PDVSA

ENGINEERING DESIGN MANUAL

VOLUME 9–II

ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

PDVSA N° TITLE

K–342 DESIGN CRITERIA FOR FISCAL, SALE AND

CUSTODY TRANSFER MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS

0 OCT.02 APPROVED 52 N.L. Y.K. R.R.

REV. DATE DESCRIPTION PAG. REV. APPD. APPD.

APPD. Youhad Kerbaje DATE OCT.02 APPD. Raúl Rivero DATE OCT.02

E PDVSA, 1983 SPECIALISTS

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REVISION DATE
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AND CUSTODY TRANSFER MEASUREMENT 0 OCT.02
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Indice
1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.1 Petróleos de Venezuela – PDVSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Process Industry Practices (PIP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.4 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2 Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.10 Measurement Quality Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.11 Sensor Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.12 Considerations for Installation and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.13 Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.14 Sensor location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.15 Special Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1 Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2 Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.3 Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.4 Uncertainties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.5 Availability/Sparing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6 OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.1 Operating Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.2 Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.3 Sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.4 Quantity Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.5 Safeguarding and Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.6 Heating/Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.7 Chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
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7 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
8 BATTERY LIMIT REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
9 TEST/COMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
10 PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
11 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
12 PROVING/AUDIT REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
13 BACKUP PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
14 SYSTEM CERTIFICATE OF CALIBRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
15 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
15.1 Solids Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
15.2 Liquid measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
15.3 Gas measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
15.4 Steam measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
15.5 Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
16 QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose
This engineering specification provides designers with requirements for the
design, fabrication, testing, installation and commissioning of Measurement
Systems for fiscal, custody transfer and sale of crude oil, gas and most common
materials, products, fuel and utilities in PDVSA.

1.2 Scope
The scope of this engineering specification includes design criteria and
operating/maintenance guidelines of system for fiscal and/or custody transfer
measurement for crude oil, gas and most common materials, products, fuel and
utilities in PDVSA.
This standard covers the measurement of the following products and services:

Hydrocarbon Liquids
S Crude oil
S Light refined products
S Heavy refined products: asphalt, wax, paraffin.
S Liquid Gas: LPG, LNG
Non Hydrocarbon Liquids
S Chemical substances and products
S Effluents
S Water for reservoir flooding
Hydrocarbons Gas
S Natural Gas
S Ethane
S Methane
S Propane
Non Hydrocarbon Gas
S Nitrogen
S CO2
Solids
S Chemical substances and products
S Sulfur
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Utilities
S Water
S Steam
S Air
S Electricity

2 REFERENCES
Applicable considerations in the latest edition (or in the edition indicated) of the
following standards and regulations may be referred to in order to obtain additional
information. Short titles may be used herein as appropriate.
Validation of recommendations referred from Draft or Temporal Standards shall be
verified and the parties shall approve their use.

2.1 Petróleos de Venezuela – PDVSA

K–301 Pressure Instrumentation.
K–302 Flow Instrumentation.
K–303 Level Instrumentation.
K–304 Temperature Instrumentation,
K–305 Process Analyzers.
K–332 Control Valves.
K–369 Instrumentation QA / QC
MDP–11–MT–01 Feeding Systems for Solids.
MDP–11–MT–02 Conveyor Systems for Solids: Conveyer Belting.
MDP–11–MT–03 Conveyor Systems for Solids: Chain, Jack, Vibrating
and “in Mass” Type Conveyors, and Bucket Elevators.
MDP–11–MT–04 Conveyor Systems for solids: Pneumatic
Transportation.
MDP–11–MM–01 Bulk Solid Material Sampling.
MDP–11–MS–01 Storage in silos and hoppers.

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

S AGA 7 Measurement of gas by turbine meters – AGA Transmission
Measurement Committee Report No. 7.
S AGA 8 Compressibility factors of Natural Gas and other related hydrocarbon
gases, AGA Transmission Measurement Committee Report No. 8.
S API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS)
– API H00004 Draft Standard, November 2000, Measurement of
Single–phase, Intermediate and Finished Hydrocarbon Fluids by Coriolis
Meters.
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– API H00006 Draft Standard, June 2001, Measurement of Crude Oil by

Coriolis Meters.
– API MPMS Chapter 2, Section 2A, Tank Calibration – Measurement and
Calibration of Upright Cylindrical Tanks by the Manual Tank Strapping
Method.
– API MPMS Chapter 2, Section 2B, Tank Calibration – Calibration of Upright
Cylindrical Tanks Using the Optical Reference Line Method.
– API MPMS Chapter 4, Section 1, Proving Systems –Introduction.
– API MPMS Chapter 4, Section 2, Proving Systems – Conventional Pipe
Provers.
– API MPMS Chapter 4, Section 3, Proving Systems – Small Volumes
Provers.
– API MPMS Chapter 4, Section 4, Proving Systems – Tank Provers.
– API MPMS Chapter 4, Section 5, Proving Systems – Master Meter Provers.
– API MPMS Chapter 4, Section 6, Proving Systems – Pulses Interpolation.
– API MPMS Chapter 4, Section 7, Proving Systems – Field Standards Test
Measures,
– API MPMS Chapter 4, Section 8, Proving System – Operation of Proving
Systems.
– API MPMS Chapter 5, Section 2, Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by
Displacement Meters
– API MPMS Chapter 6, Section 1 Lease Automatic Custody Transfer
Systems (LACT)
– API MPMS Chapter 6, Section 6 Pipeline Metering Systems
– API MPMS Chapter 6, Section 7 Metering Viscous Hydrocarbons
– API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 1, Calculation of Static Petroleum Quantities
– Upright Cylindrical Tanks and Marine Vessels.
– API MPMS Chapter 12, Section 2, Calculation of Liquid Petroleum
Quantities Measured by Turbine or Displacement Meters.
– API MPMS Chapter 14.6 Continuos Density Measurement.
– API MPMS Chapter 14.7 Mass Measurement of Natural Gas Liquids
– API MPMS Chapter 14.8 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Measurement.
– API MPMS Chapter 21, Sections 1 and 2. Flow Measurement Using
Electronic Metering Systems.
S ISO IEC 3309 Telecommunication and Information; exchange between
systems; high–level datalink control (HDLC) procedure; frame structure.
S ISO 5168, 1978 Measurement of Fluid flow: Expression of Uncertainty of a Fluid
Flow Measurement Rate.
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S ISO 5167–1 Measurement of fluid flow by means of pressure differential

devices – Part 1: Orifice plates, nozzles and Venturi tubes inserted in circular
cross–section conduits running full
S ISO 6976 Natural gas – Calculation of calorific values, density, relative density
and Wobbe index from composition
S ISO 9951 Measurement of gas flow in closed conduits – Turbine Meters
S ISO 12213–1 Natural gas – Calculation of Compression Factor – Part 1:
Introduction and Guidelines
S ISO 12213–2 Natural gas – Calculation of Compression Factor – Part 2:
Calculation Using Molar–composition analysis
S ISO 12213–3 Natural gas – Calculation of Compression Factor – Part 3:
Calculation Using Physical Properties
S OIML P17, Guide for the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurements.
S OIML R85, Automatic level gauges for measuring the level of liquid in fixed
storage tanks
S OIML R125, Measuring systems for the mass of liquids in tanks.
2.3 Process Industry Practices (PIP)
S PIP PCCWE001 – Weighing Systems Criteria
S PIP PCEWE001 – Weighing Systems Guidelines
2.4 Other
S Ley de Metrología
S Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos Líquidos
S Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos Gaseosos
S Código Eléctrico Nacional
S Normas COVENIN de Metrología.
In case of any inconsistency between applicable standards, the most demanding
one shall be considered prior PDVSA approval.

3 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

3.1 Definitions
3.1.1 Accuracy
The closeness of agreement between a test result and the accepted reference
value. The ability of a measuring instrument to indicate values closely
approximating the true value of the quantity measured. See also Precision.
3.1.2 Adjustment
The operation of bringing a measuring device into a satisfactory state of
performance and accuracy.
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3.1.3 Authorized Entity

a measurement and calibration laboratory which uses measurement standards,
instruments and procedures which are certified by the national or international
certifying authority as complying with the national or international standards,
thereby authorizing the said laboratory to carry out certified calibrations and/or
measurements.

3.1.4 Calibration
Is a set of operations that establish, under specified conditions, the relationship
between values of quantities indicated by a measuring instrument (or values
represented by a material measure) and the corresponding values realised by
standards.
– The result of a calibration may be recorded in a document, e.g. a calibration
certificate. The result can be expressed as corrections with respect to the
indications of the instrument.
– Calibration in itself does not necessarily mean that an instrument is performing
in accordance with its specification.
3.1.5 Calibration of a measurement device
The process or procedure of adjusting a measurement device, such as a meter,
so that its indication or registration is in satisfactorily close agreement with a
reference standard. Meter proving data may be used either to calibrate the meter
or to calculate a meter factor.
3.1.6 Calibration of a Prover
The procedure for determining the volume of a prover.

