Conformity assessment applied to custody transfer in the oil and gas industry: A brief review

Abstract

In the oil and gas industry, measurements should be highly reliable to avoid unnecessary conflicts in business relationships that could bring to significant financial losses for the parties involved. This study highlights the importance of using the measurement uncertainty tool for conformity assessment purposes in the oil and gas industry. Some methodological approaches and considerations within the context of conformity assessment were presented, such as global and specific risks, producer and consumer risks, and the use of the guard band tool. Based on a literature review, it was observed that measurement uncertainty is widely applied in conformity assessment in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, materials engineering, production, and quality engineering, as well as laboratory analysis. However, it was found that none of the reviewed studies proposed or used the measurement uncertainty tool to minimize the risk of false conformity assessments in the transfer of petroleum and its derivatives by producers and consumers. Therefore, it is considered that this tool can also be an excellent alternative to minimize the risks of inadequate compliance during custody transfer operations in the oil and gas industry. As a main contribution, we sought to highlight the relevance of the guard bands tool as a methodological resource in the treatment of data from oil and gas industry processes that require conformity assessment. Finally, it was concluded that the implementation of this approach can reduce risks and help in decision making related to compliance assessments, ultimately avoiding significant losses for the parties involved.