Pipeline Meter Skid and Our Compressor Training Class
July, 2018 – Newsletter
Birth of a Pipeline Meter Skid
Pipeline metering is not new, it’s used every day for asset and revenue accounting purposes. What is new are some of the technologies that are used in these systems. Metering skids have become more complex with ultrasonic meters, turbine meters, densitometers, in-line provers along with automated DB&B valves, basket strainers, etc. Determining what goes in a pipeline meter skid to ensure you have the highest quality system for accuracy yet keeping the costs reasonable is the first step in a successful capital project. These systems are custom to each site requirement and desired goal for the system. To explore the process from project order to installation at site, our ongoing series will explore the many steps necessary to achieve the best outcome possible.
Step 1: Finding the right supplier: Now you’re asking “Is this the sales pitch?” Sure, don’t turn away yet! See if this rings true: you placed your bid package out for quotes, had to be a minimum of three! They are all received on time. They all look generally the same. All appears equal, until you get to the $$$. You will always have a high, middle, and low. That low bidder looks good, appears to have all we asked for- BAM WON! The boss is happy.
There is no downside here, right. Yet this is what we hear from PM’s, “they were the lowest, but they didn’t have enough experience and it has ended up costing me more to fix the problems”. Not all suppliers are equal. Finding a supplier that has the knowledge and experience in the industry, along with full in-house capabilities can be invaluable.
Making the decision on who to have quote your project is crucial to the success of your project. Does the supplier have all the capabilities needed such as mechanical and electrical engineers that can make suggestions on your system’s efficiency? Is the fabrication facility staffed with pipefitters, welders and assemblers that understand not only how to read drawings, but understand what the system is supposed to do ensuring accuracy? Is document and quality control well managed to ensure you have traceability through the process? Are standards understood and incorporated into your system design?
These are just some of the aspects that may cost more on the front end, yet can save you significant heartache and money on the back end. The next step will be to look at the design aspect. What you are trying to accomplish, and the best way to make it happen.
Next time Step 2: Engineering what you need, not what you want.
Y-Grade Truck Loading Meter Skid ready to ship after wet test FAT for an S&S Midstream client. Skid utilizes a Micromotion meter, controller with card reader, Newson Gale ground verification, dead-man control handle with 30’ cable, prover connections for meter proving, N2 triggered emergency shutdown valves. All custom designed with controls and panel work to meet the client’s specific process conditions. Contact us for more information.
Compressor Training Class in progress today in our Kentucky compressor service center
Jim Zuccarell and Justin Johnson are in full training mode today demonstrating how to do routine maintenance on Blackmer compressors. This group is learning more about the 2-stage they use in vapor recovery units. Learn how to get your team competent with our 2 day training classes.