3.1.7 Certificate of Calibration

A certificate issued by an authorized entity establishing the existing relationship
between readings expressed by a measuring device and its real value. The
determination of the real value has to meet the national and international
standards.
3.1.8 Certification
Is a process performed by a third party that confirms that a defined product,
process or service conforms with, for example, a standard. See also Metrological
Confirmation.
3.1.9 Calibration traceability
The relationship of the calibration of an instrument to a certified instrument or
group of certified instruments.
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3.1.10 Certification
Calibration endorsed and documented by an authorized and accredited entity, by
means of a Calibration Certificate, indicating that a calibration and adjustment
action has been carried out following an established procedure. Certification
allows traceability to a recognized metrology agency.
3.1.11 Certified Instrument
An instrument that has been calibrated to obtain a Certificate of Calibration.
3.1.12 Custody Transfer Measurement
Provides quantity and quality information used for the physical and fiscal
documentation of a change in ownership and/or a change in responsability for
commodities.
3.1.13 Dead Load
The fixed weight of the weighing vessel, support structure, and objects fixed to the
vessel when the weighing vessel is empty (also called tare weight).
3.1.14 Density
The mass per unit volume of a substance, at a given temperature and pressure.
3.1.15 Error (of indication) of a measuring instrument
Is the indication of a measuring instrument minus a ‘true’ value of the
corresponding input quantity.
3.1.16 Fiscal Measurement
Provides quantity and quality information used for the calculation of tax and royalty
payments.
3.1.17 Flow Straightener
Specified length of pipe containing elements that help to prevent changing or
chaotic flow profiles, called straightening vanes. The Flow Straightener is installed
upstream of the flow meter in order to reduce measurement errors due to
disordered flow patterns.
3.1.18 Flow/Volume Computer
Equipment used to calculate volumetric flows and volumes, using raw flow or level
signals, compensated for temperature, pressure, density and composition of the
fluid.
3.1.19 Gross weight
The sum of the dead load and live load.
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3.1.20 Homogenization
Operation that keeps all individual components of a mixture well mixed. In the case
of a petroleum/water mixture, all big drops of water and any free water that may
be present are broken down and well dispersed in the petroleum to produce a
mixture in which each volume subdivision has the same amount of water
homogeneously mixed with the oil.
3.1.21 Inspection
Involves measurement, investigation or testing of one or more characteristics of
a product, and includes a comparison of the results with specified requirements
in order to determine whether the requirements have been fulfilled.
3.1.22 Interpolation
A process by which an appropriate value is placed between tabulated values of
a function.
3.1.23 Lease Automatic Custody Transfer System (LACT)
An arrangement of equipment designed for the unattended custody transfer
measurement of hydrocarbons.
3.1.24 Level
height with respect to a reference horizontal position.
3.1.25 Linear Meter Range
Measurement range over which the meter factor does not deviate from specified
limits.
3.1.26 Live load
Material in or on the load–receiving element of a scale beyond that required to
maintain the zero–load balance.
3.1.27 Load cell
A compression or tension device that produces an output signal proportional to the
live load.
3.1.28 Mass
Quantity of matter of indefinite shape and size.
3.1.29 Master Meter
A meter that is proved using a certified prover and then used to calibrate other
provers or prove other meters.
3.1.30 Maximum Permissible Error of a Measuring Instrument
Extreme value of error tolerated by specifications, regulations, etc.
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3.1.31 Measurand
Particular quantity subject to measurement. See also measured variable.
3.1.32 Measured Variable
A quantity, property, or condition, which is measured. It is normally referred to as
the measurand.
3.1.33 Measurement
Set of operations having the object of determining a value of a quantity.
Comparison to a reference in order to determine the value of a variable on the
basis of an established procedure.
Measurement Standard
Measuring instrument, reference material or measuring system intended to
define, realise, conserve or reproduce a unit or one or more values of a quantity
to serve as a reference. A measuring instrument or physical embodiment intended
to define the unit of measurement of a quantity.
3.1.34 Measuring Element
Part of a measurement system which interprets the variations produced by the
primary element and which expresses a reading related to the variable to be
metered.
3.1.35 Measuring Error
A difference between the result obtained in the measurement of a variable and its
real value.
3.1.36 Measuring Uncertainty
Result of the study carried out to estimate the range in which the real value of a
metered magnitude will be. Mostly based on a given probability. In general, it
includes various components, of which some may be estimated on a statistic
distribution basis of the results of a series of measurements and may be
determined by standard deviations. The estimated values of other components
may only be based on experience or other documented information.
3.1.37 Meter Factor (MF)
A dimensionless term used to compensate deviations of a measurement caused
by wear and variations of the operating conditions of a meter.
3.1.38 Meter Proving
The procedure required to determine the relationship between the quantity
measured by a meter at one set of condition and the indicated quantity at those
same conditions.
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3.1.39 Metrological Confirmation

Is a set of operations required to ensure that an item of measuring equipment is
in a state of compliance with requirements for its intended use.
Metrological confirmation normally includes, for example, calibration, any
necessary adjustment or repair and subsequent recalibration, as well as any
required sealing and labelling.
3.1.40 Metrology
The science of measurement.
3.1.41 National (measurement) Standard
Standard recognised by a national decision to serve, in a country, as the basis for
assigning values to other standards of the quantity concerned.
3.1.42 Natural Losses (Mermas)
Diminution of handled fluid mass due to natural causes associated with the
process to which it is exposed. Examples of natural losses are the vaporization
of crude oil in atmospheric tanks during the storage and the condensation of gas
during compression.
3.1.43 Operational Losses (Pérdidas)
Loss of mass of a fluid during handling, caused by equipment or operating failures,
which could be avoided. Leakages are examples of losses.
3.1.44 Precision
The closeness of agreement between independent test results obtained under
stipulated conditions. The degree of exactness for which an instrument is
designed or intended to perform. The degree to which data within a set cluster
together around the true value.
3.1.45 Primary Element
Part of the measurement system that detects the magnitude of the measured
quantity.
3.1.46 Prover, Conventional Pipe
A meter prover having a volume between detectors that permits a minimum
accumulation of 10000 direct pulses from the meter.
3.1.47 Prover, Meter
An open or closed vessel of known volume utilized as a volumetric reference
standard for the calibration of meters in liquid petroleum service.
3.1.48 Prover, Small Volume
Meter prover having a volume between detectors that does not permit a minimum
accumulation of 10000 direct pulses from the meter.
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3.1.49 Prover, Tank

An open or closed vessel of known capacity designed for the accurate
determination of the volume of liquid delivered into or out of it during a meter
proving operation.
3.1.50 Proving
The procedure used to determine a meter factor.
3.1.51 Quality
Measurable attribute relates to all the characteristics that meet an expressed or
implied need of a phenomenon, body or substance.
3.1.52 Quantity
An amount or property by which a phenomenon, body or substance can be
measured.
3.1.53 Random Error
An error caused by temporal and spatial variations of magnitudes which impact
measurement and are impossible to predict, but which display statistical
properties allowing for the calculation of probabilities of occurence.
3.1.54 Range
The region between the limits within which a quantity is measured, received, or
transmitted, expressed by stating the lower and upper range values.
3.1.55 Rangeability
The capability of a meter or measuring device to operate between the minimum
and maximum range within an acceptable tolerance.
3.1.56 Reference
Accepted value that serves as an agreed–on reference for comparison, and which
is derived as:
– Theoretical or established value, based on scientific principles.
– An assigned or certified value, based on experimental work of some national
or international organisation.
– Consensus or certified value, based on collaborative experimental work under
the auspices of a scientific or engineering group.
– When these are not available, the expectation of the measurable quantity.
3.1.57 Repeatability
precision under repeatability conditions.The ability of a meter and prover system
to repeat its registered quantity during a series of consecutive proving runs under
constant operating conditions.
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3.1.58 Representative Sample

a portion extracted from a total volume that contains the components in the same
proportion as the total volume.
3.1.59 Resolution
The smallest change of measured quantity which changes the indication of an
measuring instrument. The smallest interval between two adjacent distinguishable
values.
3.1.60 Sales
When the product is handed over to a third party in exchange of an economic
transaction and ownership is transferred.
3.1.61 Sample
A portion extracted from a total volume that may or may not contain the
components in the same proportion as the total volume.
3.1.62 Sample Extractor
A device that extracts samples (grabs) from a pipe, sampling loop or tank.
3.1.63 Sampling
all necessary steps to obtain a sample that is representative of the content of any
pipe, tank or other container and place it in a container from where a representative
portion may be obtained for analysis.
3.1.64 Sensor
An element or device, which receives information in the form of one quantity and
converts it to a signal which is a function of the measured quantity or variable.
3.1.65 Specific Gravity
The relative weight and mass of a substance as compared with the weight and
mass of a standard substance. In the case of a liquid, the standard substance is
water at 60 F, and for steam and gas the standard substance is air at 60 F and 1
atmosphere of pressure.
3.1.66 Standard, International
A standard recognized by an international agreement to serve internationally as
the basis for fixing the value of all other standards of the given quantity.
3.1.67 Standard, National
A standard recognized by an official national decision as the basis for fixing the
value, in a country, of all other standards of the given quantity. In general the
national standard in a country is also the primary standard.
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3.1.68 Standard, Primary

A standard of a particular measure that has the highest metrological qualities in
a given country.
3.1.69 Tare weight
The weight of an empty container or the allowance or deduction from gross weight
made on account thereof
3.1.70 Testing
Is a technical investigation, e.g. as to whether a product fulfils its specified
performance.
3.1.71 Total error
the maximum error limit of a device or system, equal to the maximum deviation
value plus systematic error.
3.1.72 Total uncertainty
It is the estimate of error limit of a measuring system when all uncertainties of the
individual components of the system are taken into account.
3.1.73 Total weight capacity
The total weight capacity of the weighing system needed to support the gross
weight of the weighing system
3.1.74 Traceability
Capability of a measured result to be related to stated references, usually national
or international standards, through an unbroken chain of comparisons, all having
stated uncertainties. The relation of a prover or a measuring device calibration,
through a step by step process, to an instrument or group of instruments calibrated
and certified by a national or international primary standard.
3.1.75 True value
The errorless value of the measured variable. The theoretically correct amount.
3.1.76 Uncertainty
Parameter, associated with the result of a measurement, that characterizes the
dispersion of the values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand. It
can also be expressed as an estimate characterizing the range of values within
which the true value of a measurand lies.
When specifying the uncertainty of a measurement, it is necessary to indicate the
principle on which the calculation has been made.
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3.1.77 Variation
Any departure from a desired value or expected value or pattern. Is the difference
that may exist between two volume/mass calculations of the same hypothetical
volume/mass of product, due to natural losses, operational losses and total
uncertainty.
3.1.78 Verification
Is an investigation that shows that specified requirements are fulfilled.
3.1.79 Volume
Physical space occupied by the mass of a substance. In general, the volume of
a given mass depend on pressure and temperature conditions.
3.1.80 Weight
Net force exerted on the mass of a substance compared with a reference standard.

3.2 Abbreviations
AGA: American Gas Association.
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
API: American Petroleum Institute.
ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials.
FAT: Factory Acceptance Test
GUM: ISO Guide for the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurements.
IEC: International Electro–technical Commission.
ISO: International Standardization Organization.
MEM: Ministerio de Energía y Minas. (Ministry of Energy and Mining).
MPMS: Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, issued by API
OIML: Organización Internacional de Metrología Legal (International
Organization of Legal Metrology)
PDVSA: Petróleos de Venezuela.

