The amount of hydrocarbon product that is transported between producer, processor, distributor and user is significant.  To be able to verify the exact composition of the product is important from an economic and product treatment standpoint.  A small percentage of savings made by correctly determining composition will quickly recoup the investment made in the purchase of a system designed to obtain an optimum product analysis.  In addition, if the best sampling procedures are followed, the potential for disputes between supplier and customer will be greatly reduced.  The importance of properly determining hydrocarbon gas composition benefits all parties involved and will achieve greater significance as this precious commodity becomes less plentiful and more expensive.

The need to be able to take a representative sample and analysis of a hydrocarbon product is necessary to ensure proper accounting for transactions and efficient product processing. General aspects of petroleum quality are assessed by measurement of physical properties such as relative density (specific gravity), refractive index or viscosity, or by empirical tests such as pour point or oxidation stability that are intended to relate to behavior in service.

HVAC, sample systems, utilities, testing, and project execution are some the keys to successfully designing an analyzer building. Here are some things to consider;

• With a properly designed HVAC, ambient conditions remain stable and the risk of changing temperatures in the building that can have a significant influence on the fluid and sampling system media are greatly reduced. Maintaining a representative sample requires a controlled ambient temperature environment.
• Sample conditioning systems is one of the most critical parts of an analytical system. Even the most sophisticated analyzer is only as good as the sample that is fed to it. If the sample is not representative of process conditions, that will be reflected in analyzer results.
• After all systems have been installed, Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) becomes the next crucial step in building an Analyzer Building. FATs are beneficial not just for the buyer and end users but for the manufacturer as well.  Both parties can be assured that the equipment meets all the contractual specifications and any issues can be addressed before arriving at the customer’s site.

Oil and gas operators conducting work on their analyzer shelters should seek out suppliers who can provide sound counsel on all areas of design, engineering, project management, fabrication and commissioning. Proper project management can help reduce the amount of time it takes to execute a project, maintaining budgets and meeting schedule. The adoption of automation within our engineering and design processes increase efficiency and quality. Our custom in-house automation tools integrate information between various design documents and drawings. This integration results in an engineering product which is more consistent, accurate, and can be completed faster.

EPI&C Systems can help with the initial design, engineering, fabrication and on-site commissioning.