Positive Displacemet Liquid Hydrocarbon Meter Celebrates 75 Years

This summer marks the 75th anniversary of FMC Technologies’ (USA) Smith Meter positive displacement PD meter, the longest-lived and most popular liquid hydrocarbon meter in the oil and gas industry.

Developed in 1940 by Smith Meter founder Reuben Stanley Smith, the PD meter was originally used for truck metering, but since has become the leading design for the oil and gas industry for nearly every custody transfer application, from upstream production to downstream transportation of refined product. Today, there are more than 400,000 PD meters in service for custody transfer applications.

PD meter design is notable for a number of reasons. The PD meter relies on direct volumetric measurement and, with its quality design, is known for its superior accuracy. The PD meter also has low pressure drop and requires no line conditioning. Its rugged construction also means long-lived performance: some PD meters have been known to be working service-free in the field for decades.

FMC Technologies continues to advance the technological design of its Smith Meter PD meter in its Erie, Pennsylvania, facility. Recent advancements in the PD meter include a double-case design, the addition of enhanced materials to allow the meter to better withstand harsh environments, and the development of meter accessories to maximise accuracy, stability, long life and reduced cost. As a result, today’s Smith Meter PD meter is the market’s preferred choice for measurement applications for nearly every oil and gas market segment.