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Flow Measurement and Prover Calibration
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Flow Measurement and Prover Calibration From production platforms through pipeline systems to tankers and oil refineries, from terminals through inland distribution systems, inaccurate measurement leaves a company exposed to the risk of large financial losses. Meter proving is increasingly required within the process of dynamic measurements to ensure that the highest practicable measurement accuracy is achieved. Depending on the facilities available, SGS can provide equipment and expertise to prove meter accuracy and calibrate the meter associated instrumentation to maintain measurement standards. By reducing measurement uncertainties in quantity determination, we can ensure the highest possible accuracy. Mobile and static test rigs are used to calibrate flow meters, ranging from the very large meters used for pipeline transfers, to the smallest meters employed in the process industries. We have at our disposal a wide range of measurement reference standards such as pipe-provers, master meters and prover tanks. An extensive range of pipe, volumetric and gravimetric provers is available, and reference meters calibrated for use on a wide variety of products are strategically placed at our branches. In order to achieve and maintain accurate results in flow measurement, it is necessary to regularly compare flow meters with approved reference measurement standards. From this it will be readily understood that the reference "standard" itself must also be accurate; otherwise, erroneous metered volumes will arise. In addition to the accuracy of the reference "standard", of equal importance is the need to establish traceability back to an internationally-accepted primary standard. Without this "traceability", the calibrated volume of the loop or tank may not be acceptable to all parties in the international trade and oil movements. The calibration history of the average prover loop falls into three distinct categories:
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