Everything You Should Know About Sampling Systems

The sampling system is at the center of any oil and gas, hydrocarbon processing, and petroleum gas handling industry unit. They may exist as a particular unrefined petroleum inspecting framework or necessary for a more extensive framework as a programmed sampling system.

Sampling frameworks work on a double-layer premise. On the one hand, they are critical to guarantee that the fiscal tasks are running at the ideal rate and giving the results they were intended to give. On the subsequent layer, testing frameworks assume a critical part in guaranteeing that the liquid quality all through every one of the definite layers of the plant is steady according to the administrative and mechanical requirements. This is the reason why it gets pivotal to the operations.

The sampling skid intimates many skilled professionals, plant managers, and owners in this industry as complex engineering products. For anyone eager to know about sampling system can start with the below things that can help you understand its basics:

Inline programmed sampling framework: A system, regardless of whether utilized as a crude oil testing framework, can be amazingly useful for projects where reliable inspecting is required, yet the analyzers can be kept away from the cycle. They are called 'Inline' because such a framework can be effortlessly mounted on the critical line conveying the liquid. An inline examining framework can be of extraordinary use, given its programmed usefulness. An arrangement of this kind destroys the need to run the analyzer and the inspecting cycle since it consequently does that. Such a framework draws a tiny segment of the liquid (as little as one cc) and analyzes it on predetermined characteristics.

Liquid fast loop sampling framework: These inspecting frameworks come into the picture when analyzers are obligatory, either due to the specialized interest of the undertaking or due to regulatory proposals. They are either utilized as an independent framework to deal with the quality or are coordinated with the mainline. The most significant benefit of utilizing such a system is that it requires no stoppage time for support since it tends to be kept as an independent framework from the mainline. The fast loop sampling system extracts a stream of process lines using the Jiskoot sampling system mounted in the pipeline center. 

Picking the right sampling situation: The proper testing situation ought to give constant information, fit the task's care requirements, and be difficult to support without hindering the mainline a lot.

Ultrasonic Flow Meters: Design and Working Explained

Liquid and gas metering systems offer great performance and ultrasonic flow meters are quite popular a choice. Ultrasonic flow meter can be explained as a unique transducer which is capable of determining stream flow levels of various liquids or gases in a pipe by using ultrasonic signals.
 

In this post, we will understand the design and working principle of ultrasonic flow meters.
 

Ultrasonic Flowmeter Design

 

Ultrasonic flowmeters utilize an ultrasonic pulse which starts at frequencies ranging from 20,000 Hz and 1000 MHz. The flow meter comprises of three major parts named signal source, receiver and converter. A signal emerging from the source passes through the stream and finally goes to the receiver. Thereafter it goes to the convertor where the result is analyzed. Numerous pairs of sensors are installed and they are placed against each other. More often they are placed diagonally from the axis of the pipeline and they exchange signals. When you have such an arrangement in place, exchange of sound signals becomes easy in both directions of the flow- in the flow direction as well as against it. If the pipeline happens to be empty, both signals tend to cover the distance with equal speed. To put is simple, the higher the flow velocity, the higher the time difference between the signals.
 

Crude oil custody transfer metering systems are indispensable to the liquid and gas industry and ultrasonic flowmeters are a crucial part of it. Now, let’s take a look at various types of ultrasonic flow meters.
 

Types of Ultrasonic Flowmeters-

There are a number of ultrasonic flow meters which actually depends on the method of measurement. The measurement method can be Doppler, transit time and open channel.
 

Doppler:

Doppler measurement method enables the measurement of consumption in substances with huge proportion of impurities. The scattering of ultrasonic waves which come in contact with tiny particles in the flow stream are used to determine the speed.
 

A slight drawback of this method is lack of accuracy because the data is collected from a variety of particles.
 

Time transit:

The phase of the signal on the receiving piezoelectric elements is recorded. The receiver calculates the amplitude and speed ratio with which the ultrasound passes in the direction of the flow. The device later on serves the purpose of comparing results. You must note that a different schedule is run for the signals moving against the stream.
 

Open channel:

In this method the time of signal passage from the source to the receiver is analyzed along and against the flow. Pressure, density and temperature impact the duration of the signal movement. In this procedure, the time difference is proportional to the rate of flow.
 

Do you need more information about custody transfer metering systems? Feel free to contact us for the same.

Nitrogen generator has been helpful to numerous people in the pharmaceutical, food and beverages, and electronics industry. Generating nitrogen onsite is a better choice than gas deliveries. Compared to the nitrogen tanks and bottles, a nitrogen generator helps by reducing the overall cost and gets the work in limited time. Nitrogen generator membrane system, on the other hand, used the membrane technology to separate nitrogen from other gases present in the air, guaranteeing purity. While the terms may sound too technical, it is much easier when understood. And to help you out, we have prepared this blog to help you understand the basic types of nitrogen generator systems for power plants.

As clearly the term says nitrogen generator, it does not generate or create nitrogen. These generators use the nitrogen that is already present in the air and purify it by getting rid of the additional molecules. As taught in science, the air contains 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen and other gases. The other gases include gases like carbon dioxide, argon, and water vapour. Traces of methane, helium, krypton, and hydrogen are also found in the air.

