SECTION 3

Measurement
The information presented in this section provides sufficient tody transfer should be between the parties involved, and sup-
information for determining flow quantities with a reasonable plemental information and procedures may be required, such
degree of accuracy, but not necessarily to the accuracy desired as Chapter 14, Section 3 of the API Manual of Petroleum Meas-
for custody transfer. Agreement of acceptable accuracy for cus- urement Standards.

FIG. 3-1
Nomenclature

a = maximum transverse dimension of a straightening Fna = units conversion factor for pitot tubes
vane passage Fpb = pressure base factor applied to change the base
A = cross sectional area of any passage within an pressure from 101.55 kPa (abs)
assembled straightening vane Fpm = pressure factor applied to meter volumes to cor-
b = Equation factor in Reynolds number calculation rect to standard pressure. See API Manual of
β = ratio of the orifice or throat diameter to the internal Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 12,
diameter of the meter run, dimensionless Section 2
C = Pitot tube flow coefficient Fpv = supercompressibility factor required to correct
C′ = the product of multiplying all orifice correction for deviation from the ideal gas laws = √ 
1/Z
factors Fr = Reynolds number factor. To correct the calculated
CNT = volume indicated by the number of pulses or basic orifice factor to the actual flowing Reynolds
counts number
Cpl = liquid pressure correction factor. Correction for Fs = steam factor
the change in volume resulting from application Ftb = temperature base factor. To change the tempera-
of pressure. Proportional to the liquid compressi- ture base from 15°C to another desired base
bility factor, which depends upon both relative Ftf = flowing temperature factor to change from the
density and temperature. assumed flowing temperature of 15°C to the ac-
Cps = correction factor for effect of pressure on steel. tual flowing temperature
See API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Ftm = temperature correction factor applied to displace-
Standards, Chapter 12, Section 2 ment meter volumes to correct to standard tem-
Cg = relative density correction factor for orifice well perature. See API Manual of Petroleum
tester to change from a gas relative density of 0.6 Measurement Standards, Chapter 12, Section 2
Ctl = liquid temperature correction factor. Proportional G,G1 = relative density at 15°C
to the thermal coefficient which varies with den- Gf = relative density at flowing temperature
sity and temperature H = pressure, mm of mercury
Cts = correction factor for effect of temperature on steel hm = differential pressure measured across the orifice
d = orifice diameter, mm plate in mm of mercury at 15°C
D = internal pipe diameter of orifice meter hw = differential pressure measured across the orifice
run or prover section, mm plate in mm of water at 15°C
Dp = The difference between the flowing pressure and 
√ hwPf = pressure extension. The square root of the differen-
the equilibrium vapor pressure of the liquid. tial pressure times the square root of the abso-
ρ = Flowing fluid density, kg/m3 lute static pressure
e = orifice edge thickness, mm k = ratio of the specific heat at constant pressure to
E = orifice plate thickness, mm the specific heat at constant volume
Em = modulus of elasticity for steel [(206.8)(106)] kPa K = a numerical constant. Pulses generated per unit
F = liquid compressibility factor volume through a turbine or positive displace-
Fa = orifice thermal expansion factor. Corrects for the ment meter
metallic expansion or contraction of the orifice L = length of straightening vane element
plate. Generally ignored between -20° and 50°C MF = meter factor, a number obtained by dividing the
Fb = basic orifice factor actual volume of liquid passed through the meter
Fg = relative density factor applied to change from a during proving by the volume registered by the
relative density of 1.0 (air) to the relative density meter
of the flowing gas P = pressure, kPa (abs)
Fgt = density-temperature factor for liquids Pb = base pressure, kPa (abs)

3-1
 FIG. 3-1 (Cont’d)
Nomenclature
Pf1, Pf2 = static pressure at either the upstream(1) or down- S = square of supercompressibility
stream(2) pressure tap, kPa (abs) Tb = base temperature, °C
Pp = operating or observed pressure, kPa (ga) Tf = flowing temperature, °C
Ps = pressure at which the base volume of a meter Tmeas = reference temperature of the orifice plate
prover was determined, usually 0 kPa (ga) bore, °C
P1/P2 = pressure ratio V = specific volume of steam, m3/kg
Q = gas flow rate, m3/day Y = expansion factor to compensate for the change in
Qh = rate of flow, usually in m3/h density as the fluid passes through an orifice
Rh = maximum differential range, mm of water YCR = critical flow constant
Rp = maximum pressure range of pressure spring, psi Z = compressibility factor
Note: Standard conditions for section example calculations are 15°C and 101.325 kPa (abs).

The American Petroleum Institute Manual of Petroleum FLOW CALCULATION GUIDE

Measurement Standards is the source of a large portion of the
information presented in this Section. The information most The Flow Calculation Guide (Fig. 3-2) is the suggested start-
used in the Gas Processing Industry has been extracted and ing point for any fluid measuring determination. This chart
reprinted. Copies of the complete API Manual of Petroleum identifies the necessary data to determine flows of gas, liquid,
Measurement Standards or specific chapters and sections can and steam using mechanical meters or differential pressure
be ordered from: devices. The equations to determine either volumetric or mass
quantities are shown in Fig. 3-3.
American Petroleum Institute
Publications and Distribution Section
1220 L Street Northwest GAS MEASUREMENT
Washington, D.C. 20005
CHAPTER TITLE Orifice-Meter Measurement
1 Vocabulary
The most commonly used differential measurement device,
2 Tank Calibration
the orifice meter, is widely accepted for use in measuring vol-
3 Tank Gauging
umes of liquids or vapors. A correctly installed and maintained
4 Proving Systems orifice may provide an overall accuracy within plus or minus
5 Metering 2%.
6 Metering Assemblies
7 Temperature Determination The procedures presented in this chapter for calculating
8 Sampling flow by use of an orifice meter are designed to provide approxi-
9 Density mate solutions using a hand calculator or equivalent, and do
10 Sediment and Water not include the rigorous, iterative solution procedures re-
11 Physical Properties quired when using the Reader-Harris/Gallagher flow equation
12 Calculation of Petroleum Quantities recommended for accurate, custody transfer calculations with
13 Statistical Aspects of Measuring and Sampling computing equipment. The procedures for applying the
14 Natural Gas Fluids Measurement Reader-Harris/Gallagher equation can be found in Chapter
15 Metrication 14.3 of the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards
16 Petroleum Measurement by Weight published after 1994.
17 Marine Accountability The orifice meter consists of static pressure and differential-
pressure recording gauges connected to an orifice flange or
Chapter 14 is of particular interest to Gas Processors be- orifice fitting. The orifice meter tube (meter run) consists of
cause it applies specifically to the measurement of gas and upstream and downstream sections of pipe for which size and
liquefied gas products. Chapter 14 is further divided as fol- tolerance have been determined through calculation and
lows: which conform to specifications set forth in ANSI/API 2530
(GPA 8185).
SECTION TITLE The orifice plate is held perpendicular to flow by flanges or
14.3 Concentric, Square-Edged Orifice Meters a fitting. Bore, circumference, edge sharpness, and other tol-
(ANSI/API 2530) (GPA 8185), (AGA Report No. 3) erances must meet specifications as set forth in ANSI/API
14.4 Converting Mass of Natural Gas Liquids and 2530 (GPA 8185).
Vapors to Equivalent Liquid Volumes (GPA 8173)
14.5 Calculation of Gross Heating Value, Specific Orifice Flanges (Fig. 3-4a) — When slip-on or screwed
Gravity, and Compressibility of Natural Gas orifice flanges are used, the end of the pipe shall extend
Mixtures from Compositional Analysis (GPA 2172)
through the flanges so that there is no recess greater than 1/4"
14.6 Installing and Proving Density Meters
between the end of the pipe and the orifice plate. It is preferred
14.7 Mass Measurement of Natural Gas Liquids (GPA- that no recess exist.
8182)
14.8 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Measurement

