Here you can view Gauging Systems Inc.’s collection of relevant terminology and definitions. If you can’t find the resources you are looking for, please contact us.
Here you can view Gauging Systems Inc.’s collection of relevant terminology and definitions. If you can’t find the resources you are looking for, please contact us.
Absolute Temperature
See: Temperature, Absolute.
Absolute Viscosity
See: Viscosity, Absolute.
Accessory Equipment
Any device that enhances the utility of a measurement system, including readouts, registers, monitors, and liquid- or flow-conditioning equipment.
Accuracy
The ability of a measuring instrument to indicate values closely approximating the true value of the quantity measured.
Accuracy Curve of a Volume Meter
A plot of meter factor or K factor or error as a function of flow rate used to evaluate the meter’s performance.
Active Leg
A regulator and a nitrogen blanket used to prevent vapor condensation in the vapor space. A top transmitter is required because the regulator is not a perfect controller.
Adjustment (of meter registration)
The operation of bringing a measuring instrument (meter) into a satisfactory state of performance and accuracy.
Air (Gas) Vapor Eliminator (Separator)
A device used to separate and remove gases (air, gas, or vapor) from a liquid to be measured to prevent an error in liquid measurement from having gas included in the measurement as liquid.
Air-Jacketed Thermometer
A glass stem thermometer totally encased in a glass sheath that provides air space between the thermometer and the liquid in which the unit is immersed.
Alarm Register
MTG Register Configuration – Bitwise alarm flags register
Alarm Register, Process
MTG Register Configuration – Bitwise process alarm flags register
Alcohol
The family name of a group of organic chemical compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The series of molecules vary in chain length and are composed of a hydrocarbon plus a hydroxyl group; CH(3)-(CH(2))n-OH (e.g., methanol, ethanol, and tertiary butyl alcohol).
Alkylate
The product of an alkylation reaction. It usually refers to the high-octane product from alkylation units. This alkylate is used in blending high octane gasoline.
Alkylation
A refining process for chemically combining isobutane with olefin hydrocarbons (e.g., propylene, butylene) through the control of temperature and pressure in the presence of anacid catalyst, usually sulfuric acid or hydrofluoric acid. The product alkylate, an isoparaffin, has high octane value and is blended with motor and aviation gasoline to improve the antiknock value of the fuel.
All-Levels Sample
A sample obtained by submerging a stoppered beaker or bottle to a point as near as possible to the draw-off level, then opening the sampler and raising it at a rate such that it is approximately three-fourths full as it emerges from the liquid. An all-levels sample is not necessarily a representative sample because the tank volume may not be proportional to the depth and because the operator may not be able to raise the sampler at the variable rate required for proportional filling. The rate of filling is proportional to the square root of the depth of immersion.
Allowable
The amount of crude oil that can be taken from an oil field as set by regulation, having the effect of law.
Alternative Innage Gauge
The innage obtained by subtracting the measured distance between the surface of the liquid in the tank and the reference point from the official reference height of the tank.
Alternative Ullage Gauge
The ullage obtained by subtracting the measured height of the liquid in the tank from the official reference height of the tank.
Ambient Conditions
The conditions (pressure, temperature, humidity, etc.) of the medium surrounding an object such as the case of a meter, instrument, transducer, etc.
Ambient Temperature
The temperature of the surrounding medium such as the atmosphere
Antenna
The cone-shaped metal part of a radar level gauge that directs the radar signal toward the material being measured. The antenna also receives signals reflected from the material’s surface.
Ambient Air Density
The density of air at the tank side on which the pressure sensors are mounted.
Ambient Air Temperature
The representative temperature of the ambient air at the tank side on which the hydrostatic tank gauging (HTG) pressure sensors are mounted.
Amplifier
A device for increasing the magnitude of a quantity such as an electrical measurement signal. An amplifier use includes increasing a transmitted or received measurement signal for purposes that include operation of indicating, counting, recording, and controlling devices or another instrument that receives the transmitted signal; (also see preamplifier).
Analog Output
Transducer output that is a continuous fraction of the measurand.
Analog Signal
A signal that varies continuously in amplitude rather than in discrete steps.
Anchor Weight
A weight installed in a tank to which the guide wires or cables for an automatic tank gauge float are attached to hold them taut and plumb.
Angle-Stem Thermometer
A glass stem thermometer in which the tail is bent at an angle to the stem so that the tail can be mounted in a horizontally disposed thermowell, leaving the scale vertical for greater ease of reading/
API
The American Petroleum Institute, founded in 1919, was the first oil trade association to include all branches of the petroleum industry.
API Gravity
A term used by the petroleum industry to express the relative density of petroleum liquids. API gravity is measured by a hydrometer instrument having a scale graduated in degrees API. The relationship between API gravity and relative density (Formerly called specific gravity) is as follows:
Apparent Compressibility
See: Compressibility, Apparent.
Argument, Mathematic
The independent variable X for a function F(X) and the values of the independent variable in a numerical table, such as for angles in a table of trigonometric functions of the numbers in a table of logarithms.
Armored Case (thermometer)
A study metal case in which a glass stem thermometer can be placed to minimize the risk of breakage of the thermometer in use.
Aromatics
Hydrocarbons characterized by unsaturated ring structures of carbon atoms. Commercial petroleum aromatics are benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX).
Asphalt
A dark brown-to-black cement-like material obtained by petroleum processing and containing bitumens as the predominant component; used primarily for road construction. It includes crude asphalt as well as the following finished products: cements, fluxes, the asphalt content of emulsions (exclusive of water), and petroleum distillates blended with asphalt to make cutback asphalts. Note: The conversion factor for asphalt is 5.5 barrels per short ton.
ASU
The abbreviation for Average Sensing Unit – an accessory to a custody transfer level measurement system. The ASU receives multiple temperature sensor input readings, averages the appropriate temperature readings (from the submerged sensors), and sends the average temperature input to the level device.
Atmosphere (atm)
A standard unit of pressure equivalent to a column of mercury 760 millimeters high at 0 °C under a gravitational acceleration of 980/665 centimeter-gram-second (cgs) units. The pressure exerted by 101.325 kilopascals of 0 °C (32 °F) mercury (equivalent to 14.696 pounds per square inch absolute).
Atmospheric Pressure
See: Pressure, Atmospheric.
Atmospheric crude oil distillation
The refining process of separating crude oil components at atmospheric pressure by heating to temperatures of about 600 degrees to 750 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on the nature of the crude oil and desired products) and subsequent condensing of the fractions by cooling.
Attenuation
The reduction in the level of a quantity, such as the intensity of a wave, over an interval of a variable, such as the distance from a source.
Automatic Gauging Tape
The flexible measuring or connecting element that is used to measure the liquid level in tanks by the automatic gauge method.
Automatic Sampler
A device used to extract a representative sample from the liquid flowing in a pipe. The automatic sampler generally consists of a probe, sample extractor, flow meter, controller, and sample receiver.
Automatic Sampling System
A system that consists of stream conditioning, an automatic sampler, and sample mixing and handling.
Automatic Tank Gauge
An instrument that automatically measures and displays liquid levels or ullages in one or more tanks either continuously, periodically, or on demand.
Automatic Temperature Compensator
A meter accessory device enabling a meter that is measuring volume at stream temperature to register the equivalent volume at a reference or base temperature.
Automatic Vessel Tank Gauging System
A system that automatically measures and displays liquid levels or ullage in one or more vessel tanks on a continuous, periodic, or on-demand basis.
Auxiliary Meter Equipment
Equipment (such as a strainer, air separator, or flow conditioner) installed in conjunction with a meter to protect or improve the performance of the meter. Auxiliary equipment does not include instrumentation and accessories driven by the meter’s output rotation or pulses.
Available Room – Outage (AVRM)
Average Area
In HTG applications, the average area of a tank is used for calculating density and is expressed as volume per level (example: bbl./ft., liters/meter, gallons/ft., etc.).
Aviation gasoline (finished)
A complex mixture of relatively volatile hydrocarbons with or without small quantities of additives, blended to form a fuel suitable for use in aviation reciprocating engines. Fuel specifications are provided in ASTM Specification D 910 and Military Specification MIL-G-5572. Note: Data on blending components are not counted in data on finished aviation gasoline.
Aviation gasoline blending components
Naphthas that will be used for blending or compounding into finished aviation gasoline (e.g., straight run gasoline, alkylate, reformate, benzene, toluene, and xylene). Excludes oxygenates (alcohols, ethers), butane, and pentanes plus. Oxygenates are reported as other hydrocarbons, hydrogen, and oxygenates.
Back Pressure
The operating pressure measured downstream from a measuring device.
Back Pressure Valve
See: Valve, Back Pressure.
Balanced Remote Seal System
A situation where the remote seal system is the same on both the high and the low-pressure side of a transmitter.
Ballast
Water taken on when a vessel is empty or partially loaded to increase draft so that the propeller is properly submerged, and stability and trim are maintained.
Barrel (bbl.)
A unit of quantity for oil equal to 42 U.S. gallons or 9,702.0 cubic inches.
Barrels per calendar day
The amount of input that a distillation facility can process under usual operating conditions. The amount is expressed in terms of capacity during a 24-hour period and reduces the maximum processing capability of all units at the facility under continuous operation (see Barrels per Stream Day) to account for the following limitations that may delay, interrupt, or slow down production. 1. the capability of downstream processing units to absorb the output of crude oil processing facilities of a given refinery. No reduction is necessary for intermediate streams that are distributed to other than downstream facilities as part of a refinery’s normal operation; 2. the types and grades of inputs to be processed; 3. the types and grades of products expected to be manufactured; 4. the environmental constraints associated with refinery operations; 5. the reduction of capacity for scheduled downtime due to such conditions as routine inspection, maintenance, repairs, and turnaround; and 6. the reduction of capacity for unscheduled downtime due to such conditions as mechanical problems, repairs, and slowdowns.
Barrels per stream day
The maximum number of barrels of input that a distillation facility can process within a 24-hour period when running at full capacity under optimal crude and product slate conditions with no allowance for downtime.
Baseline
The fore and aft reference line at the upper surface of the flat plate keel at the centerline for flush shell plate vessels, or the thickness of the garboard strake above that level for vessels having lap seam shell plating.
Basic Sediment and Water (BS&W)
Archaic. See: Sediment and Water.
Batch
A parcel of a single petroleum liquid consigned separately in a pipeline.
Battery or Bank of Meters
An installation of meters having two or more meters connected in parallel.
Baumé
An indication of specific gravity in degrees. Baumé is calibrated in accordance with, or according to, either of two arbitrary hydrometer scales for liquids lighter than water, or for liquids heavier than water.
Bellows
A pressure sensing element of cylindrical shape whose walls contain deep convolutions that cause the length of the bellows to change when pressure is applied.
Benzene (C6H6)
An aromatic hydrocarbon present in small proportion in some crude oils and made commercially from petroleum by the catalytic reforming of naphthenes in petroleum naphtha. Also made from coal in the manufacture of coke. Used as a solvent in the manufacture of detergents, synthetic fibers, petrochemicals, and as a component of high-octane gasoline.
Bias
Any influence on a result that produces an incorrect approximation of the true value of the variable being measured. Bias is the result of a predictable systematic error.
Bi-directional Meter
A meter that can measure flow from either direction.
Bilge Radius
The radius of the rounded portion of the vessel’s shell that connects the bottom to the sides.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
A document by which a carrier acknowledges having received in good order and condition (or the reverse) certain specified goods consigned to him by some shipper and binds himself to deliver those goods in similar condition, unless the perils of the sea, fire, or enemies prevent him, to the consignees of the shippers at the point of destination on their paying him the stipulated freight.
Blending components
See Motor gasoline blending components.
Blending plant
A facility that has no refining capability but is either capable of producing finished motor gasoline through mechanical blending or blends oxygenates with motor gasoline.
Blind (Blanking Device)
A circular metal disc that is installed in a pipeline by fastening it between flanges to prevent flow in the pipeline.
Bonded petroleum imports
Petroleum imported and entered into Customs bonded storage. These imports are not included in the import statistics until they are (1) withdrawn from storage free of duty for use as fuel for vessels and aircraft engaged in international trade; or (2) withdrawn from storage with duty paid for domestic use.
Boring Sample
A sample of the material contained in a barrel, case, bag, or cake that is obtained from the chips created by boring boles into the material with a ship auger.
Bottom Guide Wire Anchor
A bar welded to the bottom of a tank to which guide wires or cables for the float of an automatic tank gauge are attached.
Bottom Sample
A spot sample collected from the material at the bottom of the tank, container, or line at its lowest point. In practice, the term has a variety of meanings. As a result, it is recommended that the specific sampling location [for example, 6 inches (15 centimeters) from the bottom] should be specified when using this term.
Bottom Water Sample
A spot sample of free water taken from beneath the petroleum contained in a ship or barge compartment or a storage tank.
Bourdon Tube
A pressure sensing element consisting of a twisted or curved tube of noncircular cross section that tends to be straightened by the application of internal pressure.
Breadth, Extreme
The maximum breadth of the hull measured to the outside surfaces of the side shell plating or to the outside of the guards, if fitted.
Brix
The determination of sugar concentration by density measurement.
BTX
The acronym for the commercial petroleum aromatics– benzene, toluene, and xylene.
Bubble Point
When the pressure is lowered on a liquid held at a constant temperature, the pressure at which the first bubble of vapor forms is the bubble point. Bubble point pressures are higher at high temperatures.
Build-up
The coating of process material, from liquids or solids, on the capacitance probe. The build-up may be wet, dry, conductive, or non-conductive.
Bulb
The temperature sensing (detecting) element of a temperature measuring device.
Bulkhead
The vertical partition walls that subdivide the interior of a vessel into compartments or rooms.
Bulk sales
Wholesale sales of gasoline in individual transactions which exceed the size of a truckload.
Bulk station
A facility used primarily for the storage and/or marketing of petroleum products, which has a total bulk storage capacity of less than 50,000 barrels and receives its petroleum products by tank car or truck.
Bulk terminal
A facility used primarily for the storage and/or marketing of petroleum products, which has a total bulk storage capacity of 50,000 barrels or more and/or receives petroleum products by tanker, barge, or pipeline.
Butane (C4H10)
A straight-chain or branch-chain hydrocarbon extracted from natural gas or refinery gas streams, which is gaseous at standard temperature and pressure. It includes isobutane and normal butane and is designated in ASTM Specification D1835 and Gas Processors Association specifications for commercial butane.
Butylene (C4H8)
An olefinic hydrocarbon recovered from refinery or petrochemical processes, which is gaseous at standard temperature and pressure. Butylene is used in the production of gasoline and various petrochemical products.
Calibration
The process of adjusting, or of measuring the performance of a device.
Calibration (of a container)
The process or procedure of determining the exact volume capacity or partial capacities of a standard capacity measure, a tank prover, or a piper prover.
Calibration (of an instrument)
The process or procedure of adjusting an instrument, such as a meter, so that its indication or registration is in satisfactorily close agreement with a reference standard. Meter proving data may be used either to calibrate the meter or to calculate a meter factor.
Calibration (of a prover)
The procedure for determining the volume of a prover.
Calibration Adjuster (meter)
See: Meter Calibration Adjuster.
Calibration Curve (meter)
A curve or graph that expresses the relationship between the true values of the quantity measured and corresponding values indicated by the meter.
Calibration Table (tank)
See: Capacity Table.
Calibration, Tank
Bottom calibration of a tank is either the determination of the tank volume below the strike plate, which is zero on the tank gauge table, or the quantity of liquid contained in a tank below the gauge point. The following terms are related to tank calibration:
Measurement Calibration Method, Tank
The method of tank calibration in which volume capacities are calculated from external and/or internal measurements of the tank dimensions.
Liquid Calibration, Tank
The method of tank calibration in which the capacities are determined by filling into (or withdrawing from) the tank accurately determined volumes of liquid.
Over-calibration, Tank
A tank is said to be over-calibrated when its actual capacity is less than that shown on its calibration table or by its capacity indicator.
Under-calibration, Tank
A tank is said to be under-calibrated when its actual capacity is greater than that shown by its calibration table or capacity indicator.
Camber
The arching or rounding up transversely of the vessel’s deck
Capacitance
An electrical term referring to the property of an electric nonconductor that permits the storage of energy as result of electrical displacement when opposite surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of potential. The unit of capacitance is the Farad.
Capacitance Probe
A device that senses the different dielectric constants of oil and water or oil and air.
Capacitance Transmitter
A device consisting of a set of electronics for the capacitance probe that outputs a calibrated signal proportional to level or interface level.
Capacitive Span
The amount of capacitance increase sensed by a capacitance probe, with a specific probe and a specific level change.
Capacity
The volume of a container or tank filled to a specific level.
Capacity Indicator (on a proving tank)
A device fitted to a proving tank that indicates the position of the liquid surface in relation to the reference mark corresponding to the nominal capacity of the proving tank, thus enabling the determination of its liquid contents.
Capacity, Nominal (of a tank)
The nominal capacity is the designated volume of a container.
Capacity Table
A table often referred to as a tank capacity table or calibration table, showing the capacities of or volumes in a tank for various liquid levels measured from the reference gauge point.
Capsule
A pressure sensing element consisting of two metallic diaphragms (usually circular) that are joined around their peripheries.
Captive refinery oxygenate plants
Oxygenate production facilities located within or adjacent to a refinery complex.
Cargo Quantity Option Certificate
A certificate signed by vessel and shore representatives acknowledging the amount of cargo intended to load. Generally, most product cargos have a tolerance based on either supplier, receiver, or vessel capabilities. Each party involved with the loading shall agree to the quantity amount to be loaded.
Catalytic cracking
The refining process of breaking down the larger, heavier, and more complex hydrocarbon molecules into simpler and lighter molecules. Catalytic cracking is accomplished by the use of a catalytic agent and is an effective process for increasing the yield of gasoline from crude oil. Catalytic cracking processes fresh feeds and recycled feeds.
Catalytic hydrocracking
A refining process that uses hydrogen and catalysts with relatively low temperatures and high pressures for converting middle boiling or residual material to high octane gasoline, reformer charge stock, jet fuel, and /or high grade fuel oil. The process uses one or more catalysts, depending on product output, and can handle high sulfur feed stocks without prior desulfurization.
Catalytic hydrotreating
A refining process for treating petroleum fractions from atmospheric or vacuum distillation units (e.g., naphthas, middle distillates, reformer feeds, residual fuel oil, and heavy gas oil) and other petroleum (e.g., cat cracked naphtha,coker naphtha, gas oil, etc.) in the presence of catalysts and substantial quantities of hydrogen. Hydrotreating includes desulfurization, removal of substances (e.g., nitrogen compounds) that deactivate catalysts, conversion of olefins to paraffins to reduce gum formation in gasoline, and other processes to upgrade the quality of the fractions.
