TANKS

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 Gauge & Surge Tanks
Lecture Objectives,
By the end of this lecture, YOU should be able to:

 Explain the functions of the Tanks

 Describe their principle of operation
 Select them
 List all safety aspects
 Explain what are (f) and CMF

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CONTENTS

 Function
 Description
 Selection
 Safety
 References
 Meter Factor (f)
 Shrinkage Factor (1-shr)
 Combined Meter Factor (CMF)

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PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS
 Storing liquids when pressure is low.

 Storing liquids when large samples are required

 Metering liquids when flow-rate is low

 Measuring the Shrinkage Factor (1-shr)

TANK reading
 Calibrating the separator’s liquid meter f = METER reading

 Using as second-stage separator (Surge tank only)

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GAUGE TAN DESCRIPTION

 Non-pressurized vessel.

 Two compartments (one of which can be emptied by

the transfer pump while the other is being filled).

 The sight-glass level is used to calculate the change

in volume based on the physical dimensions of the
tank.

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 TANKS
100 BBLS GAUGE TANK

Butterfly
valve

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GAUGE TANK SELECTION
 No H2S.
 Safety regulations, On-shore, Off-shore.
 Atmospheric pressure.
 Two compartments (2 x 50bbls and 500bbls
storage tank)
 Available space.
 Effluent inlet & outlet connections: 3” 602 weco-
union.
 Extensions plastic hoses for the gas vent lines are
required.

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GAUGE TANK SAFETY

 Flame arrestors on vent line.

 Grounding straps to prevent build up of
static charge.
 Cannot be used when H2S is present
because gas is released to atmosphere.

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GAUGE TANK SAFETY

 The container frame is certified

for lifting to DNV2.7-1 (EN 12079).

 Transport it when it is empty.

 Prior to conduct any maintenance inside the tank, it

must be properly steam cleaned and degassed ( Apply
PTW).
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SURGE TANK DESCRIPTION
 Pressurized vessel.
 One or Two compartments (one of which can
be emptied by the transfer pump while the
other is being filled).
 The sight-glass level is used to calculate the
change in volume based on the physical
dimensions of the tank.
 Can also be used as a second-stage separator.

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SURGE TANK DESCRIPTION
Safety relief valves
Hi level alarm
Gas outlet

Sight-glass
Man-hole

Outlet 3” fig 602

Automatic PCV Inlet 3” fig 602

Safety Outlet
4” fig 602
Gas outlet
4” fig 602
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SURGE TANK DESCRIPTION

Sight-glass with Safety ball valve

Automatic control valve on

Gas outlet: PCV (Normally open)

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SURGE TANK SELECTION
 H2S.
 Safety regulations, On-shore, Off-shore.
 One or Two compartments & Pressurized vessels:
- 1 x 80bbls & 50 psi WP
- 2 x 50bbls & 150psi WP
 Available space.
 Oil inlet & outlet connections: 3” 602 weco-union.
 Gas outlet and Vent line connection: 4” 602 weco-union.
 Extra Gas manifold for gas outlet

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SURGE TANK SAFETY
 Compulsory whenever H2S is present.
 Automatic pressure control valve.
 High and Low level alarm.
 Two Safety Relief valve against overpressure.
 Grounding strap for static discharge.
 A separate gas line with Flame Arrestor to the
burner must be used.

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METER FACTOR (f)

 Done before the Flow test (shop or well site) at several

flow rates, with water or diesel, it is the correction factor
(mechanical error) of the separator liquid meter.
 Read the initial level of water in tank.
 Divert water to tank (start pumping water) &
simultaneous take the meter reading at the oil flow line.
 Divert water flow back to burners (stop pumping water)
after 10 bbls passed through meter.
 Take the final level of water.

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SHRINKAGE FACTOR
 Shrinkage Factor (1- Shr) =

 It is the oil volume change between separator conditions

and atmospheric conditions (Pressure & Temperature)
 (The Shrinkage measurement it’s also call GOR2, it’s the
volume of gas remaining into the oil outlet separator)
 Note: At the time the final tank reading is taken, the tank
temperature is also recorded.
 (A correction for temperature (K) is applied in order to
report flow rates at standard conditions: 14.73 psia @ 60
degF)

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CONTENTS
Tank (True) reading
Combined Meter Factor (CMF) =
Meter reading
 It is the Meter Factor with the Shrinkage Factor and it is
taken on site, during Flow test through separator.
 Read the initial level of oil in tank.
 Divert oil flow to tank & simultaneous take the meter
reading at the oil flow line.
 Divert oil flow back to burners after 10 bbls passed through
meter
 Before taking the final level of oil in tank and temperature,
wait until all the gas has escaped from the oil (at least 30
minutes).

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Any Questions?

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