3-2
 FIG. 3-2
Flow Calculation Guide

Gas Liquid Steam

Turbine or Orifice Orifice Turbine or Orifice

Displacement Displacement

Factors Units Mass Vol Mass Vol Mass Vol Mass Vol Mass Fig.
Units of Measurement ⇒ kg/h m3/h kg/h m3/h kg/h m3/h kg/h m3/h kg/h
#

Square Root of Differential (in. H2O) √


hw — — • • • • — — • —
Square Root of Static Pressure (psia) √
Pf — — — • — — — — • —
Basic Orifice Factor Fb — — • • • • — — • 3-16
Pressure Base Factor Fpb — • — • — — — — — 3-3
Flowing Temperature Factor Ftf — — — • — — — — — 3-3
Temperature Factor Ftm — • — — — — — — — 3-1
Temp Correction Factor (Liquids) Ctl — — — — — — — • — 3-22
Pressure Correction Factor (Liquids) Cpl — — — — — — — • — 3-3
Pressure Factor Fpm — • — — — — — — — 3-1
Supercompressibility Factor Fpv — — — • — — — — — 23-3
Square of Supercompressibility Factor S — • — — — — — — — 3-1
Density ρ • — — — — — • — — 3-1
Square Root of Density √
ρ — — • — • — — — 3-1
Relative Density Factor — Gas Fg — — — • — — — — — 3-3
Density-Temperature Factor — Liquid Fgt — — — — — • — — — 3-3
Meter Factor MF • • — — — — • • — 3-1
Count (Volume) CNT • • — — — — • • — 3-1
Constant 4.082 4.082
Steam Factor Fs • 3-19/20
Reynolds Number Factor Fr — — • • • • — — • 3-17
Expansion Factor Y — — • • — — — — • 3-18
Temperature Base Factor Ftb — • — • — — — — — 3-3
Orifice Thermal Expansion Factor Fa — — • • • • — — • 3-3

Notes:
1. This guide is intended for use in obtaining approximate flows when used in conjunction with data contained in this section as
referenced in the far right hand column.
2. To obtain flow, substitute areas containing dots with known numbers and multiply top to bottom.
3. The number of factors used may vary depending on method of calculation in specific application, content of flowing stream, and
individual contractual agreements.
4. Factors appearing in shaded areas are not generally necessary for calculating approximate flows.
5. The factors Fpv, S, Ctl, Cpl, Fr, Y, and Fa must be obtained for the specific substance being measured.

3-3
 FIG. 3-3
Flow Calculation Guide Equations

23-12 23-13

3-4
 FIG. 3-4
Orifice Plate Holders

Orifice
Plate Differential
Pressure
Taps
Cover
Plate

Jack
Bolts

Standard Orifice Flange

(a)

Single
Single Chamber Orifice Fitting
Chamber (Junior) Orifice Fitting
(b)
(b)

Cover
Plate

Chamber
Differential Valve
Pressure Taps

Senior Orifice
Fitting
Flanged Senior
(c) Side Sectional View

3-5
 When weldneck flanges or weldend orifice fittings are used, orifice edge gauge, or alternately will not reflect a beam of light
the average inside diameter of the section of pipe connected to when viewed without magnification. The orifice shall not have
the inlet side of the fitting or flange should equal the inside a burred or feathered edge. It shall be maintained in this con-
diameter of the fitting or flange within the tolerance given in dition at all times. Moreover, the orifice plate shall be kept
Fig. 3-7. clean at all times and free from accumulation of dirt, ice, and
other extraneous material. Orifice plates with small nicks in
When flanged orifice fittings are used they should be aligned the edge can be expected to increase the flow measurement
with the inside diameter of the flange on the meter tube so uncertainty.
that there are no sharp edges or offsets at the flange connec-
tion. In order to prevent slipping at the flange joint after align- In centering orifice plates, the orifice must be concentric
ment, it is suggested that dowel pins or other alignment with the inside of the meter tube or orifice fitting. The concen-
methods be used. Where separable gaskets are used to seal an tricity shall be maintained within 3% of the inside diameter
orifice plate in an orifice holder, care must be taken to assure of both the upstream and downstream sections of the orifice
proper alignment and prevent gasket extension into the flow- meter tube or fitting along all diameters. This restriction is
ing stream. more critical in small diameter tubes, in meter tubes with
large beta ratio orifice plates, and when the orifice is offset
Orifice flanges require that the line be shut down and de- toward the pressure taps.
pressured in order to inspect or change the orifice plate. The
flange bolts are loosened and removed. The flanges are spread The measured orifice diameter is defined as the arithmetic
by use of "jack" bolts, and the plate is removed. average of four or more inside diameter measurements evenly
spaced. The measured orifice diameter shall not differ from
Single Chamber Orifice Fitting (Fig. 3-4b) — This the orifice diameter used in computing the basic orifice factor,
fitting also requires that the line be shut down and depres- or from any diameter, by an amount greater than the toler-
sured in order to inspect or change the orifice plate. However, ances shown in Fig. 3-6.
this fitting does not require breaking apart the flanges.
Instead, the bolts are loosened on the cover plate and the cover The measured orifice diameter should be used in the coeffi-
plate removed. The orifice plate holder and orifice plate are cient equations for the calculation of the flow coefficient with
then removed from the fitting. These fittings provide precise minimum uncertainty. The orifice plate temperature at the
alignment of the orifice plate. time of measurement and the actual diameter measurement
should be recorded for use in the calculation of the orifice ther-
Senior Orifice Fitting (Fig. 3-4c) — This fitting al- mal expansion factor, Fa, when appropriate.
lows the removal and inspection of an orifice plate while the
line remains under pressure. It allows the orifice plate holder The orifice to meter tube diameter ratio, β = d/D, should be
and orifice plate to be raised into the upper cavity of the fitting limited as follows:
by the use of a crank handle. A valve is then closed to separate • With meters using flange taps, β shall be between 0.15
the upper cavity from the lower cavity of the fitting. The upper and 0.70
cavity is then depressured, the top cover plate removed, and • With meters using pipe taps, β shall be between 0.20 and
the orifice plate cranked out. 0.67
Orifice Plates — The thickness of the orifice plate for 50 When using the above beta ratios, the tolerance of the orifice
mm through 250 mm nominal diameter pipe shall be at least coefficient (Fb factors) is plus or minus 0.5% for flange taps
2.92 mm, while that for 300 mm pipe shall be at least 4.45 mm. and plus or minus 0.75% for pipe taps. Beta ratios down to
As shown in Fig. 3-5, the maximum thickness varies from 3.30 0.10 and up to 0.75 may be used for flange taps but the coeffi-
to 10.11 mm as pipe size is increased from 50 to 300 mm. These cient tolerance increases. Beta ratios down to 0.10 and up to
values are abstracted from ANSI/API 2530 (GPA 8185), and 0.70 may be used with pipe taps but the coefficient tolerance
that standard should be consulted if more detail is desired. increases.
The thickness of the orifice plate at the orifice edge shall not Meter Tubes — The term "meter tube" shall mean the
exceed the smaller of: straight upstream pipe of the same diameter (of length A and
a. 1/50 of the pipe diameter, D A′ on Figs. 3-8 to 3-13) between the orifice flanges or fittings,
and the similar downstream pipe (length B on Figs. 3-8 to
b. 1/8 of the orifice diameter, d
3-13) beyond the orifice.
If the thickness of the orifice plate must be greater than
permitted by these limitations, the downstream edge shall be The sections of pipe to which the orifice flanges are attached
cut away (beveled or recessed) at an angle of 45° or less to the or the sections adjacent to the orifice flange or fitting shall
face of the plate, leaving the thickness of the orifice edge comply with the following:
within these requirements. All orifice plates which are beveled • Seamless pipe or cold drawn seamless tubing may be
should have the square-edge side (i.e., the side opposite the used. The pipe walls may be honed, machined, or ground.
beveling) stamped "inlet" or the beveled side stamped "outlet". The wall finish should simulate that of new smooth pipe
or cold drawn tubing.
The upstream face of the orifice plate shall be flat and per-
pendicular to the axis of the meter tube, when in position be- • Grooves, scoring, pits, raised ridges resulting from seams,
tween the orifice flanges or in the orifice fitting. Any plate that distortion caused by welding, offsets, etc. (regardless of
does not depart from flatness along any diameter by more than the size of such irregularities) which affect the inside di-
0.010 mm per mm of the dam height, (D-d)/2, shall be consid- ameter at such points by more than the tolerance given
ered flat. in Fig. 3-7 shall not be permitted. When these measure-
ments are exceeded, the roughness may be corrected by
The upstream edge of the orifice shall be square and sharp filling in or grinding or filing off, so as to obtain smooth-
so that it will not show a beam of light when checked with an ness within the tolerance.