When we talk about separating nitrogen from the air, we need to understand that there are more ways to do it. Apart from the nitrogen generator membrane system, the other one that is commonly used is the Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) technology.

1. Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) technology: 

PSA technology also helps in removing the extra molecules. In PSA technology, the unwanted molecules are absorbed to separate the nitrogen. The PSA nitrogen generator is made up of two towers that contain molecular sieve, particularly made of carbon. This carbon molecular sieve acts as the soaks up the nitrogen and oxygen molecules when the air is pressurized in one of the towers. All the additional, unwanted molecules are then released out into the atmosphere after the nitrogen molecules have been separated. The pure nitrogen produced is then used to remove moisture in the power plants and helps in averting corrosion.

2. Membrane Nitrogen Systems:

The nitrogen generator membrane systems are known for producing the purest nitrogen, which is 99.5%. The membrane technology is used by companies to separate gases from nitrogen, including oxygen distinctly. In the membrane technology, compressed air is forced into a vessel. This vessel has a tube-like structure surrounded by polymeric hollow fiber. This polymeric fiber selectively pervades water vapour, oxygen, and other unwanted substances out of the walls. This allows the nitrogen to pass through the center easily and gets collected together outside. This helps the power plant owners to enjoy the plenty of gas produced with minimal maintenance.

3. Custom Nitrogen Systems:

Some of the power plants need customized nitrogen generators according to the needs. Here companies like Oil and Gas Systems International play an important role in providing the required nitrogen system, according to the client's need.

Nitrogen generators take less than a day to get installed and help you collect pure nitrogen cost-effectively. You may not be using the power plants all the time. Using nitrogen generators you can now prevent oxidization and rust when not in use.

Importance of a Fuel Gas Conditioning System on Skid

Fuel gas conditioning is aimed at purifying fuel gas so that it is efficiently used by the turbine. Efficient fuel gas conditioning is important because it not only improves efficiency, but also keeps at bay any sort of damage to the gas turbine. Downtime can hurt enterprises a big time and hence by having a good fuel gas conditioning system, undesired downtime can be avoided. By combining a fuel gas conditioning system into a modular process skid, a number of benefits can be extracted. Some of the benefits are efficiency, cost and speed. There is plethora of fuel gas conditioning service providers offering attractive fuel gas treatment packages to choose from.

Why is Fuel Gas Conditioning Crucial?

Fuel gas conditioning system on skid is extremely important. Usually fuel gas consists of some impurities which can take many forms and are capable to cause damage to the gas turbine if overlooked. A good fuel gas conditioning system on skid equips you with the following advantages-

• Increased gas turbine longevity
• Enhanced gas turbine performance
• Reduced periodic maintenance costs
• Decreased unexpected downtime
• Enhance the overall performance of the gas turbine as well as engine

Types of Impurities Eliminated by a Fuel Gas Conditioning System on Skid

We are now aware of the significance of a fuel gas conditioning system as well as the benefits it offers. Impurities eliminated by a fuel gas conditioning system are in 3 physical states - liquid, solid and gas.

Liquid: -

Usually liquid impurities found in fuel gas are condensed gas, water, lube oil and heavy hydrocarbon. If ignored, liquid impurities may cause heavy temperature fluctuations. Hot spots in combustor might occur as a result. Besides, emissions and deposits are also on the cards.

Solid: -

Impurities in solid form include rust, mill scale and sand. If these impurities are ignored, corrosion in the gas turbine might build up which is potentially detrimental to the system and the overall performance and longevity.

Gases: -

Carbon dioxide, Siloxane and Hydrogen Sulfide are some of the impurities in gaseous form. Not only do these impurities lead to deposits, emissions and corrosion, but badly affect the performance and functioning of the gas turbine. Beside, increased pollution is also detrimental to the environment. Apparently your system remains no longer compliant to mandatory standards.

By having a good fuel gas conditioning system on skid, you not only improve the longevity of the entire system as well as performance but also prevent the environment. If you are not sure about where to begin, you can contact a professional fuel gas conditioning service provider and ask for a fuel gas treatment package that fits your needs.

Use of Nitrogen in Oil Extraction

Under normal circumstances, only 15% of the oil can be extracted from an oil well. This low efficiency is caused by the pressure produced by the oil well. To increase the efficiency of the extraction, oil companies deploy a number of methods such as gas lift and stimulation but these methods have a very negative impact on the environment and only improve the efficiency by not more than 50%.

Nitrogen is a natural gas that is perfect for re-pressurizing oil wells because of its inert gas properties. Moreover, being an inert gas, Nitrogen does not have any corrosive effect on the drilling equipment and is suitable for use in acidic as well as the saline environment. Nitrogen also helps in displacing oxygen in the drilling rigs and thus reduces the chances of oxidation.

Nitrogen generators help in increased pressure in the oil well during the extraction process to improve the efficiency. They can be used in depleted oil wells as well to extract hard-to-recover oil and increase the efficiency of oil extraction in depleted reservoirs by more than 180%.

