentation, is operating within the design constraints.
Where meters require periodic lubrication this shall be undertaken in accordance with the
Manufacturer's recommendations.
Vendor shall provide maintenance / operation / validation manuals according to above
requirements.

This document is the property of N.I.O.C.. Any unauthorized attempt to reproduce it, in any form, is strictly prohibited

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