Materials System Specification

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement Custody Measurement Standards Committee Members
Fadhl, Khalid Ahmed, Chairman Roumi, Sulaiman Hamad, Vice Chairman Awami, Luay Hussain Bakhsh, Abduljalil Hamed Britton, Richard Leo Far, Husain Salah Grainger, John Francis Hijji, Abdullah Saleh Jumah, Yousif Ahmed Khan, Farooq Saeed Louisse, Mart Marri, Saeed Mohammad Othman, Fahad Adel Rockwell Jr., William Allen Sanna'A, Zaki Abbas Shaikh Jaffar, Abdullah Mohammed Torairi, Mohammed Saleh Trembley, Robert James

14 October 2009

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Scope............................................................. 2 Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2 References..................................................... 2 Definitions and Abbreviations......................... 4 General Requirements................................... 5 Orifice Meter Design....................................... 7 Meter Tube Design......................................... 9 Identification Tagging................................... 11 Testing and Inspection................................. 12 Shipping Requirements................................ 13 Documentation............................................. 13

Previous Issue: 17 September 2007 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012 Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Primary contact: Roumi, Sulaiman Hamad on 966-3-8731262
CopyrightSaudi Aramco 2007. All rights reserved.

Page 1 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

Scope This specification defines the minimum mandatory requirements for orifice meters to be used for the custody transfer measurement of sales gas and ethane. This specification also defines the minimum mandatory requirements for the upstream and downstream meter tubes if they are supplied along with the orifice meter by the meter manufacturer or vendor.

Conflicts and Deviations 2.1 Any conflicts between this specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs), Engineering Standards (SAESs), Standard Drawings, (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the Manager, Process & Control Systems Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran. Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the Company or Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302 and forward such requests to the Manager, Process & Control Systems Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran. Direct all requests for interpretation of this specification in writing to the Company or Buyer Representative who shall forward them to the Chairman, Custody Measurement Standards Committee for resolution. The Chairman, Custody Measurement Standards Committee shall be solely responsible for determining whether a proposed installation meets the requirements of this specification.

2.2

2.3

References Material or equipment supplied to this specification shall comply with the latest edition of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted. 3.1 Saudi Aramco References Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards SAES-H-001 Coating Selection & Application Requirements for Industrial Plants & Equipment
Page 2 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

SAES-J-005 SAES-L-105 SAES-L-109 SAES-Y-100

Instrumentation Drawings and Forms Piping Material Specifications Selection of Flanges, Stud Bolts and Gaskets Regulated Vendors List for Custody Measurement Equipment

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification 01-SAMSS-010 Fabricated Carbon Steel Piping

Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing AB-036019 Thermowell Assembly and Detail

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets SA-8020-113-ENG NMR-7907 3.2 Industry Codes and Standards American Gas Association AGA Report 3 Orifice Metering of Natural Gas ISS for Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement Non Material Requirements for Instrumentation (General)

American Petroleum Institute, Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards API STD 598 API MPMS 14.3.1 Valve Inspection and Testing Natural Gas Fluids Measurement, Concentric, Square-Edged Orifice Meters, General Equations and Uncertainty Guidelines Natural Gas Fluids Measurement, Concentric Square Edge Orifice Meters, Specifications and Installation Requirements

API MPMS 14.3.2

Commentary Note: AGA Report 3 and API MPMS 14.3.2 are identical documents, so they can be used interchangeably.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASME B16.5 ASME B31.3 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings Process Piping
Page 3 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

Definitions and Abbreviations 4.1 Definitions Beta Ratio: The ratio of the orifice bore diameter to the internal diameter of the pipe. Buyer or Purchaser: The Company (Saudi Aramco, Aramco Overseas Co., or Aramco Services Co.) actually placing the order for the material. The buyer can be a third party metering customer. Buyer's Representative: The person acting on behalf of the Buyer, who may be from the Engineering, Inspection, Purchasing, or User Organization. Custody Transfer Measurement: A specialized form of measurement that provides quantity and quality information used for the physical and fiscal documentation of a change in ownership and/or responsibility of commodities. The following measurements are custody transfer measurements: Measurement of hydrocarbon liquid or gas movements (deliveries or receipts) between Saudi Aramco and its customers, suppliers, or transport contractors. Measurement of hydrocarbon liquid or gas transfers within, or between, Saudi Aramco business entities (e.g., refineries, bulk plants, terminals, gas plants, VELA, etc.) where the measurement is used for accounting or loss control.