Catalytic reforming
A refining process using controlled heat and pressure with catalysts to rearrange certain hydrocarbon molecules, there by converting paraffinic and naphthenic type hydrocarbons (e.g., low octane gasoline boiling range fractions) into petrochemical feedstocks and higher octane stocks suitable for blending into finished gasoline. Catalytic reforming is reported in two categories. They are:
Low Pressure
A processing unit operating at less than 225 pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG) measured at the outlet separator.
High pressure
A processing unit operating at either equal to or greater than 225 pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG) measured at the outlet separator.
Charge capacity
The input (feed) capacity of the refinery processing facilities.
Cavitation
The formation and collapse of vapor cavities (bubbles) in a liquid that result from a sudden decrease and increase in pressure. Collapse of the cavities causes large impulsive pressures in the vicinity of the cavity. Cavitation can occur and cause mechanical damage to adjacent surfaces in meters, valves, pumps, and pipes at locations where flowing liquid encounters a restriction or change in direction.
CDS
The abbreviation for Configuration Data Sheet. A detailed survey form that identifies all the data needed to fully configure a device.
Check Valve
See: Valve, Check.
Choke
A device that is placed in a pipe to restrict flow.
Clearance Sample
A spot sample taken with the inlet opening of the sampling apparatus 4 inches (10 centimeters) [some regulatory agencies require 6 inches (15 centimeters)] below the bottom of the tank outlet. This term is normally associated with small tanks (100 barrels or less), commonly referred to as lease tanks.
Clingage
The liquid film that adheres to the inside surface of a container after it has been emptied.
Closed Gauging System
A method of obtaining measurements of the tank contents without opening the tank. This may be accomplished by using automatic tank gauges or by taking measurements through a pressure/vapor lock standpipe. This type of gauging is done extensively on vessels with inert gas systems.
Closed System Gauging Unit
Closed gauging system measurement equipment specially designed to be used with a specific type of standpipe/vapor lock. The unit may have a single purpose such as taking temperature, ullages, water cuts or samples, or may be a combined unit capable of performing all necessary measurement functions.
Closed Tank
A tank that is not open to atmospheric pressure. It may be either pressurized or evacuated of pressure.
Closing Gauge
The measurement in a tank after a delivery or receipt.
Coalescer
A device used to cause the separation and removal of one fluid from another such as removal of water from a petroleum liquid.
Coefficient of Expansion Adjuster (meter)
An accessory device for a meter that is used with an automatic temperature compensator. The coefficient of expansion adjuster regulates the magnitude of temperature compensation consistent with the coefficient of thermal expansion of the liquid being metered.
Commercial Gauger
Commercial organizations and individuals who measure, gauge, or sample merchandise. “Public Gauger” has been used to denote a type of commercial gauger dealing mainly with petroleum and petroleum products. “Public gaugers” are commercial gaugers and are subject to the regulations in 19 Code of Federal Regulations Part 151.
Commercial Laboratory
Commercial organizations and individuals who analyze merchandise, i.e., determine its composition and/or characteristics through laboratory analysis.
Compensation
Provision of a supplemental device, circuit, or special materials to counteract known sources of error.
Composite Meter Factor (CMF)
A meter factor used for meter applications where the gravity, temperature, and pressure remain constant during the ticket period.
Composite Spot Sample
A blend of spot samples mixed in proportion to the volumes of material from which the spot samples were obtained.
Compressibility (liquid)
The change in volume per unit of volume of a liquid caused by a unit change in pressure at constant temperature.
Compressibility, Apparent
The algebraic sum of the actual compressibility of a liquid and the volume change per unit of volume of the confining container caused by a unit change in pressure at constant temperature.
Compressibility Factor
The ratio of the actual volume of gas at a given temperature and pressure to the volume of gas when calculated by the ideal gas law.
Concentric Shield
A circular plate surrounding a probe. It is sometimes used with capacitance probes to provide a second capacitance plate. This is done when: the measurement is made in nonmetallic tanks, in metal tanks without straight walls, or when the distance between the capacitance plates needs to be minimized.
Condensate Reservoir, Automatic Tank Gauge
A device situated at the base of an automatic tank gauge to collect and drain off condensate from within the tape conduit.
Conductive
The ability of a material to transmit the flow of electricity. Usually measured in micromhos. It is the reciprocal of resistance.
Conductor, Shielded
Single or multiple conductors surrounded by a flexible metal shield for the purpose of preventing spurious signals from being carried on the shielded conductors.
Configuration
The process of downloading information into a device that that determines how it operates. Configuration includes a completed customer configuration data sheet (CDS) and the CDS data that has been downloaded into the device.
Contain
A standard capacity measure is calibrated “to contain” by a procedure that begins with the internal surfaces of the vessel dry and free of the calibrating liquid. See: Deliver.
Continuous Level
An on-line measurement of a material throughout its entire space. The level of the process material is indicated at any point.
Continuous Sample
A sample obtained from a pipeline in such a manner as to give a representative average of a moving stream. This sample may be collected on a continuous basis or intermittently and proportional to time or flow.
Control Chart
A chart of successive meter factors (or relative meter errors) general plotted as a function of time. It is used to evaluate meter stability and to determine when meter performance has departed from its normal range.
Conventional gasoline
Finished motor gasoline not included in the oxygenated or reformulated gasoline categories. Note: This category excludes reformulated gasoline blendstock for oxygenate blending (RBOB) as well as other blendstock.
Conventional Tank
A tank of a shape commonly used in the petroleum industry that is not constructed to withstand any appreciable pressure or vacuum in the vapor space.
Core Sample
A spot sample of uniform cross-sectional area taken at a given height in a tank.
Counter, Factoring
An electronic counter (register) capable of expressing metered volume. The counter includes selective means for automatically applying the meter factor.
Counter, Meter
A counting device, electrical or mechanical, coupled to the meter measuring element to register the indicated volume passed through the meter.
Counter-Printer, Computing
A counter-printer with selective means for setting the price per standard unit of measurement and to compute the total price for a quantity of product delivered.
Counterweight
A device that exerts force or tension on the tape or cable to hold connecting elements tight.
Course Tank
One circumferential ring of plates in a tank. See: Storage Tank.
Critical Zone
A term used to define the liquid level in a floating roof type storage tank from the point where floating of the roof begins to the point where the roof is fully floating. Sometimes known as the “inaccurate zone” or “partially floating region.” The critical zone is identified on the tank calibration tables where appropriate.
Critical Zone Height
The upper limit of the critical zone; the level at which one or more of the floating roof or floating cover legs first touch the tank bottom.
Crude Oil
A mixture of hydrocarbons that existed in liquid phase in underground reservoirs and remains liquid at atmospheric pressure after passing through surface separating facilities.
Crude oil acquisitions (unfinished oil acquisitions)
The volume of crude oil either:
Acquired by the respondent for processing for his own account in accordance with accounting procedures generally accepted and consistently and historically applied by the refiner concerned, or in the case of a processing agreement, delivered to another refinery for processing for the respondent’s own account.
Crude oil that has not been added by a refiner to inventory and that is thereafter sold or otherwise disposed of without processing for the account of that refiner shall be deducted from its crude oil purchases at the time when the related cost is deducted from refinery inventory in accordance with accounting procedures generally applied by the refiner concerned. Crude oil processed by the respondent for the account of another is not a crude oil acquisition.
Crude oil losses
Represents the volume of crude oil reported by petroleum refineries as being lost in their operations. These losses are due to spills, contamination, fires, etc., as opposed to refining processing losses.
Crude oil production
The volume of crude oil produced from oil reservoirs during given periods of time. The amount of such production for a given period is measured as volumes delivered from lease storage tanks (i.e., the point of custody transfer) to pipelines, trucks, or other media for transport to refineries or terminals with adjustments for (1) net differences between opening and closing lease inventories, and (2) basic sediment and water (BSw).
Crude oil qualities
Refers to two properties of crude oil, the sulfur content, and API gravity, which affect processing complexity and product characteristics.
Crude oil stream
Crude oil produced in a particular field or a collection of crude oils with similar qualities from fields in close proximity, which the petroleum industry usually describes with a specific name, such as West Texas Intermediate or Saudi Light.
Crude oil, refinery receipts
Receipts of domestic and foreign crude oil at a refinery. Includes all crude oil in transit except crude oil in transit by pipeline. Foreign crude oil is reported as a receipt only after entry through customs. Crude oil of foreign origin held in bonded storage is excluded.
Crude Oil Truck Driver (COTD)
Assumes the driver is also the gauger. However, it should be recognized that these duties may be separated between two individuals, such as a person who only drives the tank truck and a gauger who is responsible for measurement and testing.
Crude Oil Washing (COW)
See: Washing, Crude Oil.
Cup Case Thermometer
A holder for a mercury-in-glass thermometer incorporating a small metal container in which the bulb of the thermometer is inserted, and which serves to contain a small volume of the liquid.
Custody Transfer Measurement
Provides quantity and quality information used for the physical and fiscal documentation of a change in ownership and/or a change in responsibility for commodities.
Cut
The oil level on the tape or bob or the water level marking on a tape or bob coated with water indicating paste. “Tanking a cut” is taking a measurement of the oil or water level.
Datum Plate
A level metal plate located directly under the reference gauge point to provide a fixed contact surface from which liquid depth measurement can be made.
Datum Point
The point from which all measurements for the calibration of the tank are related.
Dead Legs
Sections of pipe that, by design, do not allow for the flow of material through them.
Deadrise
The transverse rise of the vessel’s bottom from the keel to the bilge.
Deadwood
Any tank fitting, appurtenance or structural member which affects the capacity of the tank. Deadwood is positive if it increases tank capacity or negative if it decreases capacity.
Dealer tank wagon (DTW) sales
Wholesale sales of gasoline priced on a delivered basis to a retail outlet.
Degrees of Freedom
The number of independent resolutions used in estimating standard deviation.
Delayed coking
A process by which heavier crude oil fractions can be thermally decomposed under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressure to produce a mixture of lighter oils and petroleum coke. The light oils can be processed further in other refinery units to meet product specifications. The coke can be used either as a fuel or in other applications such as the manufacturing of steel or aluminum.
Deliver
A standard capacity measure is calibrated “to deliver” by a procedure that begins with the internal surfaces of the vessel wetted with the calibrating liquid. See: Contain.
Delivery
The volume delivered through a meter during a metering operation or upon completing fluid movement into or out of a tank. A “batch” or tender may also be called a delivery. See: Batch.
Delivery, Meter
A volume of delivered liquid that is measured by a meter.
Delivery, Over- or Under-
The amount by which the true volume that has passed through the meter exceeds or is less than the indicated volume registered by a meter. See: Error, Absolute.
Denatured
Fuel ethanol that is rendered unfit for human consumption by the addition of a petroleum denaturant, typically pentanes plus or conventional motor gasoline. Fuel ethanol is usually denatured prior to transport from the ethanol production facility, by adding 2- to 5-volume-percent denaturant.
Density
The density of a quantity of a homogeneous substance is the ratio of its mass to its volume. The density varies as the temperature changes and is therefore generally expressed as the mass per unit of volume at a specified temperature.
Density, Absolute
The density of a solid or liquid substance at a specified temperature is the mass of the substance occupying unit volume at the specified temperature. Density as so defined is sometimes referred to as “true density” or as “density in vacuo.” When reporting density, the units of mass and volume used and the temperature of the determination must be stated (for example, grams per milliliter at t °C).
Density Correction
A method for correcting density to standard or reference conditions. API 2540 is the standard for petroleum products. If the product is non-petroleum, a polynomial is derived from a product density versus a temperature table of approximately 20 points.
Density, Relative
The ratio of the mass given volume of liquid at 15 °C (or other standard temperature, such as 60 °F) to the mass of an equal volume of pure water at the same temperature. When reporting results, explicitly state the standard reference temperature (for example, relative density (15/15°C).
Depth, Molded
The vertical distance from the baseline to the underside of the deck plating at the side, measured at the mid-length of the vessel.
Desulfurization
The removal of sulfur, as from molten metals, petroleum oil, or flue gases.
Detector, Prover
A device that indicates the passage of a displacer in a prover. See: Transducer.
Detector Signal
A contact closure change, or other signal, that starts or stops a prover counter/timer and defines the calibrated volume of the prover.
Deviation
Any departure from a true value.
Diagnostic Register
MTG Register Configuration – Bitwise flags register
Dial
The part of an indicating device, such as a meter counter, that contains the scale or scales.
Dial Indicator
A pointer and fixed number dial reading in calibrated instruments.
Diaphragm
A sensing element consisting of a thin, usually circular, plate that is deformed by pressure applied across the plate.
Dielectric
A nonconductor of direct electric current; an insulator.
Dielectric Constant
The ratio of conductivity of a material to that of a vacuum. A unitless value representing a material’s influence on an electric field.
Dielectric Material
The insulating material between the plates of a capacitor.
Differential Pressure
See: Pressure, Differential.
Differential Pressure Valve
See: Valve, Differential Pressure.
Digit
A numerical character used to represent one of the integers smaller than the radix or base (for example, in decimal notation, one of the characters 0 to 9).
Digital
Numerical data existing in the form of digits.
Digital Signal
A signal that varies in discrete steps rather than continuously.
Dimension
A geometric element in a design, such as length, angle, etc., or the magnitude of such a quantity.
Dip
A term that designates the depth of liquid in a storage tank. See: Innage and Outage (Ullage).
Dip Hatch, Tank
See: Gauge Hatch, Tank.
Dip Point, Tank
See: Gauge Point, Tank.
Dip Rod, Stick
See: Gauge Rod, Stick.
Dip Weight, Bob
See: Gauge Weight (Bob).
Dipper Sample
A sample obtained by placing a dipper or other collecting vessel in the path of a free-flowing stream to collect a definite volume from the full cross section of the stream at regular time intervals for a constant time rate or at time intervals varied in proportion to the flow rate.
Discrimination
The ability to sense and record a value of a parameter to the specified increments.
Displacement Meter
A meter in which the measuring element measures a volume of liquid by mechanically separating the liquid into discrete quantities of fixed volume and counting the quantities in volume units.
Displacer
A level measurement technology using a precisely sized float that when immersed in a fluid will be buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. A change can be detected by this proportional change in apparent weight.
Displacer, Prover
A spherical or cylindrical object that is a component part of a pipe prover that moves through the prover pipe. The displacer has an elastic seal that contacts the inner pipe wall of a prover to prevent leakage. The displacer is caused to move through the prover pipe by the flowing fluid and displaces a known measured volume of fluid between two fixed detecting devices.
Disposition, petroleum
A set of categories used to account for how crude oil and petroleum products are transferred, distributed, or removed from the supply stream. The categories include stock change, crude oil losses, refinery inputs, exports, and products supplied for domestic consumption.
Dissolved Water
Water in solution in petroleum and petroleum products.
Domestic crude oil
Crude oil produced in the United States including the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
Draft
The depth of a vessel below the waterline measured from the surface of the water to the bottom of the vessel’s keel.
Draft, Extreme
The depth of the vessel below the waterline measured vertically from the waterline to the lowest projection portion of the vessel.
Draft, Molded
The depth of the vessel below the waterline measured vertically from the baseline to the waterline.
Draft Marks
The vertical column of numbers on each side of the vessel at each end and sometimes amidships to indicate the distance from the lower edge of the number to the bottom of the keel.
Drain Sample
A sample obtained from the draw-off or discharge valve on a storage tank. Occasionally, a drain may be the same as a bottom sample, as in the case of a tank car.
Drainage Time for a Capacity Standard
A fixed time for completing the draining of a field standard test measure that is calibrated on a “to deliver” basis, as described on the Report of Calibration by the calibrating agency.
Drift
An observed change, usually uncontrolled, in meter performance, meter factor, etc., that occurs over a period.
Dry Leg
The use of tubing (possibly heat traced and insulated to keep the product in a vapor state) running from the vapor space to the low side of the installed pressure transmitter(s). The transmitter(s) are used in the differential pressure mode. This method allows the transmitters to be calibrated with a lower pressure span. No top transmitter is needed, although one could be used to monitor the vapor pressure.
Dual Meter Counter Shifter
An arrangement for connecting two (or more) meter counters to enable shifting the registration from one counter to another.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The classification of electromagnetic waves by frequency and wavelength.
Electromagnetic Wave
An electromagnetic wave in which both the electric and the magnetic fields vary periodically, usually at the same frequency.
Electromechanical
Refers to equipment comprising both mechanical and electrical components such as electromechanical valves, electromechanical counters, etc.
Eliminator
An air, gas-vapor eliminator device used in a pipeline in conjunction with a meter to separate and remove air or vapor entrained in liquid to prevent its entry into the meter and erroneous measurement as liquid.
Elevation
A term used to indicate that the lower calibrated value of the span of a pressure transmitter is not based at zero differential pressure, but below zero. Thus, zero is elevated. Example: a span of -10 to +50 inches H2O is elevated.
Emergent Stem Correction, Thermometer
See: Total Immersion Thermometer.
Emulsion
An oil/water mixture that does not readily separate.
Ending stocks
Primary stocks of crude oil and petroleum products held in storage as of 12 midnight on the last day of the month. Primary stocks include crude oil or petroleum products held in storage at (or in) leases, refineries, natural gas processing plants, pipelines, tank farms, and bulk terminals that can store at least 50,000 barrels of petroleum products or that can receive petroleum products by tanker, barge, or pipeline. Crude oil that is in-transit by water from Alaska or that is stored on Federal leases or in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is included. Primary Stocks exclude stocks of foreign origin that are held in bonded warehouse storage.
Entrained Water
Water suspended in the oil. Entrained water includes emulsions but does not include dissolved water.
Environmental Conditions
External conditions (such as shock, vibration, and temperature) to which a meter, transducer, instrument, etc., may be exposed to during shipping, storage, handling, and operation.
Environmental Measurement
Identifies and quantifies releases into the environment by actual testing and modeling.
Equatorial Circumference of a Spherical Tank
The circumference of the horizontal great circle at the equator of a spherical tank.
Equilibrium Pressure (Saturated Vapor Pressure)
See: Pressure, Equilibrium.
Equilibrium Vapor Pressure
See: Pressure, Equilibrium.
Equivalent Dip/Innage (Gauge), Tank
The equivalent dip is the depth of liquid in a tank corresponding to a given ullage. It is obtained by subtracting the observed ullage from the height of the ullage reference point above the dip point on the bottom of the tank.
