Surface · Well Testing
Test Tanks
A pressurized surge tank and an atmospheric gauge tank downstream of the separator, with a transfer pump.
What it does
Hold the fluid during cleanup until the drilling fluid is gone, store oil, measure low rates, calibrate the separator oil meter and measure the shrinkage factor. The transfer pump empties them to the burner or to a tanker.
Basics
| Surge tank | Pressurized, measures low rates |
| Gauge tank | Atmospheric, not for H2S service |
| Transfer pump | Empties the tanks, feeds the burner |
Common failures
- Gauge tank used on a sour well
Troubleshooting
- Symptom
- Tank volume and separator oil meter disagree
- Likely cause
- Meter factor drift or shrinkage not applied
- What to check
- Recalibrate the meter against a timed tank fill