Industrial Automation

Metering Skids at process industries

What is metering skid?

Metering Skids at process industries 1
  • Metering skids are key parts of the process sector because they precisely measure and regulate fluid flow, which is a crucial task. 
  • These skid-mounted systems are pre-engineered and flexible, built to handle different flow rates and fluid types, and are essential in a variety of industries, including water treatment, oil and gas, and petrochemicals.
  • Metering skids are crucial equipment for the process industry because they offer precise fluid flow measurement and control. 
  • They are essential for streamlining procedures, boosting safety, and satisfying regulatory requirements because to their modular design, standardization, and adaptability.

What is the function of metering skid?

  • Measuring the precise amount of fluid flowing through a production line is the main purpose of metering skids. 
  • An automated system for measuring crude oil, natural gas, and other goods, a metering skid is made up of a number of measurement devices assembled on a steel frame. 
  • They are employed in custody transfer metering to establish financial estimates.

What are the components of a metering skid?

They typically include a number of crucial elements that cooperate to produce precise readings and flow control:

Flow Meters

  • The brain of any metering skid is a flow meter. They are in charge of determining the flow rate of the fluid. 
  • These include ultrasonic, magnetic, Coriolis, positive displacement, and turbine flow meters, among other varieties. 
  • The kind of fluid, flow rate, pressure, temperature, and level of precision required all play a role in choosing the right flow meter.
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Control Valves

  • Control valves are essential for controlling the fluid’s flow rate. 
  • They are controlled by signals received from the process control system and flow meters. 
  • The flow rate can be accurately regulated to match process requirements through controlling the valve opening.
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Instrumentation

  • Various instrumentation devices are installed on metering skids in order to monitor the process conditions and ensure reliable measurements. 
  • In order to record important process parameters, this equipment also comprises pressure gauges, temperature sensors, level indicators, and other devices.
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Data Acquiring and Control System

  • Metering skids come with a data acquisition and control system to manage the measurement and control operation. 
  • Data from flow meters and other instruments are gathered by this system, which also does computations and connects to the main process control system.
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What is the purpose of the metering skid?

Metering skids benefit process industries in a number of ways, enhancing process effectiveness, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Accurate measurements 

  • Metering skids’ capacity to deliver accurate and trustworthy flow readings is its main benefit. 
  • In order to prevent waste, meet production goals, and ensure that the proper volume of fluid is moving through the process, precision is essential.

Mobility and Modularity 

  • Metering skids are made as pre-assembled, modular systems in a controlled environment. 
  • This modularity makes it simple to transport, install, and integrate into current processes, cutting down on the time and expense of on-site building.
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Quality Control and Standardization 

  • Metering skids are constructed in accordance with best practices and industry standards. 
  • These tools are trustworthy and effective in the process industry because of the standardization, which guarantees uniform quality and performance across numerous skids.

 Safety Features

  • Metering skids come with safety elements to safeguard the workers and the operation.
  • These characteristics might include safety measures to stop accidents and property damage, such as pressure relief valves, emergency shutdown systems, and others.

Regulatory Conformity

  • Metering skids assist industries in adhering to rules and standards pertaining to precise measurement and management. 
  • This is particularly significant for sectors where fluid custody is transferred since accurate measurement is essential for billing and contractual requirements.

Adaptability and Customization

  • Metering skids can be modified to meet the needs of certain applications. 
  • The design of the skid can be modified by engineers to accommodate diverse fluid kinds, flow rates, and pressure circumstances, assuring optimal performance for various procedures.

Maintenance simplicity

  • Systems that are installed on skids are simpler to maintain and troubleshoot. 
  • Simple access to components is made possible by the integrated design, which also makes maintenance easier and reduces downtime.

What is the use of metering skid?

Metering skids are used in a variety of sectors to ensure accurate and efficient management of fluids during various production and distribution phases. 

Metering skids are used in a variety of industries, including the following:

Oil and gas plants

  • Metering skids are used in the oil and gas industry to transfer custody of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and natural gas. 
  • When moving fluids between parties, these skids ensure accurate measurement and financial reporting.

Petrochemical plant

  •  In the petrochemical sector, metering skids are used to measure and regulate the flow of different chemicals and petrochemical products throughout processing and distribution.

Water Treatment plant

  • Metering skids are used in water treatment facilities to keep an eye on and control the flow of water and chemicals during various treatment procedures, assuring a supply of adequate and clean water.

Chemical Processing plant

  • Metering skids are essential for correctly dosing and managing the flow of chemicals in chemical plants in order to produce the desired reactions and process results.

Food and Beverage industries

  • Measuring skids are used in the food and beverage industry for precise flow control during a variety of production steps, including pasteurization, filling containers, and combining ingredients.

Pharmaceuticals plant

  • Measuring and controlling the flow of components, solvents, and products is essential in pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure accurate medication formulation.

Power Generation industries

  • Measuring and controlling the flow of water, steam, or other fluids at different stages of power generation, such as cooling water, boiler feedwater, and fuel delivery, is done in power plants using metering skids.

Mining and minerals industries

  • Measuring skids are used in the mining sector to precisely measure and regulate slurries, chemicals, and water during the mineral processing process.

Considerations for Designing the metering skid

When constructing metering skids, numerous elements need to be taken into consideration to ensure that the end product will have optimal performance, including the following:

Fluid Properties

  • The choice of flow meter and other components depends on the kind of fluid being measured, such as liquid, gas, or slurry.

Range of Flow Rate

  • To choose a flow meter that can accurately cover the needed measurement range, the projected flow rate range must be taken into account.

Requirements for accuracy

  •  Depending on the application and industry standards, flow measurements may need to be as accurate as possible.

Pressure and Temperature

  • The components for the skid must be chosen to withstand the pressure and temperature requirements for the process fluid.

Compatibility of Materials

  • To prevent corrosion or contamination, the building materials must be suitable for the process fluid.

Considerations for Safety

  • The design should include safety elements like pressure relief valves and emergency shutdown mechanisms.

Environmental circumstances

  • The skid must be built to endure environmental elements like humidity, temperature shifts, and potential contact with dangerous substances.

Integration with Current Systems

  • The process control and automation systems already in place must be compatible with the metering skid.

Sundareswaran Iyalunaidu

With over 24 years of dedicated experience, I am a seasoned professional specializing in the commissioning, maintenance, and installation of Electrical, Instrumentation and Control systems. My expertise extends across a spectrum of industries, including Power stations, Oil and Gas, Aluminium, Utilities, Steel and Continuous process industries. Tweet me @sundareshinfohe

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