Error
Various terms related to error are as follows:
Error, Absolute
The difference between the result of a measurement and the true value of the measured quantity as determined by means of a suitable standard device.
Error Curve
A curve or graph that represents the error of a measuring device such as a pressure gauge as a function either of the quantity measured or of any other quantity that has an influence on the error.
Error, Measurement
The discrepancy between the result of the measurement and the value of the quantity measured. The value of the quantity measured is a comparison value equal, according to the case, to the true value of the quantity, the accepted true value, and the arithmetic mean of a series measurement.
Error Observation
The error committed by the observer when reading the indication of an instrument (meter), graduated scale, etc. It is sometimes called an experiment error.
Error, Precision of Measurement
The degree of conformity to each other of measurements repeated under specified conditions irrespective of whether they are close or far from the true value.
Error, Random
An error that varies in an unpredictable manner in absolute value and in algebraic sign when many measurements of the same value of a quantity are made under effectively identical conditions.
Error, Relative
The quotient of the absolute error divided by the true value of the measured quantity. This fraction multiplied by 100 gives the relative error as a percentage.
Error and Repeatability of Measurements
The closeness of the agreement between the results of successive measurements of the same quantity carried out by the same method, under the same environment, by the same observer, with the same measuring instruments, in the same laboratory, and at short intervals of time.
Error and Reproducibility of Measurements
The closeness of the agreement between the results as measurements of the same quantity where the individual measurements are made by different methods with different measuring instruments, by different observers in different laboratories, or with the same instruments used under different conditions after intervals of time that are long compared with the duration of a single measurement.
Error, Systematic
An error that, during several measurements, made under the same conditions, and of the same value of a given quantity, either remains constant in absolute value and sign or varies according to a definite law when the conditions change. Thus, it causes bias.
ETBE (ethyl tertiary butyl ether): (CH3)3COC2H
An oxygenate blend stock formed by the catalytic etherification of isobutylene with ethanol.
Ethane (C2H6)
A straight-chain saturated (paraffinic) hydrocarbon extracted predominantly from the natural gas stream, which is gaseous at standard temperature and pressure. It is a colorless gas that boils at a temperature of -127 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ether
A generic term applied to a group of organic chemical compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, characterized by an oxygen atom attached to two carbon atoms (e.g., methyl tertiary butyl ether).
Ethylene (C2H4)
An olefinic hydrocarbon recovered from refinery or petrochemical processes, which is gaseous at standard temperature and pressure. Ethylene is used as a petrochemical feedstock for many chemical applications and the production of consumer goods.
Excess Flow Valve
See: Valve, Excess Flow.
Expansion (Expansibility) Factor
A multiplying factor used to correct the calculated flow rate for the reduction in fluid density that a compressible fluid experiences when it passes through an orifice because of the increased fluid velocity and the decreased static pressure.
Expansion Thermometer
A type of thermometer using a known third order coefficient of expansion of either a solid, a liquid, or a gas to provide indication in terms of degrees of temperature.
Expansion Trunk (Dome)
A trunk extending above a space used for the storage of liquid cargo and providing space for the thermal expansion of the liquid without overflowing.
Exports
Shipments of goods from within the 50 States and the District of Columbia to U.S. possessions and territories or to foreign countries.
Externally Actuated Sampler
A device that is operated by a power source other than the fluid being sampled (for example, an electric or pneumatic motor).
Extrapolation
Any process by which the value of a function is estimated for a value of the independent variable outside of the range of in which the function has been determined. See: Function, Argument.
Farad
The basic metric unit of electrical capacitance measurement.
Feature
An individual characteristic of a part, such as screw-thread, taper, slow, etc.
Field production
Represents crude oil production on leases, including lease condensate. Excludes plant condensate and other processed liquids. Note: In some EIA publications, field production includes NGPL production, in accordance with definitions used prior to January 2014.
Figure, Numerical
An arithmetic value expressed by one or more digits.
Filling Density
The percent ratio of the weight of the liquid in a tank to the weight of water that the tank will hold.
Filter
See: Strainer.
Filter, Electrical
A circuit used to eliminate or reduce certain waves or frequencies while leaving others relatively unchanged.
Filter, Separator
See: Coalescer.
First purchase (of crude oil)
An equity (not custody) transaction commonly associated with the transfer of ownership of crude oil coupled with the physical removal of the crude oil from a property (lease) for the first time. A first purchase normally occurs at the time and place of ownership transfer where the crude oil volume sold is measured and recorded on a run ticket or other similar physical evidence of purchase. The reported price is the first purchase average cost paid by the purchaser, allowing for any adjustments (deductions or premiums) passed on to the producer or royalty owner.
First purchaser
A firm that acquires ownership of domestic crude oil by a first purchase transaction. Physical custody of the crude oil is not a prerequisite. In the case of multiple owners, only one firm should report to avoid double-counting.
Flange Taps
The position of a pair of tapholes. The upstream tap center is located 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) upstream of the nearest plate face, and the downstream tap center is located 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) downstream of the nearest plate face.
Flash
The sudden vaporization of a liquid caused by rapid decrease in pressure and/or increase in temperature.
Flash Point
The minimum temperature to which a product must be heated for the vapors emitted to ignite momentarily in the presence of a flame when operating under standardized conditions.
Flashing
The continuing process by which a liquid is caused to flash.
Flexicoking
A thermal cracking process which converts heavy hydrocarbons such as crude oil, tar sands bitumen, and distillation residues into light hydrocarbons. Feed stocks can be any pumpable hydrocarbons including those containing high concentrations of sulfur and metals.
Float, Automatic Tank Gauge
A liquid level detecting element floating at the liquid surface in a tank that moves in a vertical direction to follow the change in liquid level.
Float Guide Wires, Automatic Tank Gauge
Solid wires or flexible cables used to guide the travel of an automatic gauge float.
Float Well, Tank
An enclosure built into the roof of a floating-roof tank to contain and guide the float of an automatic tank gauge.
Floating Cover
A lightweight covering of either metal or plastic material designed to float on the surface of the liquid in a tank. Alternatively, a floating cover may be supported by a float system so that it is just above the free-liquid surface. The device is used to minimize the evaporation of volatile products in a container.
Floating Roof Mass
The manually entered value of the floating roof mass inclusive of any mass load on the roof.
Floating-Roof Sample
A spot sample taken just below the surface to determine the API gravity of the liquid on which the roof is floating.
Floating-Roof Tank
A tank in which the roof floats freely on the surface of the liquid contents except at low levels when the weight of the roof is transmitted by its supporting legs to the tank bottom.
Floating Screen
A lightweight metal or plastic covering that is arranged to float on the surface of a liquid in a container to retard its evaporation.
Floatation Level
The depth of submergence of a buoyant automatic gauge float in a liquid of known density or weight.
Flow Meter Discrimination
A measure of the smallest increment of change in the pulse output of a flow meter as it relates to the actual volume being measured.
Flow Proportional Sample
A sample taken from a pipe such that the rate of sampling is proportional, throughout the sampling period, to the flow rate of the liquid in the pipe.
Flow Range
The range between the maximum and the minimum flow rates of a meter, generally determined by the limits of acceptable error. See: Meter Flow Rate, Maximum and Minimum
Flow Rate
The quotient of a volume or mass of liquid passing a point in a line per unit of time.
Flow Rate Calculation Period
The time between flow rate and calculation updates.
Flow Straightener
A length of straight pipe containing straightening vanes or the equivalent that is installed at the inlet of a flow meter to eliminate swirl form the liquid from entering the meter and causing measurement errors.
Fluid
Gas or liquid, or a mixture of gas and liquid.
Fluid coking
A thermal cracking process utilizing the fluidized-solids technique to remove carbon (coke) for continuous conversion of heavy, low-grade oils into lighter products.
FMCW
The abbreviation for Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave. In radar level terminology, it refers to a continuous radio sine wave that is generated with a changing (modulated) frequency to improve accuracy.
Formula Based
A calculation based on the dimensions of the tank to determine the volume of a tank at a certain level.
Free on board (f.o.b.)
In the international petroleum industry, this term typically refers to the price of oil or natural gas actually charged at the producing country’s port of loading. The reported f.o.b. price includes deductions for any rebates and discounts or additions of premiums where applicable and should be the actual price paid to the seller with no adjustment for the cost of ocean freight, insurance, or credit. For coal and breeze, f.o.b. has the dual meaning of the price of coal at the coal mine, or the price of coal at the producer country’s port of loading, both before the cost of insurance, freight, and credit.
Free Water (FW)
The water that exists as a separate phase.
Free Water Level
The level of any water and sediment that exist as separate phases from the product and lie beneath the product.
Frequency
The number of repetitions of a periodic process in a unit of time.
Frequency Converter
An electronic instrument for converting frequency (pulse train) to a proportionate analog signal.
Frequency, Electrical
The number of repetitions (cycles) of a periodic signal (for example, pulses, alternating voltage, current, etc.) occurring in a time of one second. The number of repetitions (cycles) that occur in a one-second period is expressed as hertz (for example, 60 Hz).
Frequency Output
An output in the form of frequency, which varies as a function of the applied measurand (for example, angular speed and flow rate).
Frequency Range
The measured values over which a meter or other measuring instrument is intended to measure. The range is specified by its upper and lower limits.
Fuel ethanol
Ethanol intended for fuel use. Fuel ethanol in the United States must be anhydrous (less than 1 percent water). Fuel ethanol is denatured (made unfit for human consumption), usually prior to transport from the ethanol production facility, by adding 2 to 5 volume percent petroleum, typically pentanes plus or conventional motor gasoline. Fuel ethanol is used principally for blending in low concentrations with motor gasoline as an oxygenate or octane enhancer. In high concentrations, it is used to fuel alternative-fuel vehicles specially designed for its use. See Alternative-Fuel Vehicle, Denaturant, E85, Ethanol, Fuel Ethanol Minus Denaturant, and Oxygenates.
Fuels solvent deasphalting
A refining process for removing asphalt compounds from petroleum fractions, such as reduced crude oil. The recovered stream from this process is used to produce fuel products.
Full Trim
The sensor trim function in which two accurate, end-point pressures are applied, and all output is linearized between them. A gull trim is not performed on HTG transmitters.
Function, Mathematic
A mathematical expression describing the relationship between variables. The function tanks on a definite value or values when special values are assigned to certain other quantities, called the arguments, or independent variables of the function. See: Argument, Mathematic.
Gamma
The high energy electromagnetic waves like x-rays. The most common type of radiation used in nuclear level devices.
Garboard
The strake or shell plating adjacent to the keel plate on a vessel.
Gas Eliminator (Separator)
See: Air Eliminator.
Gas Lock (Pressure), Tank
A device fitted to the gauge hatch on a pressure tank that enables manual gauging and sampling without loss of vapor.
Gas plant operator
Any firm, including a natural gas processing plant owner, that operates a gas plant and keeps the gas plant records.
Gasohol
A blend of finished motor gasoline containing alcohol (generally ethanol but sometimes methanol) at a concentration between 5.7 percent and 10 percent by volume. Also see Oxygenates.
Gasoil
European and Asian designation for No. 2 heating oil and No. 2 diesel fuel.
Gathering
The process of transferring the custody of crude oil or gas in the field from one party to another by performing various measurements and quality tests.
Gasoline blending components
Naphthas which will be used for blending or compounding into finished aviation or motor gasoline (e.g., straight-run gasoline, alkylate, reformate, benzene, toluene, andxylene). Excludes oxygenates (alcohols, ethers), butane, and pentanes plus.
Gauge Board
Traditional technique for measuring tank level. A buoyant float resting on a liquid surface is mechanically connected to an indicator mounted on the side of the tank.
Gauge Glass
A glass tube or metal housing with a glass window that is connected to a container to indicate the level of the liquid contents.
Gauge Hatch, Tank
The opening in the top of a tank through which gauging, and sampling operations are carried out. See: Dip (Gauge) Hatch.
Gauge Head, Automatic Tank Gauge
The housing of the automatic tank gauge that may include the indicator and transmitter.
Gauge Point, Tank
The point on the bottom of a container that the gauge weight touches during the gauging and from which the measurements of the oil and water depths are taken. The gauge point usually corresponds with the datum point; but, if not, the difference in level between the datum point and the gauge point must be designated in the capacity table.
Gauge Pressure
See: Pressure, Tank
Gauge Pressure Sensor
A sensor that uses the ambient atmospheric air pressure as the pressure reference.
Gauge Rod, Stick
A rigid length of wood or meal that is provided with a scale for measurement and usually graduated in units of volume.
Gauge Tape
A graduated metal tape used for measuring the depth of liquid in a tank.
Gauge Tester (Automatic Tank Gauge)
See: Operation Checker, Automatic Tank Gauge.
Gauge Weight (Bob)
A weight (plum bob) that is attached to a metal gauge tape and is of sufficient weight to keep the tape taut and of such shape as to facilitate the penetration of any sludge that might be present on the datum plate of a tank.
Gauge Well
See: Guide Poll.
Gauging
A process of measuring the height of a liquid in a container.
Gauging (Innaging, Dipping, Sounding)
A process to determine the depth of liquid in a tank, which is measured from the surface of the liquid to the tank bottom or to a fixed datum plate.
Gauging (Outaging, Ullaging)
A process to determine the volume of available space in a container unoccupied by contents. Hence, ullaging is a method of gauging the contents of a tank by measuring the distance from the surface of the liquid to the reference gauge point.
Generator
The unit within a radar gauge that produces an electromagnetic wave.
Grab
The volume of sample extracted from a pipeline by a single actuation of the sample extractor.
Grab Sample
For a solid, it is a sample obtained by collecting equal quantities from parts or packages of a shipment of loose solids so that the sample is representative of the entire shipment. For a liquid, it is a sample collected at a specific location in a tank or from a flowing stream in a pipe at a specific time.
Graduate, Laboratory
A glass measuring cylinder, usually graduated in milliliters.
Graduated Neck (Prover)
The section of reduced cross-sectional area at the top and/or bottom of a prover tank having viable graduations to enable measuring small incremental volumes.
Gravity Compensator
A double index scale against which a fixed reference pointer may be moved to correct for variations in relative density from a base point computed for water at 60 °F (15 °C). The compensator is marked in both relative density and API gravity units.
Gravity Selector, Meter
See: Coefficient of Expansion Adjustment, Meter.
Grease Sample
A sample obtained by scooping or dipping a quantity of soft or semiliquid material from a package in a representative manner.
Great Circle
The path on the surface of a sphere-type tank defined by the intersection of a plane surface that includes the center of the sphere.
Gross Heating Value
The number of kilojoules (BTU’s) evolved by the complete combustion, at constant pressure, of one standard cubic meter (foot) of gas [the temperature of the gas, air, and products of combustion being at 60 °F (15 °C)] and all the water formed by the combustion reaction being condensed to the liquid state.
Gross input to atmospheric crude oil distillation units
Total input to atmospheric crude oil distillation units. Includes all crude oil, lease condensate, natural gas plant liquids, unfinished oils, liquefied refinery gases, slop oils, and other liquid hydrocarbons produced from tar sands, gilsonite, and oil shale.
Gross Observed Volume (GOV)
See: Volume, Gross Observed.
Gross Standard Volume (GSV)
See: Volume, Gross Standard.
Gross Standard Weight (GSW)
The total weight of all petroleum liquids and sediment and water (if any), excluding free water, determined by applying the appropriate weight conversion factors to the gross standard volume.
Guards
Heavy round pipes running longitudinally and welded to the outside of the side shell plating of a vessel to act as fenders.
Guide Poll
A device: usually in the form of a cylindrical vertical tube, used in floating-roof tanks to prevent rotation of the roof.
Gunwale
The intersection of the deck plating with the side shell plating of a vessel. A gunwale may be a tee connection or a radius connection.
Half Siding
The flat, horizontal section of the bottom shell plating measured from the centerline of the vessel to the edge of the flat keep plate.
Hatch
An opening in the top of a tank providing access for gauging, cleaning, or other purposes.
Head Effect
A change in pressure exerted by the fill fluid column due to a change in a fluid’s density. This happens when the ambient temperature of the capillary changes.
Head Mass
The total measured mass between the HTG bottom sensor and the top of the tank.
Head Pressure
The pressure in a tank due to the weight of the product liquid in the tank. It does not include the vapor pressure in a pressurized tank.
Head Space
The space inside the tank, above the bottom HTG sensor. Product and in-tank vapor are present in the head space.
Headlog (in river craft of a rectangular shape)
The structural member at the extreme end between the rake shell plating and the deck.
Heat Trace
A method used to keep the tank and transmitter flanges at a constant temperature. Mainly used with viscous products.
Heavy gas oil
Petroleum distillates with an approximate boiling range from 651 degrees Fahrenheit to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heel Space
The space inside the tank, below the bottom HTG sensor.
Hertz
A unit of frequency used to measure electromagnetic waves in cycles per second.
High Sulfur Diesel (HSD) fuel
Diesel fuel containing more than 500 parts per million (ppm) sulfur.
High Vapor Pressure Liquid
See: Pressure.
Hog
The distortion of a ship’s form due to stresses in which the bow and stern drop below their normal positions relative to the midship portion of the vessel.
Homogeneous
When a fluid composition is the same at all points.
Host System
A control system, VAX, or personal computer that receives data from the AIM via MODBUS communications protocol.
Hot Tap
A method for installing a flange connection on a tank without taking the tank out of service.
HTG Reference Point
A stable reference point from which the HTG sensor positions are measured.
Hydrogen
The lightest of all gases, occurring chiefly in combination with oxygen in water; exists also in acids, bases, alcohols, petroleum, and other hydrocarbons.
Hydrostatic
The measurement of the pressure or force/area exerted by a column of liquid.
Hydrostatic Tank Gauging
A method of direct measurement of liquid mass in a storage tank based on measuring static pressures caused by the liquid head about the pressure sensor.
Hysteresis
The difference between the indications of a measuring instrument when the same value of the quantity measured is reached by increasing or decreasing the quantity.
Identification Inscriptions of a Measuring Instrument
All the words, letters, and marks carried by a measuring instrument indicating its origin, destination, operation, characteristics, method of use, etc.
Idle capacity
The component of operable capacity that is not in operation and not under active repair, but capable of being placed in operation within 30 days; and capacity not in operation but under active repair that can be completed within 90 days.
Impact Pressure
See: Pressure, Impact.
Imported crude oil burned as fuel
The amount of foreign crude oil burned as a fuel oil, usually as residual fuel oil, without being processed as such. Imported crude oil burned as fuel includes lease condensate and liquid hydrocarbons produced from tarsands, gilsonite, and oil shale.
