Gauge Tank PDF

Gauge Tank
Reference: InTouch content ID # 4245117

Version: 1.0
Release Date: 12-Jun-2007
EDMS UID: 1649508520
Produced: 13-Jun-2007 13:43:13
Owner: ELC Testing
Author: P. Quéré
Private Gauge Tank, calibration o f meter s
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Gauge Tank
Reference: InTouch content ID # 4245117
Version: 1.0
Release Date: 12-Jun-2007
EDMS UID: 1649508520
Published: 13-Jun-2007 13:43:13
Owner: ELC Testing
Author: P. Quéré
Private Gauge Tank, calibration o f meter s
Copyright © 2007 Sophia, Unpublished Work. All rights reserved.

TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — Gauge
Tank / Legal Information
Legal Information
This work contains the confidential and proprietary trade secrets of Schlumberger
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ELC Testing\P. Quéré\InTouch content ID # 4245117\1.0\Release Date:12-Jun-2007\EDMS UID: 1649508520\Produced: 13-Jun-2007 13:43:13
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to identify the products and services described herein are either trademarks,
trade names or service marks of Schlumberger and its licensors, or are the
property of their respective owners. These marks may not be copied, imitated
or used, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of
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without the express prior written permission of Schlumberger.
A complete list of Schlumberger marks may be viewed at the Schlumberger

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Tank / Document Control
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Owner: ELC Testing
compass-support@slb.com
Author: P. Quéré
Reviewer: C. Rojas
Approver: P.Chaigne
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Tank / Document Control
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v TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — v
Gauge Tank / Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Overview
1.1 Introduction __________________________________________________ 1-1
1.2 Features and Benefits ________________________________________ 1-1
1.3 Applications _________________________________________________ 1-2
2 Full Training Package

2.1 Introduction __________________________________________________ 2-1
2.2 Objectives ___________________________________________________ 2-3
2.3 Principle of Operation ________________________________________ 2-3

2.4 Equipment ___________________________________________________ 2-8
2.5 Safety ______________________________________________________ 2-10
2.6 Maintenance ________________________________________________ 2-11
2.7 Summary ___________________________________________________ 2-11
2.8 Posttest ____________________________________________________ 2-12
2.9 References _________________________________________________ 2-12
2.10 Other Useful Links __________________________________________ 2-12
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vi TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — vi
Gauge Tank / Table of Contents
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vii TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment vii
— Gauge Tank / List of Figures
List of Figures
1-1 Gauge Tank _______________________________________________________ 1-1

2-1 Gauge Tank Picture________________________________________________ 2-1
2-2 Surface Test Equipment____________________________________________ 2-2
2-3 Gauge Tank _______________________________________________________ 2-4
2-4 Flame Arrestor ____________________________________________________ 2-5
2-5 Gauge Tank 100 bbl (FGTS-B) _____________________________________ 2-8
2-6 Gauge Tank 200 bbl (FGTS-C) _____________________________________ 2-9
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viii TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment viii
— Gauge Tank / List of Figures
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1-i TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — 1-i
Gauge Tank / Overview
1 Overview
1.1 Introduction ____________________________________________________ 1-1
1.2 Features and Benefits __________________________________________ 1-1
1.3 Applications ___________________________________________________ 1-2
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1-ii TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — 1-ii
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1-1 TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — 1-1
1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
The gauge tank is a non-pressurized vessel used to measure low liquid flow
rates or to control the calibration of the liquid flow meters.
The gauge tank cannot be used when H2S is present in the effluent because
the gas released from the tank is vented to the atmosphere, where it could
endanger personnel.
Figure 1-1: Gauge Tank
1.2 Features and Benefits

The gauge tank has the following features and benefits:
• Two compartments: one can be emptied while the other is being filled.
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1-2 TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment — 1-2
• Graduated sight glasses used to record changes in liquid levels. Liquid

levels are used to calculate the change in volume based on the physical
dimensions of the tank.
• Two flame arrestors one on each gas vent line.
• A shearing roof (with safety seams) that will split in case of accidental
overpressure.
• A grounding strap preventing the build up of static charges.
Oil flow rates influence critical decisions that clients make about a well. The
principal benefit the gauge tank offers is the calculation of an accurate flow rate.
The oil flow rate is calculated by measuring the volume of oil passing through
a meter over a specified period of time. The oil meter reading is altered by the
presence of gas in the oil leaving from the separator. Using an inaccurate volume
reading to calculate the flow rate would yield a flow rate also inaccurate.
The gauge tank allows degassed volume measurements to be taken and to