4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
4.1 At least the following standards, laws and regulations will dictate the design,
fabrication, installation, calibration, operation and maintenance requirements for
the measuring systems:
– ANSI, to regulate the standardization of material and equipment.
– API, to regulate the design practices, installation, calibration, certification and
installations operation of facilities for the handling of crude oil and hydrocarbon
liquids and gases.
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– ASME, to regulate the practices and standards for design and manufacture of
pressure vessels.
– ASTM, to regulate material and material testing.
– NACE, to regulate requirement for corrosion protection.
– National Electric Code, to regulate the design and installation of electric and
grounding system.
– IEEE, to regulate design and safety of electrical and electronic systems,
including grounding and protection against electromagnetic induction.
– ISA, to regulate the design, installation and calibration of instrumentation and
control equipment.
– ISO, to regulate the quality of services, engineering, manufacturing, installation,
operating and maintenance activities. Also regulate the design and installation
of differential pressure type flowmeters.
– NEMA, to regulate design standardization and use of equipment, materials and
electric accessories.
– NFPA, to regulate fire protection systems and practices.
– OIML, to regulate the measurement and metrology practices.
– PDVSA Engineering Design Manual (MID), to regulate engineering and design
practices.
– PDVSA Guidelines for the Capital Investment Projects Management (GGPIC).
– PDVSA Risk Engineering Manual (MIR), to regulate the safety of PDVSA
installations.
– National/local laws and regulations that govern exploitation, processing,
commercialization and fiscal measurement of hydrocarbons in Venezuela.
– National/local laws and regulations that govern the environment and personal
safety.
– National laws and regulations that govern the certification of testing laboratories
and calibration equipment
– Manufacturer installation, maintenance and operating recommendations.
– Other special and specific conditions for each system shall be agreed between
the parties.

4.2 The location of the measurement point shall be agreed between the parties and,
if needed, the Ministry of Energy and Mining, applying the legal regulations on the
matter.

4.3 The maximum value of allowable uncertainties for the measurement system. must
be agreed by the parties.
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4.4 All instruments of the measuring system shall have a calibration certificate
performed by an accredited entity. Likewise, the system shall be certified in site
once installation has been completed. This certificate shall include the calculations
performed to produce the calibration ranges of instruments.

4.5 All geometric dimensions used for calculation shall be certified by an accredited
entity.

4.6 The reference standard conditions for liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons shall be
15.6° C (60°F) and 1 atmph (1.01325 Bar or 14.796 psig). For any other products,
conditions will be agreed between the parties, preferably using the
above–mentioned values.

4.7 The technology to be used shall be adequate for the process characteristics and
comply with the result of the cost–risk–benefic study and related legal regulations,
in order to satisfy the required uncertainty levels.

4.8 The measurement system shall, at least, include the following functional
components:
S Measurement elements of the quantity and variables associated with the
volume/mass of product.
S Calibration verification system (Prover) for flow and level meters.
S Measurement elements of product quality.
S Sampling System to obtain representative samples of the product to be
measured.
S Elements for the conversion and transmission of data.
S A reliable system for the monitoring, historic record and calculation of net
volume/mass with the capability to generate reports for audit purposes.

4.9 The measurement system shall be designed to obtain measurements and

calculations of volume/mass with an availability level agreed between the parties,
and operate with high reliability, safety and performance.

4.10 Measurement Quality Considerations

4.10.1 The selection of measurement points shall allow the achieving of agreed
uncertainty levels, using available technology.
4.10.2 Installation of meters shall comply with the minimum requirements established in
design standards and the manufacturer recommendations for each particular
meter in order to guarantee quality of measurements.
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4.10.3 Product homogenization, if required to achieve appropriate measurement, shall

be provided.
4.10.4 The characteristics of the process in the measurements points will be taken into
account to compensate the measurement according to the minimum requirements
established in the design standards and manufacturer recommendations for each
particular meter, in order to achieve a volume/mass measurement with the
uncertainties agreed for the system.
4.10.5 Measurements shall be done using the linear range of sensor or meter.

4.11 Sensor Information

The sensor data sheet shall contain the information required by PDVSA standards
for every sensor type, as well as all additional information required to comply with
the laws and regulations which govern the measurement characteristics of the
specific product.
Measurand characteristic shall be provided in sensor specification sheet.

4.12 Considerations for Installation and Construction

4.12.1 The standards corresponding to each type of measurement instrument and
system shall be used.
4.12.2 Pipe connections or transport system of product shall be properly made to avoid
any possible unnoticed deviation of product through any other route different from
the measurement system.
1. For online measurement meter bypass is not allowed, except when duly
justified and with prior agreement between the parties. In this case car sealed
block and bypass valves shall be installed in accordance with mechanical
design guidelines and air tightness requirements defined in the standards
that govern the process.
2. For volume measurement in tanks and vessels, a blocking mechanism shall
be available on inlet/outlet isolating valves to avoid unnoticed emptying of
tank or vessel, during tank/vessel loading/unloading.
3. For solids measurement in conveyor belt weighing system, a mechanism to
avoid spill, extraction or loss of the transported product shall be available.
4.12.3 The measurement system shall include structures, supports and foundations
stable and free of vibrations that could affect accuracy and/or repeatability of the
measurements.
4.12.4 The measurement system shall be provided with a fence or confinement to limit
the access of non– authorized persons.
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4.12.5 The measurement system shall not be located near heat sources that may affect
operating performance of the system.

4.13 Ranges
The measurement system shall satisfy the operational conditions of the design,
without causing any type of restriction of the flow or volume measurement range,
neither alter the quality of measurements and calculations.
Sensor rangeability and resolution shall meet operating requirement.

4.14 Sensor location

Sensors shall be properly located to obtain representative and actual values of the
process variables, which comprise the measurement equation.
Properly sized Meter run and Flow Straightener shall be used if required to achieve
required uncertainty.

4.15 Special Considerations

4.15.1 To avoid unauthorized changes of calibration and configuration parameters,
compensation algorithms and system operation modes access for adjustments
and parameters modification shall be limited and password protected. Any
adjustments and parameter change shall be made locally at the equipment. If
parties agree so, this operation may be made remotely, only if rigorous, secure and
reliable access procedures are previously established.
4.15.2 Measuring system connected to a network shall be limited to read only functions
from authorized addresses. The communication network must have available a
protection and security protocol, as per ISO IEC 3309.
4.15.3 Input of constants and ranges into any flow or volume computer shall be done at
initial set up, on system restart after a major intervention, or under the command
of authorized operator. All these operations shall be passsword–protected.
4.15.4 Any change to a Fiscal, Sales and Custody Transfer Measurement System
component shall be completely documented by means of a Management of
Change (MC) procedure All changes shall be recorded in the system logbook,
indicating previous value, new value, date, time and password used to perform the
change, prior agreement between the parties.
4.15.5 Alternate (backup) measurement procedure shall be established and agreed
between all parties for the case that the measurement system is out of service.
4.15.6 Measurement system proving and calibration frequency and procedure shall be
established and agreed between the parties and according to pertaining standard.
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4.15.7 Volume or mass calculation procedure is out of the scope of this document, but
calculation procedure, variable to be used, reference basic and constant values
to be used shall be agreed between the parties.

5 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Sizing
The measurement system shall be sized to N–1 capacity, so that loss of one meter
does not result in the need to decrease flow capacity or stop operations, unless
the parties agree differently.

5.2 Performance
5.2.1 Quality of measurements and calculations shall be maintained throughout the
normal operating range of the plant or installation.

5.2.2 Noise, environmental conditions and normal disturbances of the process shall not
affect quality of measurements and calculations.

5.2.3 The system shall have a reliable mechanism for handling and recording of date
and time.

5.2.4 The system shall have a mechanism to store total accumulated flow/volume/mass
for each meter as well for the total system. These values can not be reset to a zero
value, unless proper Management of Change (MC) procedures have been
designed and agreed upon by the parties.

5.2.5 The measurement system shall control the automatic sampling system, if
available.

5.2.6 The operational method of sampling system: either manual or automatic, shall be
agreed between the parties and approved by the custody/operating organization
of the measurement system.

5.2.7 Measurements and calculations shall be reported in engineering units agreed

upon the parties.

5.2.8 Compensated volume calculations for each meter and for the total flow, volume
and mass of the measurement system shall be implemented in a
flow/volume/mass computer specified for this purpose. PLC, RTU, SCADA or DCS
systems shall not be used for the implementation of such calculations.
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5.2.9 Flow/volume/mass computer shall have preconfigured algorithms and calculation