Imports
Receipts of goods into the 50 States and the District of Columbia from U.S. possessions and territories or from foreign countries.
Inactive Shield
See: Concentric Shield.
Independent Inspector
A person or organization of persons, acting independently, but on behalf of, one or more parties involved in the transfer, storage, inventory, or analysis of a commodity for purposes of determining the quantity, and/or quality of a commodity. They may also be assigned to the calibration of various measurement instruments and/or storage tanks ashore or on vessels.
Independent Surveyor
Often synonymous with “independent inspector” but usually implying a person or organization capable or total quantity and quality inspection, in addition to being capable of providing calibration of shore, truck, rail, and marine vessels; meter proving; and physical properties determinations.
Independent Tank
A tank whose boundaries are not part of the hull structure of a barge.
Index
A fixed or movable part of a measuring instrument’s indicating device (such as, pointer, liquid surface, recording stylus, etc.) whose position with reference to the scale marks indicates the value of the measured quantity.
Indicated Volume
See: Volume, Indicated.
Indicating Instrument
A measuring instrument in which the value of the measured quantity is visually indicated but is not recorded.
Inert Gas
A gas that does not react with the surroundings.
Inerting
The process of pressurizing the vapor space of a vessel with an inert gas blanket (usually exhaust gas) to prevent the formation of an explosive mixture; a procedure used to reduce the oxygen content of a vessel’s cargo spaces to sufficiently low concentrations at which combustion cannot be sustained by contained gases or vapors. For inerting, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or the ship’s exhaust are often used.
Innage
See: Gauging (Innaging, Dipping, Sounding)
Innage Bob
See: Gauge Weight (Bob)
Innage Volume
The observed volume of product, sediment, and water calculated from the innage level and the tank capacity table.
Input
A signal received by a device
Inspector
A person assigned to determine the quantity and/or the quality of a commodity.
Installation Temperature
The temperature of a tank at the time the sensor mounting measurements are taken. The HIU compensates for any changes in sensor monitoring due to the thermal expansion of the tank based on the expansion coefficient of the tank material. For an insulated tank the installation temperature equals the product temperature. For an uninsulated tank the installation temperature equals the air temperature plus the product temperature, divided by two.
In-Tank Vapor Density
The density of the gas or vapor (mixture) in the ullage space at the observed conditions (product temperature and pressure).
Integral Hull Tank
A tank whose boundaries are the bottom, side, deck, or bulkhead of the vessel hull.
Instrument, Measuring
An instrument that serves to transform the quantity measured or related quantity into an indication of equivalent information.
Integrating
Providing an output that is a time integral function of the measurand.
Interface
The contact surface between two boundaries of liquids or the commingling of products adjacent to each other in a pipeline; a means for coupling unlike equipment or functions so that they may communicate and work in unison.
Intermediate Container
The vessel into which all or part of the sample from a primary container/receiver is transferred for transport, storage, or ease of handling.
Intermediate Gears
A system of gears that transmits rotary motion.
Intermittent Sample
A pipeline sample withdrawn by equal increments at a rate of less than one increment per minute.
International System of Units (SI)
A coherent system of units of measurement founded on the following seven base units: the meter, unit of length; the kilogram, unit of mass; the second, unit of time; the ampere, unit of electric current; the kelvin, unit of thermodynamic temperature; the candela, unit of luminous intensity; and the mole, amount of substance.
Interpolation
A process by which an appropriate value is placed between tabulated values of a function.
Interpulse Spacing
Variations in meter pulse width/space, normally expressed in percent.
Inventory Level
The term associated with the accurate level measurements needed for inventory management and/or custody transfer applications. Usually, the accuracy of these measurements needs to be better than ±1/8” or ±3 mm. See: Process Level.
Isentropic Exponent
A thermodynamic state property that establishes the relationship between an expanding fluid’s pressure and density as the fluid flows through an orifice plate bore.
Isobutane (C4H10)
A branch-chain saturated (paraffinic) hydrocarbon extracted from both natural gas and refinery gas streams, which is gaseous at standard temperature and pressure. It is a colorless gas that boils at a temperature of 11 degrees Fahrenheit.
Isobutylene (C4H8)
A branch-chain olefinic hydrocarbon recovered from refinery or petrochemical processes, which is gaseous at standard temperature and pressure. Isobutylene is used in the production of gasoline and various petrochemical products.
Isohexane (C6H14)
A saturated branch-chain hydrocarbon. It is a colorless liquid that boils at a temperature of 156.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Isokinetic Sample
Sampling in such a manner that the linear velocity of the liquid through the opening of the sampling probe is equal to the linear velocity of the liquid in the pipeline at the sampling location and is the same direction as the bulk of the liquid in the pipeline approaching the sampling probe.
Isomerization
A refining process that alters the fundamental arrangement of atoms in the molecule without adding or removing anything from the original material. Used to convert normal butane into isobutane (C4), an alkylation process feedstock, and normal pentane and hexane into isopentane (C5) and isohexane (C6), high-octane gasoline components.
Isopentane
A saturated branched-chain hydrocarbon (C5H12) obtained by fractionation of natural gasoline or isomerization of normal pentane.
K Constants
Correction coefficient used for calculating product expansion due to changes in temperature.
Kerosene
A light petroleum distillate that is used in space heaters, cook stoves, and water heaters and is suitable for use as a light source when burned in wick-fed lamps. Kerosene has a maximum distillation temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit at the 10-percent recovery point, a final boiling point of 572 degrees Fahrenheit, and a minimum flash point of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Included are No. 1-K and No. 2-K, the two grades recognized by ASTM Specification D 3699 as well as all other grades of kerosene called range or stove oil, which have properties similar to those of No. 1 fuel oil. Also see Kerosene-type jet fuel.
Kerosene-type jet fuel
A kerosene-based product having a maximum distillation temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit at the 10-percent recovery point and a final maximum boiling point of 572 degrees Fahrenheit and meeting ASTM Specification D 1655and Military Specifications MIL-T-5624P and MIL-T-83133D (Grades JP-5and JP-8). It is used for commercial and military turbo jet and turbo prop aircraft engines.
Lagging Edge
The positive-to-negative transition of an electric signal.
Laminar Flow
A smooth flow of fluid in which no cross flow of fluid particles occurs between adjacent streamlines. The transition from smooth uniform laminar flow to turbulent flow generally occurs as the Reynolds number increases from about 2,300 to 4,000 or more.
Leading Edge
The negative-to-positive transition of an electric signal.
Lease condensate
Light liquid hydrocarbons recovered from lease separators or field facilities at associated and non-associated natural gas wells. Mostly pentanes and heavier hydrocarbons. Normally enters the crude oil stream after production.
Length (of a tank barge)
The distance measured on the centerline between the head log plates at each end of a barge tank.
Length between Perpendiculars
The distance on the summer load waterline from the fore side of the stern to the aft side of the rudder post or stern post.
Letter of Protest (Notice of Apparent Discrepancy)
A letter issued by any participant in a custody transfer citing any condition with which issue is taken. This serves as a written record that a particular action or finding was questioned at the time of occurrence.
Level, Liquid
The height of a column of liquid or solid material.
Level, Product (Lp 0)
Level, Water Settled (Lw 0)
Level Switch
A level switch is used to protect the tank from overfilling. It is typically located near the top of a tank so that when the product submerges its contacts, the level switch will activate a controlled to shut off the flow of product into the tank.
Light gas oils
Liquid petroleum distillates heavier than naphtha, with an approximate boiling range from 401 degrees to 650 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line Circulation
Petroleum or other liquid delivered through a pipeline system into a receiving vessel or tank to ensure that the section of pipeline from the source tank to the receiving tank is full to minimize the amount of air in the pipeline.
Line Displacement
An operation to replace previous material in a pipeline.
Line Drop
Opening (venting to atmosphere) a vessel’s piping system to allow, to the extent possible, its drainage into a tank or tanks where the material may be gauged and accounted for.
Line Press (Pack)
The recorded difference in a tank’s gauges taken both while the tank’s valve or valves are closed (offline) and while they are open (online) into a closed system. All downstream valves of the line section to be pressed are open while the terminating valves remain closed. The term also refers to the act of performing this operation.
Linear Meter Range
The flow range over which the meter factor does not deviate from specified limits.
Linearity of a Meter
The ideal accuracy curve of a volume meter is a straight line denoting a constant meter factor. Meter linearity is expressed as the total range of deviation of the accuracy curve from such a straight line between the minimum and maximum recommended flow rates.
Liquid
See: Fluid.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP-Gas) (LPG)
A group of hydrocarbon gases, primarily propane, normal butane, and isobutane, derived from crude oil refining or natural gas processing. These gases may be marketed individually or mixed. They can be liquefied through pressurization (without requiring cryogenic refrigeration) for convenience of transportation or storage. Excludes ethane and olefins. Note: In some EIA publications, LPG includes ethane and marketed refinery olefin streams, in accordance with definitions used prior to January 2014.
Liquefied refinery gases (LRG)
Hydrocarbon gas liquids produced in refineries from processing of crude oil and unfinished oils. They are retained in the liquid state through pressurization and/or refrigeration. The reported categories include ethane, propane, normal butane, isobutane, and refinery olefins (ethylene, propylene, butylene, and isobutylene).
Liquid fuels
All petroleum including crude oil and products of petroleum refining, natural gas liquids, biofuels, and liquids derived from other hydrocarbon sources (including coal to liquids and gas to liquids). Not included are liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid hydrogen. See petroleum and other liquids.
List (Heel)
The leaning or inclination of a vessel expressed in degrees port or degrees starboard; the transverse deviation of a vessel from the upright position, expressed in degrees.
List Correction
The correction applied to the volume or gauge observed in a vessel’s tank when the vessel is listing if liquid is in contact with all bulkheads in the tank. List correction may be accomplished by referring to the list correction tables for each of the vessel’s tanks or by mathematical calculation.
Load on Top (LOT)
Defined as both a practice and a procedure. Practice: The act of commingling onboard quantity with cargo being loaded. Procedure: The shipboard procedure of collecting and settling water and oil mixtures resulting from ballasting and tank cleaning operations (usually in a special slop tank or tanks) and subsequently loading cargo on top of and pumping the mixture ashore at the discharge port.
Lock-In Thermometer
A dial indicating temperature instrument having an automatic locking device for the indicator. This feature ensures that the indication cannot change until the reading has been taken and the instrument reset.
Loss Control Measurement
The systematic review and analysis of all measurements that provide for inventory control by establishing baseline measurements against which to judge loss control efforts.
Low Vapor Pressure Liquid
See: Pressure, Low Vapor Pressure Liquid
Lower Sample
A spot sample from the mid-point of the lower one-third of the tank contents (five-sixths of the liquid depth below the top surface).
Lubricants
Substances used to reduce friction between bearing surfaces, or incorporated into other materials used as processing aids in the manufacture of other products, or used as carriers of other materials. Petroleum lubricants may be produced either from distillates or residues. Lubricants include all grades of lubricating oils, from spindle oil to cylinder oil to those used in greases.
MANE-VU (Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Visibility Union)
An organization formed by the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states, tribes, and federal agencies to coordinate planning activities to reduce haze (air pollution) in the region. The organization encourages a coordinated approach to meeting the requirements of EPA’s Regional Haze Rules and reducing visibility impairment in major national parks and wilderness areas in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
MARAMA (Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association, Inc.)
A voluntary, non-profit association of ten Mid-Atlantic state and local air pollution control agencies.
Marine Custody Transfer (MCT)
A custody transfer activity involving marine tank vessel(s). Loading, discharging, or lightering a ship or barge is a marine custody transfer.
Marine Custody Transfer Measurement (MCTM)
The measurement activity involving a marine custody transfer (MCT).
Marketable coke
See Petroleum coke, marketable .
Mark-space
A communications method used by traditional tank measurement devices. The baud rate is approximately 200 bits per second. The maximum wiring distance is 10,000 feet (3,048 meters).
Mass
An absolute measure of quantity of matter. Mass is defined in terms of a standard mass, and therefore the mass of an object is simply a multiple of the mass standard. The mass of an object remains constant regardless of its location. The metric unit of mass is the kilogram (kg).
Mass, Apparent
The weight of an object in air, compared with a mass standard.
Mass (effective)
Mass calculated with buoyancy effects.
Mass, Standard
A precise standard whose volume, density, cubical coefficient of thermal expansion, and mass have been determined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Mass Standard, Apparent
A precise standard whose density and apparent mass have been determined by a high-precision commercial laboratory, as compared with its primary standards. Apparent mass standards are calibrated by primary mass or primary apparent mass standards, which in turn have been certified by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Mass (true)
Mass calculated without buoyancy effects.
Mass, Product Head (P. Head Mass)
Mass, Product Heel (P. Heel Mass)
The mass of product below the bottom HTG sensor.
Mass, Product (Product Mass)
The sum of the head mass and the product heel mass reduced by the floating roof mass (if applicable) and the vapor mass.
Mass, Apparent Product (P. Apparent Mass)
Mass above bottom sensor (M_abs (mt))
Mass under bottom sensor (M_ubs (mt))
Mass, Total Liquid (Total Liquid Mass)
Master Meter
A meter that is proved using a certified prover and then used to calibrate other provers or prove other meters.
Maximum Loading Gauge (Stop Gauge)
The maximum permissible gauge measurement to which a rail tank car shall be loaded [according to Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) regulations).
MCAP
An abbreviation for MODBUS Communication and Power protocol. MCAP is the power and communication connection between the HIU and the AIM. The proprietary Manchester Encoded MODBUS communications are superimposed on the power lines.
Measurand
A physical quantity, property, or condition that has been or is to be measured.
Measured Variable
The physical quantity, property, or condition that is to be measured. Common measured variables are temperature, pressure, rate of flow, thickness, velocity, etc.
Measurement
The following terms pertain to different categories of measurement:
Measurement, Base Unit of
A unit of measurement of one of the base quantities. Example: The meter is the base unit of length in the International System of Units. The derived units of this system, such as units of velocity, force, electrical potential, etc., originate from the meter, together with the other base units.
Measurement, Reference Conditions of
The temperature and pressure conditions to which a measured volume is to be corrected. The temperature to which the volume measurements are to be corrected is 60 °F or 15 °C. The reference pressure should be designated and can be atmospheric pressure, the absolute vapor pressure of the liquid being measured at 60 °F or 16 °C, or some other pressure that has been agreed upon by parties involved with the measurement.
Measurement, Standard Condition of
The standard pressure and temperature to which measurements should be referred. These are 1 bas (101.325 kPa)/cm2 and 15 °C for the SI metric system, and 14.73 lb./in.2 and 60 °F for the United States’ and British systems.
Measurement, Standard Units of Volume
The standard units of volume are the cubic meter, U.S. gallon and the British imperial gallon.
Measurement, System of Units of
A set of base and derived units corresponding to a particular group of quantities. Example: centimeter-gram-second (cgs) system, meter-kilometer-second ampere (MKSA) system, International System of Units (SI).
Measurement, Unit of
The value of a quantity conventionally accepted as having a numerical value of one. The unit of measurement of a quantity is fixed to make quantitative comparison possible between different values of this same quantity.
Measurement, Unit Symbol
A conventional sign designating the unit of measurement. Examples: m = symbol of meter, g = symbol of gram, A = symbol of ampere.
Measuring Chamber
The portion of a displacement meter that contains the measuring element.
Measuring Element
The potion of a displacement meter that moves within the measuring chamber to divide the liquid into measured segments as the liquid passes through the meter; the rotating member of a turbine meter commonly referred to as the rotor.
Measuring Range
The range of values of the quantity to be measured for which the indications of a measuring instrument, obtained under the normal conditions of use and in a single measurement, should not be affected by an error exceeding the maximum permissible error.
Merchant oxygenate plants
Oxygenate production facilities that are not associated with a petroleum refinery. Production from these facilities is sold under contract or on the spot market to refiners or other gasoline blenders.
Merchantable Oil
A term applied to liquid hydrocarbons that are judged to be acceptable for custody transfer to a carrier. The oil is settled and contains no more than a set amount of suspended sediment and water (S&W) and other impurities.
Meter
A device used to measure fluid flow.
A meter designed, installed, and operated to meet the requirements for custody transfer measurement. Within most companies, this refers to any meter used to account for fluids purchased, sold, or custody transferred to or from any facility where a change in ownership and/or responsibility for materials occurs.
A meter in which the measuring element measures a volume of liquid mechanically separating the liquid into discrete quantities of fixed volume and by counting the quantities in volume units.
A meter in which the measuring element is a multiblade rooter that rotates with a velocity proportional to the mean velocity of the fluid stream. Measured volume is registered by counting the rotor revolutions.
Meter Accuracy Factor
When applied to volume meter proving results, this term means specifically the number obtained by dividing the volume registered by the meter by the actual proving volume. It is thus the reciprocal of the meter factor.
Meter Bank
Fluid meters coupled in parallel, the sum of which represents the total fluid measured.
Meter Calibration Adjuster
A device to enable adjusting the meter register to indicate true volume within acceptable tolerance.
Meter Case
The outer potion of a meter that enclosed the measuring chamber and other working parts.
Meter Characteristic
An expression of the relationship between the volume of a given liquid indicated by a meter register and the actual volume of that liquid that passed through the meter for the corresponding period.
Meter Combinator (Accumulator)
A device or system for accumulating the registration of two or more meters in order that their total may be shown on a single readout device.
Meter Factor
A dimensionless term obtained by dividing the gross standard volume of liquid passed through the meter (as measured by a prover during proving) by the corresponding meter indicated volume at standard conditions. For subsequent metering operations, the throughput or gross measured volume is determined by multiplying the indicated volume registered by the meter times the meter factor.
Meter Flow
A device used to measure the fluid volume under dynamic conditions.
Meter Flow Rate, Maximum
The maximum rate of flow recommended by the meter manufacturer or authorized by a regulatory body. The maximum rate is determined by considerations of accuracy, durability, pressure drop, repeatability, and linearity.
Meter Flow Rate, Minimum
The minimum rate of flow recommended by the meter manufacturer or authorized by a regulatory body. The minimum rate is determined by considerations of accuracy, durability, repeatability, and linearity.
Meter, Nonrotating
Any metering device for which the meter pulse output is not derived from mechanical rotation as driven by the flowing stream.
Meter Performance
A general expression for the relationship between the volume registered by a meter and the true volume that passed through the meter. The term may refer to meter error, meter factor, meter accuracy, etc.