Flow Conditioner: A device that can effectively reduce the swirl component of a flowing stream and has the ability to produce a flow condition necessary to perform accurate flow measurement. Near-shore: Any outdoor, onshore location within one kilometer from the shoreline of the Arabian Gulf; all of the Ras Tanura Refinery and Terminal; and within three kilometers from the shoreline of the Red Sea. Orifice Fitting: Pressure containing piping element used to contain and position the plate in the piping system. Orifice Meter: An orifice meter is a fluid flow measuring device that produces a differential pressure to infer flow rate. It consists of an orifice plate, mounted in an orifice fitting and equipped with differential pressure sensing taps. Meter Tubes: The straight upstream pipe and fittings between the flow meter and the upstream pipe flange and the similar down-stream pipe and fittings between the flow meter and the pipe flange.
Page 4 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

Orifice Plate: A thin square edge plate with a machined circular bore, concentric with the meter tube internal diameter when installed. Vendor: The party that supplies or sells integrated metering systems, metering equipment, or components. 4.2 Abbreviations d D ID ISS 5 Orifice Bore Diameter Nominal Pipe Diameter Internal Pipe Diameter Instrument Specification Sheet

General Requirements 5.1 Application This specification together with Instrument Specification Sheet (ISS), Form SA-8020-113-ENG shall be used as attachments to the Purchase Order. The Vendor shall submit a completed copy of the specification sheet along with the bid. 5.2 Approved Vendors Orifice meters for gas custody measurement shall be supplied by an approved vendor per SAES-Y-100. 5.3 Scope of Supply The Vendor shall supply a fully assembled orifice meter as specified in this SAMSS to perform accurate measurement of gas flow. The orifice meter shall include the following components as a minimum: Orifice Plate Orifice Fitting

The Vendor may also furnish the following items only when specified on the ISS, Form SA-8020-113-ENG: Upstream meter tube Flow Conditioner Downstream meter tube

Page 5 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

5.4

Process Conditions The orifice meter and all accessories shall be suitable for measuring the process fluid under the conditions specified on Saudi Aramco Form SA-8020-113-ENG.

5.5

Engineering Units All dimensions shall be in the "International System of Units" (SI), and shall be followed by the equivalent value in US Customary between brackets. The units of flow measurement shall be in US Customary units as specified on the ISS Form SA-8020-113-ENG.

5.6

Environmental Conditions 5.6.1 Temperature Equipment and instrumentation shall operate continuously under the following ambient air temperatures without any degradation of the manufacturer's guaranteed performance:
Outdoor (1) Sheltered 55C (131F) 0C (32F) Outdoor Unsheltered 65C (149F) 0C (32F)

Maximum Minimum

Note (1): "Sheltered" refers to permanent, ventilated enclosures or buildings or permanently fixed sunshades with a top and three sides".

5.6.2

Humidity Outdoor design basis shall be 5% to 95% relative humidity (noncondensing).

5.6.3

Offshore and Near-shore Environment Equipment and instrumentation which is not enclosed or hermetically sealed, but is situated offshore or near-shore, shall be protected against corrosion and operational failure due to wind-borne seawater spray and the accumulation of wetted salt (NaCl).

Page 6 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

Orifice Meter Design 6.1 General Requirements The design and construction of orifice plates shall comply with the requirements of API MPMS 14.3.2 in addition to the requirements specified in this SAMSS. Orifice fittings shall be provided to hold the orifice plate. They shall be designed to be installed in an upright position and shall comply with the requirements of API MPMS 14.3.2 in addition to the requirements specified in this SAMSS. 6.2 Orifice Meter Size The orifice plate bore diameter shall be determined based on a beta ratio between 0.2 and 0.6 and a maximum differential pressure of 100 inches of water column to handle the maximum flow rate as specified in Saudi Aramco ISS Form SA-8020-113-ENG. The minimum orifice meter nominal pipe size shall be 2" and the minimum orifice plate bore diameter shall be 0.45". If the orifice meter size or orifice plate bore diameter falls below the specified limits, then the Chairman of the Custody Measurement Standards Committee shall be consulted for clarification and approval.
Commentary Note: The minimum orifice meter size or orifice plate bore diameter are specified to be within the sizing limits specified in API MPMS 14.3.2 and the uncertainty limits specified in API MPMS 14.3.1.

6.3

Orifice Meter Design Pressure The orifice meter shall withstand the maximum design pressure as specified in the ISS Form SA-8020-113-ENG in accordance with ASME B31.3. The maximum working pressure for the meter shall be consistent with the flange rating according to ASME B16.5.

6.4

Materials of Construction Orifice plates shall be constructed of type 316 stainless steel or better. The wetted parts of the orifice fitting shall be manufactured of material that provides adequate corrosion resistance and shall be suitable for the gas & process condition as specified in ISS Form SA-8020-113-ENG.