tables to determine compensated flow and volume as per API MPMS Chapter 12
and 21, AGA 7 and 8, ISO 5167–1, 6976, 9951, 12213–1, 12213–2, 12213–3 and
standards or regulation for flow/mass/volume measurement of specific fluid or
material. It shall also have the capability to generate customized compensation
algorithms. The specific compensation algorithms to be used shall be determined
by laws and regulations or agreed between the parties when so permitted by such
laws and regulations.
5.2.10 Approximations of measured values and calculations shall have an error of less
than ± 0.0001%, except when other value is agreed by the parties.
5.2.11 A/D and D/A conversion shall be at least 14 bits, except when other value is agreed
by the parties.
5.2.12 Measurements shall be made with a maximum interval of 1 per second, except for
temperature and density where 1 measurement every 5 seconds is allowed,
unless the parties agree to other values.
5.2.13 The operational availability shall be a design parameter of the measurement
system. The value of system availability shall be agreed between the parties.
5.2.14 The operational availability for the measurement system may be obtained through
equipment redundancy and/or alternative operational procedures agreed by the
parties.
5.2.15 Redundant meter signals, if used, shall have a maximum delay interval of 0.5
seconds from main meter signals, except when other value is agree by the parties.
5.2.16 Locally mounted and remote readouts shall be provided. These shall include
volume and mass asa well as totalized values. Pressure, temperature, density and
product quality readouts, as aplicable shall also be provided, except when parties
agree otherwise.
5.2.17 The flow/volume computer shall accept manual inputs of variables required to
calculate compensated volume, except when the parties agree otherwise. The
manual input or modification of data in the flow computer must be done in
accordance with a procedure agreed between the parties and its access shall be
protected with a code (password). All of the changes shall be registered in the
flow/volume computer logbook for the purposes of audit and traceability.
5.2.18 Flow/volume computers for systems with multiple measuring runs, shall have the
capability to integrate and manage simultaneously multiple meters of one or
various technologies, except when the parties agree otherwise.
5.2.19 The flow/volume computer shall have, at least, permanent registers to save instant
flow/volume values and total accumulated flow/volume of at least 8 digits, except
when parties agree to the use of other value.
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5.2.20 To avoid the counting of flow/volume/mass accumulators due to false signals when
product is not passing through the meter, the computer shall be provided with
“drop–out” function.
5.2.21 The flow/volume computer shall have an alphanumeric display to allow displaying
of at least the instantaneous flow/volume value, the accumulated amount, the start
time of the integration, the duration of volume/mass accumulation and the
measurement and constant variables used in the calculations.
5.2.22 The flow/volume computer shall be provided with a minimum of 32 bit
floating–point arithmetic processor, except when parties agree otherwise.
5.2.23 Calculations cycle in the flow/volume computer shall be less than 500
milliseconds, except when the parties agree the use of other value.
5.2.24 The flow/volume/mass computer shall have the capability to communicate with
SCADA, DCS or any other specified system, according to the protocol agreed
between the parties.
5.2.25 The flow/volume/mass computer shall have the capability to communicate with
specified portable computer equipment.
5.2.26 The flow/volume/mass computer shall have the capability to store at least 30 days
of measurements and average values in terms of time. The system shall have the
capability to keep stored data even in the case of electrical failure.
5.2.27 The system shall have the capability to keep its configuration even in case of
electrical failure.
5.2.28 The measuring system shall generate as minimum the following reports:
– Raw flow, compensated flow, mass rate, temperature, pressure, density and
other instantaneous values of process variables.
– All total volumes accumulated during a period, showing start/end date and time.
– System standard alarms and logs.
– Reports agreed by the parties.
5.2.29 The software for calculation and data application shall not occupy more than 70%
of the memory, except when the use of other value is agreed by the parties.
5.2.30 Application and communications in the flow/volume/mass computer shall not use
more than the 70% of the CPU capacity, except when the use of other value is
agreed by the parties.
5.2.31 The flow/volume/mass computer shall have an installed capacity of 25% additional
inputs, except when the parties agree the use of other value.
5.2.32 Constants and ranges of operation shall be stored in the flow/volume/mass
computer.
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5.2.33 The measurement system instrumentation, except motorized valves and high
voltage equipment, shall be able to operate with 24 V DC, using Solar Cells and
battery banks, except when the use of other voltage level and/or electrical source
is agreed by the parties.

5.3 Certification
5.3.1 Flow computer and measurement instrumentation shall be provided with lock and
access seal to prevent non–authorized access and modification of the calibration,
data base and calculation algorithms.
5.3.2 All measurement system shall be annually certified, except when otherwise
agreed by the parties.
5.3.3 A third party duly accredited and accepted by Venezuelan Ministry of Energy and
Mining (MEM) and the parties shall perform the certification of calibration, in
compliance with Ley de Metrología (venezuelan metrology law) and applicable
standards for the fluid to be measured.
5.3.4 Proving systems shall have valid Certificates of Calibration, issued by an
accredited lab or testing agency, in compliance with Ley de Metrología
(venezuelan metrology law).
5.3.5 As a minimum, frequency of proving systems recertification shall comply with
applicable standards for the fluid to be measured, i.e., API, AGA, or equivalent.
Higher frequency may be agreed by the parties.

5.4 Uncertainties
5.4.1 The total error and uncertainty value of the system shall be within the limits
required by the local regulations/laws and/or contracts held between the parties.
5.4.2 The design of flow measurement system shall include the estimation of uncertainty
in accordance with the ISO 5168 Expression of Uncertainty of a Fluid Flow
Measurement Rate (GUM) and OIML P17 Guide for the Expression of Uncertainty
in Measurements. All details of this estimation shall be recorded and available in
site and under the custody of the measurement system operator, for revision or
audit purposes.

5.5 Availability/Sparing
5.5.1 The measurement systems shall have constructive and operational
characteristics that guarantee the minimum availability agreed by the parties.
Availability figure will depend on cost–benefit–risk analysis.
5.5.2 Contingency procedures shall be established to handle the failure of any
measurement device or of the whole measurement system.
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5.5.3 Programs and applications shall include error handling routines to avoid stopping
tasks and calculations due to invalid data processing or out of limit measurements.

6 OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Normal system operation shall be totally automatic, with capabilities for manual
operation under established procedures agreed between the parties.
For parallel multiple meter systems procedures shall be established to define the
optimum number of meters to be used for each specific operating condition.

6.1 Operating Environment

The measurement system equipment shall have the capability to operate in an
industrial environment, and if needed, it shall be weatherproof and approved to
operate in electrical classified areas.

6.2 Monitoring
All quantities and quality values of product submitted for sale, fiscal and/or custody
transfer purposes shall be monitored and registered.

6.3 Sampling
6.3.1 The measurement system shall be provided with sample extractor or facilities to
allow representative sampling of product. The sampling points shall be located as
close as possible to the sensor that measures the quality and physical property of
the product.
6.3.2 The sampling system shall be provided with connections, isolation valves and
safety devices to allow collection of samples in a safe and reliable way, without
contaminating or degrading samples and product.
6.3.3 Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum products shall comply with API MPMS
Chapert 8, section 2.

6.4 Quantity Calculation

6.4.1 Calculations shall be made in accordance with the methods and equations defined
in the measurement regulations of the product and in accordance with procedures
agreed between the parties.
6.4.2 The calculation equipment shall be standalone and shall not be shared for other
functions different from those of the fiscal/custody transfer/sale measurement
system.
6.4.3 The following Engineering Units with the number of decimals mentioned herein
(yy) shall be used for the calculations, except when other units or values are
agreed by the parties:
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Variable Unit Decimals

Crude oil Volume Barrels Xxxxx,yy
Gas Volume Standard Cubic Feet Xxxxxx,yyy
Liquid Volume Lt Xxxxx,yy
m3 Xxxxx,yy
Mass Mass Kilogram Xxxxx,0
Metric Tons Xxxxx,yyy
Liquid Flow GPM Xxxxx,yyy
m3/hour Xxxxx,yyy
BPD Xxxxx,yyy
Lt./sec Xxxxx,yyy
Gas Flow M feet3/hour Xxxxx,yyy
MM feet3/day Xxxxx,yyy
m3/hour Xxxxx,yyy
Mass Flow Ton. Metric/hour Xxxxx,yyy
kg/hour Xxxxx,yyy
Crude oil Gravity API degrees @ 60 F Xx,y
Specific Gravity Adimensional X,yyyy
Density Kilograms/m3 Xxxx,y
Relative Density Adimensional X,yyyy
Water Content %AyS Xx,yyy
CSW X,yyyyy
Temperature °F Xxx,y
°C Xxx,yy
Pressure Pounds/Inches 2 (psi) Xxxxx,yy
kg/cm2 Xxxx,yy
Bar Xxxx,yy
Differential Pressure Inches of water @ 68ºF Xxx,y
mm of water @ 20ºC Xxxx,0
mm of Hg Xxx,0
Caloric heat BTU/Ft3 Xxxxx,0
Kcal/m3 Xxxxx,0
Level Feet – Inches Xxxx,yy
M – mm Xxxxx,yy
Vapor Quality % Xx,y
Electric Power KW Xxxxx,yy
Reactive Power Kvar Xxxxx,yy

6.5 Safeguarding and Shutdown

Parties shall agree to a philosophy of measurement system shutdown, as well as
the contingency procedures to continue the measurement and to determine the
volumes in case of measurement system failure or shutdown.
Contingency procedures shall be auditable and traceable.
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6.6 Heating/Cooling
Thermal isolation or heating/cooling shall be provided, if required, at sensor
location, to keep the product at process operating condition.

6.7 Chemicals
Use of inhibitor shall be considered for hydrate, wax and corrosion control of
measurement system, but the impact on the measurement of the product quantity
and quality shall be taken into account.

7 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
7.1 Standard instrumentation with low maintenance and calibration requirements
shall be used. Mean Time To Repait (MTTR) and Mean Time Between Failure
(MTTF) figures shall be requested from suppliers by the Design Engineer and be
considered as one of the decision factors on the instrument bidding process.

7.2 The system shall be provided with facilities that allow maintenance with no need
to take the whole measurement system out of service, except when parties agree
otherwise.

7.3 Measurement system operation shall be kept during standard maintenance of

system meters and instrumentation, except when parties agree otherwise.

7.4 Valves shall be installed to allow drainage, depressurization and bleeding of

components prior to their removal for maintenance.

7.5 Retention and collection facilities shall be installed to contain product spillage or
drainage during maintenance activities, and for collecting rainwater.

7.6 Systems shall be specified with hardware/software diagnostics and alarm logs to
properly support maintenance work.

7.7 Permanent representation of the manufacturer is required to ensure technical

service and assistance within 48 hours.

7.8 Services to be made available shall include the following:

S Field maintenance.
S Spare parts supply.
S Training services.
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8 BATTERY LIMIT REQUIREMENTS

Hook up requirements for electrical, communication or pneumatic connection shall
be done through dedicated interface panel/box.
Process piping connections shall be clearly marked.

9 TEST/COMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS
9.1 PDVSA reserves the right to execute tests and inspections at previously defined
manufacturing/assembling stages. The supplier shall present an execution
schedule detailing the construction, tests and commissioning dates.

9.2 The supplier shall issue for PDVSA’s approval procedures of factory acceptance
(FAT) and site acceptance (SAT) tests.

9.3 The supplier shall not call upon PDVSA to perform an FAT if the system has not
been inspected and tested prior the performing of such test.

9.4 A report on all tests and their results shall be prepared by the supplier and
submitted for PDVSA approval.

9.5 Measurement system shall be tested and approved in the factory test (FAT) before
it be delivered to PDVSA.

9.6 Measurement system shall be tested and approved in the Site Acceptance Test
(SAT) before being placed in service.

9.7 The supplier shall demonstrate and supply with the tests, at least the following:

a. Valid and updated certificates of all the equipment and measurement tools to be
used during FAT and SAT tests, issued by accredited entities.
b. “As built” documentation of system to demonstrate compliance with the
specifications and requirements.
c. Certificates of quality, safety and calibration of the measurement system
equipment.
d. Operating and Maintenance Manuals for the measurement system.
e. Software Licenses. All licenses being issued on behalf of PDVSA.
f. Measurement system capability and performance of the hardware and software
to its full capacity and functionalities.
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g. Measurement system communication fucntionalities.

h. Accuracy of calculations, counters and totalizer counters.
i. Determination and verification of meters calibration and biases factors.

