The SKZh liquid meter is a specialised instrument for measuring the volume of oil-gas-water mixture coming from oil wells. It is used on automated group metering units (AGZU) and allows production from each well to be metered accurately in real time.

Unlike standard flow meters, the SKZh is designed to work with a multi-component medium — a mixture of oil, water and associated gas — which makes it indispensable at oilfield facilities.

What the meter is made of

The SKZh comprises several key components:

  • Housing with measuring chamber — the main working element through which the liquid flows.
  • Rotor or turbine — the rotating element whose speed is proportional to the volume passing through.
  • Pulse sensor — registers each revolution of the rotor and sends a signal to the counting unit.
  • Counting mechanism — totals the pulses and displays the resulting volume in cubic metres.
  • Filter element — protects the measuring assembly from mechanical impurities and solid particles.

How the oil-gas-water mixture is measured

The SKZh works on the volumetric measurement method. The oil-gas-water mixture enters the measuring chamber and turns the rotor. Each revolution of the rotor corresponds to a fixed volume of liquid passed. A sensor reads the number of revolutions and sends the data to the counting unit, which converts it into cubic metres.

An important point: before reaching the meter, the mixture must be separated from the bulk of the free gas. The optimum free gas content in the measured medium is 2 to 50 per cent. Above that, measurement accuracy falls, which is why an SKZh meter within an AGZU always works together with a separator.

Conditions for correct operation

A number of conditions must be met for accurate readings:

  • Pressure in the measuring line must be kept within the instrument’s working range.
  • The medium temperature must not exceed the rated values.
  • The content of mechanical impurities must be kept to a minimum — a strainer is installed upstream of the meter for this purpose.
  • The flow rate must stay between the minimum and maximum values stated in the technical specifications.

Technical specifications

The SKZh is produced in several versions depending on operating conditions and the measuring range required. Main parameters:

  • Nominal bore — from 25 to 100 mm
  • Flow measuring range — from 0.5 to 200 m³/h
  • Working pressure — up to 6.3 MPa
  • Process medium temperature — from −40 to +80 °C
  • Accuracy class — 2.5

To select the right version for the conditions at your site go to the product page or contact the Asia Supply specialists.

See also: SKZh: what it stands for and how it is used in the oil industry
Go to the equipment: SKZh liquid quantity meter