LACT Units Custody Metering Skid

When transferring oil and gas between companies, a reliable custody transfer system is essential to ensure accuracy, safety, and accountability. LACT (Lease Automatic Custody Transfer) unit skid systems are engineered solutions used in the oil and gas industry to measure, sample, and transfer hydrocarbons such as crude oil and condensate with high precision while maintaining strict compliance standards.

SafeRack’s LACT unit skid systems are custody-transfer-ready and designed as complete field solutions. They integrate meters, controls, grounding, and safety hardware onto a single engineered frame, reducing manual intervention while improving operational efficiency. These systems are widely used by pipeline operators, terminals, and production facilities to ensure secure and automated custody transfer, protecting both workers and revenue through accurate measurement and reliable performance.

LACT Custody Metering Skid for Accurate Oil Transfer

A LACT (Lease Automatic Custody Transfer) Units Custody Metering Skid is an automated system designed for the accurate measurement and transfer of oil and gas during custody transfer between a producer and a buyer. It ensures both parties receive reliable data on volume and product quality, supporting fair and transparent transactions. Unlike manual measurement methods, a LACT unit skid integrates flow measurement, sampling, and control systems into a single skid-mounted package. This allows continuous monitoring of hydrocarbons such as crude oil, condensate, LPG, NGL, and biofuels while reducing human intervention and operational errors.

SafeRack LACT systems also support automated start and stop functions based on flow or tank conditions, along with remote monitoring and data access capabilities. This improves operational efficiency, reduces site visits, and helps maintain compliance with industry standards such as API requirements, ensuring safe, accurate, and reliable custody transfer operations.

Importance of LACT Units Custody Metering Skid

Accurate measurement is critical in oil and gas transactions. Even small errors can lead to financial disputes and compliance issues. A LACT Units Custody Metering Skid ensures precise tracking of product volume and quality, reducing discrepancies and improving trust between trading partners.

How the LACT Units Custody Metering Skid Works

The LACT Units Custody Metering Skid operates by continuously measuring flow through calibrated meters while sampling the product for quality analysis. The system records data through flow computers and automation controls, ensuring that every transfer is properly documented. The LACT Units Custody Metering Skid can also start or stop automatically based on tank levels or flow conditions.

Key Features

A SafeRack‑style lact unit skid is built as a compact, structural frame that drops into place with minimal field fabrication, wiring, or piping changes. Typical components include:

• Custody‑Transfer Equipment: SafeRack’s units have flow meters, a flow computer, and automated sampling to ensure accurate measurement and repeatable tickets between parties.
• Precise Control: All our custody transfer systems utilize pumps, strainers, BS&W monitoring, and control valves sized for your viscosity, flow rate, and pipeline backpressure. This promotes exact transfers and reduces risk for error.
• Automation Integration: LACT unit skids employ integrated PLC or flow computer controls, and SCADA connectivity allows for clear data logging and automatic control. This can be essential for audit trails and transfers in remote locations.
• Durable Construction: Our industrial, coated skid frames are engineered to withstand harsh midstream and terminal environments, reducing maintenance and downtime.
• Regulation Compliant: SafeRack’s LACT units utilize static grounding, overfill and spill protection, pressure relief, and emergency stops to meet or exceed safety and environmental requirements.
• Customizable Design: For operators, the SafeRack LACT unit skid for custody transfer arrives factory‑tested, cutting project risk, site work, and startup time.

These features make the LACT Units Custody Metering Skid a complete solution for automated oil transfer operations.

Applications

The LACT Units Custody Metering Skid is commonly used in:

• Oil and gas production sites
• Pipeline injection points
• Truck and rail loading terminals
• Midstream processing facilities
• Storage and distribution hubs

Safety and Compliance

The LACT Units Custody Metering Skid is designed to meet industry standards such as API and regulatory custody-transfer requirements. It includes safety systems like emergency shutdown, pressure relief, and grounding to ensure safe operation. Regular calibration and inspection of the LACT Units Custody Metering Skid ensures long-term accuracy and compliance.

Operational Benefits

Using a LACT Units Custody Metering Skid improves efficiency by reducing manual measurement and automating the entire transfer process. This leads to faster operations, fewer errors, and better resource management. It also reduces operational costs by minimizing site visits and improving remote monitoring capabilities.

Role in Oil and Gas Operations

In modern energy infrastructure, the LACT Units Custody Metering Skid plays a vital role in ensuring transparent and accurate hydrocarbon transfer. It supports high-volume operations while maintaining strict measurement and safety standards. By integrating a LACT Units Custody Metering Skid into production and terminal systems, facilities achieve improved accuracy, safety, and operational control.

Speak With a SafeRack Safety Expert Today

SafeRack is a turnkey operation that can partner with you for all steps of creating your custody-transfer system. We can discuss the product you are moving, suggest design changes matched to your situation, design and install the unit, and conduct ongoing maintenance. Contact us today to speak with a SafeRack safety expert to learn how we can make a positive difference in your day-to-day operations.