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Advances in Flowmeter Proving for Shale Fields

Mass and density calibration has come to the field

Permian Basin ©Endress+Hauser

Expansion of shale oil and gas fields in the U.S. have increased the need for regular calibration of flowmeters and level devices. Conventional calibration methods are expensive and time consuming with high levels of uncertainty. Recent developments now bring laboratory quality calibrations to the shale fields with field reference meter standards systems deployed through third-party service providers.

Anticipating a challenge

Estimates are that more than 5,000 wells will be drilled in the Permian Basin over the next 20 years and each will have a flowmeter or two requiring calibration and proving. Meeting these calibration requirements in oil and gas fields is difficult because shale plays are often in remote and isolated locations, far from proper maintenance facilities. Flowmeter proving must be conducted on a regular basis due to regulations, legal contracts and validating accurate internal transfer of product.

Proposing a solution

This increased demand, coupled with a shortage of staff and systems, has created a “calibration crisis” in many shale fields. The solution to this problem lies with better methods for calibration. Rather than removing flowmeters for shipment to calibration labs, recent developments—now being deployed in the Permian Basin—bring flowmeter calibration to the shale fields. Download the white paper to learn more about our solution!