be compared to metered volume readings to yield a ratio called the volume
correction factor. Multiplying the oil meter reading by this factor results in a
corrected volume measurement that can be used to calculate an accurate flow
rate.
1.3 Applications
One of the gauge tank main applications is to check the calibration of the oil
meters mounted on the separator oil lines. But it has other applications as well:
• When the flow rate is too low to drive efficiently oil to the burners, the tank
can be used to store oil temporarily.
• In low flow rate conditions separator meters are not reliable, so the gauge
tank can be used to meter oil flow rates.
• The gauge tank is also used to store oil when large non-pressurized samples
(dead samples) are required.
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2-i TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment 2-i
— Gauge Tank / Full Training Package
2 Full Training Package

2.1 Introduction ____________________________________________________ 2-1
2.2 Objectives _____________________________________________________ 2-3
2.3 Principle of Operation __________________________________________ 2-3
2.3.1 Gauge Tank Components ____________________________________ 2-4
2.3.2 Correction Factors for the Liquid Meters Readings _____________ 2-6
2.3.3 The Meter Factor (f) and Combined Meter Factor (CMF)
Multimedia __________________________________________________ 2-6
2.4 Equipment _____________________________________________________ 2-8
2.4.1 Gauge Tank Selection Guidelines _____________________________ 2-9
2.5 Safety _________________________________________________________ 2-10

2.6 Maintenance __________________________________________________ 2-11
2.7 Summary ______________________________________________________ 2-11
2.8 Posttest _______________________________________________________ 2-12
2.9 References ____________________________________________________ 2-12
2.10 Other Useful Links ____________________________________________ 2-12
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2-ii TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment 2-ii
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2-1 TS Technology Based Training — Well Testing — Surface Testing — Equipment 2-1
2 Full Training Package Gauge Tank, calibration of meters
2.1 Introduction
Figure 2-1: Gauge Tank Picture
The "Surface Test Equipment" figure shows where the gauge tank is located in
relationship to the other pieces of surface testing equipment. The inlet of the
gauge tank is connected to the separator oil outlet. The tank outlet is lined up
to the transfer pump used to empty the tank to the burners. The gauge tank is
un-pressurized, unlike its counterpart the surge tank. The gauge tank cannot
be used when H2S is present in the effluent because the gas released from the
tank is vented to the atmosphere, where it could endanger personnel. The surge
tank is used instead.
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Figure 2-2: Surface Test Equipment

The functions of the gauge tank are listed below:
• Storing liquids when the pressure is low: When oil leaves from the
separator under low pressure, the oil burners can not operate properly and
it can lead to pollution. To solve this problem, the oil is stored temporarily
in the tank. Then, a transfer pump is used to drive the oil to the burners
under sufficient pressure.
• Storing liquids when large non-pressurized samples (dead samples)
are required: It is unrealistic to take large samples of oil from a pressurized
vessel, like the separator. For this reason, the gauge tank is used to store
oil before it is sampled. From the tank, dead (degassed) oil can easily be
transferred to sample drums.
• Metering liquids when the flow rate is low: Sometimes oil flow rates are
so low that they do not register on the oil meter at the separator. When it is
impossible to measure the flow rate at the separator, the gauge tank is used
instead. The oil flow rate at the gauge tank is calculated by measuring the
volume of oil that accumulates in the tank over a defined period of time.
• Calculating the volume correction factor at the tank to check the
accuracy of the oil meters readings: The oil flow meters at the separator
are not 100% correct. When oil leaves from the separator, it still contains
some dissolved gas. In addition, the meter may not be correctly calibrated.
By comparing the volume reading at the oil meter with the actual volume
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measured at the tank (true reading), a correction factor can be obtained.

This correction factor, referred to as the "Combined Meter Factor" (CMF),
reflects two adjustments:
– Meter factor (f).- This is a calibration adjustment reflecting the meter

inaccuracy. It is dependant upon the fluid density and the flow rate.
– Shrinkage factor (1-shr) - The difference in the oil volume read at the
separator and the volume measured at the tank is also due to the loss
of gas when the oil is exposed to the atmospheric pressure in the tank.
This loss of volume is called the shrinkage factor.
The meter factor and the shrinkage factor can also be taken separately.
In this case, the shrinkage factor is measured at the separator using a
shrinkage tester.
2.2 Objectives
Upon completion of this package, you should be able to:
• Explain the purpose of the gauge tank.