9.8 The supplier shall correct any deviation registered during the FAT and SAT with
the associated tests being repeated.

9.9 As far as possible verification of calibration shall be made with a product of similar
characteristics to the product to be measured. Conversion factors and
equivalences shall be provided.

9.10 The supplier is responsible for the performance of all tests (FAT and SAT) and also
for the measurement system commissioning and start–up.

10 PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
10.1 Safety and protection systems shall be installed in accordance with PDVSA design
and safety standards for process installation.

10.2 Equipments shall comply with electrical classification area required on each
particular site.

10.3 Flow computer shall be installed in a cabinet to limit its access for configuration or
parameter changes and to protect it from the environment.

10.4 All equipment and cabinets exposed to the weather shall be NEMA 4X.

10.5 Electronic components shall have protection to resist marine and humid
environment.

10.6 To reduce problems caused by lightning, electric and electromagnetic noises and
from static electricity, all electric and electronic equipment shall be provided with
the appropriate protections and shall be connected to a good grounding system.

10.7 Equipments shall be properly packaged and protected against physical damages,
humidity and corrosion during their delivery and storage.

10.8 Once FAT is executed, flow meter provers shall be sealed and pressurized at low
pressure with inert gas for their storage and transportation before their permanent
installation. A nozzle and manometer shall be provided to verify pressurization
conditions during this period.
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10.9 If applicable, additional protection shall be provided against exposure to high

temperature, exposure to electromagnetic waves, impacts, vibrations, among
others.

11 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENT
11.1 Following parameters shall be taken into account for the design:

1. Work environment (marine, onshore, offshore and desert, among others).

2. Environmental temperature.
3. Relative humidity
4. Altitude above sea level.
5. Electrical area classification.
6. Operating voltage.

11.2 Electronic equipment to be used shall be immune to interference caused by

electromagnetic fields (EMI) and radio frequency (RFI).

11.3 Manufacturing materials of instrumentation shall be suitable for the type of process
fluid/substance and the operating and environmental conditions.

12 PROVING/AUDIT REQUIREMENTS
12.1 Measurement systems shall be audited once a year, except when the parties
agreed the use of other intervals. Additionally, audit may be done any time at the
request and previous agreement between the parties.

12.2 The equipment shall be provided with the following characteristics that guarantee
equipment auditability:
– Serial number.
– Configuration Data.
– Alarms and configuration modifications logs (time, date and modification
author).
– Record of constants, calculations and calibration factors.

12.3 The equipment for meter proving purposes shall be of the type established in the
product/substance measurement standards and regulations agreed between the
parties.
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12.4 Proving methods shall comply with standards that govern operation and
maintenance of the corresponding measurement device, unless the parties agree
otherwise.

12.5 Proving system shall be provided with valid Certificate of Calibration.

12.6 Prover capacity shall be according to prover manufacturer selection chart

recommendation, based on flow rate and pipe diameter.

12.7 Uncertainty of the proving system shall be at least two times better than the
uncertainty of the measurement device being proved. (API MPMS Chapter 4.1
Proving System, section 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7 and 4.8).

12.8 Proving system may be mobile/transportable or fixed and permanent installation

type. The parties shall agree on the type of system considering the frequency
criteria of the calibration verification, operating conditions and legal obligations or
standards.

13 BACKUP PROCEDURE
13.1 Beside the provisions that can be taken to keep operating continuity of
measurement systems, operating procedures of these systems shall include
measurements and calculation contingency procedures in case that the
measurement system can not be used. The type of procedure and implementation
method shall be agreed between the parties.

13.2 Tank Level Measurement System:

S The contingency method is the manual measurement of tank level and/or
manual measurement of variables for which instrumentation is out of service,
in accordance with regulations and standards that govern each variable
measurement in the product.
13.3 Flow/mass measurement system:
S In the absence of one flow/mass meter of a multiple meters system and the
remaining capacity of the meters system is not able to handle the total flow, the
first option is to carry a low capacity operation to avoid exceeding the maximum
flow range of each meter. Flow/mass meters shall not be operated out of their
standard operating ranges, since the results of measurements are not reliable
in that condition.
S The second option is to divert the flow from the damaged meter and perform the
measurement using an alternative method before or after the meter. The
alternative measurement method shall be agreed between the parties.
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13.4 Measurement system by weighing method:

S An alternative measurement method shall be agreed between the parties.
13.5 Data obtained from manual or alternative measurement is entered in the
flow/volume/mass calculation system manually.

13.6 If flow/volume/mass calculation system is out of service, measurement values

obtained from the automatic or manual measurements shall be performed
manually, using the methodology established in the standards or regulations for
the measurement of the product or by a method agreed between the parties.

13.7 Manual measurement values and/or results of calculations performed manually

shall be notified in writing and validated by both parties.

14 SYSTEM CERTIFICATE OF CALIBRATION

14.1 All measurement devices for Custody Transfer purpose shall have valid Certificate
of Calibration.

14.2 Facilities shall be provided to allow calibration of all instruments and separate
components in the electronic loop either without moving them from their
permanent installations or without disconnecting any cables, or by using
transmitters fitted with quick connectors. Except for meters that need to be
calibrated off–line.

14.3 Calibration methodologies and procedures to be used shall be regulated and

standardized for each type of meter and type of fluid agreed and approved by the
parties.

14.4 Calibration shall be performed in various points to obtain the meter

characterization curve, which shall cover the equipment measurement range.

14.5 Measurements and calculations performed by the measurement system shall be

verified and/or certified as follows:
S Before the start up of the measurement system a total certification is required.
S Periodically, according to the severity of the service and prior agreement of the
parties a total re–certification is required.
S After a major maintenance a total re–certification is required.
S If an inappropriate measurement or calculation is suspected, a verification is
required, if adjustment was performed, the affected component shall be
re–certified.
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S After a repair, modification or change of a component. The affected component

shall be re–certified.
S After a calibration adjustment of measurement devices, these shall be
re–certified.
14.6 The measurement system should be re–certified within the period agreed
between the parties based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and on the
severity of the service. The maximum interval between certifications shall not be
more than 12 months.

14.7 Any measuring element being recalibrated shall be re–certified.

14.8 Calibration of meters shall be certified by an accredited entity.

14.9 All geometrical dimensions used in calculations shall be traceably measured and
certified in accordance with the international/National standards.

14.10 The measurement system calculations shall be endorsed and certified by an

accredited entity.

14.11 Prover calibration shall be certified by an accredited entity.

15 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
15.1 Solids Measurement
15.1.1 Mass measurement
a. Solid mass measurement shall use methods based on the determination of the
material weight or on standards that regulate measurement and handling of the
product. Such as PIP PCCWE001 – Weighing Systems Criteria and PIP
PCEWE001 – Weighing Systems Guidelines, PDVSA–MDP–11–MT–01. Feeding
Systems for Solids, PDVSA–MDP–11–MT–02. Conveyor Systems for Solids:
Conveyer Belting, PDVSA–MDP–11–MT–03. Conveyor Systems for Solids:
Chain, Jack, Vibrating and “in Mass” Type Conveyors, and Bucket Elevators,
PDVSA–MDP–11–MT–04.Conveyor Systems for solids: Pneumatic
Transportation, PDVSA–MDP–11–MS–01.Storage in silos and hoppers.
b. Three types of weighing systems may be used in the process industry: static,
continuous, and scales.
c. Weighing systems shall be purchased as complete units, designed and built by a
manufacturer.
d. The total weight or load capacity of the weighing system shall be calculated to
ensure proper sizing of the weighing system equipment. The dead load, live load,
and gross weight shall be determined. All structure, equipment, and piping
attached to the vessel being measured shall be considered in the dead load.
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e. Static weighing systems measure the weight of a material contained within a

permanently installed weighing vessel (e.g., vessels, tanks, bins, structures,
equipment, etc.). The force created by the weighing vessel shall be measured
using load transducers and electronic signal–conditioning equipment.
f. Static weighing systems installation shall be designed to prevent personnel from
inadvertently interfering with the operation of the weighing system. Careful
attention must be given to the foundations, structural supports, piping, and
mechanical details to ensure proper operation of the weighing system. Vendor
installation instructions and details shall be followed in conjunction with safe
design practices to ensure that the weighing system operates properly and within
accuracy specifications.
g. Flexible conduit shall be used at the electrical connection to each load transducer
and on any electrical item attached to the weighing vessel.
h. The one factor that most often compromises static weighing system accuracy is
the mechanical restriction from piping connections to the vessel with insufficient
flexibility or displacement capability. Piping shall be brought horizontally into/from
the vessel. Vertical piping connections shall be avoided. All piping attachments to
the vessel shall be flexible.
i. Lifting lugs shall be provided on vessels that require periodic dead weight
calibration.
j. Continuous weighing systems shall be used to measure the weight of solid
material that is in motion.
k. Continuous weighing systems may be loss–in–weight feeders and
belt/gravimetric feeders.
l. Loss–in–weight feeders provide a controlled material flow rate. The flow rate is
controlled by continuously weighing the integral hopper and adjusting the system
weight loss to match the desired feed rate. A feeder shall consist of a hopper, screw
feeder, load cells, and electronics.
m. Feeders shall be used in batch, mixing, and continuous feed operations to
measure the amount of solid material being fed to a process.
n. Feeders may use the same components (load cells and electronics) as those of
a static weighing system and shall be packaged in a self–contained unit.
o. Belt or gravimetric feeders weigh the flow of bulk solids on a conveyor. The feeder
measures the flow of solids being transported from a storage container onto a
conveyor belt. A portion of the belt is weighed before the material is discharged
from the feeder. The feed rate is calculated by multiplying the belt speed and
sensed product weight.
p. The site installation of Continuous weighing systems shall be in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions. The structure, piping, and electrical connections
shall be connected to the feeder equipment as specified by the manufacturer.
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q. Technology to be used for Continuous weighing systems shall be agreed between

the parties.
r. Weighing scales shall be used to measure the weight of a single object (e.g.,
decktop scales, loading dock scales, truck scales, railcar scales). Weighing scales
shall be permanently installed.
s. Permanent installation of weighing scales shall be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
t. Total measurement uncertainty shall be better than ± 0.25% of range for
continuous weighing systems and better than ± 0.1% of range for static weighing
systems and weighing scales, except when the parties agree to use other values.
15.1.2 Quality measurement
a. Requirements and methods for quality measurement of solid materials shall be
agreed between the parties.
b. Sampling for quality verification shall be representative of the whole product under
measurement.
c. Solid material sampling shall comply with PDVSA–MDP–11–MM–01 Bulk Solid
Material Sampling.

