Fiscal measurement and the effects of atmospheric pressure variation: Small deviations and large risks

The production and transport of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons have always been the object of studies to improve technologies and procedures, as they involve large volumes and high-value goods. There are several procedures, rules and regulations applied to the measurement of fluid flow, but its applicability may involve significant operating costs. The balance between requirements and costs led to the use of gauge pressure transmitters instead of absolute pressure gauges and assuming a constant atmospheric pressure value for parameterization of compensation algorithms. This solution simplifies the calibration process but can potentially impact measurement uncertainties because atmospheric pressure is not constant. This work quantifies these impacts and concludes that, for gas systems operating below 2000 kPa, the use of absolute pressure transmitters or the incorporation of in-line atmospheric pressure gauges is recommended. Above this value, the effects of atmospheric pressure variation do not have as much impact, but even in these cases the final uncertainty estimate of the measured gas volume must consider this source of additional uncertainties.