3-6
 FIG. 3-5
Orifice Plate Dimensions

MAX 45° Mark Outlet

MIN 30° On Orifice Fitting
E e θ Plates

d Mark Inlet
ACTUAL PIPE INSIDE DIAMETER On Paddle
Type Plates
D

Nominal Inside Diameter, mm

50 75 100 150 200 250 300 400 500 600 750
Published 42.85 66.65 80.06 242.87 477.82
Inside 49.25 73.66 87.33 124.38 146.33 202.72 254.51 303.23 381.00 482.60 584.20 736.60
Diameter 52.50 58.42 77.92 97.18 102.26 131.03 154.05 193.68 205.00 257.45 288.90 307.09 373.08 387.35 488.95 574.65 590.55 730.25 742.95
Office Plate Thickness, E, in mm
Minimum 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.92 4.45 4.45 4.45 4.45 6.10 6.10 6.10 9.40 9.40
Maximum 3.30 3.30 3.30 3.30 3.30 4.14 4.93 6.45 8.10 8.10 9.63 10.11 12.45 12.70 12.83 12.83 14.27 14.27 14.68
Recommended 3.18 3.18 3.18 3.18 3.18 3.18 3.18 3.18 3.18 6.35 6.35 6.35 9.53 9.53 9.53 9.53 9.53 12.70 12.70
Orifice
Diameter e ≤ d/8 Maximum Orifice Edge Thickness, e, mm
d (mm)
6* 0.79 x0.79 x0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79
9* 1.19 x 1.19 1.19 1.19
13 1.59 x 1.59 1.59 1.59 1.59
16 1.98 x1.98 1.98 1.98
19 2.38 x 2.38 2.38
22 2.89 x 2.89 2.89 2.89
25 3.18 3.18 3.18 3.18
28 3.57 x 3.57 3.57 3.57
31 3.97 x3.97 3.97 3.97 3.97
34 4.37 4.37 4.37 4.37
38 4.76 x4.76 4.76 4.76 4.76 4.76
41 5.16 5.16 5.16 5.16 5.16
44 5.56 x 5.56 5.56 5.56 5.56
47 5.95 x5.95 5.95 5.95
50 6.35 6.35 6.35 6.35
56 7.14 x 7.14 7.14 7.14
59 7.54 x7.54 7.54 7.54 7.54
63 7.94 7.94 7.94 7.94
69 8.73 8.73 8.73 8.73
72 9.13 9.13 9.13 9.13 9.13 9.13
75 9.53 x 9.53 9.53 9.53 9.53 9.53
81 10.32 10.32 10.32 10.32 10.32
88 11.11 x11.11 11.11 11.11 11.11
91 11.51 x11.51 11.51 11.51
94 11.91 11.91 11.91
100 12.70 12.70 12.70
106 13.49 13.49 13.49
113 14.29 x14.29 14.29
116 14.69 x14.69
119 15.08
125 15.88

Notes:
1. The maximum edge thickness is defined by e ≤ D/50 or e ≤ d/8, whichever is smaller.
2. Orifice edge thickness marked with x in this table is the maximum for that particular meter tube diameter and is applicable to all larger orifice diameters for that meter tube
diameter.
3. Orifice diameters smaller than those marked x are defined by e ≤ d/8.
4. Orifice plates of which the edge thickness meets the value e ≤ D/30 need not be rebeveled unless reconditioning is required for other reasons.
5. All dimensions are in millimeters.
6. Orifices used to measure dual directional flows must not be beveled. Where e exceeds the above limits, the flow constant Fb may be subject to higher uncertainty.
7. Use of diameters marked with an asterisk (*) may result in CD uncertantities larger than those specified in API 2530 (GPA 8185) 14.3, Part 1.

