Verification of Working Tapes

with a Master Tape

Prepared by: Tauseef Rose
Process Engineer
Why is this needed?
Recommended by API MPMS 3.1A
The standard states that, the working
tape with bob attached, should be
checked for accuracy when new and
at least annually thereafter.
It is to verify the accuracy of the
working tapes under field conditions.
What are some of the factors
that would affect the accuracy of
a tape?
Deformation of the stainless steel tape
material via:
Stretching
Thermal expansion
Kinking/splicing
Wear in the tape snap catch, bob eye,
or bob tip


How will this be
implemented?
It will be a requirement that all new
tapes are delivered with a certificate of
verification from the supplier.
Working tapes and bobs will be given
a unique identification number to be
placed in a database.
Tapes that are taken out of circulation
will be deleted from database before
new tape is issued.
Implementation - Ctd.
Verification will be done on a six (6)
month frequency.
To be done by an overtime technician.
Procedure
Horizontal method of verification to be employed
The spring balances on the test apparatus are calibrated.
Both the master tape and the working tape are removed from
their spools and placed onto the test apparatus.
Both tapes are placed at an equal distance apart throughout
their lengths of 1 to 3 centimeters, ensuring parallelism
throughout.
A 10 pounds weight is applied to each tape as indicated by
the spring balances. Swivels are used to apply tension to the
tapes to prevent twisting.
With the aid of a ruler and a square, three sets of test values
are taken along the tapes by centering the square at a test
point on the master tape and the ruler used to measure the
corresponding point on the working tape.
This evaluation is repeated three times and additional
evaluations done along the tapes at no more than 15 feet
apart.


1 to 3 cm apart

ruler
square

Video demonstration
http://www.wlwalker.com/sites/WLW/i
mages/GaugingTape.mpg

Example of readings collected
Certified length of master tape (S) = 100.001 ft.
Reading A Reading B (B -A) Range (R)
First Trial 25.5mm 28.0mm 2.55 mm
Second Trial 27.0mm 29.0mm 2.0mm 1 mm
Third Trial 29.0mm 32.0mm 3.0 mm


Reading A reading on master tape
Reading B - reading on working tape
L = S + (B - A )
Where:
L = True length of working tape at the test point.
S = certified length of master at the test point.
A = sum of scale readings for master tape.
B = sum of scale readings for working tape.

Requirements for Verification
The cross-sectional area of the two tapes should be equal. If
this comparison procedure is used with tapes of different
cross-sectional areas, the length difference found may be a
combination of differences in tape lengths and differences in
the unit strain between the two tapes.
The comparison procedure outlined is limited to steel tapes
because the tension is specified as the result of a 44N (10-
pound) load.
The uncertainty inherent in the master (reference) tape
should not exceed +/- 0.3 mm (or +/- 0.01 in.) for any distance
from 0 to 30 m (or 0 to 100 ft.).
The master tape shall be recalibrated at least every five
years. A shorter frequency is required if the tape is at risk of
being mechanically damaged through repeated handling
Tape comparison should be done at intervals not exceeding
15 ft. with an uncertainty not exceeding +/- 2 mm (or +/- 1/16
in.) for any distance from 0 to 30 m (or 0 to 100 ft.).