Page 7 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

The external parts of the meter shall be painted with a corrosion resistance coating per the manufacturer's standard for surface finishing, priming and painting. The coating and its application shall be suitable for the environmental conditions in section 5.6. 6.5 Meter's Performance The orifice meter shall be designed and fabricated to ensure proper performance for gas measurement in accordance with AGA Report 3. 6.6 Orifice Meter Components 6.6.1 Orifice Plates The measured diameter of an orifice plate shall be calculated at a reference temperature of 60F according to the calculation of AGA Report 3. This reference diameter shall be stamped on the plate. Orifice plates shall be beveled, and the plate faces shall be flat and smooth as specified in API MPMS 14.3.2. Orifice plates shall not have weep holes. 6.6.2 Orifice Fittings 6.6.2.1 Orifice fittings can be either double chambers or single chamber based on the following applications: Double chamber orifice fittings are required for single meter run installations in order to allow for orifice plate inspections and changes without interrupting the gas flow. Single chamber orifice fittings may be used only in multitube meter runs installations or where it is possible to shutdown the station flow to inspect the orifice plate.

6.6.2.2

Orifice fittings shall have flanged ends. The internal diameter of the fitting shall be matched to that of the tube, within the tolerances specified in API MPMS 14.3.2. Flanges on orifice fittings shall be the male-female selfaligning type or shall be doweled with a minimum of three (3) alignment pins. The orifice fitting shall have flange differential pressure taps. The center of the upstream tap hole shall be placed 25 mm from the upstream face of the orifice plate. The center of the
Page 8 of 14

6.6.2.3

6.6.2.4

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

downstream tap hole shall be 25 mm from the downstream face of the orifice plate. Tap nipples shall not be seal welded in orifice fitting. 6.6.2.5 Orifice fitting shall be equipped with bottom chamber drain valve(s) to allow for chamber blowdown and cleaning. These valves shall not be seal welded to the orifice fitting. Full opening drain valves shall be installed on the upstream and downstream sides of the orifice fittings. Orifice fitting assemblies larger than 16 inch size shall be equipped with lifting davits to enable both orifice plate and carriers to be lifted to and from the top of the fitting. The orifice plate gasket or sealing device recesses and protrusions in the fitting shall comply with the requirements of API MPMS 14.3.2. For double chamber orifice fittings, the chamber isolation valve shall be of resilient seated construction and shall have zero leakage. The orifice fitting valve shall be tested per API STD 598.

6.6.2.6 6.6.2.7

6.6.2.8

6.6.2.9

Meter Tube Design This section is applicable only when the meter's manufacturer (Vendor) is requested to supply the meter tubes and flow conditioner along with meter as specified in the ISS Form SA-8020-113-ENG. 7.1 General Requirements 7.1.1 7.1.2 7.1.3 7.1.4 Piping shall comply with Saudi Aramco standard SAES-L-105 and specification 01-SAMSS-010. The design pressure of the metering system piping shall match that of its interconnecting piping. The upstream and downstream meter tube sections shall be constructed of seamless pipe or cold drawn seamless tubing. The tube shall be as nearly cylindrical as commercially possible with out-of-roundness deviations (difference between the maximum and minimum D measurements) not to exceed 0.5% for upstream sections and 1% for downstream section.

Page 9 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

7.1.5

The inside pipe walls of the meter tubes shall be as smooth as commercially practicable. The wall roughness of the upstream and downstream meter tubes shall not exceed the limits specified in API MPMS 14.3.2. Pipe walls may be machined, ground, coated, honed and/or polished. Flanges and fittings welded to meter tubes shall have internal weld joints ground to a smooth finish, flush with the internal diameter of the pipe and free of sharp edges or abrupt changes in surface level or diameter. Flanges and Gaskets shall be as per Saudi Aramco standard SAES-L-109. Gaskets shall be purchased or trimmed to have at least a 10 mm larger inside diameter (bore) than the meter tube for 12 inch tube size and above. For tube size 10 inch and below, gasket internal diameter shall be at least 6 mm larger inside diameter (bore) than the meter tube.
Commentary Note: This requirement precludes the gasket from protruding into the tube interior through misalignment or compression.

7.1.6

7.1.7

7.1.8

The averages of upstream and downstream meter tube internal diameter (ID) micrometer readings shall be stamped on a stainless steel data plate which will be permanently attached to the meter tube. Flow direction shall be indicated on the meter tube close to each side of the flow meter.