• Describe its applications and limitations.
• Identify and explain how the main components of the gauge tank work.
Upon completion of the Compass Tasksheets for the Gauge Tank, you should be
able to:
• Disassemble one of the flame arrestors to see how it operates.

• While emptying one tank compartment using a transfer pump, fill up the
other compartment.
• Direct flow from one compartment to the other.
• Check the condition of the grounding strap and safety seam.
• Review FIT and TRIM (see Glossary) procedures for the gauge tank as
described in the relevant maintenance manual, review the InTouch Gauge
Tank reference page and study the Field Operating Handbook (FOH) for
Surface Well Testing.
2.3 Principle of Operation

This topic lists the main components of the gauge tank and describes how the
tank is used to check the calibration of the meters. Scroll down for detailed
information on each component.
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Figure 2-3: Gauge Tank
2.3.1 Gauge Tank Components

Safety Seams - They are located on the roof of the gauge tank and are made of
plates riveted together. If the tank is accidentally over-pressurized, the rivets will
snap and the roof of the tank will lift to relieve the pressure
Sight Glasses - These are transparent plastic tubes, located on the front of the
tank. They are used to monitor the liquid levels in the tank compartments. A
graduated scale on the sight glass permits level readings. A conversion based on
the physical dimensions of the tank is applied to calculate the change in volume.
Gauging Ports - Located on the roof of the tank, these ports allow liquid levels in
the tank compartments to be manually monitored with a simple measuring stick
when sight glasses are out of order.
Liquid Levels - The liquid levels located at the bottom of the tank allow you to
see the amount of water and sediment in the tank. High amounts of sediment
are undesirable.
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Gas Vent Lines - The tank is fitted with two gas exhaust lines: one per
compartment. These lines allow gas in the oil to escape from the tank. Gas vent
lines are made up of a piping system of flexible plastic hoses that vent gas far
away from the work area at the well site or overboard on an offshore rig.
Flame Arrestors - The purpose of these safety devices, mounted on the gas
vent lines, is to stop a fire from propagating inside the tank. They are filled with
steel wool to ensure that no oil droplets are carried away with the gas.
Figure 2-4: Flame Arrestor
Butterfly Valves - The inlet and outlet manifold of the tank are equipped with
butterfly valves (see Glossary). These valves are used to direct the flow to or
from the tank compartments. They also permit to bypass the tank.
Inspection Hatch - Each compartment in the tank has a removable panel for
internal inspection and cleaning.
Grounding Strap - The gauge tank is grounded with a grounding strap, allowing
static electricity to be discharged, so sparks can be avoided. The build up of
static charges of electricity may be caused by the friction from flowing fluids.
Onshore, the strap is connected to an iron stake driven into the ground. Offshore,
it is welded to a clean spot on the deck of the rig.
Fire Fighting Ports - The tank is fitted with two ports (not shown) that are
designed to connect to the rig’s fire fighting equipment. In case of a fire, these
ports are used to inject CO2 foam or Halon inside the tank.
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2.3.2 Correction Factors for the Liquid Meters Readings

Technical and economic considerations related to the development of a new
reservoir may depend on the accuracy of the oil flow rates. Incorrect flow rates
could cause the client to make inappropriate decisions about the well, leading in
turn to expensive implications.
As explained in the previous sections of this module, the oil flow meters at the
separator are not 100% correct. It is important to verify their degree of accuracy.
When oil leaves from the separator, it still contains some dissolved gas. In
addition, the meter may not be correctly calibrated. By comparing the volume
reading at the oil meter with the actual volume measured at the tank (true
reading), a correction factor can be obtained.
There are two common methods to perform this check:
• Meter Factor (f)

This is a calibration adjustment reflecting the meter inaccuracy. It is
dependant upon the fluid density and the flow rate.
• Combined Meter Factor (CMF)
The CMF combines the Meter Factor (f) and the shrinkage factor (1-shr). The
shrinkage factor compensates for the loss in volume due to the gas released
from the oil when exposed to atmospheric conditions.
The following animation illustrates the steps required to obtain the Meter Factor
(f) and the Combined Meter Factor (CMF).
2.3.3 The Meter Factor (f) and Combined Meter Factor

