State Of Louisiana Measurement Regulations

Roland Rollins
Vastar Resources
Lafayette, LA.

19th Annual Measurement Short Course
Acadiana Flow Measurement Society
April 6-8, 1998
Lafayette, LA

The State of Louisiana measurement provisions appear in the Statewide Order No. 29-D-1. This order outlines conditions under which gas and liquids may be produced from a commingled facility.

The first determination is what the state defines as "commingled". The June 6, 1997 revision of Statewide Order No. 29-D-1 states, "The combination of gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons production before sales from two or more leases and/or units." Unless the liquids and gas are sold separately, the facility is considered a commingled facility, with 29-D-1 compliance required.

The following data and information must be filed with the Commissioner with a copy to the district manager before authority to commingle will be approved.

1. Completed application and fee.
2. A diagrammatic sketch of the mechanical installation (a flow schematic). Explanation of the flow, procedure and frequency for calibration/proving of metering devices, and the allocation formula to be utilized must be provided.
3. A signed statement from the producer that the metering will cause no inequities and provide reasonably accurate measurement.
4. A list of interested parties. The state definition is " any person who is known to the applicant after a reasonable search to presently own an interest in production from the lease or unit..".

   For measurement personnel, metering and well tests are the important requirements set forth in this order.

   Metering - Allocation points

   Frequency
   Liquid Proving - once per month
   Gas Calibration - once per quarter
   

   Records Retention
   All test records are to be maintained and available at least three years.

   Methodology
   "All allocation measurement must be in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards - Chapter20-Allocation Measurement".

   The referenced Chapter 20 Standard outlines the quality of each test. Both AP and DP test checks are to include five spots up and five down. The test equipment is to have a stated inaccuracy one half or less than the equipment tested. For instance, a ±0.25% transducer would need a ±0.125% test equipment. A ±0.5°F RTD would require a ±0.25°F tester.

   Well Tests

   To obtain permission for well tests for allocation purposes, the same requirements as metering are needed.

   One of the following is also required.
   

   1. Written approval of 100% of all interested parties.
   2. Request for a public hearing.
   3. If no new leases were added since the last application and approval, the commissioner may authorize approval of the permit.

   Once approved, the following are a minimum standard.

   1. Tested a minimum of four hours once a month.
   2. Erratic producing wells with variable rates shall be tested a minimum of four hours bi-weekly.
   3. Any choke change requires an additional test. A weighted average of the two tests for the month shall be used for allocations.
   4. Well changes between tests of increase in water percentage, gas-to-oil ratio (especially above 2000/1), or considerable change in tubing pressure, than test shall be made at no longer than one week intervals.
   5. Daily checks and recording of wellhead pressures. The records to be maintained at least three years.

1999,98 Net-Step Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
Web Design by Net-Step Media, LLC.
E-mail us your thoughts or suggestions.