Functioning of Nitrogen Generators

Nitrogen generators don't create Nitrogen but actually separate it from other elements. They use various methods to segregate nitrogen from the rest of the gases.

There are two methods that are used to separate gaseous in the air which are, Pressure Swing Adsorption and Nitrogen generator membrane system.

Adsorption Based Generators

These kinds of generators work by using compressed air to generate a continuous stream of nitrogen gas. The high pressured air is passed through carbon molecular sieve in the first cylinder which absorbs the oxygen molecules, and the remaining nitrogen gas is passed to the second cylinder while the first cylinder vents out the contaminants, mainly oxygen.

This method is mostly deployed for enhanced oil recovery, extraction, and underbalanced drilling operations.

Membrane-Based Generators 

A Nitrogen generator membrane system works by filtering air and passes it through advanced membrane fibers. The hollow fibers function as reverse filters. Oxygen moves easily throughout the fiber walls, but nitrogen gets caught inside the fibers and passes to the end of the fiber tubes. As a result, compressed gaseous nitrogen is generated.

The purity of Nitrogen can be altered by using various membrane sizes and increasing or decreasing the air pressure.

Compared to membrane-based generators, adsorptive nitrogen generators have a higher purity and low energy consumption. But adsorptive nitrogen generators need much larger space on the site and require more maintenance.

The Need and Functioning of Fuel Gas Conditioning Systems

Fuel gas treatment skids are used for the treatment of raw production gas. Fuel gas conditioning skids are developed to provide clean, treated gas that is essential for gas-driven types of machinery such as turbine and generator.

The gas after treatment can also be used for other purposes such as utility gas, blanketing gas or seal gas. Fuel gas treatment systems are commonly referred to as fuel gas conditioning systems, fuel gas treatment packages or fuel gas filtration and heating packages.

If generated gas is not adequately treated before supplying into the combustion chamber of gas driven generators, it can lead to significant damage to the whole machinery. Even tiny amounts of liquids, solids or over-pressurized gas entering the combustion chamber can have a deleterious impact.

Fuel gas conditioning systems are designed to shield gas-fueled engines and turbines from over-pressure, liquids, solids, and aerosols. Moreover, heating the gas correctly above the dew point of water and hydrocarbons prevents liquid condensation in the combustion chambers.

Fuel gas treatment systems are designed to adjust the following parameters:

• The temperature of the gas
• Gas pressure
• Removal of solid impurities (dust and particles)
• Removal of liquid and condensed vapors.

The reduction of gas pressure, its filtration and scrubbing along with the cooling or heating of the gas helps in ensuring that only dry and clean gas is supplied into the combustion chamber.

Design & Functioning

The design of a fuel gas conditioning system involves a scrubber vessel or knock-out drum, coalescing filters, gas heaters, valves for pressure reduction, flow meters, and operations & emergency valves typically.

The system is mostly installed downstream to the header of the productions with a glycol contactor or separator for conditioning. Fuel gas systems can be installed with coolers or heaters depending on the conditions of the feed gas inlet.

Pressure control valves are also connected to adjust the pressure of the production gas as per the level required by the system. This leads to an adiabatic cooling effect which can lead to the formation of condensates.

The liquids and condensates that enter into the gas are scrubbed out to prevent carry-over of any fluid into the equipment downstream. The gas is then directed to the filter-coalesce units to additionally remove any solid particles or liquid carry-over. In a few scenarios, pre-heating is needed before the gas is let down.
In the final stage of the process, the gas can be superheated to ensure temperatures remain above the dew point in the downstream till it's ready for delivery to the consumer.

3 Reasons Why a Metering System is Exactly What Your Business Needs

Running a production heavy business is no easy task. There are so many floor efficiencies to be taken care of that it can completely distract the management from the core business and building strategies for the future. If you are in a business which deals with fluids in any ways, you definitely need a sophisticated metering system in place.

Metering systems can become the backbone of operations for any business dealing with fluids, especially those in natural gas and hydrocarbons. There are several rules and regulations to be taken care of; but above and beyond this as well; there can be several reasons why your business may need a fiscal metering skid:

1.       The proportion of liquid on each level of the process matters to the operations

For most of the businesses in the oil and natural gas industries; this can be a make or break point. If the crude oil metering system is not functioning as per its required levels, it can create havocs for the business. If you are in a business that requires precision on the most minute and granular levels, you should have a fiscal metering grid in place.

2.       You need to get operational efficiency data from time to time

The faster a business wants to grow, the more sophisticated it has to become; and this sophistication comes with excellence in operations. In order to keep the operations running tight, you will need the data to see if they are up to the mark and take corrective actions immediately, as and when required. This is where a crude oil metering system can help you out.

3.       You are in a business which has to regularly work purification of fluids

Fluid purification is offered as a separate service and some businesses like to keep it in house. For whichever business you are in, it is crucial to keep the fluids at their required purified levels. If this is not done, it can have a negative domino effect on all the levels of operations.