(CMF) Multimedia
Objective: To understand the procedure to take and to calculate a Meter factor
(f) and a Combined Meter Factor (CMF)
NOTE: Multimedia is currently available only in HTML publications.
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The following steps must be followed to operate the equipment safely to calculate
an accurate Meter Factor (f) or Combined Meter Factor (CMF):
1. With the flow directed to the burner, read the initial level in the tank after
allowing shrinkage to take place.
2. Divert the flow from the burner to the tank and simultaneously take a meter
reading at the oil flow line and record the time.
3. Verify that the level of oil in the tank is rising. (This tells you that oil from the
separator was diverted and is flowing properly.)
4. Verify that there is no pressure build up in the tank.
5. Check frequently at the gas vent line outlets for liquid or foam carryover.
To avoid carryover, do not allow more than 80% of a tank compartment to
be filled.
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6. Once the chosen volume has been flown through the meter, divert the oil flow
back from the tank to the burners and simultaneously take a meter reading at
the oil flow line and record the time.
7. If a Meter Factor is taken, take the final tank reading immediately and
perform calculation.
If a Combined Meter Factor (CMF) is taken, wait until all the gas has escaped
from the oil before taking the final tank reading, altogether with the temperature.
A correction for temperature (temperature coefficient) is applied in order to report
the flow rates at standard conditions: 14.65 psi (atmospheric) and 60°F.
2.4 Equipment
Gauge tanks are available in 100- and 200-barrel capacities. The 100-barrel
version is the most common.
The following datasheets show the most common types of gauge tanks available
and their respective specifications. For additional information, please refer to
In TouchSupport.com.
Figure 2-5: Gauge Tank 100 bbl (FGTS-B)
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Figure 2-6: Gauge Tank 200 bbl (FGTS-C)
2.4.1 Gauge Tank Selection Guidelines

The principal criteria for selecting a gauge tank are:
• The expected flow rate and well effluent properties.

• The environmental regulations regulating the rig or well site.
• If the project requirements specify that a surge tank is required, a gauge
tank is usually not needed.
• Storage requirements for some jobs may require more than one gauge tank.
• The use of a gauge tank is forbidden when H2S is present or expected.
Additional selection considerations are:
• Extensions for the gas vent lines may be required.

• High oil flow rates can cause excessive pressure that will burst the safety
seams on the tank.
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2.5 Safety
The following is a list of key safety considerations for gauge tanks:
• The gauge tank cannot be used when H2S is present in the effluent because
the gas released from the tank is vented to the atmosphere, where it could
endanger personnel.
• Before diverting the oil from the separator to the gauge tank, you must check
the ability of the gas vent lines to discharge the full volume of gas liberated
when the pressure drops from separator to atmospheric pressure. Refer to
the charts in the chapter Tank Operations of the Field Operating Handbook
(FOH) for Surface Well Testing.
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• When using the gauging ports, check the gas vent lines to make sure a
significant amount of gas is not being vented. If a significant amount of gas
is being vented, measure the liquid levels later or wear a protective mask.
When measuring liquid levels through gauging ports, it is always a good
practice to wear a mask and a safety harness.
• When diverting the oil to the tank, always limit the flow rate to avoid filling the
tank too rapidly. A flow restrictor upstream the tank is recommenced. In case
of high flow rates, someone should constantly monitor liquid levels and be
ready to divert the flow back to the burners to prevent carry over.
• Prior to conducting any repair inside of the tank, it must be properly steam
cleaned and degassed. The person repairing the tank must be in constant
contact with a watch person on the outside of the tank.
• Transport the gauge tank when it is empty; even a partially filled tank has a
much higher weight than an empty tank, likely to be above the MGW of the
tank and the rating of the lifting slings and accessories.
• Do not lift the gauge tank by the top eyes unless it is physically checked that
tank compartments are emptied and free from any liquids and sediments.
Otherwise, use the anchor shoes on the skid that are designed for this
purpose.
2.6 Maintenance
For information about gauge tank preparation and functional checks, see the
recommended steps in the Field Operating Handbook (FOH) for Surface Well
Testing. For information about equipment maintenance, refer to the relevant
maintenance manual and to the Field Operating Handbook (FOH) for Surface
Well Testing.
For this type of equipment, it is quite common to implement some modifications

issued by the product center (Modification recaps-MR). Some MR can be
mandatory and are listed under the Technical Alerts in InTouchSupport.com.
Up to date information is available under the InTouch Gauge Tank Reference

