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How modular QMB/CTIB buildings protect product quality, compliance, and custody transfer accuracy—plus a quick tour in our video.
When hydrocarbons change hands, small measurement errors can turn into big commercial exposure. That’s why many Western Canadian projects specify a dedicated Quality Measurement Building (QMB)—also called CTIB (Custody Transfer Integrity Building) or QMU—to verify crude quality and document compliance before product moves downstream.
Westech Industrial’s Integration Team recently delivered a purpose-built QMB for an infrastructure initiative in Western Canada. The unit was fully constructed, integrated, and factory-tested in our shop, then shipped to site as a ready-to-deploy module.
Why a QMB?
A QMB centralizes the instruments and sampling systems that confirm crude meets contractual specs and regulatory expectations. By consolidating these elements in a controlled, safe environment—with consistent HVAC, power, and alarm handling—operators gain:
- Defensible custody transfer supported by representative sampling (API MPMS 8.2–aligned practices)
- Repeatable quality metrics (e.g., BS&W/watercut, density, viscosity) across changing operating conditions
- Safer maintenance and easier access to analyzers, samplers, and receivers in all seasons
What’s inside this build
Designed for reliability and fabricated for performance, this QMB includes:
- Watercut, density, and viscosity measurement (real-time quality parameters)
- Fast-loop circulation with dedicated pumps for stable analyzer flow and swift response
- Flow, pressure, and temperature instrumentation for quality corrections and mass-balance checks
- Automatic sampler with sample receivers and weight scales for composite sampling and audit trails
- Fire & gas detection integrated to building alarms for personnel and asset protection
- Fully enclosed building with HVAC, lighting, and service access for year-round operation
Every system was assembled, wired, and tested by Westech’s Integration Team to the project’s specifications, with documentation packages prepared for commissioning and turnover.
In-line vs. fast loop: choosing the right approach
Both architectures can meet performance targets—the choice depends on process dynamics and analyte stability.
- In-line works well where flow is steady and residence time is short; footprint is minimal.
- Fast loop shines when you need tighter temperature/flow control at the analyzer, faster refresh during transients, or easier maintenance without interrupting the main line.
Westech designs to suit either method and will align sampling hardware, probes, and receiver handling to your measurement plan.
Built for Canadian conditions
From Chinook swings to deep-freeze mornings, environmental stability matters. The building envelope, HVAC sizing, and heat-trace philosophy are specified to keep analyzers within operating bands, reduce drift, and protect sample integrity—while F&G detection and clear egress pathways support safe intervention if alarms trip.
From RFQ to site-ready
- Application review & P&ID alignment
- Mechanical & electrical design (sample systems, trace, panels)
- Integration & FAT (I/O checks, loop tests, run-in)
- Site support (commissioning assistance, as requested)
See it in action
Watch the short video in this article for a tour of the completed QMB—layout, instrument placement.
Ready for your spec?
Whether your project calls for in-line or fast-loop, Westech builds cost-effective, API MPMS 8.2–aligned solutions that support representative sampling without compromise.
- Send RFQs: [email protected]
Call: 1-800-912-9262
Visit: westech-ind.com
About Westech Industrial
Westech Industrial delivers custom measurement, sampling, and analyzer systems for Canada’s energy sector—engineered, integrated, and tested by our in-house team for dependable field performance.
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