3-7
 FIG. 3-6 FIG. 3-9
Practical Tolerance for Orifice Diameters (mm) Less Than Ten Pipe Diameters (D) Between Two Ells in
Same Plane Upstream of Meter Tube
Orifice Size "d" Tolerance
plus or minus
6.35 0.008 A
METER TUBE
B
9.53 0.010 LESS
THAN 10 D
12.70 0.013 ORIFICE

METER TUBE
15.88 0.013 A’ B
19.05 0.013
22.23 0.013 STRAIGHTENING
VANES
ORIFICE

LESS C’ C
25.40 0.013 THAN 10 D

Over 25.40 0.013d

FIG. 3-10
FIG. 3-7
Two Ells Not in Same Plane Upstream of Meter Tube
Maximum Pipe Diameter Tolerance

METER TUBE
A B
LESS
THAN 10 D

ORIFICE
METER TUBE
A’ B
STRAIGHTENING VANES

LESS ORIFICE
THAN 10 D
C’ C

FIG. 3-11
Reducer or Expander Upstream of Meter Tube

METER TUBE METER TUBE

A B A B

ORIFICE
ORIFICE
AS REQUIRED BY AS REQUIRED BY
FIG. 3-8 PRECEDING FITTING PRECEDING FITTING

Greater Than Ten Pipe Diameters (D) Between Two Ells in

the Same Plane Upstream of Meter Tube
FIG. 3-12
Partly Closed Valve Upstream of Meter Tube
METER TUBE
A B METER TUBE

A B
ORIFICE

ORIFICE
10 D OR MORE
REGULATOR OR
PARTIALLY CLOSED
VALVE METER TUBE

A’ B
C’ C

STRAIGHTENING VANES ORIFICE

3-8
 FIG. 3-13 • Abrupt changes in diameter (shoulders, offsets, ridges,
and so forth) shall not exist in meter tubes.
Minimum Meter Tube Lengths in Terms of Pipe Diameters • The meter tube diameter must agree with the published
and Beta (β) Ratio – Use For All Pipe Sizes* inside diameters within the tolerance allowed by Fig. 3-7.
• The absolute value of any diameter measurement in the
Installation β Ratio downstream section shall not vary from the published
Figure Dimension
0.5 0.6 0.67 0.7 0.75 diameter of the meter tube by more than the tolerance
Fig. 3-8 A 6.9 9.3 12.5 13.9 16.7 allowed by Fig. 3-7. The following equation may be used
B
to calculate the variance of the downstream section of the
3.8 4.0 4.2 4.3 4.5
meter tube:
Fig. 3-9 A 10.0 13.8 17.4 19.0 22.0
A′ 9.0 10.3 11.7 12.3 13.8  Any Dia − D 
C 5.0 5.5 6.2 6.5 7.1 
D  (100) ≤ percent tolerance Eq 3-10
C′
  in Fig. 3−7
4.0 4.8 5.5 5.8 6.7
B 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.3 4.5 Note use of absolute value in Eq 3-10.
Fig. 3-10 A 20.8 25.0 28.8 31.0 35.2
• Application of this equation doubles the tolerance of the
A′ 10.0 11.4 12.8 13.5 15.0 downstream section of the meter tube.
C 5.0 5.5 6.2 6.5 7.2
• The temperature at which the meter tube measurements
C′ 5.0 5.9 6.6 7.0 7.8
are made should be recorded for possible correction to
B 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.3 4.5 operating conditions. Within a temperature range of -20
Fig. 3-11 A 7.5 9.7 11.8 12.1 13.6 to 50°C, however, this deviation is ordinarily no greater
B 3.8 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.5 than the tolerances allowed and such correction is not
Fig. 3-12 A 25.0 30.0 36.0 38.6 43.5 required.
A′ 10.2 12.2 14.2 15.3 17.5
Length of Pipe Preceding and Following an
C 5.0 5.5 6.2 6.4 7.0 Orifice — Figs. 3-8 through 3-12 show common types of me-
C′ 5.2 6.7 8.0 8.9 10.5 ter tube installations. Fig. 3-13 lists the minimum length at
B 3.8 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.5 various beta ratios for flange tap meter tubes in terms of pipe
diameters for each of the figures.
*Based on flange taps. For pipe taps add 2 diameters to A, A′, and C and
8 pipe diameters to B.
The lengths in Fig. 3-13 are based on flange taps. For pipe
taps, add two pipe diameters of length upstream and eight
The mean inside diameter of the meter tube shall be deter- pipe diameters downstream. Do not install any connection
mined as follows: other than pipe taps in the upstream or downstream tube
• Measurements are to be made on at least four diameters minimum length.
equally spaced in a plane one inch upstream from the If the meter tube installation under consideration is not ex-
upstream face of the orifice plate. The mean (arithmetic plicitly covered in the installations presented in Figs. 3-8
average) of these four or more measurements is (defined through 3-12 or if there are other fittings close to the first
as the measured meter tube diameter) to be used in the fitting on the inlet of the meter tube which could cause flow
calculation of the flow coefficient when minimum uncer- disturbances, use dimensions for Fig. 3-12.
tainty of this variable is desired.
• Check measurements of the upstream meter tube inside Straightening Vanes — The purpose of straightening
diameter shall be made at two or more additional cross- vanes is to eliminate swirls and cross currents set up by the
sections. The actual locations of the check measurements pipe fittings and valves upstream of the meter tube. The speci-
of the diameter, circumferentially and axially along the fications which follow apply particularly to the type of vanes
tube, are not specified. These checks should be taken at shown in Fig. 3-14.
points that will indicate the maximum and minimum of
diameter that exists, covering at least two pipe diame- In the construction of vanes, the maximum transverse di-
ters from the face of the orifice plate, or past the flange mension "a," Fig. 3-14, of any passage through the vanes shall
or fitting weld, whichever is the greater distance. Check not exceed one-fourth (1/4) the inside diameter, "D," of the
measurements are used to verify the uniformity of the pipe. Also, the cross-sectional area, "A," of any passage within
upstream meter tube but do not become a part of the the assembled vanes shall not exceed one-sixteenth (1/16) of
measured meter tube diameter. the cross-sectional area of the containing pipe. It is not neces-
sary that all the vane passages be of the same size, but their
The tolerance for the measurements of meter tubes is: arrangement should be symmetrical. The length "L" of the
vanes shall be at least ten (10) times the largest inside "a"
• The difference between the maximum measured diame- dimension.
ter and the minimum measured diameter on the inlet
section shall not exceed the tolerance allowed by Fig. 3-7 The vanes may be built of standard weight pipe or thin-wall
as a percent of the published diameter. Equation 3-9 may tubing. Round, square, or other shape tubing may be used. The
be used to calculate the variance of the upstream section vane tubes should be securely welded together at each tangent
of the meter tube: point and can be built with or without a supporting band at
each end. All weld metal should be ground off smooth so as not
 Max Dia − Min Dia  to cause disturbances to the flow. Vanes should be securely

D  (100) ≤ percent tolerance Eq 3-9 anchored in the meter tube by use of a flange ring or set screws.
  in Fig. 3−7

3-9
 FIG. 3-14
Flow Straightening Vanes

FIG. 3-15
Typical Test Set-Up for Measuring Gas from a Separator Vent

ORIFICE

FIELD

NOT LESS THAN 8 D

SEPARATOR PRESSURE
CONNECTION IN
D FLANGE OR WITHIN
THREE DIAMETERS
OF ORIFICE

FLOW
BACK PRESSURE
REGULATOR

ORIFICE
INSTALLATION

PORTABLE
RECORDER

Gas Orifice Calculations Desired Differential = 1270 mm of water

To determine the approximate orifice size required, the cor-

Orifice Sizing — A simple calculation is often needed to responding Fb is calculated using appropriate terms of Eq 3-4;
properly size an orifice plate for new or changing flow rates
through existing meter tubes. The procedure uses an existing Qh = Fb • Ftf • Fg • √

hw • Pf from Eq 3-4
or assumed flow quantity, a desired differential pressure at a
specific static pressure, an estimated flowing temperature, Rearranging,
and a determined or assumed relative density. The basic ori-
fice coefficient is calculated from the gas flow equation. This Qh
calculated value is then compared to the Fb table, Fig. 3-16, Fb = Eq 3-11
and the next larger size is usually selected. Ftf • Fg • √

hw • Pf

Example 3-1 — Size an orifice plate in gas service. 402.1

Fb =
0.9636 (1.1952) √

1270 • 517
Given Data:
Line Size, D = 100 mm Fb = 0.4309
Flange Taps
Referring to the Fb (Fig. 3-16) for a 100 mm line with flange
Relative Density = 0.700
taps, access the Fb value which approximates the calculated
Flowing Temperature = 38°C Fb. A 25.4 mm orifice size would be selected which has a
Flowing Pressure = 517 kPa (abs) 0.4323 Fb value. More precise calculations would include other
Flow Rate = 402.1 m3/hr corrections.