Meter Proof
The multiple passes or roundtrips of the displacer in a prover for the purposes of determining a meter factor; to establish a meter factor by comparing meter throughput to a prover of known volume.
Meter Proving
The procedure required to determine the relationship between the volume of liquid passing through a meter at one set of conditions and the indicated volume at those same conditions.
Meter Pulse Continuity
The deviation of the interpulse period of a flow meter, expressed as a percentage of a pull pulse period.
Meter Readings
The instantaneous display of the number of units of volume or equivalent thereof, read directly from a meter register.
Meter Slippage
See: Slippage, Meter.
Meter Tube
The straight sections of pipe, including all segments that are integral to the orifice plate holder, upstream and downstream of an orifice plate.
Meter, Turbine (with electrical output)
A flow measuring device in which the action of the fluid stream passing through the device turns a bladed turbine and produces an electrical output signal having a frequency proportional to the turbine speed.
Methanol (CH3OH)
A light, volatile alcohol eligible for gasoline blending.
Microwave
A comparatively short electromagnetic wave between 1 mm and 1 meter in length. Microwaves are used by radar devices to detect the surface of a material.
Middle distillates
A general classification of refined petroleum products that includes distillate fuel oil and kerosene.
Middle Sample
A spot sample collected from the middle of the tank contents halfway between the bottom and liquid level of the tank (one-half of the depth of the liquid below the liquid’s surface).
Minimum Pipeline Velocity
The velocity that exists at the lowest operating flow rate, excluding those rates that occur infrequently or for short time periods (less than 5 minutes).
Miscellaneous petroleum products
Includes all finished products not classified elsewhere (e.g., petrolatum lube refining by products (aromatic extracts and tars), absorption oils, ram-jet fuel, petroleum rocket fuels, synthetic natural gas feed stocks, and specialty oils).
MODBUS®
A communications protocol developed by Gould-Modicon to distribute digital communications between a host system and a field device.
Molded Dimensions
The dimensions of a vessel to the molded lines.
Molded Lines
The lines defining the geometry of a hull as a surface without thickness.
Molded Volume
The volume of a compartment without deduction for internal structure or fittings.
Motor gasoline (finished)
A complex mixture of relatively volatile hydrocarbons with or without small quantities of additives, blended to form a fuel suitable for use in spark-ignition engines. Motor gasoline, as defined in ASTM Specification D 4814 or Federal Specification VV-G-1690C, is characterized as having a boiling range of 122 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit at the 10 percent recovery point to 365 to 374 degrees Fahrenheit at the 90 percent recovery point. Motor Gasoline includes conventional gasoline; all types of oxygenated gasoline, including gasohol; and reformulated gasoline, but excludes aviation gasoline. Note: Volumetric data on blending components, such as oxygenates, are not counted in data on finished motor gasoline until the blending components are blended into the gasoline.
Motor gasoline blending
Mechanical mixing of motor gasoline blending components, and oxygenates when required, to produce finished motor gasoline. Finished motor gasoline may be further mixed with other motor gasoline blending components or oxygenates, resulting in increased volumes of finished motor gasoline and/or changes in the formulation of finished motor gasoline (e.g., conventional motor gasoline mixed with MTBE to produce oxygenated motor gasoline).
Motor gasoline blending components
Naphthas (e.g., straight-run gasoline, alkylate, reformate, benzene, toluene, xylene) used for blending or compounding into finished motor gasoline. These components include reformulated gasoline blend stock for oxygenate blending (RBOB) but exclude oxygenates (alcohols, ethers), butane, and pentanes plus. Note Oxygenates are reported as individual components and are included in the total for other hydrocarbons, hydrogens, and oxygenates.
MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) (CH3)3COCH3
An ether intended for gasoline blending as described in “Oxygenates.”
Multidrop
A communications method where several transmitters are connected to a single communications transmission line.
Multiple Tank Composite Sample
A mixture of individual samples or composites of samples that have been obtained from several tanks or ship/barge compartments containing the same grade of material. The mixture is blended in proportion to the volume of material contained in the respective tanks or compartments.
Naphtha
A generic term applied to a refined or partially refined petroleum fraction with an approximate boiling range between 122 degrees and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Naphtha(less than 401 degrees Fahrenheit)
See Petrochemical feedstocks.
Naphtha-type jet fuel
A fuel in the heavy naphtha boiling range having an average gravity of 52.8 degrees API, 20% to 90% distillation temperatures of 290 degrees to 470 degrees Fahrenheit, and meeting Military Specification MIL-T-5624L (Grade JP-4).It is used primarily for military turbojet and turboprop aircraft engines because it has a lower freeze point than other aviation fuels and meets engine requirements at high altitudes and speeds. Note: Beginning with January 2004 data, naphtha-type jet fuel is included in Miscellaneous Products.
Natural gas field facility
A field facility designed to process natural gas produced from more than one lease for the purpose of recovering condensate from a stream of natural gas; however, some field facilities are designed to recover propane, normal butane, pentanes plus, etc., and to control the quality of natural gas to be marketed.
Natural Gas Liquids (NGL)
A group of hydrocarbons including ethane, propane, normal butane, isobutane, and natural gasoline. Generally include natural gas plant liquids and all liquefied refinery gases except olefins.
Natural gas plant liquids (NGPL)
Those hydrocarbons in natural gas that are separated as liquids at natural gas processing, fractionating, and cycling plants. Products obtained include ethane, liquefied petroleum gases (propane, normal butane, and isobutane), and natural gasoline. Component products may be fractionated or mixed. Lease condensate and plant condensate are excluded. Note: Some EIA publications categorize NGPL production as field production, in accordance with definitions used prior to January 2014.
Natural gas processing plant
Facilities designed to recover natural gas liquids from a stream of natural gas that may or may not have passed through lease separators and/or field separation facilities. These facilities control the quality of the natural gas to be marketed. Cycling plants are classified as gas processing plants.
Natural Gasoline and Isopentane
A mixture of hydrocarbons, mostly pentanes and heavier, extracted from natural gas, that meets vapor pressure, end-point, and other specifications for natural gasoline set by the Gas Processors Association. Includes isopentane which is a saturated branch-chain hydrocarbon, (C5H12), obtained by fractionation of natural gasoline or isomerization of normal pentane.
NBS
National Bureau of Standards. Renamed in 1989. See: NIST.
Negator Motor
The Negator is a strip of flat spring stainless steel that has been given a curvature by continuous heavy forming at the constant radius so that, in its relaxed or unstressed condition, it remains in the form of a tightly wound spiral. This form permits a compact mounting within the gauge head. The stainless steel Negator motor eliminates counterweight and cable assembly.
Net Receipts
The difference between total movements into and total movements out of each PAD District by pipeline, tanker, and barge.
Net Standard Volume (NSV)
See: Volume, Net Standard.
Net Standard Weight (NSW)
The total weight of all petroleum liquids, excluding sediment and water and free water, determined by deduction the S&W weight from the Gross Standard Weight (GSW).
Newtonian Fluid
A liquid whose viscosity is unaffected by the kind of magnitude of motion or agitation to which it may be subject if the temperature remains constant.
NIST
National Institute of Standards and Technology. Formerly the National Bureau of Standards (NBS).
Noise (electrical)
An unwanted component of a signal that obscures the information content; any spurious voltage or current arising from external sources and appearing in the circuit of a device.
Nominal
Describes a value assigned for the purpose of convenient designation, existing in name only.
Nonconductive
The ability of a material to resist the flow of electrons. See: Conductive.
Noncontact
An instrument that does not touch the process but may require an opening in the tank wall to function. Ultrasonic and radar are noncontact devices.
Nonintrusive
An instrument or sensor that may require an opening in the tank wall and may meet the process but does not disrupt the flow or movement of the process. A pressure transmitter and HTG system are examples of nonintrusive devices because they do not protrude in the process.
Noninvasive
An instrument or sensor that does not have any contact with the product, nor does it require an opening in the tank wall. Nuclear is a noninvasive device. Radar is noninvasive if it uses a window.
Nonpressure Tank
A tank of conventional shape intended primarily for the storage of liquids at or near atmospheric pressure.
Nozzle Sample
A sample obtained from a gasoline pump nozzle that dispenses product from a storage tank at a retail outlet or a wholesale purchaser-consumer facility.
Nuclear/Nucleonic
A method of measuring level or density with the use of radioactive source emitting gamma rays. Low level gamma energy is beamed through the walls of a tank. The process level blocks the energy transmission, and a detector measures the energy received on the opposite side of the tank. The amount of energy is proportional to the level.
No. 2 fuel oil (heating oil)
A distillate fuel oil that has distillation temperatures of 400 degrees Fahrenheit at the 10-percent recovery point and 640 degrees Fahrenheit at the 90-percent recovery point and meets the specifications defined in ASTM Specification D 396. It is used in atomizing type burners for domestic heating or for moderate capacity commercial/industrial burner units. See No. 2 Distillate.
No. 5 Residual fuel oil
A residual fuel oil of medium viscosity, used in steam-powered vessels in government service and power plants, which is also known as “Navy Special” and is defined in Military Specification MIL-F-859E, including Amendment 2 (NATO Symbol F-770). See residual fuel oil.
No. 6 Residual fuel oil
Includes Bunker C fuel oil and is used for the production of electric power, space heating, vessel bunkering, and various industrial purposes. See residual fuel oil.
Octane rating
A number used to indicate gasoline’s antiknock performance in motor vehicle engines. The two recognized laboratory engine test methods for determining the antiknock rating, i.e., octane rating, of gasolines are the Research method and the Motor method. To provide a single number as guidance to the consumer, the antiknock index (R + M)/2, which is the average of the Research and Motor octane numbers, was developed.
Observed Reference Height
The distance measured from the tank bottom or datum plate to the established reference point.
Observed Values
Hydrometer readings observed at temperatures other than the specified reference temperature. These values are only hydrometer readings and not density, relative density, or API gravity at that temperature.
Offset
When using the optical reference line method for calibrating tanks, the measurement observed through the optical device on the horizontal scale of the traversing magnetic slide at each vertical station.
Off-Specification Product/Cargo
Refined products or other cargo that does not meet normal quality requirements and therefore require special handling and restraints to assure separation from specification products/cargo.
Official Numbers (Volumes)
Those values which are used to determine the Marine Custody Transfer volumes. Such values would be those volumes reported on the Bill of Lading, certificate of shore receipts, vessel ullage reports, and quality analysis reports. The actual numbers to be used as well as the method of obtaining them are usually detailed in an appropriate marine custody transfer contract.
Oil formation volume factor
Ratio of the volume of oil at reservoir conditions to the volume of oil at standard conditions (barrels per stock tank barrel). Formation volume factors are used to convert measured surface volumes to volumes in the reservoir and vice versa.
Onboard Quantity (OBQ)
Refers to materials present in a vessel’s cargo tanks, void spaces, and/or pipelines before the vessel is loaded. Onboard quantity includes a combination of water, oil, slops, oil residue, oil/water emulsions, sludge, and sediment.
OPEC
See Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Open Gauging Method
This is a method of obtaining measurements of the tank contents through an open gauge hatch. This is the traditional method of performing static measurements.
Open Tank
A tank that is not pressurized. Atmospheric pressure is seen by the product surface.
Opening Gauge
The measurement in a tank before a delivery or receipt.
Operable utilization rate
Represents the use of the atmospheric crude oil distillation units. The rate is calculated by dividing the gross input to these units by the operable refining capacity of the units.
Operating capacity
The component of operable capacity that is in operation at the beginning of the period.
Operating Conditions
See: Environmental Conditions.
Operating utilization rate
Represents the use of the atmospheric crude oil distillation units. The rate is calculated by dividing the gross input to these units by the operating refining capacity of the units.
Operation Checker (automatic tank gauge)
A device used to check for free movement of the gauge mechanism
OPRG
Oxygenated fuels Program Reformulated Gasoline is reformulated gasoline that is intended for use in an oxygenated fuels program control area during an oxygenated fuels program control period.
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
An intergovernmental organization whose stated objective is to “coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of member countries.” It was created at the Baghdad Conference on September 10-14 1960.
Orifice Plate
A thin plate in which a circular concentric aperture (bore) has been machined.
Orifice Plate Coefficient of Discharge
The ratio of the true flow to the theoretical flow, which is applied to the theoretical flow equation to obtain the actual (true) flow of an orifice meter.
Orifice Plate Holder
A pressure-containing piping element, such as a set of orifice flanges or an orifice fitting, used to contain and position the orifice plate in the piping system.
Original oil-in-place
The total volume of oil held in a reservoir before production begins.
Oscillator
An electronic device that generates a signal at a preset frequency determined by the values of certain constants in its circuits.
Other end users
For motor gasoline, all direct sales to end users other than those made through company outlets. For No. 2 distillate, all direct sales to end users other than residential, commercial/institutional, industrial sales, and sales through company outlets. Included in the “other end users” category are sales to utilities and agricultural users.
Other oils(equal to or greater than 401 degrees Fahrenheit)
Oils with a boiling range equal to or greater than 401 degrees Fahrenheit that are intended for use as a petrochemical feedstock.
Outage (Ullage)
The volume of available space in a container unoccupied by contents. Ullaging is a method of gauging the contents of a tank by measuring the distance from the surface of the liquid to the top of the tank. See: Gauging (Outage, Ullage).
Outage Bob
See: Gauge Weight.
Outlet Sample
A spot sample taken with the inlet opening of the sampling apparatus at the level of the bottom of the tank outlet (fixed or floating).
Outlier
A result that differs considerably from the main body of results in a set.
Output
A signal transmitted from a device.
Over-Ranging
A term, when applied to metering, indicating that the maximum permitted flow rate of the meter is being exceeded.
Oxygenated gasoline
Finished motor gasoline, other than reformulated gasoline, having an oxygen content of 2.7percent or higher by weight and required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be sold in areas designated by EPA as carbon monoxide (CO) nonattainment areas. See Nonattainment area.
Oxygenates
Substances which, when added to gasoline, increase the amount of oxygen in that gasoline blend. Fuel ethanol, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE), Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (ETBE), and methanol are common oxygenates.
PAD Districts or PADD
See Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts.
Parameters
The values that characterize and summarize the essential features of measurements.
Parent and its Consolidated Entities
A parent and those firms (if any) that are affiliated with the parent entity for purposes of financial statements prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). An individual shall be deemed to control a firm that is directly or indirectly controlled by him/her or by his/her father, mother, spouse, children, or grandchildren. See firm.
Partial Immersion Thermometer
A thermometer that is used for measurement with a specific length of the bulb and stem immersed in the liquid, thus leaving the scale above the surface for ease of reading.
Partial Pressure
See: Pressure, Partial
Pentanes plus
A mixture of liquid hydrocarbons, mostly pentanes and heavier, extracted from natural gas in a gas processing plant. Pentanes plus is equivalent to natural gasoline.
Performance Curve
See: Accuracy Curve and Error Curve.
Permeability
The ability of a rock formation to transmit fluids. A measure of how much resistance a rock formation has to the movement of fluids through it. Formations where fluids readily move through them are permeable and typically have many large, well-connected pores. Low-permeability formations typically are made up of finer grains or mixed grains with smaller, fewer, or less-interconnected pores. Permeability is measured in darcys.
Persian Gulf
The countries that surround the Persian Gulf are: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Petrochemical feedstocks
Chemical feedstocks derived from refined or partially refined petroleum fraction, principally for use in the manufacturing of chemicals, synthetic rubber, and a variety of plastics.
Petroleum
A substance, generally liquid, occurring naturally in the earth and composed mainly of mixtures of chemical compounds of carbon and hydrogen with or without other nonmetallic elements such as sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. The compounds that compose petroleum may be in the gaseous, liquid, or solid state, depending on their nature and on the existent conditions of temperature and pressure.
Petroleum Administration for Defense District (PADD)
The 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia are divided into five districts, with PADD 1 further split into three subdistricts. PADDs 6 and 7 encompass U.S. territories.
Petroleum and other liquids
All petroleum including crude oil and products of petroleum refining, natural gas liquids, biofuels, and liquids derived from other hydrocarbon sources (including coal to liquids and gas to liquids). Not included are liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid hydrogen. See liquid fuels.
Petroleum coke
See Coke (petroleum).
Petroleum coke, catalyst
The carbonaceous residue that is deposited on the catalyst used in many catalytic operations (e.g., catalytic cracking). Carbon is deposited on the catalyst, thus deactivating the catalyst. The catalyst is reactivated by burning off the carbon producing heat and CO2. The carbonaceous residue is not recoverable as a product.
Petroleum coke, marketable
Those grades of coke produced in delayed or fluid cokers that may be recovered as relatively pure carbon. Marketable petroleum coke may be sold as is or further purified by calcining.
Petroleum consumption
See Products supplied
Petroleum imports
Imports of petroleum into the 50 states and the District of Columbia from foreign countries and from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories and possessions. Included are imports for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and withdrawals from bonded warehouses for onshore consumption, offshore bunker use, and military use. Excluded are receipts of foreign petroleum into bonded warehouses and into U.S. territories and U.S. Foreign Trade Zones.
Petroleum jelly
A semi-solid oily product produced from de-waxing lubricating oil basestocks.
Petroleum products
Petroleum products are obtained from the processing of crude oil (including lease condensate), natural gas, and other hydrocarbon compounds. Petroleum products include unfinished oils, liquefied petroleum gases, pentanes plus, aviation gasoline, motor gasoline, naphtha-type jet fuel, kerosene-type jet fuel, kerosene, distillate fuel oil, residual fuel oil, petrochemical feedstocks, special naphthas, lubricants, waxes, petroleum coke, asphalt, road oil, still gas, and miscellaneous products.
Petroleum refinery
An installation that manufactures finished petroleum products from crude oil, unfinished oils, natural gas liquids, other hydrocarbons, and alcohol.
Petroleum stocks, primary
For individual products, quantities that are held at refineries, in pipelines and at bulk terminals that have a capacity of 50,000 barrels or more, or that are in transit thereto. Stocks held by product retailers and resellers, as well as tertiary stocks held at the point of consumption, are excluded. Stocks of individual products held at gas processing plants are excluded from individual product estimates but are included in other oils estimates and total.
Pickup, Meter
A device for converting meter rotor movement into an electrical output signal. See: Transducer.
Picofarad
One-trillionth farad (10-12 farad). Common unit used in calculation and discussion of capacitance values occurring in level applications.
Pin Height
The lower limit of the critical zone; the level at which the floating roof or floating covers rests fully on its legs.
Pipe Taps
The position of a pair of tapholes to measure flow rate via differential pressure across an orifice plate. The upstream tap center is located at two and one-half times the published inside pipe diameter upstream of the nearest plate face, and the downstream tap center is located at a distance eight times the published inside pipe diameter downstream of the nearest plate face.
