HM 8. Continuous density measurement

Overview:

Accuracy in the measurement of density is essential for bulk volume measurements so that the mass may be determined. Mass may be required for reporting or for other qualitative purposes. This publication covers the continuous determination of the density of liquids and gases including stable crude oils, enriched crude oils, condensates, natural gases and other liquid and gaseous products commonly encountered in the petroleum industry. It describes equipment for continuous density measurement and covers the installation and proving of this equipment.

The types of metering system described in this document and where the need for continuous density measurement may be applicable are intended primarily for the measurement of petroleum for the purposes of sales, taxation or product allocation in multi-user pipelines. Dependent on usage these systems can generally all be termed custody transfer, implying a standard of accuracy that is the highest reasonably attainable in practice, taking account of the balance between cost and accuracy.