TANKS

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 TANKS

Contents:

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

Principal functions of Gauge & Surge Tanks:

•Storing liquids when pressure is low
•Storing liquids when large samples are required
•Metering liquids when flowrate 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)

 TANKS

Gauge Tank 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
Gauge Tank description:
Gauge Tank Selection:
•No H2S.
•Safety regulations, On-shore, Off-shore.
•Atmospheric pressure.
•Two compartments (2 x 50bbls and 2 x 100bbls)
•Available space.
•Effluent inlet & outlet connections: 3” 602 weco-
union.
•Extensions plastic hoses for the gas vent lines are
required.
Gauge Tank Safety:
•Flame arrestors on each vent.
•Thief hatch (safety seams) in case the vessel is
accidentally overpressured.
•Grounding straps to prevent build up of static
charge.
•Cannot be used when H2S is present because gas
is released to atmosphere.
Gauge Tank description:

Sight-glasses
(2
compartments)

Butterfly
valve 3”

3”
(Fig 602 weco-union
connections)
Gauge Tank Safety:
•Transport it when it is empty

•Prior to conduct any maintenance inside the

tank, it must be properly steam cleaned and
degassed.
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.
Surge Tank description: Gas outlet
(ended with Flame arrestor)
High-level alarm Safety relief valves (2)
(horn)
Sight-glass (2)

Man-hole (2)
Oil inlet 3” 602 F Automatic PCV
Oil outlet 3” 602 Gas outlet*
M 4” 602 Male
Safety outlet
Grounding strap
Surge Tank description:
•Sight-glass with Safety ball valve

•Automatic control valve on

Gas outlet: PCV (Normally
open)
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.
•
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.
Meter Factor (f) =
Done before the Flowtest (shop or wellsite) at several flowrates, 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.
f Tank (True)
•Take the final level of water.
reading
= Meter reading
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
flowrates at standard conditions: 14.73 psia @ 60 degF)
Combined Meter Factor (CMF) =
It is the Meter Factor with the Shrinkage Factor and it is taken on site,
during Flowtest 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).

CMF Tank (True)

reading
= Meter reading
References:
. On Line Training
. InTouch: Technical Data Sheet
& Maintenance manual
. ST training manual
. Three Animations=
The End