Measuring Flare Gas Mass Flow

Model TA2 Thermal Dispersion
Mass Flow Meter
Courtesy Magnetrol

Industrial processing of fluids often requires the measurement of mass flow. Whether for purposes of process control or regulatory compliance, accurate measurement of fluid mass flow is an important element of industrial processing.

In the oil and gas industry, hydraulic fracturing operations release substantial quantities of natural gas. Gas wells will coincidentally release gas during completion, called flow back. Gas is also a common byproduct of oil wells and a number of other processes unrelated to petroleum production. Some operations lack the equipment and infrastructure to collect the unwanted gas and it is flared off (burned) or vented.

Compliance with state and federal regulations imposes requirements on numerous industry segments to conduct certain measurements of gas quantities flowing to different points of processing, release, or transfer. The regulatory requirements are stringent, and present a challenge to the manufacturers of mass flow measurement instruments and process engineers to achieve a cost effective solution in the face of:

• Highly Variable Flow Rates - Production can range  from near zero to extreme bursts during upset conditions.
• Variable Media Temperature - Depth of the gas source, or another factor, can impact temperature
• Low Process Pressure - The flare headers usually operate near atmospheric pressure
• Variable Composition - The components and density of the gas can change over time.
• Difficult Maintenance - Instruments may need to be installed at locations that are hazardous and not easily accessed

The best mass flow measurement solution will effectively accommodate the challenges at each site. Thermal mass flow measurement is one technology that provides a good approach. Examine the paper included below, documenting performance of the TA2 Model manufactured by Magnetrol. Thermal mass flow measuring devices offer cost and other advantages over several competing technologies. 

Share your mass flow measurement challenges with a product application specialist. Combine your process knowledge with their product application expertise to develop the best solution. 

Magnetrol TA2 Thermal Mass Flow Meter for Flare Gas Applications from Miller Energy, Inc.