15.2 Liquid measurement

15.2.1 Static measurement for hydrocarbon.
a. The absolute accuracy for level measurement shall be ± 1 mm. Uncertainty of
calculated volume shall be equal or lower than ± 1%, except when parties agree
another value.
b. At least, all level measurement system for liquid hydrocarbons shall comply with
API 3.1B. Liquid hydrocarbons with Reid steam pressure equal or higher than 15
psi shall comply with API 3.3 and liquefied gas (LPG) shall comply with API 14.8.
c. At least, the following measurements and applications shall be carried out:
– Level of product in the tank.
– Average temperature of product in the tank.
– API density and gravity of product in the tank.
– Water percentage of product in the tank.
– Hydrocarbon–free water interface level.
– Systems dedicated and designed for fiscal inventory purpose shall be
standalone and shall not be shared for other functions different from those of
the fiscal/custody transfer/sale measurement system.
d. The tanks used for the measurement shall be calibrated by an accredited entity
and comply with API MPMS 2A and 2B. The calibration shall be certified and
traceable to National and international standards.
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TYPICAL ELEMENTS FOR FISCAL/CUSTODY TRANSFER IN HYDROCARBONS TANKS

TEMPERATURE OIL LEVEL

TT LT

OIL – WATER
INTERFACE LT

DP
API WATER CUT
WATER CUT XT
XT M
M
OIL OUT
OIL IN

e. Measurement system shall measure hydrocarbon level in the tank, calculate

compensated volume by temperature, density and content of water and control the
sampling automatic system, if available.
f. Each tank shall be provided with its own level, temperature and density meter.
g. Radar technology shall be the preferred technology for measurement of
hydrocarbon level. Radar technology shall not be used for LNG and light
hydrocarbons CnH2n+2 with n <8. Level measurement technology to be used for
LPG, LNG and light hydrocarbons CnHn with n <8 shall be submitted for PDVSA
approval. On light hydrocarbon products, servo or hydrostatic tank gauging
technology shall be considered. Provisions to allow sensor isolation and
maintenance without tank de–pressurization shall be considered.
h. Installation of level sensor shall be carried out using still pipe according to the
manufacturer’s recommendations and API standards.
i. For the selection of the type of antenna, the following shall be taken into account:
type of tank, measurement range, fluid characteristics, vapour between fluid and
antenna surface, possible formation of product condensation on antenna surface,
temperature and operating pressure.
j. The antenna shall comply with API 3.1B requirements.
k. Hydrocarbon level, oil–water interface, temperature, pressure, water cut and
density sensors and volume computer shall fulfill the technical characteristics
defined in the legal normative (MEM – Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos
Líquidos), API and PDVSA standards.
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l. Location and installation of hydrocarbon level, oil–water interface, temperature,

pressure, water cut and density sensors shall be carried out in accordance with
the legal normative (MEM – Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos Líquidos),
API 7, OIML R85 and R125, PDVSA K–301, K–302, K–304 standards and
manufacturer’s recommendations.
m. Volume calculation shall be carried out with the equipment and in the way defined
in the legal normative (MEM – Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos
Líquidos).
15.2.2 Static measurement for heavy hydrocarbons (Asphalt, wax, Paraffin)
a. Static measurement of asphalt and paraffin shall be made as follow:
– Storage tanks level measurement using radar or
– Truck weighing scale.
b. Total uncertainty value of the measurement system shall be agreed between the
parties.
c. For storage tank level measurement, an antenna designed for service in
asphalt/paraffin tank shall be used, according to API 3.1B.
d. Temperature, pressure and density sensors, if used, and volume computer shall
fulfill the technical characteristics defined in API and PDVSA standards.
e. Location and installation of temperature, pressure and density sensors shall be
carried out in accordance with API, PDVSA standards and/or manufacturer’s
recommendations.
f. Installation of level sensor shall be carried out according to manufacturer
recommendations, API and PDVSA standards.
g. Calculations to determine volume from level measurement shall be carried out
according to API standards and prior agreement between the parties.
h. Weighing scales shall be purchased as complete units designed and built by a
manufacturer and shall be permanently installed.
i. Weighing scales with compression load cells shall be used.
j. Permanent installation of weighing scales shall be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
k. Weighing scales calibration shall be done with precise dead weights. This is the
only method recognized by weights and measures agencies.
l. For the verification of the weighing scale, a set of certified dead weights shall be
available in the plant. These dead weights shall be protected and managed
appropriately to keep their accuracy.
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m. The scale for trucks weighing shall be a multiple load cells type scale specially
designed for this type of service.
15.2.3 Static measurement for other liquids
a. Total uncertainty value specified for liquid level measurement systems shall be
agreed between the parties.
b. At least, the following measurements and applications shall be carried out:
S Product level in the tank.
S Average temperature of product in the tank.
S Quality of product in the tank, if required.
S A system dedicated and designed for fiscal inventory of tanks and tanks farm
accounting and managing. This system shall have its own man–machine
interface and communication interface with external system DCS, SCADA,
among others.
TYPICAL ELEMENTS FOR THE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM OF LIQUID TANKS

TEMPERATURE PRODUCT
LEVEL
TT LT

PRODUCT
QUALITY

XT
M
M
OUTLET
INLET
c. The tanks used for the measurement shall be calibrated by an accredited entity.
The calibration shall be certified and traceable to National and international
standards.
d. Measurement system shall measure product level in the tank, calculate
compensated volume by temperature, density and control the sampling automatic
system, if available.
e. Each tank shall have its own level and temperature meter.
f. For level measurement of product, appropriate technology shall be used prior
agreement of the parties.
g. Installation of level sensor shall be carried out using still pipe or according to
manufacture’s recommendations and standards on level measurement of each
particular product.
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h. All level sensors of same tank farm shall be of the same manufacturer and model,
except when parties agree otherwise.
i. All level meters and volume computer shall have the technical characteristics
defined in PDVSA standards, and regulations that apply to the product.
j. Location and installation of temperature, pressure and anlytical sensors shall be
carried out according to PDVSA standards, regulations that apply to the product
and manufacturer’s recommendations.
k. Volume calculation shall be carried with the equipment and in the way established
in PDVSA standards and regulations that apply to the product.
15.2.4 Dynamic measurement of liquid hydrocarbons. (Except wax, asphalt and
paraffin)
a. API MPMS 5 and 6.1–6.6 recommendations shall be followed for dynamic
measurements of liquid hydrocarbons with Reid pressure equal or higher than 15
psia; API MPMS 6.7 for hydrocarbon with a viscosity higher than 100 centipoise;
API MPMS 14.8 for LPG and API MPMS 14.7 for LGN.
b. Additional to above mentioned standards, Coriolis and multipaths Ultrasonic
technology (of 4 or more paths) may be used, following the manufacturer’s sizing
and installation recommendations. The parties should approve the use of these
technologies.
c. Use of Coriolis meters for hydrocarbon fluids shall follow recommendations of
drafts MPMS API H00004 and MPMS API H00006.
d. Dynamic measurement system for liquid hydrocarbons shall take into account the
following:
– Flow or mass measurement.
– Temperature measurement.
– Water content measurement (only in crude oil).
– Measurement of specific density or gravity.
– Fiscal measurement and Accounting System (Flow Computer).
Note: a communication link to a supervisory system (SCADA, DCS) is normally
provided for remote monitoring of process and alarms, but this is an optional
feature and not considered as functional part of the measurement system.
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TYPICAL ELEMENTS FOR LIQUID HYDROCARBONS ON–LINE MEASUREMENT

SYSTEM FOR FISCAL/CUSTODY TRANSFER PURPOSES
PRESSURE API CONN. TO
TEMPERATURE PROVER
TT PT DT

TT PT DT

METER RUN WATER

CUT XT

e. For dynamic measurement of liquid hydrocarbons a LACT unit shall be used

(Lease Automatic Custody Transfer) with the following technologies. The decision
of using one or another shall be in terms of the meter capability to handle the type
of fluid, maximum available pressure drop, project costs and operating costs
S Coriolis.
S Positive displacement.
S Turbine.
S Multi–paths Ultrasonic.
S Other technologies that fulfill measurement accuracy and repeatability
requirements for fiscal measurement and custody transfer.
f. Independently of the technology to be used for flow/mass measurement, this shall
be approved by the parties and by the organization that will own/operate the
measurement system.
g. Each flow/mass meter shall have its dedicated pressure, temperature and density
meter, except when parties agree otherwise.
h. Maximum pressure drop through the measurement system (including entrance
and exit manifold) shall not be higher than the value recommended by the Process
Engineer and/or the organization that own/operate the measurement system. A
higher pressure drop value shall be fully justified and approved by the organization
that own/operate the measurement system.
i. Measurement system shall be designed to measure any expected flow or mass
rate within the following operating ranges of the meter:
S 80% of max. range for continuous metering.
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S 90% of max. range for batch metering.

