About Us

• Hydrocarbon Analytical
• Gas & Liquid Field Measurement
• Production Data Management
• Allocation and Oil & Gas Accounting
• Audit & Loss Control

SPL’s technical staff is available to provide proper methodology and other consulting services.  Please contact us to discuss your analytical or measurement needs.

Southern Petroleum Laboratories, Inc. (“SPL”) was organized by Mr. W. A. Frier in 1944.  Mr. Frier was a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Chemical Engineering and a recognized authority in his field.  Operating under the name W.A. Frier and Company, the original company provided well testing services to the petroleum industry.  In 1946, petroleum and natural gas analysis facilities were added to the company’s profile and the firm became Southern Petroleum Laboratories, Inc.

During the 1950′s and 1960′s, the company rapidly expanded both in services and in geographical locations.  In 1957, Mr. Herb Brown was hired as the manager of the Carthage, Texas and Lafayette, Louisiana facilities.  Following Dubb’s death in 1972, Herb was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of SPL.  During his tenure, he added liquid measurement capabilities to the list of services offered, which included well testing, field services, and laboratory analysis.  Under Herb’s 55 years of leadership, SPL grew to a multi-million dollar company of ten laboratory facilities and multiple service divisions.

Today, SPL is recognized globally as the industry leader in oil and gas measurement, allocations, auditing, and laboratory services.  The company performs work throughout the United States as well as international markets that include the China Sea, Kuwait, Libya, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.  SPL’s network currently includes facilities located in Houston, Venus, Carthage, and Pleasanton, Texas; Traverse City, Michigan; Belle Chasse, Shreveport, and Carencro, Louisiana; and Laurel, Mississippi.  Herb’s guiding hand has continued to reinforce SPL’s reputation as one of the premiere hydrocarbon analytical and measurement companies in the United States.

SPL extends an open invitation to visit any of our facilities where you can see our state of the art equipment and speak with our highly trained professionals.  At SPL, you will always receive a cordial reception.

Because a comprehensive contract laboratory facility must handle hazardous materials, laboratory safety is critical.  SPL has established an excellent safety program that demonstrates the highest safety standards and best safety practices.

Impeccable safety programs. Our safety program complies with all EPA, OSHA, and DOT requirements in ensuring that employees are provided with a safe work environment and clear, written policies regarding safety and environmental issues. Adherence to safety policies and procedures are considered an integral part of each SPL employee’s performance.  All employees are trained in good safety practices and can recognize and avoid hazards that could cause an accident resulting in personal injury, property damage, or loss of productivity.

We periodically test all emergency equipment, engineering controls, analytical equipment, and radioactive devices to ensure that they are functioning properly and present no hazards. SPL employees that work offshore have completed an initial water survival course sponsored by the Petroleum Educational Council (PEC) and are required to complete subsequent refresher courses every three years.

Our Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan outlines action procedures in the event of a major emergency and is activated whenever such an emergency reaches proportions beyond the capacity of routine procedures. The purpose of the plan is to ensure the preservation of life, protection of property, and the continuity of company operations.

Effective, regulatory-compliant waste disposal programs. Our sample receiving, handling, and waste management/pollution prevention programs comply with all federal and state regulations and Hazard Communication Act procedures. All activities are procedure driven, thoroughly documented and include rigorous safety-oriented checklists for control of hazardous activity, personnel exposure, and regular and unannounced safety inspections.  It is SPL’s corporate policy to handle and dispose of unused sample volumes and laboratory generated wastes in strict compliance with applicable regulations.  Unused sample volumes that are to be returned to our clients are accumulated and returned in the original sample container.  In the absence of a client request to return samples, we have contracts in place to dispose of all unused sample volumes and laboratory generated wastes for which there is a disposal option available in the continental United States. We utilize only those waste disposal firms and transporters that have completed a rigorous evaluation of their policies and procedures, are licensed and/or certified by the EPA and DOT, and have demonstrated financial stability.