3-10
 FIG. 3-16
Flange Taps, Basic Orifice Factors, Fb - m3/h

Pipe Sizes, Nominal and Standard ID, mm

Nominal Diameter 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 400 500 600 750
Standard ID, mm 52.50 77.93 102.26 154.05 202.72 254.51 307.09 387.35 488.95 590.55 742.95
Orifice Orifice
Diameter, Diameter,
mm inches
6.35 0.250 0.0272 0.0272 0.0271
9.53 0.375 0.0608 0.0607 0.0607
12.70 0.500 0.1081 0.1076 0.1075 0.1074
15.88 0.625 0.1697 0.1683 0.1678 0.1675
19.05 0.750 0.2464 0.2430 0.2420 0.2412
22.23 0.875 0.3391 0.3320 0.3301 0.3286 0.3281
25.40 1.000 0.4499 0.4356 0.4323 0.4298 0.4289
28.58 1.125 0.5815 0.5543 0.5486 0.5448 0.5433 0.5425
31.75 1.250 0.7386 0.6892 0.6793 0.6735 0.6715 0.6703 0.6695
34.93 1.375 0.9277 0.8412 0.8250 0.8162 0.8133 0.8117 0.8106
38.10 1.500 1.1605 1.0122 0.9861 0.9728 0.9690 0.9668 0.9654
41.28 1.625 1.2040 1.1633 1.1436 1.1384 1.1356 1.1338 1.1320
44.45 1.750 1.4197 1.3576 1.3287 1.3217 1.3181 1.3158 1.3135
47.63 1.875 1.6632 1.5701 1.5284 1.5189 1.5143 1.5115 1.5087
50.80 2.000 1.9389 1.8022 1.7429 1.7302 1.7244 1.7209 1.7175 1.7148
53.98 2.125 2.252 2.0555 1.9725 1.9557 1.9483 1.9440 1.940 1.9367
57.15 2.250 2.618 2.332 2.218 2.195 2.186 2.181 2.176 2.172
60.33 2.375 2.636 2.479 2.450 2.438 2.432 2.426 2.421 2.418
63.50 2.500 2.969 2.757 2.718 2.704 2.696 2.689 2.684 2.681
66.68 2.625 3.335 3.052 3.002 2.984 2.974 2.966 2.960 2.956
69.95 2.750 3.738 3.365 3.301 3.278 3.267 3.257 3.250 3.246
73.03 2.875 4.185 3.697 3.615 3.586 3.573 3.562 3.554 3.549
76.20 3.000 4.697 4.049 3.945 3.910 3.894 3.881 3.871 3.865 3.860
79.40 3.125 4.421 4.291 4.247 4.228 4.213 4.202 4.196 4.189
82.55 3.250 4.817 4.654 4.600 4.577 4.559 4.547 4.540 4.532
85.73 3.375 5.236 5.033 4.968 4.940 4.919 4.906 4.897 4.889
88.90 3.500 5.682 5.431 5.350 5.317 5.293 5.278 5.268 5.259
92.08 3.625 6.155 5.846 5.749 5.709 5.681 5.664 5.653 5.643
95.25 3.750 6.658 6.280 6.163 6.116 6.084 6.064 6.052 6.041
98.43 3.875 7.194 6.735 6.593 6.537 6.500 6.478 6.464 6.452
101.60 4.000 7.765 7.209 7.039 6.973 6.930 6.905 6.890 6.876
107.95 4.250 9.024 8.223 7.983 7.891 7.834 7.802 7.784 7.767
114.30 4.500 10.488 9.332 8.997 8.872 8.795 8.754 8.732 8.712
120.65 4.750 10.546 10.086 9.916 9.814 9.763 9.736 9.712
127.00 5.000 11.880 11.253 11.026 10.893 10.828 10.795 10.767
133.35 5.250 13.346 12.506 12.205 12.032 11.950 11.910 11.877
139.70 5.500 14.963 13.850 13.457 13.232 13.129 13.081 13.042
146.05 5.750 16.757 15.295 14.783 14.495 14.366 14.308 14.262
152.40 6.000 16.848 16.189 15.823 15.661 15.592 15.538
158.75 6.250 18.522 17.678 17.216 17.016 16.932 16.869
165.10 6.500 20.326 19.258 18.678 18.431 18.329 18.255
171.45 6.750 22.275 20.933 20.211 19.906 19.784 19.698
177.80 7.000 24.383 22.712 21.82 21.44 21.297 21.196
184.15 7.250 26.68 24.601 23.50 23.04 22.868 22.75
190.50 7.500 29.224 26.61 25.26 24.71 24.50 24.36
196.85 7.750 28.75 27.10 26.44 26.19 26.03

3-11
 FIG. 3-16 (Cont’d)
Flange Taps, Basic Orifice Factors, Fb - m3/h

Pipe Sizes, Nominal and Standard ID, mm

Nominal Diameter 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 400 500 600 750
Standard ID, mm 52.50 77.93 102.26 154.05 202.72 254.51 307.09 387.35 488.95 590.55 742.95
Orifice Orifice
Diameter, Diameter,
mm inches
203.20 8.000 31.03 29.03 28.24 27.94 27.75
209.55 8.250 33.45 31.05 30.10 29.75 29.54
215.90 8.500 36.05 33.17 32.04 31.63 31.38
222.25 8.750 38.84 35.39 34.05 33.57 33.27
228.60 9.000 41.87 37.72 36.13 35.57 35.23
234.95 9.250 40.17 38.30 37.63 37.24
241.30 9.500 42.73 40.54 39.77 39.32
247.65 9.750 45.43 42.86 41.97 41.45
254.00 10.000 48.27 45.28 44.24 43.65
260.35 10.250 51.25 47.78 46.58 45.91
266.70 10.500 54.39 50.37 49.00 48.22
273.05 10.750 57.70 53.07 51.49 50.60
279.40 11.000 61.20 55.86 54.05 53.05
285.75 11.250 64.94 58.77 56.70 55.55
292.10 11.500 61.78 59.42 58.13
298.45 11.750 64.91 62.23 60.77
304.80 12.000 68.17 65.12 63.47
317.50 12.500 75.08 71.18 69.09
330.20 13.000 82.57 77.61 74.99
342.90 13.500 90.68 84.46 81.18
355.60 14.000 99.56 91.75 87.67
368.30 14.500 99.52 94.49
381.00 15.000 107.81 101.63
393.70 15.500 116.66 109.13
406.40 16.000 126.12 117.00
419.10 16.500 136.26 125.26
431.80 17.000 147.22 133.94
444.50 17.500 143.06
457.20 18.000 152.65
469.90 18.500 162.74
482.60 19.000 173.37
495.30 19.500 184.57
508.00 20.000 196.37
520.70 20.500 208.83
533.40 21.000 222.04
546.10 21.500 236.13