Except when parties agree the use of other values.
j. The flow through each meter shall be kept above the minimum flow recommended
by the manufacturer.
k. Flow/mass meters, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, density sensor,
water–cut analyzer and flow/mass computer shall fulfill requirements defined in
the legal normative (MEM– Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos Líquidos),
API and PDVSA K–301, K–302, K–304, K–305 standards.
l. Installation of flow/mass meters, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, density
sensor and water cut analyzer shall fulfill methods and requirements defined in the
legal normative (MEM– Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos Líquidos), API,
PDVSA K–301, K–302, K–304, K–305 standards and manufacturer’s
recommendations.
m. The number and size of flow/mass meters in parallel that shall be placed at each
measurement point must guarantee that with one meter out of service, the system
still has the capability to measure the maximum foreseen nominal flow rate of the
process.
n. For measurement system with a single meter, but with a high availability
requirement, the parties may agree to the installation of a redundant parallel
meter. Otherwise, operational procedures shall be established in the event of
failure of unique meter.
o. Measurement system shall be designed to allow that individual meters can be
taken out of service without the need to stop operation of complete measurement
system.
p. All flow meters of same measurement system shall be of the same manufacturer
and model.
q. If automatic sampling system is not available, the measurement system shall have
a sampling point to enable gathering of representative samples for laboratory
analyses, for the verification of on–line analyzer measurements. The sampling
point shall be located as close as possible to the sampling point of on–line
analyzer, if possible a common sampling point shall be used.
r. Any flow control that may be required to limit maximum flow through each meter
shall not limit the maximum total flow capacity through the measurement system.
Flow control valves shall be sized to regulate operating maximum flow at less than
90% opening, according to PDVSA K–332, Control Valves Standard. Flow control
valve shall be located downstream of flow/mass meters.
s. Flow/mass calculation shall be carried out with the equipment and in the way
defined in the legal normative (MEM– Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos
Líquidos), API and PDVSA standards.
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15.2.5 Dynamic measurement for liquid wax, asphalt and paraffin

a. The use of on–line measurement for wax, asphalt and paraffin is acceptable only
as a secondary or support method of a scale system in a truck loading station or
of tank level system in a tank farm.
b. Coriolis technology may be used following recommendations from draft MPMS
API H00006, with the addition of the following requirements.
S Appropriate temperature shall be kept in the meter in order to keep fluid in liquid
phase and to minimize its adherence to meter internal walls. Thermal isolated
enclosure around the meter or electric/steam trace may be used. The
temperature shall be controlled to such value that meter electronics and
temperature sensitive components within the meter are not damaged.
S Meters shall be installed in position that allow self–draining of fluid.
S Measurement system shall be designed with facilities to allow the draining and
extraction of fluid when system is not in use for a long time period, otherwise
heating system shall be kept active to avoid cooling and solidification of the fluid.
S Operating temperature conditions to which meter and its accessories will be
exposed shall be specified. Electronics and meter shall not only be protected
from temperature, but also from possible impacts and dirt.
S Field electrical and electronic enclosure shall be explosionproof, weatherproof,
and able to resist jet of hot water, steam or solvents that may be used for
cleaning of the measurement system.
S Bypass or deviation through meter is not allowed, unless car– seal–closed
valve and blind flange are used.
S Periodic meter calibration verification procedures against scale or level
measurement results shall be established. The updated report on the
calibration verification results shall be available any time to demonstrate that
meter is calibrated and that it can be used for reliable measurement of the
product in the event the scale or level measurement system is out of service.
S A periodic maintenance program, including flushing with solvent or hot
steam/water through the meter shall be established in order to avoid
accumulations of dirt or fluid in the internal part of the meter. Connections and
arrangement of block and bypass valves shall be available upstream and
downstream the meter to carry out this process, without disassembling the
meter. Valves use for this process shall be car– seal–closed type to avoid using
them for another purpose.
S If solvent is used for flushing of meter, its physical and chemical characteristics
shall be included in the purchase specifications of the meter for manufacturer’s
consideration when selecting materials and liner of meter.
S Over sizing of Coriolis meter shall be avoided in order to reduce measurement
error when fluid speed is below threshold speed.
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S The flow through each meter shall be maintained above the minimum flow
recommended by the manufacturer.
S Coriolis meters, temperature sensor, pressure sensor and mass computer shall
fulfill the requirements defined in the legal normative (MEM– Normas Técnicas
Medición Hidrocarburos Líquidos), API and PDVSA K–301, K–302, K–304,
K–305 standards.
S Installation of Coriolis meters, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, density
sensor and water cut analyzer shall comply with the methods and requirements
defined in the legal normative (MEM– Normas Técnicas Medición
Hidrocarburos Líquidos), API, PDVSA K–301, K–302, K–304, K–305 standards
and manufacturer’s recommendations.
S Any flow control that may be required to limit maximum flow through each meter
shall not limit the maximum total flow capacity through the measurement
system. These flow control valves shall be sized to regulate operating maximum
flow with a 90% opening, according to PDVSA K–332, Control Valves Standard.
Flow control valve shall be located downstream of Coriolis meters.
S Flow/mass calculation shall be carried out with the equipment and in the way
defined in the legal normative (MEM– Normas Técnicas Medición
Hidrocarburos Líquidos), API and PDVSA standards.
15.2.6 Dynamic flow/mass measurement for other liquids (non hydrocarbons)
a. The dynamic measurement system for non–hydrocarbon liquids shall include the
following:
S Flow or mass measurement.
S Temperature measurement.
S Specific density or gravity (when changes are expected in the
composition/concentration of fluid).
S Fiscal measurement and Accounting System.
Note:
A communication link to a supervisory system (SCADA, DCS, etc) is normally
provided for remote monitoring of process and alarms, but this is an optional
feature and not considered as functional part of the measurement system.
 ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION PDVSA K–342
REVISION DATE
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AND CUSTODY TRANSFER MEASUREMENT 0 OCT.02
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TYPICAL ELEMENTS FOR LIQUID (NON–HYDROCARBONS) ON–LINE

MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

b. Measurement system shall be designed to measure any expected flow or mass

rate within the following operating ranges of the meter:
– 80% of maximum range for continuous metering.
– 90% of maximum range for batch metering.
Except when parties agree the use of other values.
c. The flow through each meter shall be kept above the minimum flow recommended
by the manufacturer.
d. The most appropriate technologies from the technical and economic point of view
shall be used for dynamic measurement of non–hydrocarbon liquid.
e. Flow/mass meters, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, density sensor and
flow/mass computer shall fulfill the requirements defined in the standards that
govern measurement of the specific product and PDVSA standards.
f. Installation of flow/mass meters, temperature sensor, pressure sensor and density
sensor shall fulfill methods and requirements defined in the standards that govern
measurement of the specific product and PDVSA standards.
g. The number and size of flow/mass meters in parallel that shall be placed at each
measurement point must guarantee the capacity to measure the maximum
nominal flow rate of the process with one meter out of service.
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h. For measurement system with a single meter, but with a high availability
requirement, the parties may agree the installation of a redundant parallel meter.
Otherwise, operational procedures shall be established in the event of failure of
unique meter.
i. For differential pressure meters (orifice plate, venturi, etc.), the individual meter
capacity turndown shall not be higher than 3:1 for single transmitter and 9:1 for
double transmitter (low range – high range). Higher turndowns shall only be
accepted for in–factory–certified meters and prior PDVSA approval.
j. Measurement system shall be designed to allow for individual meters to be taken
out of service without the need to stop operation of complete measurement
system.
k. All flow meters of the same measurement system shall be of the same
manufacturer and model.
l. If automatic sampling system is not available, the measurement system shall have
a sampling point to permit the gathering of representative samples for laboratory
analyses, for the verification of on–line analyzer measurements. The sampling
point shall be located as close as possible to the sampling point of on–line
analyzer, if possible a common sampling point shall be used.
m. Any flow control that may be required to limit maximum flow through each meter
shall not limit the maximum total flow capacity through the measurement system.
These flow control valves shall be sized to regulate operating maximum flow with
a 90% opening, according to PDVSA K–332, Control Valves Standard. Flow
control valve shall be located downstream of flow/mass meters.
n. Flow/mass calculation shall be carried out with the equipment and methods
according to the standards that govern measurement of specific product and
PDVSA standards.

15.3 Gas measurement

15.3.1 Hydrocarbon gas measurement
a. The dynamic measurement system for gaseous hydrocarbons shall include the
following:
S Flow or mass measurement.
S Pressure measurement.
S Temperature measurement.
S Specific and gravity measurement.
S BTU measurement (one measurement per measurement system or at
compression plant discharge located upstream of measurement system or at
point agreed between the parties).
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REVISION DATE
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S Fiscal measurement and Accounting system.

Notes:
1. A chromatograph analyzer may be considered as an option to density and
BTU measurement.
2. A communication link to a supervisory system (SCADA, DCS, etc) is normally
provided for remote monitoring of process and alarms, but this is an optional
feature and not considered as functional part of the measurement system.

TYPICAL ELEMENTS FOR ON–LINE HYDROCARBON GAS

MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

TEMPERATURE PRESSURE DENSITY CONN. TO

PROVER

TT PT DT

TT PT DT

BTU

METER RUN
XT

b. For dynamic measurement of gaseous hydrocarbons the following technologies

shall be used. The decision of using one or another shall depend on the capability
of meter to handle the type of fluid, maximum available pressure drop, project cost
and operating costs; however the first option to take into account is the use of
meters with no moving parts.
– Orifice plate.
– Venturi.
– Coriolis.
– Positive displacement.
– Turbine.
– Multipath Ultrasonic.
– Oscillatory (vortex).
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– Other technologies that fulfill the measurement accuracy and repeatability

