Volumetric s and Exposure to Loss: Options for Accurately Capturing Volumetric s When Loading From Truck to Rail

Transcription

1 Volumetric s and Exposure to Loss: Options for Accurately Capturing Volumetric s When Loading From Truck to Rail Brandt Trimble, Manager of Measurement, Process and Optimization

2 Agenda Examining Volumetric methods for various grades of crude in order to effectively and economically analyze crude by rail. Meter systems and the different software's Different types of water analyzers Weigh Scales

3 Agenda Uncovering the nature of volume loss in crude by rail transportation in order to assess crude by rail efficiencies in contrast with other modes. Weigh scales and deficiencies faced with temperature correction and shrinkage. Centrifuges and Karl Fischers Advantages of Meters, online water cut analyzers and temperature Other modes of transportation of crude using the meter systems

4 Agenda Exploring the differing degrees of loss for different qualities of Crude due to Viscosity and API. The potential effects of losses due to lack of temperature correction for crudes that have to be heated to high temperatures to lower viscosity for loading and unloading. One of the greatest exposure to loss is the daily change of API density and the need for continuous online density measurement. Marketers requesting field blending to be done at loading facilities and the losses inquerred due do to the reaction of the crudes volumetrically. Losses due to Total Vapor Pressure not being accounted for.

5 Agenda Examining measures to effectively reduce loss of volume in crude rail transportation to maximize supply. We will discuss the 10 active things one can do to prevent loss.

6 Volumetric s and Exposure to Loss Examining Volumetric Methods for Various Grades of Crude in Order to Effectively and Economically Analyze Crude by Rail.

7 Mass Flow Systems- Foxboro Newer system that has just emerged for truck to rail. Mass flow meter where the volumes are calculated by determining the mass then software will use the mass determined to figure out flowing density, temperature corrected density, temperature corrected total volume etc. Delta C online water cut analyzer most commonly used to determine BS&W percentage. Net Oil and Net BS&W can be reported with this system. Most companies use Foxboro so they can either write there own computer software or they use software's such as Accuload. Foxboro can be used on all types of crude as long as the layout of the meter package is built for light or heavy crude.

8 Mass Flow Systems- Micro Motion Spartan Controls (Emerson Partner) is the main supplier of Micro Motion Coriolis metering systems. Has been around for many years and is a reliable meter package. This is a mass flow meter that determines the mass then the software package calculates, flowing density, temperature density, temperature corrected total volume etc. Online water cut analyzer used in this system is Drexelbrock or Phase Dynamics. These online water cut analyzers will determine the BS&W percentage. Spartan has created a software package for rail loading. It reports Temperature corrected volumes such as Net Oil and Net H2O. Micro Motion can be used on all types of crude the one thing you will want to change depending on API density is the water cut analyzers. Drexelbrock- Only good for crudes with a API of 16 or higher. Phase Dynamics- Good for crudes with a API of 16 or lower.

9 Mass Flow Systems- Endress Hauser Endress Hauser is a newer system that has improved the way of determining mass. This is a mass flow meter that determines the mass then the software package calculates, flowing density, temperature density, temperature corrected total volume etc. Delta C online water cut analyzer most commonly used to determine BS&W percentage. Net Oil and Net BS&W can be reported with this system. Most companies use Endress Hauser so they can either write there own computer software or they use software's such as Accuload. Endress Hauser can be used on all types of crude as long as the layout of the meter package is built for light or heavy crude. One disadvantage of Delta C online water cut analyzers is the operators software hasn t been created yet in order to select different curves so the Delta C can be changed as the crude changes.

10 Other Weighs to determine Volume- Weigh Scales There are quit a few loading companies that still use weigh scales to determine mass/volume. Producers and Marketers generally agree upon a temperature corrected density to be used to determine Net Volumes. Generally a centrifuge or Karl Fischer is on site to determine the water cut percentage to apply to loads for the day. Since the railway is not concerned about volume just mass, a temperature and shrinkage factor is generally not determined with weigh scales. Can be used for all varying types of crudes; mainly for heavy crude. Suggestion would be to have a continuous temperature measurement so that corrected volumes could be calculated.

11 Volumetric s and Exposure to Loss Uncovering the Nature of Volume Loss in Crude by Rail Transportation in Order to Assess Crude by Rail Efficiencies in Contrast with other Modes.

12 Weigh scales and deficiencies faced with temperature correction and shrinkage. Generally there is no temperature or continuous density determination when scales are used so an accurate temperature correction for individual loads is not being determined which will result in a loss due to shrinkage/cooling of crude. Most heavy crude is being hauled in is around 150 degrees Fahrenheit. For example we can only fill cars to a maximum of 95% and if there is no way to determine temperature correction then a loss will result. If scales are used a system needs to be in place to determine continuous temperature, density, water content and shrinkage.

