Case Study: Precision Oil Transfer with Tek-Trol’s 1300D CorVor Meter
Client Application: Oil Truck Loading and Unloading
Industry: Oil & Gas
Product Highlighted: 1300D CorVor Meter
Use Case: High-accuracy density and mass flow measurement in extreme mobile conditions
Overview
When a major oil transport operation required precise, reliable flow and density measurement under highly challenging conditions, Tek-Trol’s 1300D CorVor Meter proved to be the ideal solution. Mounted directly onto an oil truck’s loading and unloading lines, these meters faced adverse environments including:
- Short meter runs
- Severe vibration during off-road transit
- Intermittent flow patterns
- Varying oil densities
Despite these obstacles, the CorVor meters consistently delivered high-accuracy readings with minimal maintenance and no field recalibration.
The Challenge
Accurately measuring oil transfers on mobile units presents several problems:
- Variable Density: The transported oil varies significantly in composition.
- Turbulent Conditions: Off-road transport causes constant vibration, threatening meter accuracy.
- Short Meter Runs: Minimal straight piping reduces measurement stability.
- Batch Transfers: Flow is not continuous, requiring accurate batch-level measurements.
Traditional flow meters struggle in these scenarios, often requiring frequent recalibration or producing data with high uncertainty.
The Tek-Trol Solution
Tek-Trol’s 1300D CorVor Meter was installed on both the loading and unloading lines of the oil truck, using two 4” meters (Figure 1 and 2). These meters are engineered to measure both mass flow and fluid density—making them ideal for oil products with fluctuating properties.
Figure 1. Truck with Two 4” CorVor Meters Installed.
Figure 2. Two Oil Truck Mounted 4” VorCone Meters.
Results & Performance
During multiple oil transfer operations, the CorVor meters recorded batch-level data which was summed into totalized quantities. Despite the inherent batch-to-batch variability, the overall uncertainty in totalized measurement remained below 1%.
Figure 3. Truck 4” CorVor Meter Performances Compared to Facility Reference.
Comparative Analysis
Data was benchmarked against facility volume references. Table 1 shows minimal deviation between the CorVor meters and reference values:
| Reference BBLs | Meter Under Test BBLs | % Difference of Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meter 1 Loading | 4488.8 | 4480.4 | -0.19 |
| Meter 2 Unloading | 4488.8 | 4484.6 | -0.09 |
Table 1. Totalized Flow Rate Results.
Key Takeaway
No zeroing or recalibration was required during field use, and the difference from the facility reference was less than 0.2%, demonstrating superior repeatability and accuracy.
Why Choose Tek-Trol’s CorVor Meter?
- Dual-Measurement Capability: Simultaneously measures density and mass flow
- Field-Proven Durability: Performs reliably in harsh, mobile environments
- No Field Recalibration Needed: Saves time, reduces operational downtime
- High Accuracy in Short Runs: Ideal for truck and skid-mounted systems
Conclusion
Tek-Trol’s 1300D CorVor Meter successfully met the high-precision needs of a mobile oil transfer system, showcasing its ability to maintain accurate, reliable measurements in challenging field conditions. For oil and gas operators looking to enhance operational efficiency without sacrificing measurement integrity, Tek-Trol offers a proven solution.
Looking for accurate flow measurement in the most demanding environments?
Contact Tek-Trol today to learn how our flow metering solutions can elevate your operations.