requirements agreed between the parties and approved by the organization
responsible for the custody/operation of the measurement system.
c. Each flow/mass meter shall have its own pressure, temperature and density
meter, except when parties agree the exception to this requirement.
d. Maximum pressure drop through the measurement system (including entrance
and exit manifold) shall not be higher than the value recommended by the Process
Engineer and/or the organization that owns/operates the measurement system.
A higher pressure drop value shall be fully justified and approved by the
organization that owns/operates the measurement system.
e. Measurement system shall be designed to measure any expected flow or mass
rate within the following operating ranges of the meter:
S 80% of max. range for continuous metering.
S 90% of max. range for batch metering.
Except when the parties agree the use of other values.
f. The flow through each meter shall be kept above the minimum flow recommended
by the manufacturer.
g. Flow/mass meters, temperature sensor, pressuree sensor, density sensor, BTU
analyzer and flow/mass computer shall fulfill the requirements defined in the legal
normative (MEM– Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos Gaseosos), API
14.6, AGA and PDVSA K–301, K–302, K–304, K–305 standards.
h. Installation of flow/mass meters, temperature sensor, pressuree sensor, density
sensor, BTU analyzer shall accomplish the methods and requirements defined in
the legal normative (MEM– Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos
Gaseosos), API 14.6, AGA and PDVSA K–301, K–302, K–304, K–305 standards.
i. The number and size of flow/mass meters in parallel that shall be placed at each
measurement point must guaranteed the capacity to measure the maximum
nominal flow rate of the process with one meter out of service.
j. For measurement system with a single meter, but with a high availability
requirement, the parties may agree to install redundant meters. Otherwise,
operational procedures shall be established in the event of failure of unique meter.
k. For differential pressure meters (orifice plate, venturi, etc.), the capacity turndown
of the individual meter shall not be higher than 3:1 for single transmitter and 9:1
for double transmitter (low range – high range). Higher turndowns shall only be
accepted for in–factory–certified meters and subject to PDVSA approval.
l. Measurement system shall be designed to allow for indiviudal meters to be taken
out of service without the need to stop operation of complete measurement
system.
 ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION PDVSA K–342
REVISION DATE
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AND CUSTODY TRANSFER MEASUREMENT 0 OCT.02
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m. All flow meters of same measurement system shall be of the same manufacturer
and model.
n. If automatic sampling system is not available, the measurement system shall have
a sampling point to permit the gathering of representative samples for laboratory
analyses for the verification of on–line analyzer measurements. The sampling
point shall be located as close as possible to the sampling point of on–line
analyzer, if possible a common sampling point shall be used.
o. Any flow control that may be required to limit maximum flow through each meter
shall not limit the maximum total flow capacity through the measurement system.
These flow control valves shall be sized to regulate operating maximum flow with
a 90% opening, according to PDVSA K–332, Control Valves Standard. Flow
control valve shall be located downstream of flow/mass meters.
p. Flow/mass calculation shall be carried out with the equipment and methods
defined in the legal normative (MEM– Normas Técnicas Medición Hidrocarburos
Gaseosos), AGA, API and PDVSA standards that govern measurement of
hydrocarbon gas.
15.3.2 Non hydrocarbon gas measurement
a. The dynamic measurement system for non–hydrocarbon gas shall include the
following:
S Flow or mass measurement.
S Pressure measurement.
S Temperature measurement.
S Specific and gravity measurement.
S Gas quality measurement, if required.
S Fiscal measurement and Accounting system.
Notes:
1. A chromatograph analyzer may be considered as an option to density and
gas quality measurement.
2. A communication link to a supervisory system (SCADA, DCS, etc) is normally
provided for remote monitoring of process and alarms, but this is an optional
feature and not considered as functional part of the measurement system.
 ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION PDVSA K–342
REVISION DATE
PDVSA DESIGN CRITERIA FOR FISCAL, SALE
AND CUSTODY TRANSFER MEASUREMENT 0 OCT.02
SYSTEMS Page 48

Menú Principal Indice manual Indice volumen Indice norma

TYPICAL ELEMENTS FOR ON–LINE NON–HYDROCARBON GAS

MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

PRESSURE DENSITY CONN. TO

TEMPERATURE PROVER

TT PT DT

TT PT DT

GAS QUALITY
METER RUN
XT

b. For dynamic measurement of non–hydrocarbon gas the following technologies

shall be used. The decision of using one or another shall depend on the capability
of meter to handle the type of fluid, maximum available drop pressure, project cost
and operating costs; however the first option to take into account is the use of
meters with no moving parts.
– Orifice plate.
– Venturi.
– Coriolis.
– Positive displacement.
– Turbine.
– Multipath Ultrasonic.
– Oscillatory (vortex).
– Other technologies that fulfill the measurement accuracy and repeatability
requirements agreed between the parties and approved by the organization
responsible for the custody/operation of the measurement system.
c. Each flow/mass meter shall have its own pressure, temperature and density
meter, except when parties agree otherwise.
 ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION PDVSA K–342
REVISION DATE
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AND CUSTODY TRANSFER MEASUREMENT 0 OCT.02
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d. Maximum pressure drop through the measurement system (including entrance

and exit manifold) shall not be higher than the value recommended by the Process
Engineer and/or the organization that owns/operates the measurement system.
A higher pressure drop value shall be fully justified and approved by the
organization that owns/operates the measurement system.
e. Measurement system shall be designed to measure any expected flow or mass
rate within the following operating ranges of the meter:
S 80% of max. range for continuous metering.
S 90% of max. range for batch metering.
Except when the parties agree the use of other values.
f. The flow through each meter shall be kept above the minimum flow recommended
by the manufacturer.
g. Flow/mass meters, temperature sensor, pressuree sensor, density sensor, gas
quality analyzer and flow/mass computer shall fulfill the requirements defined in
standard applicable to each specic gas.
h. Installation of flow/mass meters, temperature sensor, pressuree sensor, density
sensor, gas quality analyzer shall accomplish the methods and requirements
defined in standard applicable to each specific gas, PDVSA Standards and
manufacturer recomendation.
i. The number and size of flow/mass meters in parallel that shall be placed at each
measurement point must guarantee the capacity to measure the maximum
nominal flow rate of the process with one meter out of service.
j. For measurement system with a single meter, but with a high availability
requirement, the parties may agree to install redundant meters. Otherwise,
operational procedures shall be established in the event of failure of unique meter.
k. For differential pressure meters (orifice plate, venturi, etc.), the capacity turndown
of the individual meter shall not be higher than 3:1 for single transmitter and 9:1
for double transmitter (low range – high range). Higher turndowns shall only be
accepted for in–factory certified meters and subject to PDVSA approval.
l. Measurement system shall be designed to allow taking out of service individual
meters without the need to stop operation of complete measurement system.
m. All flow meters of same measurement system shall be of the same manufacturer
and model.
n. If automatic sampling system is not available, the measurement system shall have
a sampling point to permit the gathering of representative samples for laboratory
analyses for the verification of on–line analyzer measurements. The sampling
point shall be located as close as possible to the sampling point of on–line
analyzer, if possible a common sampling point shall be used.
 ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION PDVSA K–342
REVISION DATE
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AND CUSTODY TRANSFER MEASUREMENT 0 OCT.02
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o. Any flow control that may be required to limit maximum flow through each meter
shall not limit the maximum total flow capacity through the measurement system.
These flow control valves shall be sized to regulate operating maximum flow with
a 90% opening, according to PDVSA K–332, Control Valves Standard. Flow
control valve shall be located downstream of flow/mass meters.
p. Flow/mass calculation shall be carried out with the equipment and methods
defined in standards that govern measurement of the specific non–hydrocarbon
gas.

15.4 Steam measurement

a. The dynamic measurement system for steam shall include the following:
– Flow or mass measurement.
– Pressure measurement.
– Temperature measurement.
– Steam quality measurement.
– Fiscal measurement and Accounting system.
Note:
A communication link to a supervisory system (SCADA, DCS) is normally provided
for remote monitoring of process and alarms, but this is an optional feature and
not considered as functional part of the measurement system.

TIPICAL ELEMENTS FOR ON–LINE STEAM MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

CONN. TO
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE PROVER

TT PT

TT PT

METER RUN STEAM

QUALITY XT
 ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION PDVSA K–342
REVISION DATE
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b. For dynamic flow/mass measurement of steam the following technologies shall be

used:
S Orifice plate.
S High pressure Nozzle.
S Vortex Meter.
S Another type of meter agreed by the parties.
c. Each flow/mass meter shall have its own pressure, temperature and steam quality
sensor.
d. Maximum pressure drop through the measurement system (including entrance
and exit manifold) shall not be higher than the value recommended by the Process
Engineer and/or the organization that own/operate the measurement system. A
higher pressure drop value shall be fully justified and approved by the organization
that own/operate the measurement system.
e. Measurement system shall be designed to measure any expected flow or mass
rate within the following operating range:
– 80% of max. range for continuous metering.
– 90% of max. range for batch metering.
Except when the parties agree the use of other values.
f. The flow through each meter shall be maintained above the minimum flow
recommended by the manufacturer.
g. Flow/mass meters, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, steam quality sensor
and flow/mass computer shall fulfill the requirements defined in the regulations for
steam measurement and PDVSA standards.
h. Installation of flow/mass meters, temperature sensor, pressuere sensor and
steam quality sensor shall fulfill the methods and requirements defined in the
regulations for steam measurement, PDVSA standards and manufacturer’s
recommendations.
i. The number and size of flow meters in parallel that shall be placed at each
measurement point must guaranteed the capacity to measure the maximum
nominal flow rate of the process with one of the meter out of service.
j. For measurement system with a single meter, but with a high availability
requirement, the parties may agree to install redundant paralell meters.
Otherwise, operational procedures shall be established in the event of failure of
unique meter.
k. For differential pressure meters (Orifice plate, venturi, etc.), the capacity turndown
of the individual meter shall not be higher than 3:1 for single transmitter and 9:1
for double transmitter (low range – high range). Higher turndowns shall only be
accepted for in–factory–certified meters and prior PDVSA approval.
 ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION PDVSA K–342
REVISION DATE
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AND CUSTODY TRANSFER MEASUREMENT 0 OCT.02
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l. Measurement system shall be designed to allow that individual meters can be

taken out of service without the need to stop operation of complete measurement
system.
m. All flow meters of same measurement system shall be of the same manufacturer
and model.
n. If automatic sampling system is not available, the measurement system shall have
a sampling point to permit the gathering of representative samples for laboratory
analyses for the verification of on–line analyzer measurements. The sampling
point shall be located as close as possible to the sampling point of on–line
analyzer, if possible a common sampling point shall be used.
o. Any flow control that may be required to limit maximum flow through each meter
shall not limit the maximum total flow capacity through the measurement system.
These flow control valves shall be sized to regulate operating maximum flow with
a 90% opening, according to PDVSA K–332, Control Valves Standard. Flow
control valve shall be located downstream of flow/mass meters.
p. Flow/mass calculation shall be carried out with the equipments and methods
defined in the standards that govern measurement of steam and PDVSA
standards.

15.5 Electricity
15.5.1 Measurement, isolation and protection equipment shall follow technical guidelines
established by the Electrical Power Supplier Company.
15.5.2 Measurement equipment shall be dedicated.
15.5.3 Installation shall comply with ”Código Eléctrico Nacional” and PDVSA Electrical
Specifications and Guidelines.
15.5.4 PDVSA electrical engineer shall define specific design requirements and
guidelines on a project by project basis.

16 QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL

Referte PDVSA K–369 Instrumentation QA/QC