13 Water Determination Deficiencies Centrifuge If a proper procedure is not in place could result in losses. To avoid loss there needs to be a temperature control and timer. Quality knock out drops need to be used and labeled properly as to when they expire. Minimizing the number of operators will ensure a more consistent reading. Does determine sediment. Karl Fischer Not too many people are familiar with these devices. Is a very accurate device in determining water but does not determine sediment. A greater loss is seen with water then sediment as water is 90% or more of BS&W. If proper procedures are in place from a operational stand point it will result in a higher accuracy of water measurement.

14 Volumetric s and Exposure to Loss Exploring the Differing Degrees of Loss for Different Qualities of Crude due to Viscosity and API

15 Degrees of Loss for Different Qualities of Crude due to Viscocity and API In order to load high viscosity crude we need to heat the oil up to get under the 200 cst that is required for truck pumps to work. High temperatures change the crude volumetrically if you do not have temperature compensation it will result in a loss. API density varies greatly among the same crude and can change daily. Crude Monitor is a website where you can look up different crudes and see the changes within the crude on a monthly basis. One example of a location that changes frequently is Bow River South crude. Here is the link for Bow River South on CrudeMonitor,cahttp:// You need to have a way to monitor these changes in order to decrease your exposure to loss.

16 Degrees of Loss for Different Qualities of Crude due to Viscocity and API Field Blending of crudes is becoming a common request from marketing companies. Here is a link that describes the process of blending and what happens to API density and viscosity. Tomato Juice and Beer Experiment- Shrinkage occurs because of the differing composition of the materials. People are unaware of why the loss is occurring but it is due to a reaction of the components of the crude. Because of the compositions of the crude volumes can change drastically.

17 Degrees of Loss for Different Qualities of Crude due to Viscocity and API Recently Total Vapour Pressure measurement has recognized as an issue. Many regulatory initiatives have reduced the release of light ends from crude in the field. Measurement of these light ends cannot be done with current sample systems and ASTM recommended procedures. I have attached a summary of what CCQTA are working on and can be discussed with me after the presentation if you want more information.

18 Volumetric s and Exposure to Loss Examining Measures to Effectively Reduce Loss of Volume in Crude by Rail Transportation to Maximize Supply

19 Ten Active Procedures that can be Implemented to Reduce Loss 1. Meter Prove Witnessing It is required to prove all custody transfer meters once a month. One should send a representative as frequently as possible as it keeps the transload company and producer on top of their measurement. 2. Request to see Sampling and BS&W determination Procedures The greatest loss in crude shipments is the poor sampling and measurement of water. If done properly it could save companies 10s of thousands of dollars. 3. Transload Procedure Auditing Completing a site audit can ensure light end losses or air being measured instead of crude is occurring. There are loading procedures that can prevent these issues.

20 Ten Active Procedures that can be Implemented to Reduce Loss 4. Paper Trail Auditing Human errors can occur if there is too many handoffs and lots of manual data. 5. Logistic Management Issues An interview of the terminal dispatcher can identify weaknesses in their planning that could cause issues that may add cost to purchasers or producers that if caught early can reduce the chance of friction between the parties and loss of potential crude resources. 6. Crude Source and Contamination Issues A review of the source of oil at batteries; the trucking companies and the transload equipment can identify potential contamination points. 7. Heal Measurement and Railcar Tracking System Audit Each site is supposed to have systems in place to prevent tankcar overfill which could result in spills, fines or delays on shipments

21 Ten Active Procedures that can be Implemented to Reduce Loss 8. The Implementation of a Seal Color Code ID system Creating a color code system will help refineries to quickly identify what heat can be placed on the tankcars and the type of crude in the tankcar. 9. High Level Safety Audit Any incident on a site where anyone is buying or receiving crude from could taint your public image and this is something you would want to flag before it happens. 10. Transloader Skill Level and Training Audit In some areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan, the quality of training is failing and with huge turnover some sites have few good people left. A quick interview of the transloaders on site can tell you the experience level and flag potential risks of operator errors which cause delay and possibly injuries and or environmental incidences.

22 Disclaimer Certain information provided in this presentation constitutes forwardlooking statements. The words may, will, plan, predict, estimate, believe, continue, intends, anticipate, expect, or project, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although Torq Transloading Inc. or any affiliate thereof (collectively Torq ) believes such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to certain risks, changes in government regulation, uncertainties and assumptions pertaining to operating performance, regulatory parameters, energy markets, economic conditions, etc. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to Torq and persons acting in or on its behalf.