7.1.9

7.1.10 Protective coating shall be applied on external surfaces of all piping and equipment and shall be in accordance with Saudi Aramco standard SAES-H-001. 7.2 Upstream Meter Tube 7.2.1 The upstream meter tube shall consist of two sections with a total minimum clear length of 20D. A flow conditioner shall be installed in the middle of the upstream meter tube. There shall be no pipe connections or fittings within the upstream meter tubes. Upstream meter tube ends shall be flanged and equipped with a spacer ring or jack screw so that the tube sections and the flow conditioner can be easily removed for inspection and cleaning. Spacer ring internal diameter shall be 3 mm larger than the meter tube

7.2.2 7.2.3

7.2.4

Page 10 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

internal diameter and the outer diameter shall be 1.5 mm smaller than the inside bolt circle of the flange. 7.3 Flow Conditioner 7.3.1 The flow conditioner shall be a uniform concentric 19-Tube Bundle Flow Straightener as described in API MPMS 14.3.2. It shall be installed in the middle of the upstream meter tube. The flow conditioner shall comply with the pressure ratings of the adjacent piping. The flow conditioner shall be constructed of carbon steel or better material that can provide adequate corrosion resistance in the gas service. The flow conditioner can be either flange type or line type. It shall be installed in a way that provides convenient access for ease of inspection, removal and maintenance. The flow conditioner shall be securely fastened to prevent it from vibration or being dislodged and pushed downstream against the orifice plate.

7.3.2 7.3.3

7.3.4

7.3.5

7.4

Downstream Meter Tube 7.4.1 The downstream meter tube shall have a minimum clear length of 5D. There shall be no pipe connections or fitting within this 5D downstream section. The downstream tube shall have two thermowells made of 316 stainless steel installed at a distance of at least 5D downstream of the orifice meter. The thermowells shall be separated by no more than 300 mm. The thermowells shall be installed in 1 inch NPT tap fittings in accordance with Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing AB-036019.

7.4.2

7.4.3

Identification Tagging 8.1 An identification tag of an AISI Series 300 (Austenitic) type stainless steel shall be attached to the orifice fitting securely with similar stainless steel or Monel fasteners. The tag shall be marked by raised letters or die stamping with the following information and shall be located so that the information can be read after the equipment is installed: Manufacturer
Page 11 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

8.2

Model Number Serial Number Date of Manufacture Equipment Tag No. Purchase Order Number Orifice Fitting Connection Size and Pressure Rating Certified Internal Pipe Diameter Material of Body and Trim

The orifice plate shall be stamped with the Bore Diameter (d) at reference temperature, Plate Thickness, Material and the word "UPSTREAM" on the upstream face of the orifice plate. Flow direction shall be indicated by an arrow on the orifice fitting and/or by the words IN and OUT on the piping connections. The upstream and downstream meter tubes shall have stainless steel data plate indicating the averages of tubes internal diameters (ID).

8.3 8.4

Testing and Inspection 9.1 Quality Program The Vendor shall implement and maintain a Quality Program, which shall include clearly defined and documented procedures for the relevant Quality System functions. The Quality Program documents shall be made available to the Buyer Representative for review and audit. 9.2 Inspection Requirements The orifice meter and its accessories, and the meter tubes (if provided) are subject to inspection by the Buyer's Representative in accordance with the requirements of this material specification and Appendix 2B of API MPMS 14.3.2. 9.3 Dimensional Measurements The Vendor shall perform dimensional measurements of the critical points of orifice plate, fitting and meter tubes (if provided) in accordance with API MPMS 14.3.2 requirements and shall be witnessed by the buyer or its representative. The measurement results shall be documented and shall be made available to the Buyer Representative for review. 9.4 Hydrostatic Test
Page 12 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

Hydrostatic test of the orifice meter or the meter tube (if provided) shall be performed on the fully assembled meter skid by the skid fabricator. 10 Shipping Requirements 10.1 General All equipment and internals being shipped shall be braced and temporary supports shall be provided, if required, to prevent damage during shipment. 10.2 Internal Protection The internals of all piping, fabricated and assembled equipment shall be completely cleaned and dried to the satisfaction of the Saudi Aramco Inspector. A non-toxic vapor phase corrosion inhibitor (CORTEC VCI-609, or equivalent) shall be applied to the internal surfaces of all piping, fabricated and assembled equipment. 10.3 External Protection Permanent blind flanges or covers shall be installed at the ends of the orifice fitting and meter tube (if provided) with the gaskets and bolts required for service. All bolts, nuts and the faces of open flanged connections shall be coated with temporary protective coating such as petroleum paste. 11 Documentation The vendor shall submit the following documents: Nonmaterial items as shown on Form NMR-7907. Operation and maintenance manual(s) of the orifice meter and the associated accessories Sizing Calculation All test results List of spare parts required for the material supplied All drawings of the meter tubes (if supplied with the meter)

Documents and drawings shall comply with the requirements of SAES-J-005.

17 September 2007

Revision Summary New Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification.

Page 13 of 14

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Issue Date: 14 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 17 September 2012
14 October 2009

34-SAMSS-112 Orifice Meter for Gas Custody Measurement

Editorial revision to read ISS Form SA-8020-113-ENG instead of 8020-112-ENG.

Page 14 of 14