Pipeline
A section of pipe used for the transfer of fluid.
Plant condensate
Liquid hydrocarbons recovered at inlet separators or scrubbers in natural gas processing plants at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperatures. Mostly pentanes and heavier hydrocarbons.
Play
A set of known or postulated oil and gas accumulations sharing similar geologic, geographic, and temporal properties, such as source rock, migration pathway, timing, trapping mechanism, and hydrocarbon type. A play differs from an assessment unit; an assessment unit can include one or more plays. A play is often used to refer to a natural gas accumulation, i.e., a natural gas shale play.
Point Indication
Yes/No indication of attained level.
Point Level
The term associated with detection of the pressure or absence of material at a specific level height.
Polar Circumference of a Spherical Tank
A circumference measured through the north and south poles of a sphere.
Positioning Wire or Cable
Solid or stranded wire or cable that connects the float to the tape or that drives the dial indicator or transmitter.
Pour Point
The lowest temperature at which oil will remain liquid.
Power Mixer
A device that uses an external source of power to achieve stream conditioning.
Preamplifier
A device used to increase the amplitude of faint signals so that they may be transmitted effectively.
Precision
Possessing high resolution and good repeatability; the degree to which data within a set cluster together.
Pre-Set Instrument (for measuring)
A measuring instrument fitted with a device that automatically terminates the measurement when it reaches a value fixed in advance.
Pressure
The amount of force exerted on a unit of area. The following terms pertain to different categories of pressure:
The pressure reference to a perfect vacuum as zero pounds per square inch absolute.
The pressure of the surrounding medium, such as the liquid in a pipeline or of the atmosphere.
The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. At sea level, the pressure is approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch 9101 kilopascals), often referred to as 1 atmosphere, atmospheric pressure, or pressure of one atmosphere.
The pressure that is measured four pipeline diameters downstream from the turbine flowmeter under operating conditions, expressed in N/m2.
The static pressure difference determined in orifice measurement typically measured between the upstream and downstream flange, pipe, or other taps of an orifice meter.
A liquid which, at the measurement or proving temperature of the meter, has a vapor pressure that is equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure. See: Low Vapor Pressure Liquid.
A liquid which, at the measurement or proving temperature of the meter, has a vapor pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure. See: High Vapor Pressure Liquid.
Pressure, Equilibrium
The pressure at which a liquid and its vapor are in equilibrium at a given temperature.
Pressure, Gauge
Pressure measured relative to atmospheric pressure taken as zero.
Pressure, Impact
Pressure exerted by a moving fluid on a place perpendicular to its direction of flow. It is measured in the direction of flow.
Pressure Lock
A manually operated semiautomatic gauging device that is self-enclosed and used for the prevention of vapor losses in the gauging of atmospheric pressure, variable vapor space, and high-pressure tanks.
Pressure Loss (Drop)
The differential pressure in the flowing fluid stream (which will vary with flow rate) between the inlet and outlet of a meter, flow straightener, valve, strainer, lengths of pipe, etc.
Pressure, Partial
The pressure that is exerted by a single gaseous component of a mixture of fluids.
Pressure, Reid Vapor
The vapor pressure of a fluid at 100 °F (37.8 °C, 311 °K) as determined by test method ASTM D 323, Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method).
Pressure, Static
Pressure in a fluid or system that is exerted perpendicular to the surface on which it acts. In a moving fluid, the static pressure is measured at right angles to the direction of flow.
Pressure, Velocity
The component of the pressure of the moving fluid that is due to its velocity and is commonly equal to the difference between the impact pressure and the static pressure. See: Pressure, Impact and Pressure, Static.
Pressure Actuated Thermometer
A thermometer in which the pressure developed by thermal changes in the thermometric filling medium actuates an indicating or recording device calibrated in terms of degrees of temperature.
Pressure Sensor Effective Center
The point on the sensor from which the hydrostatic pressure head is measured.
Pressure Transmitter
A device commonly used for measuring level in process applications. It uses the principle that the measured hydrostatic pressure is equal to the height of the fluid multiplied by its specific gravity. In HYG applications the pressure transmitter provides the HIU with a pressure measurement (by means of the HART protocol). One transmitter is used per tank if the density is constant. A second transmitter is used if the density needs to be measured. A third transmitter located at the top of the tank is used to measure head (vapor) pressure.
Pressure-Type Tank
A tank specially constructed for the storage of volatile liquids under pressure. Such tanks are spheroidal, spherical, hemispheric ally ended, or of other special shapes.
Primary Container/Receiver
A vessel in which all samples are initially collected. Examples of primary sample containers include glass and plastic bottles, cans, core-type thief, and fixed and portable sample receivers.
Primary Element (Primary Detector)
See: Sensing Element.
Primary Sample Receiver (Receptacle)
A fixed or portable container into which all sample grabs are collected.
Prime supplier
A firm that produces, imports, or transports selected petroleum products across State boundaries and local marketing areas, and sells the product to local distributors, local retailers, or end users.
Probe
That portion of the sampling system that extends into the pipeline and directs a portion of the fluid to the extractor.
Process Level
The term associated with continuous level measurements in the process industries. Generally, the accuracy requirements of this measurement are not as stringent as with inventory level.
Processing gain
The volumetric amount by which total output is greater than input for a given period of time. This difference is due to the processing of crude oil into products which, in total, have a lower specific gravity than the crude oil processed.
Processing loss
The volumetric amount by which total refinery output is less than input for a given period of time. This difference is due to the processing of crude oil into products which, in total, have a higher specific gravity than the crude oil processed.
Product Head Mass (P. Head Mass)
Product Heel Mass
The mass of product below the bottom HTG sensor.
Product Heel Volume
The observed volume of product below the bottom HTG sensor, calculated by subtracting the water volume from the total heel volume.
Product Mass
The sum of the head mass and the product heel mass reduced by the floating roof mass (if applicable) and the vapor mass.
Product supplied
Approximately represents consumption of petroleum products because it measures the disappearance of these products from primary sources, i.e., refineries, natural gas-processing plants, blending plants, pipelines, and bulk terminals. In general, product supplied of each product in any given period is computed as follows field production, plus refinery production, plus imports, plus unaccounted-for crude oil (plus net receipts when calculated on a PAD District basis) minus stock change, minus crude oil losses, minus refinery inputs, and minus exports.
Product Temperature
The temperature of the tank liquid in the region where the HTG measurements are performed.
Profile Testing
A procedure for simultaneously sampling at several points across the diameter of a pipe to identify the extent of stratification.
Propagation
To cause to spread out and affect a greater number or greater area.
Propane (consumer grade)
A normally gaseous paraffinic compound (C3H8), which includes all products covered by Natural Gas Policy Act Specifications for commercial and HD-5 propane and ASTM Specification D 1835. Excludes: feedstock propanes, which are propanes not classified as consumer grade propanes, including the propane portion of any natural gas liquid mixes, i.e., butane-propane mix.
Propylene (C3H6)
An olefinic hydrocarbon recovered from refinery or petrochemical processes, which is gaseous at standard temperature and pressure. Propylene is an important petrochemical feedstock.
Prover, Conventional Pipe
A meter prover having a volume between detectors that permits a minimum accumulation of 10,000 direct (unaltered) pulses from the meter. A conventional pipe prover may be of either the bidirectional or unidirectional type.
Prover, Master-Meter
A meter used as a reference for the proving of another meter. A comparison for the two-meter outputs is the basis of the master-meter method. Displacement or turbine meters may serve as master meters.
Prover, Meter
An open or closed vessel of known volume utilized as a volumetric reference standard for the calibration of meters in liquid petroleum service. Such provers are designed, fabricated, and operated according to the recommendations of API MPMS Chapter 4.
Prover Pass
One movement of the displacer between the detectors in a prover; the volume determined by a displacer traveling between detector switches in a single direction.
Prover Round-Trip
The forward and reverse passes in a bidirectional prover; the volumes determined by a bidirectional displacer traveling between detector switches in one direction and the return direction.
Prover, Small Volume
Meter prover having a volume between detectors that does not permit a minimum accumulation of 10,000 direct (unaltered) pulses from the meter. Small volume provers require meter pulse discrimination by pulse interpolation counter or other techniques to increase the resolution.
Prover, Tank
An open or closed vessel of known capacity designed for the accurate determination of the volume of liquid delivered into or out of it during a meter proving operation.
Proving
The procedure used to determine a meter factor.
Proving Counter, Meter
A counter in which a special gating circuit in the counter is triggered by switches in the proving system to start and stop the counter.
Pulse Generator
A displacement meter accessory coupled to the measuring element and designed to produce a series of electrical pulses whose number is proportional to the volume measured and whose frequency is proportional to the flow rate.
Pulse Interpolation
Anny of the various techniques by which the whole number of meter pulses is counted between two events (such as detector switch closures) and any remaining fraction of a pulse between those two events is calculated.
Pulse Radar
A method of using radar to measure level. The radio signal is generated in pulses and the time-of-flight for the return signal is measured to determine material level.
Pulser
See: Pulse Generator.
Quantity Measured (Metered)
The gross volume metered corrected to agreed reference conditions of pressure and temperature. See: Measurement.
Rack sales
Wholesale truckload sales or smaller of gasoline where title transfers at a terminal.
Radar
An acronym for radio detecting and ranging. A device or system for locating an object by means of super high frequency radio waves. Radio waves are reflected from an object or surface and received, observed, and analyzed by the receiving part of the device, in such a way that characteristics (Such as distance and direction) of the object may be determined.
Radio Frequency (RF)
A band or range of high frequency microwaves.
Rag Layer
A layer that sometimes forms in-between two fluids. Since it is a combination of the two fluids and possibly some vapors, it can create some error in the measurement of the exact location of the interface.
Ramp/Sweep Generator
A device that changes a frequency at a constant rate and incorporates an oscillator that can be programmed to provide an output over a specified frequency range.
Range
The regions between the limits within which a quantity is measured, received, or transmitted. The range is expressed by stating the lower and upper range values, such as 0 °C to 150 °C and 50 m3/s to 500 m3/s.
Range of Uncertainty
The range or interval within which the true value is expected to lie with a stated degree of confidence.
Rangeability
The capability of a meter or flow measuring device to operate between the minimum and maximum flow range within an acceptable tolerance. Rangeability is generally expressed as a ratio of a maximum flow to the minimum flow.
Rathole
A hole formed in the center of a bin of dry solid material. Often occurs with fine powders, where air becomes entrapped, and the wall friction causes the material to be trapped as dead space. Ratholing can cause periods of no flow conditions or uncontrolled flooding.
Reading
See: Meter Readings.
Readout
A device that displays umbers or symbols and incorporates electric or electronic features.
Readout Device
A device that indicates or registers the value measured by an instrument in practical units.
Real Gas Specific Gravity
The ratio of the density of the gas under the observed conditions of temperature and pressure to the density of dry air at the same temperature and pressure. It follows that the ideal gas specific gravity is the ratio of the molecular weight of the gaseous mixture to the molecular weight of air.
Receiver
The part of a radar transmitter that receives return signals reflected from the surface of a material or obstructions within a tank.
Receiver Instrument, Meter
An instrument that receives signals from a transmitter.
Record Chart
A strip, disc, or sheet on which the indications of the measuring instrument are marked by a pen in the form of a graph.
Recording Instrument
A measuring instrument that records the value of the measured variable by marking or printing on a removable paper chart, tape, or other suitable recording material.
Reference
Usually, the point on a tank where the level is equal to zero. All sensor mounting heights are measured from the reference point.
Reference Circumference
The circumference of a tank measured by the manual tank strapping method (MTSM) on the bottom ring.
Reference Conditions
The conditions of temperature and pressure to which measured volumes are to be corrected.
Reference Density
The density at the reference temperature.
Reference Depth
The distance from the reference point to the bottom of the tank. Preferably, this distance should be stamped on the fixed benchmark plate or stenciled on the tank roof near the gauging hatch.
Reference Gauging Point
The point where the reference height is determined and from which the ullages/innages are taken; on pressure tank cars, the reference point is a fixed pointer located in the tank car manway housing adjacent to the gauge tube, a point to which all subsequent measurements are related.
Reference Height
The distance from the datum plate or tank bottom to the reference gauge point.
Reference month
The calendar month and year to which the reported cost, price, and volume information relates.
Referent Measuring Instrument (Tank)
A device calibrated to hold or deliver a known volume of liquid.
Reference Offset
When using the optical reference line method for calibrating tanks, the measurement observed on the horizontal scale of the traversing magnetic slide at the vertical station on the bottom plate.
Reference Temperature
The temperature at which actual density and actual volume are referenced to calculate standard density and standard volume. This reference temperature is required for all applications.
Refiner
A firm or the part of a firm that refines products or blends and substantially changes products, or refines liquid hydrocarbons from oil and gas field gases, or recovers liquefied petroleum gases incident to petroleum refining and sells those products to resellers, retailers, reseller/retailers or ultimate consumers. “Refiner” includes any owner of products that contracts to have those products refined and then sells the refined products to resellers, retailers, or ultimate consumers.
Refinery
An installation that manufactures finished petroleum products from crude oil, unfinished oils, natural gas liquids, other hydrocarbons, and oxygenates.
Refinery input, crude oil
Total crude oil (domestic plus foreign) input to crude oil distillation units and other refinery processing units (cokers, etc.).
Refinery input, total
The raw materials and intermediate materials processed at refineries to produce finished petroleum products. They include crude oil, products of natural gas processing plants, unfinished oils, other hydrocarbons and oxygenates, motor gasoline and aviation gasoline blending components and finished petroleum products.
Refinery production
Petroleum products produced at a refinery or blending plant. Published production of these products equals refinery production minus refinery input. Negative production will occur when the amount of a product produced during the month is less than the amount that is reprocessed (input) or reclassified to become another product during the same month. Refinery production of unfinished oils and motor and aviation gasoline blending components appear on a net basis under refinery input.
Refinery yield
Represents the percentage of finished product produced from input of crude oil, hydrogen, and other hydrocarbons and the net input of unfinished oils. Except for finished motor gasoline, finished aviation gasoline, and distillate fuel oil, EIA calculates refinery yield as the net production of a finished petroleum product divided by the sum of the input of crude oil, hydrogen, and other hydrocarbons and the net input of unfinished oils. For data before January 2009, EIA calculated refinery yield (except for finished motor gasoline) as the net production of a finished product divided by the sum of the input of crude oil and the net input of unfinished oils.
Reflectivity
The degree to which an object can reflect light, images, sound waves, or microwaves back to an instrument.
Reformulated gasoline
Finished gasoline formulated for use in motor vehicles, the composition and properties of which meet the requirements of the reformulated gasoline regulations promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 211(k) of the Clean Air Act. It includes gasoline produced to meet or exceed emissions performance and benzene content standards of federal-program reformulated gasoline even though the gasoline may not meet all of the composition requirements (e.g. oxygen content) of federal-program reformulated gasoline. Note: This category includes Oxygenated Fuels Program Reformulated Gasoline (OPRG). Reformulated gasoline excludes Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending (RBOB) and Gasoline Treated as Blendstock (GTAB).
Register
A mechanical device that displays numbers.
Register, Meter
A device that accumulates and displays the indicated volume passed through a meter. See: Counter, Meter.
Register, Multimeter
A register that indicates the combined registration of two or more meters.
Registration, Over- or Under-
The amount by which the indicated volume registered by a meter exceeds or is less than the true volume that passed through the meter as determined by means of a suitable standard device. See: Error, Absolute.
Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP)
See: Pressure, Reid Vapor.
Relative Density
See: Density, Relative.
Reliability
The ability of an item to operate as specified for an indicated time, often expressed as mean time between failures (MTBF) or mean time to failure (MTTF).
Relief Lines
Sections of pipe that lead to pressure/vacuum relief valve.
Remaining on Board (ROB)
Refers to material remaining in a vessel’s cargo tanks, void spaces, and/or pipelines after the cargo is discharged. ROB includes any combination of water, oil, slops, oil residue, oil water emulsions, sludge, and sediment.
Remote Seal
Remote seal systems act as a pressure transport medium between the process and the sensor of a transmitter. Remove seals are used: when it is necessary to isolate the transmitter from the process due to high process temperature, for corrosive or vicious products, for applications that require the use of sanitary connections, to avoid contamination between batches, or when there is a need to make density or interface measurements. Not recommended for HTG applications because they can add errors.
Remote Seal System
A combination of the remote diaphragm seal, capillary, and fill fluid attached to a transmitter.
Remote Transmission and Telemetering
A separate or integral instrument system, used in conjunction with some other basic measuring means (such as automatic tank gauge), which transmits the basic reading to some place other than the point of measurement.
Repeatability
For metering, the closeness of the agreement between the results of successive measurements of the same quantity carried out by the same method, by the same person, with the same measuring instrument at the same location, over a short period of time. More specifically, the ability of a meter and prover system to repeat its registered volume during a series of consecutive proving runs under constant operating conditions. For a laboratory test method, the difference between successive test results obtained by the same operator, with the same apparatus, under certain operating conditions, on identical test material using the same test method.
Representative Sample
A portion extracted from a total volume that contains the constituents in the same proportions as are present in the total volume.
Reproducibility
For metering, the closeness of the agreement between results of measurements of the same quantity where the individual measurements are made by different methods, with different measuring instruments, by different observers, at different locations after a long period of time; or where only some of the factors listed are different. More specifically, the ability of a meter and prover system to reproduce results over a long period of time in service where the range of variation of pressure, temperature, flow rate, and physical properties of the metered liquid is negligibly small. For a laboratory test method, the difference between two single and independent results obtained by different operators, working in different laboratories, on identical test material using the same test method.
Reseller
A firm (other than a refiner) that is engaged in a trade or business that buys refined petroleum products and then sells them to a purchaser who is not the ultimate consumer of those refined products.
Residential sector
An energy-consuming sector that consists of living quarters for private households. Common uses of energy associated with this sector include space heating, water heating, air conditioning, lighting, refrigeration, cooking, and running a variety of other appliances. The residential sector excludes institutional living quarters. Note: Various EIA programs differ in sectoral coverage.
Residual fuel oil
A general classification for the heavier oils, known as No. 5 and No. 6 fuel oils, that remain after the distillate fuel oils and lighter hydrocarbons are distilled away in refinery operations. It conforms to ASTM Specifications D 396 and D 975and Federal Specification VV-F-815C. No. 5, a residual fuel oil of medium viscosity, is also known as Navy Special and is defined in Military Specification MIL-F-859E, including Amendment 2 (NATO Symbol F-770). It is used in steam-powered vessels in government service and inshore powerplants. No. 6 fuel oil includes Bunker C fuel oil and is used for the production of electric power, space heating, vessel bunkering, and various industrial purposes.