3-12
 FIG. 3-17
"b" Values for Reynolds Number Factor, Fr – Flange Taps

Pipe Sizes, Nominal and Standard ID, mm

Nominal Diameter 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 400 500 600 750
Standard ID, mm 52.50 77.93 102.26 154.05 202.72 254.51 307.09 387.35 488.95 590.55 742.95
Orifice Orifice
Diameter, Diameter,
mm inches
6.35 0.250 1.225 1.336 1.394
9.53 0.375 0.960 1.106 1.200
12.70 0.500 0.778 0.919 1.031
15.88 0.625 0.669 0.771 0.886 1.180
19.05 0.750 0.623 0.659 0.764 0.950
22.23 0.875 0.632 0.579 0.664 0.851 0.976
25.40 1.000 0.681 0.532 0.585 0.762 0.894
28.58 1.125 0.759 0.511 0.524 0.684 0.818 0.927
31.75 1.250 0.855 0.513 0.481 0.614 0.749 0.863 0.950
34.93 1.375 0.946 0.537 0.455 0.554 0.685 0.802 0.894
38.10 1.500 1.023 0.577 0.445 0.504 0.627 0.745 0.840
41.28 1.625 0.631 0.447 0.460 0.576 0.692 0.790 0.905
44.45 1.750 0.693 0.463 0.426 0.528 0.642 0.741 0.860
47.63 1.875 0.759 0.490 0.401 0.484 0.597 0.696 0.818
50.80 2.000 0.826 0.523 0.381 0.450 0.554 0.651 0.777 0.894
53.98 2.125 0.885 0.565 0.368 0.417 0.515 0.613 0.738 0.859
57.15 2.250 0.934 0.611 0.363 0.390 0.479 0.574 0.700 0.823
60.33 2.375 0.663 0.363 0.368 0.446 0.538 0.664 0.790 0.885
63.50 2.500 0.714 0.369 0.349 0.417 0.505 0.630 0.758 0.855
66.68 2.625 0.766 0.380 0.335 0.392 0.474 0.598 0.726 0.826
69.95 2.750 0.814 0.397 0.324 0.368 0.445 0.566 0.696 0.798
73.03 2.875 0.856 0.415 0.318 0.348 0.419 0.537 0.667 0.770
76.20 3.000 0.890 0.439 0.315 0.331 0.394 0.509 0.639 0.744 0.863
79.40 3.125 0.467 0.316 0.316 0.373 0.483 0.611 0.717 0.839
82.55 3.250 0.496 0.320 0.304 0.352 0.458 0.585 0.692 0.815
85.73 3.375 0.529 0.328 0.295 0.335 0.434 0.560 0.667 0.792
88.90 3.500 0.564 0.337 0.288 0.319 0.411 0.536 0.643 0.770
92.08 3.625 0.598 0.351 0.283 0.304 0.390 0.512 0.619 0.749
95.25 3.750 0.634 0.365 0.282 0.292 0.372 0.490 0.597 0.728
98.43 3.875 0.703 0.394 0.282 0.282 0.353 0.468 0.576 0.706
101.60 4.000 0.766 0.402 0.283 0.274 0.336 0.448 0.554 0.685
107.95 4.250 0.818 0.447 0.294 0.262 0.307 0.410 0.513 0.646
114.30 4.500 0.496 0.312 0.257 0.282 0.374 0.476 0.609
120.65 4.750 0.550 0.336 0.257 0.262 0.344 0.441 0.573
127.00 5.000 0.605 0.366 0.263 0.247 0.316 0.407 0.538
133.35 5.250 0.658 0.401 0.275 0.237 0.291 0.377 0.505
139.70 5.500 0.708 0.439 0.292 0.230 0.270 0.349 0.475
146.05 5.750 0.753 0.480 0.314 0.228 0.253 0.324 0.446
152.40 6.000 0.524 0.337 0.229 0.237 0.302 0.418
158.75 6.250 0.568 0.366 0.234 0.225 0.280 0.392
165.10 6.500 0.611 0.397 0.242 0.216 0.262 0.366
171.45 6.750 0.652 0.430 0.254 0.208 0.245 0.344
177.80 7.000 0.692 0.464 0.267 0.204 0.230 0.323
184.15 7.250 0.728 0.501 0.286 0.202 0.218 0.303
190.50 7.500 0.757 0.538 0.304 0.204 0.208 0.284
196.85 7.750 0.574 0.325 0.206 0.200 0.267

3-13
 FIG. 3-17 (Cont’d)
"b" Values for Reynolds Number Factor, Fr – Flange Taps

Pipe Sizes, Nominal and Standard ID, mm

Nominal Diameter 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 400 500 600 750
Standard ID, mm 52.50 77.93 102.26 154.05 202.72 254.51 307.09 387.35 488.95 590.55 742.95
Orifice Orifice
Diameter, Diameter,
mm inches
203.20 8.000 0.610 0.349 0.212 0.193 0.251
209.55 8.250 0.644 0.374 0.218 0.188 0.237
215.90 8.500 0.676 0.401 0.228 0.185 0.225
222.25 8.750 0.706 0.429 0.238 0.184 0.213
228.60 9.000 0.732 0.458 0.251 0.185 0.202
234.95 9.250 0.487 0.266 0.187 0.193
241.30 9.500 0.516 0.282 0.191 0.187
247.65 9.750 0.545 0.299 0.194 0.180
254.00 10.000 0.574 0.318 0.201 0.175
260.35 10.250 0.602 0.337 0.209 0.169
266.70 10.500 0.628 0.357 0.217 0.167
273.05 10.750 0.655 0.378 0.228 0.165
279.40 11.000 0.679 0.401 0.239 0.164
285.75 11.250 0.423 0.251 0.164
292.10 11.500 0.447 0.265 0.165
298.45 11.750 0.470 0.279 0.168
304.80 12.000 0.493 0.295 0.171
317.50 12.500 0.540 0.328 0.180
330.20 13.000 0.585 0.362 0.192
342.90 13.500 0.627 0.400 0.208
355.60 14.000 0.664 0.438 0.226
368.30 14.500 0.476 0.247
381.00 15.000 0.516 0.270
393.70 15.500 0.553 0.296
406.40 16.000 0.590 0.323
419.10 16.500 0.623 0.352
431.80 17.000 0.654 0.381
444.50 17.500 0.413
457.20 18.000 0.443
469.90 18.500 0.474
482.60 19.000 0.505
495.30 19.500 0.534
508.00 20.000 0.564
520.70 20.500 0.593
533.40 21.000 0.618
546.10 21.500 0.642

