Accuracy. Repeatability. Optimization.

Process Instruments, Inc. founded in 1988, originally represented manufacturers and provided measurement and instrumentation to the oil and gas industry in California. Our head office is located in Bakersfield, CA. with operations in the Sultanate of Oman. 

In 1998, we developed a system to validate Automated Well Test systems (AWTs), which successfully checked the performance and improved the accuracy of the customer’s Automated Well Test systems. 

In 2003, we were awarded a contract by Chevron for their Kern River Field located in Kern County, CA. We built and mobilized the first two portable well test systems, which launched us into our current business model of Portable Well Testing (PWT). Our PWT system combines validation technology and the Accuflow Multiphase Metering System (AMMS). Customers continue to look to Process Instruments to validate all new water cut technology and existing well test systems. 

Our specialty is producing a high water cut accuracy throughout the 0-100% range. To achieve this level of accuracy, our unique process samples the oil and water stream using an isokinetic sampler located downstream of a static mixer which blends the oil and water into a homogeneous state. The samples are proportional to the flowrate, determined by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), and analyzed on site by our measurement technicians, following the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (Chapter 8 – Sampling, Section 2 – Standard Practice for Automatic Sampling of Liquid Petroleum). Coriolis meters measure the liquid flow rate and vortex meters measure the gas flow rate. Pressure, temperature, and all other process variables are recorded using an on-line data logger. The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), enables the use of a laptop or handheld device as an operator interface. Well test data is emailed to our customers in an Excel format. 

In 2007 Process Instruments was awarded a Validation Contract from a major oil company in the Sultanate of Oman. We built and mobilized our portable Validation/Well Test System and have continued to expand in Oman.  We currently employ over 100 Omanis who operate our well test systems. 

We have most recently patented our “Automated Sample Receiving System” (patent #10620227).  This system can collect up to six 2,000mL composite samples during a 24 hour period without a measurement technician present. By combining this Automated Sample Receiving System with our newly developed Net Oil Metering System (NOMS) we have the ability to operate at a well test manifold and interface directly with the customer’s control system well test manifold. Measurement Technicians will analyze the composite samples taken for each well test and upload the accurate water cut results. This assures a very accurate water cut throughout a 0-100% water cut range. Customers will have the option to purchase and install the NOMS as a permanent asset with Process Instruments operating and maintaining the system.   Process Instruments is recognized as the Gold Standard for Validation and Portable Well Testing. We continue to search for new technology and innovation in order to offer Accuracy, Repeatability and Optimization.

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