Residuum
Residue from crude oil after distilling off all but the heaviest components, with a boiling range greater than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Resistance Thermometer
A thermometer that uses an electrical resistor to detect temperature and electrical means to measure and indicate temperature.
Resolution
The smallest change in the quantity measured to which the instrument will react with an observable change in an analog or digital indication.
Response Time, Thermometer (Thermal Time Constant)
The time required for a thermometer to indicate 63.2 percent of the magnitude of a change in the measured temperature.
Retailer
A firm (other than a refiner, reseller, or reseller/retailer) that carries on the trade or business of purchasing refined petroleum products and reselling them to ultimate consumers without substantially changing their form.
Reynolds Number (Re)
The ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces; a measure of turbulence. A parameter that correlates the actual flow profile with the fully developed flow profile established under steady flow of a homogeneous, Newtonian fluid. It is a dimensionless number defined as follows:
Re=Duρ/μ
Where:
D = inside diameter of the pipe
u = mean flow velocity
ρ𝜌 = fluid density
µ = fluid viscosity, all in consistent units
Road oil
Any heavy petroleum oil, including residual asphaltic oil used as a dust palliative and surface treatment on roads and highways. It is generally produced in six grades, from 0, the most liquid, to 5, the most viscous.
RTD
The abbreviation for Resistance Temperature Detector. A device that predictably changes its resistance when a change in temperature is detected. For HTG applications, an RTD should be located midway between PB and PM. The sensor tip should be located a minimum of three feet from the tank shell into the product.
Run, Meter Proving
Any single prover volume measurement in a set of prover volume measurements required to prove a meter.
Run Ticket
The document customarily used to record lease of facility name, location, crude oil quantity and quality test data destination, gauger/witness signatures, etc., applicable to a particular gathering or transfer of custody transaction. See: Ticket, Measurement.
Running Sample
A Sample obtained by lowering a beaker on or bottle to the level of the bottom of the outlet connection or swing line and returning it to the top of the oil at a rate such that the beaker or bottle is about three-fourths full when withdrawn from the oil.
Running Start-and-Stop Method (meter proving)
A meter proving method wherein the opening and closing meter readings of the test run are determined at flowing conditions.
Sag
The distortion of a barge, or vessel, form due to stresses in which the midship portion of the vessel drops below its normal position relative to the bow and stern.
Sales for resale
A type of wholesale sales covering energy supplied to other electric utilities, cooperatives, municipalities, and Federal and state electric agencies for resale to ultimate consumers.
Sales to end users
Sales made directly to the consumer of the product. Includes bulk consumers, such as agriculture, industry, and utilities, as well as residential and commercial consumers.
Sales type
Sales categories of sales to end-users and sales for resale.
Sample
A portion extracted from a total volume that may or may not contain the constituents in the same proportions that are present in that total volume.
Sample Container
Receptacle used for storage and transport of the sample.
A portable sample container used with a centrally located circulation-type sample mixing system. A Jiskoot sample container is an example of a Type I sample container.
A portable sample container such as bottles and cans are considered Type II sample containers. The contents must be shaken by hand or mixed by mechanical agitation.
Sample Controller
A device that governs the operation of the sample extractor.
Sample Extractor
A device that extracts a sample from a pipeline, sample loop, or tank.
Sample Grab
The liquid volume taken from the pipeline by a single actuation of the sample extractor.
Sample Handling and Mixing
The conditioning, transferring, and transporting of a sample.
Sample Loop (Fast Loop/Slip Stream)
A low volume bypass diverted from the main pipeline.
Sample Preheater
A device used to heat samples before S&W or API gravity, or related density tests are performed.
Sample Receiver (Receptacle)
A receptacle that is usually part of an automatic sample system to contain the collected sample.
Sample System Proving
A procedure used to validate an automatic sample system.
Sampling
All the steps required to obtain a sample that is representative of the contents of any pipe, tank, or other vessel and to place that sample in a container from which a representative test specimen can be taken for analysis.
Scale
An ordered set of gauge or scale marks together with their defining figures, words, or symbols in relation to which the position of the index is observed when reading an instrument.
Scale Base
The line, actual or implied, that passes through the midpoints of the shortest marks on the scale.
Scale Division
The interval between any two successive scale marks of the scale.
Scale Length
The linear or curvilinear length measured along the scale base between the centers of the terminal scale marks.
Scale Mark
A line or other mark on the scale of an indicating device corresponding to one or more defined values of the quantity measured.
Scale Numbering
The set of numbers marked on a scale either corresponding to the values of the quantity measured, defined by the scale marks, or indicating only the numerical order of the scale marks.
Scale Range
The zone included between the scale marks corresponding to the maximum and minimum values of the scale, the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the scale.
Seal, Capillary, Meter
The liquid seal that reduces slippage between moving parts of a meter.
Seal Unit (automatic tank gauge)
An assembly used to seal the gauge assembly from the tank vapors.
Sediment
Solid materials that may include a combination of sand, ruse, and scale.
Sediment and Water (S&W)
A material, coexisting with yet foreign to a petroleum liquid, that requires a separate measurement for reasons that include sales accounting. This foreign material may include free water and sediment (FW&S) and emulsified or suspended water and sediment (SW&S). The quantity of suspended material (SW&S) present is determined by a centrifuge or laboratory testing of a sample of petroleum liquid. See: Free Water.
Selective Tank Remove Gauge
A single receiver used with a remote transmission system that permits the use of one or more tank transmitters so that selective readings can be obtained by switching from one tank to another.
Sensing Element
The part of the sensor (or detector) that is responsive to the magnitude of the measured quantity.
Sensing Element (thermometer)
That potion of a thermometer that senses and responds to changes of temperature (for example, the bulb of a liquid-in-gas thermometer).
Sensitivity
The ratio of a change in output magnitude to the change of input that causes it after equilibrium has been reached. Sensitivity is expressed as a ratio with the units of measurement of the two quantities stated. The ratio is constant over the range of a linear device. For a nonlinear device, the applicable input level must be stated.
Sensor Trim
The digital trim function that allows adjustment of the digital process variable reading to a precise pressure input. Zero trim and full trim are the two sensor trim functions. Full trim is not done on HTG transmitters.
Servo Gauge
The traditional technique for measuring level. A displacer rests on a liquid surface and is connected via a wire to a detector plate. The detector place drives a servo motor to raise or lower the displacer to keep a constant tension on the wire. The servo motor is attached to a drum that stores an excess measuring wire. Each revolution of the drum is associated with the level of the product.
Servo-Mechanism
An externally powered mechanism activated by the sensing element to provide sufficient power to position the indicator. It generally includes a corrective feedback arrangement.
Settling Tank
A tank or system of piping wherein the velocity of the liquid stream is sufficiently reduced to enable foreign particles or water to settle from the oil.
Sheer
The longitudinal curve of a vessel’s decking in a vertical plane. As a result of sheer, a vessel’s deck height above the baseline is higher (or lower) at the ends than amidships.
Shell
The plating forming the outer side and bottom skin of the hull.
Shell Full
Designates that a tank is filled to its shell capacity.
Shell storage capacity
The design capacity of a petroleum storage tank which is always greater than or equal to working storage capacity.
SI
International System of Units.
Signal
Information about a variable that can be transmitted.
Signal, Input
A signal applied to a device, element, or system.
Signal, Measured
The electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, or other variable applied to the input of a device. It is the analog of the measured variable produced by a transducer.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
The ratio of the magnitude of the electrical signal to that of the electrical noise.
Single-Tank Composite Sample
A blend of the upper, middle, and lower samples. For a tank of uniform cross section, such as an upright cylindrical tank, the blend consists of equal parts of the three samples. For a horizontal cylindrical tank, the blend consists of the three samples in the proportions shown in Table 2 of API MPMS Chapter 8.1.
Slippage, Meter
The volume of liquid that passes through a meter without causing registration. Meter slippage varies with the flow rate, viscosity, and dimensional changes in the meter that result from variations in temperature and pressure of the measured liquid.
Slops
Oil, oil/water/sediment, and emulsions contained in slop tanks or designated cargo tanks. The mixture usually results from tank stripping, tank washing, or dirty ballast phase separation.
Sludge
A highly viscous mixture that may include oil, water, sediment, and residue.
Small Tank
A crude oil storage tank with a 1,000-barrel or less capacity.
Sounding
See: Gauging.
Special naphthas
All finished products within the naphtha boiling range that are used as paint thinners, cleaners, or solvents. These products are refined to a specified flash point. Special naphthas include all commercial hexane and cleaning solvents conforming to ASTM Specification D1836 and D484, respectively. Naphthas to be blended or marketed as motor gasoline or aviation gasoline, or that are to be used as petrochemical and synthetic natural gas (SNG) feedstocks are excluded.
Specific Gravity (sp gr)
Archaic. See: Density, Relative.
Spot (Grab) Sample
A sample taken at a specific location in a tank or from a flowing stream in a pipeline at a specific time.
Stability
The ability of a measuring instrument to maintain its accuracy over a long period of time.
Stand Pipes (Still Pipes or Stilling Wells)
Vertical sections of pipe or tubing extending from the gauging platform to near the bottom of tanks that are equipped with external or internal floating roofs. Stand pipes may also be found on ships and barges.
Standard
A measuring instrument intended to define, to represent physically, or to reproduce the unit of measurement of a quantity (or a multiple or submultiple of that unit), to transmit it to other measuring instruments by comparison. The following terms pertain to the category of measurement standards:
A standard recognized by an international agreement to serve internationally as the basis for fixing the value of all other standards of the given quantity.
A standard recognized by an official national decision as the basis for fixing the value, in a country, of all other standards of the given quantity. In general, the national standard in a country is also the primary standard.
A standard of a particular measure that has the highest metrological qualities in each field. The concept of a primary standard is equally valid for base units and for derived units. The primary standard is never used directly for measurement other than for comparison with duplicate standards or reference standards.
A standard, the value of which is fixed by direct or indirect comparison with a primary standard or by means of a reference-value standard.
A standard that, calibrated against a reference standard, is intended to verify working measuring instruments of lower accuracy.
Standard, API
As per API Policy 104, a prescribed set of voluntary rules, conditions, or requirement concerned with the definition of terms; classification of components; delineation of procedures; specification of dimensions; construction criteria, materials, performance, design, or operations; measurement of quality and quantity in describing materials, products, systems, services, or practices; or descriptions of fit and measurement of size.
Standard Air
The accepted density of standard air varies between the U.S., British, and metric systems of measurement. The correct densities have been incorporated in API MPMS Chapter 11.1, “Volume Correction Factors” (also ASTM D 1250 and IP 200).
Standard Brass
Brass of a specified density used in fabricating precision balance weights.
Standard Conditions of Measurement
See: Reference Conditions.
Standing Start-and-Stop Method, Meter Proving
A meter-proving method wherein the opening and closing meter readings of the test run are determined at no-flow conditions.
Static Mixer
A device that utilized the kinetic energy of the moving fluid to achieve stream conditioning.
Static Pressure
See: Pressure, Static.
Stationary Sample Receiver
See: Sample Receiver (Receptacle).
Steam
Water in vapor form; used as the working fluid in steam turbines and heating systems. Also see District heat .
Stepper-Drive
A drive means for remotely located meter accessories.
Step-Over (tank strapping)
A device used in tank strapping for measuring the distance apart along the arc of two points on a tank shell where it is not possible to use a strapping tape directly because of an intervening obstruction, such as a protruding fitting.
Still gas
Any form or mixture of gases produced in refineries by distillation, cracking, reforming, and other processes. The principal constituents are methane and ethane. May contain hydrogen and small/trace amounts of other gases. Still gas is typically consumed as refinery fuel or used as petrochemical feedstock. Still gas burned for refinery fuel may differ in composition from marketed still gas sold to other users.
Still Pipe
See: Stilling Well
Stilling Well
A large diameter pipe, mounted vertically inside the tank, traveling the entire height of the tank to function as a baffle. It is also known as a gauge well, still pipe, or guide pole. It is used with level gauges that float on the product surface and some top-down noncontact level measurement technologies. The stilling well minimizes the effect of any tank turbulence on the product surface.
Stock change
The difference between stocks at the beginning of the reporting period and stocks at the end of the reporting period. Note: A negative number indicates a decrease (i.e., a drawdown) in stocks and a positive number indicates an increase (i.e., a buildup) in stocks during the reporting period.
Stop Gauge
The final gauge reading for a transfer to or from a short tank or vessel.
Strainer
A device placed upstream of a meter or other equipment to remove from the stream foreign material that is likely to damage or interfere with operation. The strainer element is generally coarser than that or of a filter designed to remove solid contaminants.
Strake
A course or row of shell, deck, bulkhead, or other plating.
Strapping (tanks)
The measurement of the external circumference of a vertical or horizontal cylindrical tank by stretching a steel tape around each course of the tank’s plates and recording the measurement.
Strapping Method
Identifies the tank strapping method used for the tank. It uses two methods: strapping table (actual) or formula based (calculated).
Strapping Table
A table (usually create by the manufacturer of the tank) that shows a volume versus level relationship.
Strapping Tape (tank strapping)
A measuring tape grated in units of length and used for taking the measurements for producing a tank calibration or tank gauge table.
Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)
Petroleum stocks maintained by the Federal Government for use during periods of major supply interruption.
Stratification (Density)
The division or settlement of some products into layers, based on their density. The density at the top of the tank can be different from the density at the bottom of the tank. Since the HIU calculates density using the pressure sensed on the bottom and middle transmitters, the density above or below these two transmitters may differ. Density stratification can affect the level and volume calculations but has virtually no effect on mass.
Stratification (Temperature)
The difference in the temperature of products inside the tank that have a higher temperature near the tank shell (due to the sun) than in the middle of the tank. This temperature difference causes the product to expand differently throughout the tank, affecting gross volume and level.
Stream Conditioning
The mixing of a flowing stream so that a representative sample may be extracted.
Streamline Flow
Flow having a Reynolds number less than 4,000. See: Reynolds Number, Laminar Flow and Turbulent Flow.
Strike Plate
A plate mounted horizontally on the inside wall near the bottom of the tank. The strike plate is used as a reference point when measuring level by hand dipping. The floor of a tank is not always used as a reference point when hand dipping due to the possible deformation of the tank floor when the product is in the tank.
Supply
The components of petroleum supply are field production, refinery production, imports, and net receipts when calculated on a PAD District basis.
Suppression
A term used to indicate that the lower calibrated value of the span of the pressure transmitter is not based at zero differential pressure but above zero. Thus, zero is suppressed. Example: A span of +20 to +100 inches H2O is suppressed.
Surface Sample
A spot sample skimmed from the surface of liquid in a tank.
Surface Sensing Element
The detecting element of a surface sensing automatic tank gauge.
Surge Tank
A vessel used to smooth out the flow in a flowing stream.
Swirl
A qualitative term describing tangential motions of liquid flow in a pipe, tube, or tank.
Tail, Thermometer
The ungraduated lower portion of a mercury-in-glass direct-reading thermometer, which does not contain the sensing element.
TAME
See Tertiary Amyl Methyl Ether.
Tank Average Cross-Sectional Area
The average cross-sectional area between the elevation of the bottom HTG sensor and the innage level over which the hydrostatic pressures are integrated to obtain the mass.
Tank Capacity Table
See: Capacity Table.
Tank Composite Sample
A blend created from the upper, middle, and lower samples from a single tank. For a tank of uniform cross section, such as an upright cylindrical tank, the blend consists of equal parts of the three samples. For a horizontal cylindrical tank, the blend consists of equal parts of the three samples in the proportions shown in Table 2 of API MPMS Chapter 8.1.
Tank Diameter
The inner diameter of the tank. This dimension is always measured horizontally, despite the tank shape. It is the length dimension of a horizontal bullet tank.
Tank Elevation
The elevation of the site where the tank is located. Needed for the HIU to compensate for the effects of air density and local gravity.
Tank farm
An installation used by trunk and gathering pipeline companies, crude oil producers, and terminal operators (except refineries) to store crude oil.
Tank Height
The total inside height of the tank. Height is always measured vertically, despite the tank shape. It is the diameter of a horizontal bullet type tank.
Tank I.D.
The name of the tank in text or numerals. The tank I.D. appears on the tag riveted to the top of the HIU (24 characters maximum).
Tank Latitude
The latitude of the site where the tank is located. Needed for HIU to compensate for the effects of air density and local gravity.
Tank Lip
The tank bottom plate on the outside of the tank shell.
Tank Table
See: Capacity Table.
Tank Tag
The HIU instrument number. The tank tag appears on the tag riveted to the side of the HIU (16 characters maximum).
Tank Type
The tank shape that best describes the tank. This is needed for correctly calculating a formula based strapping table. Some examples of different tank types are upright cylinder, horizontal cylinder, sphere, upright bullet, and horizontal bullet.
Tanker and barge
Vessels that transport crude oil or petroleum products. Note: Data are reported for movements between PAD Districts; from a PAD District to the Panama Canal; or from the Panama Canal to a PAD District.
Tap Sample (Tank-Side Sample)
A spot sample taken from a sample tap on the side of a tank. It may also be referred to as a tank-side sample.
Tape, Automatic Tank Gauge
A metal tape used to connect the liquid level detecting element and the gauge-head mechanism.
Tape Clamp (tank strapping tape)
A quick release that may be fitted around a strapping tape at any convenient position throughout its length.
Tape Positioner (tank strapping tape)
A guide sliding freely along the strapping tape and used to pull and hold the tape in the correct position for taking measurements.
Tapering
The decrease in the strength of a signal between two points or between two frequencies.
Taphole
A hole radially drilled in the wall of the meter tube or orifice plate holder, the inside edge of which is flush and without any burrs.
Temperature, Absolute
The temperature measured from the absolute zero (-273.15 °C).
degrees Celsius + 273 = degrees absoulute in Kelvin
Temperature Error
The measuring error caused by the temperature of a measurement differing from the pertinent reference value.
Temperature Measurement Device
Consists of a sensor, transmission medium, and readout equipment in an operating configuration used to determine the temperature of a liquid for measurement purposes.
Temperature Range, Operating
The range of ambient temperatures, given by their extremes, within which the transducer is intended to operate.
Temperature Sensor
Consists of a sensing element and its housing, if any, and is defined as the part of a temperature device that is positioned in a liquid, the temperature of which is being measured.
Tender
See: Batch.