3-14
 FIG. 3-18
Expansion Factors – Flange Taps, Y2 (static downstream)

3-15
 4
  25.4  
Orifice Flow Rate — The following example illustrates Q = 0.0283 1 +    (25.4) √
2

127 [744.7 + (0.3 • 127)]

a calculation of flow rate through an orifice.   77.93  

Example 3-2 — Calculate an approximate flow rate for the ori- • 1.000 • 0.9258 = 5381 m3/day
fice using appropriate terms from Eq 3-4.
Pipe (Tube) Rupture – Gas
The volume of gas that escapes through a pipeline rupture
Given Data: or hole caused by corrosion or mechanical damage can be es-
timated. Critical flow occurs when the downstream pressure
Line Size, D = 154.05 mm is less than approximately 50% of the source pressure, P. The
Orifice Size, d = 88.90 mm following equation approximates a critical flow volume:
Flange Taps
Flowing Temperature = 21°C


√
1
Flowing Pressure = 620.5 kPa (abs) Q = 2.743 d2 YCR • P Eq 3-15
Differential = 1524 mm of water Tf (G)
Relative Density = 0.750
(where Tf is K)
From Fig. 3-3, k+1
1/2
 k−1 
Qh = Fb • Ftf • Fg • √
f
hw • P from Eq 3-4 k  2  
YCR =     Eq 3-16
 Z  k+1 
Qh = 5.682 (0.9905) (1.1547) √
 
1524 • 620.5  

Qh = 6319.57 m3/h Example 3-4 — Find the loss from a 150 mm pipeline trans-
porting methane, with a 25.4 mm (circular equivalent area)
More precise calculations would include Fpb and Fpv correc- hole.
tions.
P = 2000 kPa G = 0.55 Z = 0.95
Orifice Well Test Tf = 25°C = 298 K k = 1.32
Often it is necessary to determine an approximate flow
2.32
quantity from a well head or field separator vent to the atmos- 1/2
 1.32  2  0.32 
phere for test purposes. The use of a "well head tester" has YCR =     = 0.69
been a common practice since the early days of the oil and gas  0.95  2.32  
industry. An orifice is installed between a pair of flanges, at


√
the outlet of a pipe nipple which is at least eight pipe diameters 1
long. The square edge of the orifice faces the flow. The diame- Q = 2.743 (25.4)2 (0.69) • (2000)
298 • 0.55
ter of the pipe nipple should not be greater than the preceding
fittings. The pressure connection may be made in the up-
stream flange or at any point in the pipe nipple within three = 190 500 m3/day
diameters from the orifice. The pressure differential across the
For subsonic or subcritical flow, first estimate an equivalent
orifice is the difference between the upstream pressure and
circular area for the hole in the pipeline and then calculate
atmospheric pressure.
a flow based on the orifice equation.
An approximate flow rate may be calculated from:

Q = 0.0283 (1 + β4) (d2) √


H (29.32 + 0.3H)
 • Ftf • Cg LIQUID MEASUREMENT
Eq 3-12 Orifice Meters
For conditions other than 15.5°C (flowing) and G of 0.6, cor- The rate of flow in liquid-meter measurement is determined
rection factors must be applied. from the equation given in Fig. 3-3. When measurement of
hydrocarbon liquids at high pressure is undertaken, it may be


√
necessary to apply a compressibility factor. This factor should
288
Ftf = Eq 3-13 NOT be confused with Fpv for gases. Fig. 3-21 supplies liquid
273 + Tf hydrocarbon compressibility, F, and Fig. 3-22 the tempera-
ture correction factors, Ctl.


√
0.60 Orifice Sizing — An orifice plate can be sized for a par-
Cg = Eq 3-14 ticular liquid flow rate if the line size and fluid characteristics
G
are known. All physical orifice requirements defined for gas
measurement are also required for liquid orifice measure-
Example 3-3 — Calculate the daily gas flow through a 25.4 ment. The liquid orifice equation from Fig. 3-3 is used to solve
mm orifice in a nominal 75 mm pipe. The gas relative density for Fb, the basic coefficient. After finding Fb, Fig. 3-16 is en-
is 0.70, the flowing temperature is 15.5°C, and the pressure tered at the proper line size. The next largest Fb would then
upstream of the orifice is 127 mm Hg. The published ID of a relate to a specific orifice size that would be the initial selec-
75 mm pipe is 77.93 mm. tion. For an initial estimated size, only the Fgt correction is

3-16
used in the equation. For more precise calculations the entire The initial calculation can be completed using only the Fb and
Fig. 3-3 equation can be used with all the correction factors. the Fgt correction factors to solve for Qh since those factors are
most significant.
Example 3-5 — Calculate an approximate orifice size for the
given flow rate and line size. Example 3-6 — Calculate a liquid flowrate for the given orifice
Line Size, D = 77.93 mm setting.
Flange Taps Line Size, D = 202.72 mm
Specific Gravity at 60°F = 0.690 Orifice Size, d = 100.60 mm
Flowing Temperature = 4.4°C Flange Taps
Flow Rate = 12.87 m3/h Relative Density at = 0.630
Desired Differential = 1270 mm of water 15°C
Flowing Temperature = 26.7°C
To determine the approximate orifice size required, the cor- Differential = 914.4 mm of water
responding Fb is calculated using appropriate terms of Eq 3-7.
To determine the flow rate from Fig. 3-3,
Qh = Fb • Fgt • √

hw
Qh = Fb • Fgt • √

hw From Eq 3-7
Qh
or Fb = From Eq 3-7
Fgt • √

hw The value of Fb from Fig. 3-16 is 7.209 for a 202.72 mm line
with a 100.60 mm orifice. The value of Fgt is calculated from
12.87 the Fig. 3-3 equation, using data from Fig. 23-13.
= = 0.8443
0.4277 • √


1270 Therefore,

Referring to the Fb values (Fig. 3-16) for a 77.93 mm line Q = 7.209 • 0.44 • √ 914.4 = 95.92 m3/h

with flange taps, access the Fb value listed which approxi-
mates the calculated Fb. A 34.93 mm orifice diameter would More precise calculations would include Fr and compressi-
be selected, which has a 0.8412 Fb value. bility corrections.
Orifice Flow Rate — The liquid flow rate through an Refer to Chapter 14.8 of the API Manual of Petroleum Meas-
orifice is calculated using the appropriate equation in Fig. 3-3. urement Standards for calculation of Fr.