Page.
2.7 Summary
In this training page, we have discussed:
• The functions (see Introduction) of the gauge tank.
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• Why and how the gauge tank is used to calibrate the meters (see Correction
Factors for the Liquid Meters Readings).
• The main components of the gauge tank (see Gauge Tank Components).
• The key safety points (see Safety) to observe when using a gauge tank.
2.8 Posttest
To access the posttest, click the link below.
Test your understanding
2.9 References
• Gauge Tank Reference Page
2-1
• Field Operating Handbook II (FOH II) (Feb 1994). M-073899.
• Job Preparation Handbook for Well Testing Operations (April 1996).
M-073913.2-2
• Pressure Operations Manual rev. 5.2
• Testing Services Catalog (2002). SMP-7086-1.2-3
2.10 Other Useful Links

• LMS Login Page
• LMS Reference Page
• COMPASS Reference Page
2-1. Schlumberger publication order number
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Gauge Tank

Reference: InTouch content ID # 4245117

Private Gauge Tank, calibration o f meter s

Copyright © 2007 Schlumberger, Unpublished Work. All rights reserved.

REMOVE THIS PAGE

● Sophia - remove the previous (Schlumberger) cover

● ALL other channels - remove the following (Sophia) cover

When the document is ready for reproduction,

Private Gauge Tank, calibration o f meter s

Copyright © 2007 Sophia, Unpublished Work. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2007 Schlumberger, Unpublished Work. All rights reserved.

Trademarks & Service marks

Schlumberger, the Schlumberger logotype, and other words or symbols used

A complete list of Schlumberger marks may be viewed at the Schlumberger

Name: ELC Testing

2 Full Training Package

2.3 Principle of Operation ________________________________________ 2-3

1-1 Gauge Tank _______________________________________________________ 1-1

Figure 1-1: Gauge Tank

1.2 Features and Benefits

• Graduated sight glasses used to record changes in liquid levels. Liquid

The gauge tank allows degassed volume measurements to be taken and to

2 Full Training Package

2.5 Safety _________________________________________________________ 2-10

2 Full Training Package Gauge Tank, calibration of meters

Figure 2-1: Gauge Tank Picture

Figure 2-2: Surface Test Equipment

The functions of the gauge tank are listed below:

measured at the tank (true reading), a correction factor can be obtained.

– Meter factor (f).- This is a calibration adjustment reflecting the meter

• Explain the purpose of the gauge tank.

• Disassemble one of the flame arrestors to see how it operates.

2.3 Principle of Operation

Figure 2-3: Gauge Tank

2.3.1 Gauge Tank Components

Figure 2-4: Flame Arrestor

2.3.2 Correction Factors for the Liquid Meters Readings

There are two common methods to perform this check:

• Meter Factor (f)

2.3.3 The Meter Factor (f) and Combined Meter Factor

NOTE: Multimedia is currently available only in HTML publications.

NOTE: Multimedia is currently available only in HTML publications.

NOTE: Multimedia is currently available only in HTML publications.

NOTE: Multimedia is currently available only in HTML publications.

NOTE: Multimedia is currently available only in HTML publications.

NOTE: Multimedia is currently available only in HTML publications.

NOTE: Multimedia is currently available only in HTML publications.

NOTE: Multimedia is currently available only in HTML publications.

Figure 2-5: Gauge Tank 100 bbl (FGTS-B)

Figure 2-6: Gauge Tank 200 bbl (FGTS-C)

2.4.1 Gauge Tank Selection Guidelines

• The expected flow rate and well effluent properties.

Additional selection considerations are:

• Extensions for the gas vent lines may be required.

For this type of equipment, it is quite common to implement some modifications

Up to date information is available under the InTouch Gauge Tank Reference

• The functions (see Introduction) of the gauge tank.

Test your understanding

2.10 Other Useful Links

2-1. Schlumberger publication order number

2-2. Schlumberger publication order number

2-3. Schlumberger publication order number

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