Tertiary Amyl Methyl Ether – (C6H14O)
An ether used as a fuel oxygenate. TAME derives from C5 distillation fractions of naphtha. It has an ethereous odor. Unlike most ethers, it does not require a stabilizer as it does not form peroxides on storage.
Tertiary butyl alcohol – (CH3)3COH
An alcohol primarily used as a chemical feedstock or a solvent or feedstock, for isobutylene production for MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) and produced as a co-product of propylene oxide production or by direct hydration of isobutylene.
Test Measures, Field Standard
A vessel fabricated to meet specific design criteria and calibrated by an official agency such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or another NIST-certified, competent laboratory.
Test Run, Meter Proving
See: Run, Meter Proving.
Test Specimen
The representative sample taken from the primary of immediate sample container for analysis.
Thermal cracking
A refining process in which heat and pressure are used to break down, rearrange, or combine hydrocarbon molecules. Thermal-cracking includes gas oil, visbreaking, fluid coking, delayed coking, and other thermal cracking processes (e.g., flexicoking).
Thermal Expansion
The amount of expansion of the tank material due to changes in temperature. Usually measured in inch/inches/°C.
Thermal maturity
The degree of heating of a source rock over geologic time that generates oil and natural gas from organic matter present in the rock. Thermal maturity is commonly evaluated by measuring vitrinite reflectance.
Thermistor (Thermal Sensor Resister)
A temperature-sensitive element consisting of a semiconductor such as germanium oxide, whose conductance changes with its temperature. Thermistors are used to make temperature measurements electrically.
Thermocouple
A temperature-sensitive element consisting of a pair of dissimilar metals so arranged that the electromotive force produced by the couple depends upon the difference in temperature between the hot and cold junctions of the metals. The output is measured on a millivoltmeter calibrated in terms of degrees of temperature.
Thermometer
The following terms refer to different types of thermometers:
A thermometer that indicates temperature correctly when completely immersed in the material being tested.
A thermometer that indicates temperature atone correctly when immersed to a specified depth. A mark and/or written distance on the back of each thermometer indicates the proper immersion level.
A device containing a mercury-in-glass thermometer, which may be inverted after the thermometer has reached thermal equilibrium with the oil in which it is immersed. The inversion of the device breaks the mercury thread, which being disconnected from the sensing element (the bulb) runs down to the other end of the thermometer stem. The instrument is then drawn to the surface and the recorded temperature, which remains unchanged until the instrument is reset, can then be read off the scale.
A thermometer that indicates correctly when immersed to just barely below the reading.
Thermowell
A metal protective socket installed in the well or shell of a liquid container into which the sensing element of a temperature sensing device is inserted.
Thief
An industry term for a bottom closure, core-type sampler used to secure samples from storage tanks.
Thread, Thermometer
A term given to the length of mercury in the capillary of a mercury-in-glass thermometer that indicates the temperature.
Ticket, Measurement
The term used to include expressions such as run ticket and receipt and delivery ticket. It is also used to mean the paper or readouts in a meter station that is automated, remotely controlled, and/or computerized.
Time-of-Flight
The elapsed time from the instant a particle leaves a source to the instant it reaches a detector.
Time Proportional Sample
A sample composed of equal volume grabs taken from a pipeline at uniform time intervals during the entire transfer.
Tolerance
The amount of measurement error that will be allowed. It is a plus or minus value.
Toluene – (C6H5CH3)
Colorless liquid of the aromatic group of petroleum hydrocarbons, made by the catalytic reforming of petroleum naphthas containing methyl cyclohexane. A high-octane gasoline-blending agent, solvent, and chemical intermediate, and a base for TNT (explosive).
Top Sample
A spot sample taken from a tank obtained 6 inches (15 centimeters) below the top surface of the liquid.
Total Calculated Volume (TCV)
See: Volume, Total Calculated.
Total Heel Volume
The observed volume below the bottom HTG sensor, calculated from the bottom sensor elevation and the tank capacity table corrected for observed temperature.
Total Observed Volume (TOV)
See: Volume, Total Observed.
Total organic carbon
The concentration of organic material in source rocks represented as a percentage by weight of organic carbon. Approximately 0.5% total organic carbon by weight is the minimum for an effective source rock (meaning the source rock has enough organic carbon and thermal maturity to produce oil and natural gas), although 2% is the minimum for shale gas reservoirs. Values can exceed 10%.
Totalizer
Meter register as pertains to total; for example, the summation of several independent quantities is contained in the totalizer.
Traceability
The relation of a prover or a transducer calibration, through a step-by-step process, to an instrument or group of instruments calibrated and certified by a national or international primary standard.
Traditional Volume
The volume calculated from a strapping table and level measurement.
Transducer
A device that provides a usable output signal in response to a measurement.
Transfer Type
The method by which the product will be transferred to and from the tank – either gross volume, standard volume, level, or mass.
Transmitter
The portion of a remote transmission system that constitutes the sending element.
Trim
Refers to the condition of a vessel in terms of its longitudinal position in the water. Trim is the difference between the forward draft and the aft draft and is expressed by the head or by the stern to indicate the end of the vessel that is deeper in the water.
Trim Correction
The correction applied to the volumes or gauge observed in a vessel’s tank when the vessel is out of trim, provided that the liquid is in contact with all bulkheads in the tank. Trim correction may be accomplished by referring to the trim correction tables for each of the vessel’s tanks or by calculation.
True Value
The theoretically correct amount. In practice, it is represented by the standard being used for comparison, such as a prover.
True Vapor Pressure
See: Pressure, True Vapor
Tube (Thief) Sample
A sample obtained with a sampling tube or special thief, either as a core sample or a spot sample from a specific point in the tank or container.
Turbine
A bladed rotor flowmeter component that turns at a speed that is proportional to the mean velocity of the stream and therefore to the volume rate of flow.
Turbine Meter
A meter in which the measuring element is a multibladed rotor to which the metered stream imparts a rotational velocity that is proportional to the mean velocity of the stream. Measured volume is registered by rotor revolutions.
Turbulent Flow
In turbulent flow, random eddying flow patterns are superimposed upon the general flow progressing in each direction. The transition from smooth uniform laminar flow to turbulent flow generally occurs as the Reynolds number increases from about 2,300 to 4,000.
Turndown
Field terminology for rejecting a tank’s contents based on the gauger’s evaluation and analysis.
Two-Phase
A fluid state consisting of a mixture of liquid with gas or solids. Also, a mixture of a gas with solids or with liquid droplets.
Ullage
See: Gauging, Outage.
Ullage Hatch, Marine Vessel
See: Gauge Hatch, Tank.
Ullage Paste
A paste that is applied to an ullage rule or dip tape and weight to indicate the level at which the liquid meniscus cuts the graduated portion.
Ullage Pressure
See: Pressure, Equilibrium.
Ullage Volume
The observed volume of the vapor/air mixture in the ullage space, calculated as the difference between the total tank volume and the innage volume.
Ultrasonic
A method of measuring level where a sound pulse is transmitted from the instrument to the surface of the material. The sound pulse is reflected off the surface and the echo are detected by the instrument. The amount of time to return to the instrument is inversely proportional to the level.
Unaccounted for (crude oil)
Represents the arithmetic difference between the calculated supply and the calculated disposition of crude oil. The calculated supply is the sum of crude oil production plus imports minus changes in crude oil stocks. The calculated disposition of crude oil is the sum of crude oil input to refineries, crude oil exports, crude oil burned as fuel, and crude oil losses.
Unbalanced Remote
A situation where the remove seal system is different on the high and low seal system sides of a pressure transmitter.
Unfinished oils
All oils requiring further processing, except those requiring only mechanical blending. Unfinished oils are produced by partial refining of crude oil and include naphthas and lighter oils, kerosene and light gas oils, heavy gas oils, and residuum.
Unfractionated streams
Mixtures of unsegregated natural gas liquid components, excluding those in plant condensate. This product is extracted from natural gas.
Unit price
Total revenue derived from the sale of product during the reference month divided by the total volume sold; also known as the weighted average price. Total revenue should exclude all taxes but include transportation costs that were paid as part of the purchase price.
Units of Volume
The usual units of volume for petroleum measurement are cubic meter, liter, imperial gallon, U.S. gallon or barrel (42 U.S. gallons), or cubic feet.
Upper Sample
A spot sample taken at the middle of the upper one-third of the tank contents (a distance of one-sixth of the liquid depth below the liquid’s surface).
V Constants
Used to calculate vapor density based on product temperature.
Vacuum Breaker
A device used to prevent vacuum from occurring in a tank, vessel, piping, etc.
Vacuum distillation
Distillation under reduced pressure (less the atmospheric) which lowers the boiling temperature of the liquid being distilled. This technique with its relatively low temperatures prevents cracking or decomposition of the charge stock.
Valve
The following terms pertain to the category of valve:
Valve, Back Pressure
A valve used to automatically regulate a uniform pressure on the inlet side of such valve.
Valve, Block and Bleed
A high integrity valve with double seals and provision for determining if either seal leaks.
Valve, Check
A valve used to control a selected direction of flow and prevent the liquid flow from reversing in direction.
Valve, Differential Pressure
A valve used to automatically regulate a uniform difference in pressure between two separate locations in a pipeline.
Valve, Excess Flow
A valve used to automatically prevent the liquid flow rate in a pipeline from exceeding a high limit.
Vapor Mass
The mass of vapor in the vapor space. Calculated by the HIU (or SAM) using V constants.
Vapor Point
See: Bubble Point.
Vapor Pressure, Absolute or True
See: Pressure, Equilibrium.
Vapor Relative Density
The ratio of molecular mass of vapor (mixture) to that of air (mixture).
Vapor-Tight Tank
A tank of conventional shape intended primarily for the storage of volatile liquids, such as gasoline, and so constructed that it will withstand pressures differing only slightly from atmospheric. Such tanks are equipped with special devices that permit gauging without opening the tank to the atmosphere.
Variable
See: Measurand.
Velocity Pressure
See: Pressure, Velocity.
Vent Hole
The hole near the top of the stilling well that allows air to release as fluid rises in the tube. Ensures that the level within the tube is always equal to the vessel level.
Vented Tank
A tank that is covered but not pressurized. A vent located on top of the tank releases any pressure buildup.
Verification
Periodic or routine performance checks that ensure that operational requirements continue to be met. Verification can be accomplished by comparing information from two or more devices sensing a given variable. An example would be a master thermometer compared to a temperature transmitter output.
Vessel Experience Factor (VEF)
A compilation of the history of the total calculated volume (TCV) vessel measurements, adjusted for onboard quantity (OBQ) or remaining onboard (ROB), to the TCV shore measurements. Separate VEFs should be developed for both load and discharge terminals. Preferably, information used in calculating a VEF should be based on documents that follow accepted industry standards and practices, such as inspection company reports.
Vessel Ratio, Discharge (DVR)
The total calculated volume (TCV) by vessel measurement on arrival, less remaining on board (ROB), divided by the TCV by shore measurement are discharge.
Vessel Ratio, Load (LVR)
The total calculated volume (TCV) by vessel measurement on arrival, less remaining on board (ROB), divided by the TCV by shore measurement at discharge.
Vibration Error
The maximum change in operating output, at any measurand value within a specified range, when vibration levels of specified amplitude and range of frequencies are applied to the transducer along specified axes.
Visbreaking
A thermal cracking process in which heavy atmospheric or vacuum-still bottoms are cracked at moderate temperatures to increase production of distillate products and reduce viscosity of the distillation residues.
Viscosity, Absolute
The measure of resistance to shear per unit of time of a fluid’s intermolecular cohesive force.
Viscosity, Kinematic
The ratio of absolute viscosity to density. The SI unit is the square meter per second (m2/s).
Viscosity, Saybolt Second Universal (SSU)
The efflux time in seconds of 60 milliliters of samples flowing through a calibrated universal orifice under specified conditions.
Viscous Hydrocarbon
Any liquid that requires special treatment or equipment in its handling or storage because of its resistance to flow.
Vitrinite
A type of woody kerogen that is relatively uniform in composition. Because vitrinite changes predictably and consistently when heated, vitrinite reflectance is a useful measurement of the thermal maturity of source rock.
Volume, Gross
The indicated volume multiplied by the meter factor (MF) for the liquid and flow rate under which the meter was proved.
Volume, Gross Observed (GOV)
The total volume of all petroleum liquids and sediment and water, excluding free water, at observed temperature and pressure.
Volume, Gross Standard (GSV)
The total volume of all petroleum liquids and sediment and water, excluding free water, corrected by the appropriate volume correction factor (C t1) for the observed temperature and API gravity, relative density, or density to a standard temperature such as 60 °F or 15 °C and corrected by the applicable pressure correction factor (C p1) and meter factor; the gross volume at standard temperature corrected to standard pressure.
Gross Standard Volume = closed meter reading – open meter reading × MF × Ct1 × Cpl
Volume Indicated
The change in meter reading that occurs during a receipt or delivery.
Volume Meter
A device that when installed in a pipe in which liquid is flowing indicates the volume of liquid that passes through it.
Volume, Net Standard (NSV)
The total volume of all petroleum liquids, excluding sediment and water and free water, corrected by the appropriate volume correction factor (C t1) for the observed temperature and API gravity, relative density, or density to a standard temperature such as 60 °F or 15 °C and corrected by the applicable pressure correction factor (C p1) and meter factor.
Volume, Total Calculated (TCV)
The total volume of all petroleum liquids, sediment, and water, corrected by the appropriate volume correction factor (C t1) for the observed temperature and API gravity, relative density, or density to a standard temperature such as 60 °F or 15 °C and corrected by the applicable pressure correction factor (C p1) and meter factor, plus all free water measured at observed temperature and pressure (gross standard volume plus free water).
Volume, Total Observed (TOV)
The total measured volume of all petroleum liquids, sludges, sediment and water, and free water at observed temperature and pressure.
Vortex
The swirling motion of liquid often encountered as it enters the outlet opening of a container (tank). The vortex (swirl) causes entrainment of considerable quantities of air or vapor with the liquid.
Washing, Crude Oil (COW)
The use of a high-pressure stream of the crude oil cargo to dislodge or dissolve clingage and sediment from the bulkheads, bottom, and internal tank structures of a vessel during the discharge operation.
Washing, Water
The use of a high-pressure water stream to dislodge clingage and sediment from the bulkheads, bottoms, and internal structures of a vessel’s cargo tanks.
Water, Bottom
Water accumulated at (or sometimes added to) the bottom of the oil in a storage tank.
Water Bottom Level
The level of water at the bottom of a tank.
Water Bottom Volume
The volume of water at the bottom of a tank.
Water/Cut Measurement
The procedure of locating the oil/water interface for the purpose of determining the volume of free water in a shore tank or vessel compartment. It is also used to refer to the line of demarcation of the oil/water interface.
Water Dip
The depth of free water in a container over and above the dip plate.
Water Equivalent (pycnometer)
The water equivalent of a pycnometer at a temperature t is the weight in air of pure water contained by the pycnometer at the temperature t.
Water Finder (Water Finding Rule)
A graduated rod, usually of metal, to which water-finding paste can be applied. This paste or paper is discolored on contact with water and thus affords a ready means of measuring the depth of water in a tank when the water finder is lowered to the tank bottom.
Water-Finding Paste
A paste containing a chemical that changes color in contact with water. The paste, when applied to a water-finding rule, gives an indication of the level of free water in a container.
Water Volume
The observed volume of free sediment and water, calculated from the free water level and the tank capacity table.
Water Washing
See: Washing, Water.
Wave Guide
The entire path, in a radar gauge, through which the radar signal travels. It includes the coaxial-to-wave guide adapter, the housing-to-flange adapter, and the mounting flange.
Wavelength
A measure, expressed in meters, of the length of each complete electromagnetic wave.
Wax
A solid or semi-solid material consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons obtained or derived from petroleum fractions, or through a Fischer-Tropsch type process, in which the straight- chained paraffin series predominates. This includes all marketable wax, whether crude or refined, with a congealing point (ASTM D 938) between 100 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum oil content (ASTM D 3235) of 50 weight percent.
Wedge Formula
A mathematical means of approximating the small quantities of liquid and solid cargo and free water onboard before a vessel is loaded and after its cargo is discharged. The formula is based on cargo compartment dimensions and vessel trim. The wedge formula shall be used only when a wedge exists and when the liquid does not touch all bulkheads of the vessel’s tank.
Wedge Tablets
Precalculated vessel tables based on the wedge formula and displayed in much the same way as the vessel innage/ullage tables. Wedge tables are used for small quantities [for examples, onboard quantity (OBQ) and remaining onboard (ROB)] when the liquid does not touch all bulkheads of the vessel’s tank.
Weight Scale
A device for determining either the mass or the weight of a body, depending upon the apparatus and procedure employed.
Weigh Tank
A tank used with a weigh and scale that is used for measurement of the liquid contents of the tank.
Weighing
Measuring the net force acting on an object’s mass.
Weight (wt.)
The net force exerted on an object’s mass compared with a reference standard.
Weight in Air
The weight in air of a substance is its weight in vacuum, reduced by its buoyancy (in air).
Weight of a Measurement
A number that expresses the degree of confidence in the result of a measurement of a certain quantity in comparison with the result of another measurement of the same quantity.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI – Cushing)
A crude stream produced in Texas and southern Oklahoma which serves as a reference or “marker” for pricing a number of other crude streams and which is traded in the domestic spot market at Cushing, Oklahoma.
Wet Leg
A filled reference connection between the vapor space area of a tank and the low-pressure side of the transmitter. Wet legs are used when condensation is common and dry legs are impractical. The pressure exerted by the weight of the fluid in the wet leg must be compensated for in the calibration of the transmitter.
Wetter Parts
The portion of an instrument exposed to a process.
Working storage capacity
The difference in volume between the maximum safe fill capacity and the quantity below which pump suction is ineffective (bottoms).
Worst-Case Conditions (sampling)
The operating conditions for the sample that represent the most uneven and unstable concentration profile at the sampling location.
Xylene (C6H4(CH3)2)
Colorless liquid of the aromatic group of hydrocarbons made the catalytic reforming of certain naphthenic petroleum fractions. Used as high-octane motor and aviation gasoline blending agents, solvents, chemical intermediates. Isomers are metaxylene, orthoxylene, paraxylene.
Zero Level
Physical material level at which a level instrument is calibrated to indicate either “0%” or “low level.”
Zero Measurand Output
The output of a transducer with zero measurand applied.
Zero Trim
A zero-based, one-point adjustment used in differential pressure applications to compensate for mounting position effects, or zero shifts caused by static pressure.