What is a metering skid?
A metering skid is a pre-assembled, engineered system used to measure the flow rate of liquids or gases — most commonly used in the oil & gas, petrochemical, and power industries.
A metering skid is a modular, skid-mounted unit (meaning it’s built on a steel frame or baseplate) that contains all the equipment needed for accurate flow measurement.
It’s typically installed at custody transfer points, loading/unloading stations, or process monitoring stations.
Usually includes
Types
Advantages
- Flow meters – measure the quantity of fluid (e.g., turbine, ultrasonic, Coriolis meters).
- Piping and valves – control and direct the flow through the system.
- Pressure and temperature transmitters – provide compensation for accurate flow calculations.
- Strainers/filters – remove impurities to protect instruments.
- Flow computer or PLC – processes data, applies calibration factors, and logs readings.
- Proving system (optional) – checks the meter’s accuracy against a reference.
- Instrumentation and control panel – interfaces with operators or SCADA systems.
- Depending on the medium and purpose:
- Gas metering skid – for natural gas, LPG, etc.
- Liquid metering skid – for crude oil, refined products, water, chemicals, etc.
- Custody transfer metering skid – for commercial transactions between two parties (requires high accuracy and certification).
- Check or allocation metering skid – for internal process monitoring or flow distribution.
- Factory-assembled and tested → easy to install on-site
- Compact and modular → saves space and reduces installation time
- High accuracy and reliability
- Integrates easily with DCS/SCADA systems
- Can be customized for specific flow ranges and conditions