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NGL Meter Station Design Calculator

Custody Transfer Measurement

NGL Meter Station Design
Determine meter station configuration, required components, and design parameters for NGL custody transfer measurement. Based on Enterprise Products methodology by Tony Lockard.

Product Information

Purity = volumetric, Mixed = mass measurement

Auto-selected based on product, can override

Operating Conditions

BPH

Barrels per hour at flowing conditions

psig
°F
psia

At operating temperature

Meter Configuration

psi

Typical: 2-10 psi depending on meter size

Station Options

Requires additional instrumentation

Recommended for turbine meters

Meter Technology Selection

  • Turbine: Good linearity, requires flow conditioning, affected by viscosity changes
  • Coriolis: Direct mass, measures density, minimal flow conditioning needed
  • PD: Excellent low-flow performance, requires clean fluid, higher maintenance

Standards & References

  • API MPMS Ch. 5
    Metering - General Provisions
  • API MPMS Ch. 11.1
    Temperature and Pressure Volume Correction
  • GPA 8182
    Standard for Mass Measurement of NGLs
  • Enterprise Products
    NGL Metering Guidelines (Tony Lockard)

Engineering Notes

  • Back pressure: Must exceed EVP + meter ΔP + safety margin to prevent flashing
  • Straight runs: Turbine meters need 10D upstream with conditioner (30D without)
  • Proving: API requires ±0.02% repeatability for custody transfer
  • Sampling: ISO/GPA standards require isokinetic sampling for mixed products

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the NGL meter station calculator design?

It designs NGL meter stations for custody transfer measurement, determining components, back pressure requirements, and straight pipe runs.

What methodology does this calculator use?

It is based on Enterprise Products methodology for NGL custody transfer measurement station design.

What outputs does the NGL meter station calculator provide?

It determines station components, back pressure requirements, and required straight pipe run lengths.