What should be open during the temperature equalization of hydrocarbon meters?

During the temperature equalization of hydrocarbon meters, it is crucial that the inlet and outlet ports are open. This action allows for the proper exchange of temperature between the meter and the fluid it is measuring.

Keeping both the inlet and outlet ports open during this process ensures that the temperature of the liquid within the meter can effectively equilibrate with the temperature of the surrounding environment. If only one port were to remain open, it could lead to incomplete equalization, resulting in inaccurate measurements due to thermal discrepancies.

In contrast, safety valves, drain valves, and control valves serve different functions in the system. Safety valves are designed to protect the system from overpressure conditions, drain valves are used to remove liquid or gas from a system for maintenance or safety procedures, and control valves manage the flow rate of the hydrocarbons. These components do not contribute to the thermal equalization process, which is why having the inlet and outlet ports open is the correct procedure.