Those who produce understand that they need to quantify their production because it is directly associated with the business's profit. When the product is produced in batches, this control is much easier, but when we are talking about production flows through pipelines, the situation is much more complex. If we still have the flow of gases and not liquids, the complexity is even greater.
But the implementation of a measurement system is not restricted to the installation of complete measurement stations or the supply of the various instruments and equipment that compose it. In fact this is only part of the equation.
In order for the “business owner” to be sure that his production is being measured correctly, other actions are necessary because no measurement is absolute. When we determine a production value, it is correct within a range of uncertainty. That is, the value is correct within plus or minus a certain value or tolerance. The big question is to have control of this tolerance and there is no point in simply installing the measuring equipment without implementing an effective metrological control over them.
The metrological control over a measurement system encompasses the periodic calibration of instruments and standards used, analysis of process conditions and their variations throughout the operation, control of equipment parameterizations to monitor fluctuating operating conditions and mainly implementation of audits that ensure the correct application of procedures. And all these actions are properly documented to allow for future traceability.
We must always remember that these tolerances can be positive or negative, that is, the 'business owner' can be winning or losing. The problem is exposure to risk – the greater the tolerance, the greater the risk of the business losing money! And it is not common to verify measurement systems that for many years have not undergone any type of verification regarding their correctness. And many contracts for the purchase and sale of products by outlet give the buyer the possibility of being reimbursed for errors in measurement. Who would like to face a lawsuit for not having the correct traceability on the billing measurements of their products?
Faced with this situation, the “business owner” is often faced with a dilemma. The purpose of your plant is to produce the products within the correct specifications and guarantee the financial return. And it is very difficult to focus on the issue of product quantification measurement even with all its importance. Trained and specialized personnel with experience in national and international standards, products and processes are required.
Many equipment manufacturers provide technical support, but it is often localized support that only addresses aspects of their products. Few can analyze the aspects of the processes and all the interaction between the different components and factors that influence the final uncertainty. Worse, many provide this service without the proper methodology that can only be guaranteed if there is an official certification. It is at this point that the new phase of fiscal measurement enters: the execution of measurement management services based on the ISO 10.012 standard.
Few companies in the world have their quality systems certified based on this standard and in Brazil only Petrobras Gas&Energia and Emerson have it. This norm guarantees the standardization and quality of activities in this very important area, giving peace of mind and support to the “business owner” so that they can focus on what their purpose really is: making profits!
Fluxo is Metco's exclusive representative for Brazil and all its units are able to provide the necessary support to customers in terms of obtaining the best practices in the measurement area.
Eng. Carlos Barateiro – Metco Business Manager, division belonging to the Emerson Group