In the Oil & Gas Industry there are three main reasons for calibrating instruments: to determine their accuracy; to ensure readings are consistent with other measurements and to establish overall reliability.
Calibration is a comparison between a known measurement – the standard – and the measurement presented by a working instrument.
Building a baseline: zero point calibration
To calibrate an instrument, measurements need to be compared to a standard value to determine accuracy.
Consider the Fluenta FGM 160. The meter accurately tracks gases being emitted through a flare stack, detects leaks for mass balance, and provides accurate measurement of very low and high flow rates in flare systems. Zero point calibration of the FGM 160 – and the setting of span values – reveals an allowed measurement range for the instrument. With this information technicians can easily identify when the flare meter is malfunctioning or performing below its required levels.
Why is calibration required?
If flare gas meters are not properly calibrated their accuracy can be greatly reduced.
Fluenta’s role is to accurately measure the volume of gas that is flared. Failing to regularly service and calibrate equipment results in measurement tools malfunctioning needlessly. Poor meter accuracy can impact on the safe disposal of excess gas and potentially increase the likelihood of explosion.
Calibration of key instruments should be periodically carried out to prevent unplanned repairs requiring plant shutdowns. An unplanned shutdown of a plant can be an expensive by-product of poor calibration. Unscheduled repairs can last weeks and costs companies millions of dollars in lost revenue.
A regular check-up
Fluenta is committed to providing customers with the most robust, reliable and accurate flare gas meters on the market. By maintaining our meters with a high level of service, our customers can expect Fluenta products to deliver reliable and effective measurement at all times.