FIG. 3-19
Steam Coefficient Factors, Saturated Steam

11.170
Fs =

√ Pfv

Pressure Steam Quality, Per Cent

kPa (abs) 100 99 98 97 96 95 94 93 92 91 90
100 0.8582 0.8628 0.8674 0.8720 0.8766 0.8812 0.8859 0.8905 0.8951 0.8997 0.9043
500 0.8159 0.8203 0.8247 0.8290 0.8334 0.8378 0.8422 0.8466 0.8510 0.8553 0.8597
1000 0.8010 0.8053 0.8096 0.8139 0.8182 0.8225 0.8268 0.8311 0.8354 0.8397 0.8440
2000 0.7913 0.7955 0.7998 0.8040 0.8083 0.8125 0.8168 0.8210 0.8253 0.8295 0.8338
3000 0.7898 0.7940 0.7983 0.8025 0.8068 0.8110 0.8152 0.8195 0.8237 0.8280 0.8322
4000 0.7916 0.7959 0.8001 0.8044 0.8086 0.8129 0.8171 0.8214 0.8256 0.8299 0.8341
5000 0.7954 0.7997 0.8039 0.8082 0.8125 0.8168 0.8210 0.8253 0.8296 0.8338 0.8381

FIG. 3-20
Steam Coefficient Factors, Superheated Steam

11.170
Fs =

√ Pfv

Pressure, Total Steam Temperature, °C

kPa (abs) 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
10 0.8518 0.7561 0.6869 0.6338 0.5913 0.5564 0.5271
100 0.8578 0.7580 0.6876 0.6341 0.5916 0.5566 0.5271
500 0.7663 0.6910 0.6358 0.5925 0.5571 0.5275
1000 0.7783 0.6956 0.6379 0.5935 0.5577 0.5279
2000 0.7051 0.6423 0.5959 0.5591 0.5287
4000 0.7281 0.6518 0.6007 0.5617 0.5302
6000 0.7583 0.6624 0.6059 0.5645 0.5318
8000 0.8018 0.6741 0.6112 0.5674 0.5334
10 000 0.6873 0.6169 0.5702 0.5351

3-17
 FIG. 3-21 Fig. 3-24 is a sizing guide for liquid turbine meters. An ex-
Liquid Compressibility, F ample of a turbine meter installation schematic for mass
Paraffinic Hydrocarbon Mixtures measurement is shown in Fig. 3-25.
Positive Displacement Meters
NOTE: All factors in this table must have 0.0000 placed in front of the Displacement meters take a physically enclosed volume of
numbers shown.
fluid and move it from upstream to downstream of the meter-
ing point. The sum of these operations is an indication of the
Liquid Temperature of Flowing Liquid, °C amount of liquid which is moved over a period of time.
Relative Degrees
Density API at
15.5°C 0 10 20 30 40 An expected accuracy of 0.25% for a positive displacement
at 15.5°C
(PD) meter can be attained under proper conditions. Applica-
0.50 151.5 380 428 464 510 582 tion is normally limited to those fluids that exhibit some lu-
0.51 145.9 342 376 416 458 525
0.52 140.6 309 340 376 413 471
bricating properties because of the multiple moving parts of a
0.53 135.5 282 309 341 374 427 positive displacement meter. Typical applications are butane
0.54 130.5 258 281 309 339 388 and heavier products since ethane and propane have minimal
0.55 125.8 235 257 282 309 354
lubricating properties. Fig. 3-26 shows some internal details
0.56 121.2 213 234 259 284 325 of a positive displacement meter.
0.57 116.7 193 213 235 259 299
0.58 112.5 178 196 216 237 274 Meter Selection and Performance
0.59 108.3 164 180 199 219 252
Turbine and positive displacement meter installations
0.60 104.3 153 167 184 203 235 should include the following considerations:
0.61 100.5 145 156 172 189 218
0.62 96.7 133 146 158 173 199 • Application to proper flow ranges
0.63 93.1 126 137 149 162 186 • Upstream strainers to protect meter internals from for-
0.64 89.6 118 128 140 152 174
eign material
0.65 86.2 110 120 131 143 163
0.66 82.9 104 113 122 132 152
• Pulsation and vibration
0.67 79.7 098 106 115 125 143 • Proper upstream flow conditioning
0.68 76.6 093 100 108 117 135
0.69 73.6 087 095 104 111 127
• Significant rate changes
0.70 70.6 083 089 096 105 119 • Changes in flow temperature, pressure, and density
0.71 67.8 079 085 092 099 114 • Back pressure (2 times ∆P across meter plus 1.25 times
0.72 65.0 075 081 087 093 108 equilibrium vapor pressure is minimum recommended)
0.73 62.3 071 076 082 089 100
0.74 59.7 068 073 078 084 097 • Connections to prove the meter
0.75 57.2 064 069 074 080 092 The normally acceptable performance of a turbine or posi-
0.76 54.7 061 066 071 077 088 tive displacement meter will result in a change in the pulse
0.77 52.3 058 063 067 073 085 count of less than 0.05% between meter prover runs, and less
0.78 49.9 056 060 065 070 080
than 0.25% between provings. If the factor changes more than
0.79 47.6 054 058 062 067 077
0.25% between provings, meter maintenance may be required.
0.80 45.4 051 055 059 064 073
Ref: API "Petroleum Measurement Standards," Chapter 4 More details about turbine and positive displacement meter
1 installations, operation, and proving are available in Chapters
Note: Liquid Compressibility =
Bulk Modulus 4, 5, 6, and 12 of the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards.
Turbine Meters
Meter Proving
Turbine meters are velocity-sensing devices. The direction
of flow through the meter is parallel to a turbine’s rotary axis The purpose of proving a turbine or PD meter is to establish
and the speed of rotation of the rotor is proportional to the rate a factor which, when multiplied by the meter pulses and di-
of flow. vided by the nominal K-factor, will give an accurate, corrected
metered volume. Compensation for meter factors can be ac-
The turbine meter normally consists of one moving part; an complished external to the meter through either mathemati-
impeller held in place by high pressure, low drag bearings. A cal or electronic means. The meter factor may be defined as a
magnetic transducer mounted in the meter body is used to number which corrects meter registration to actual volume. A
count revolutions as the flow passes. The pulses from the meter factor is applicable to only one set of operating condi-
transducer are determined for a known volume passing tions. To establish a meter factor, the meter must be compared
through the meter to develop a factor in pulses per gallon, or to a known prover volume. By applying the necessary tem-
other desired unit volume. Turbine meter components are perature and pressure factors to the prover volume and by
shown in Fig. 3-23. dividing by the change in the meter reading, a meter factor is
established.
Expected accuracies of plus or minus 0.25% can be attained
by certain turbine meters where proper stream conditions are
maintained and the meter is properly installed. Volume of liquid in the prover
corrected to standard conditions
MF = Eq 3-17
Change in meter reading corrected
to standard conditions

3-18
 FIG. 3-22
Volume Correction Factors for Temperature, Ctl
Paraffinic Hydrocarbon Mixtures

Liquid Temperature of flowing fluid, °C

Relative
Density at -10 0 10 20 30 40 60 80 100
15.5°C

0.50 1.072 1.045 1.016 0.986 0.954 0.919

0.51 1.069 1.043 1.015 0.987 0.957 0.924
0.52 1.066 1.041 1.014 0.988 0.959 0.929
0.53 1.062 1.038 1.014 0.988 0.962 0.933
0.54 1.059 1.036 1.013 0.989 0.963 0.937
0.55 1.056 1.035 1.012 0.990 0.966 0.940
0.56 1.053 1.033 1.012 0.990 0.967 0.944
0.57 1.051 1.031 1.011 0.991 0.970 0.947
0.58 1.048 1.029 1.010 0.991 0.971 0.949
0.59 1.046 1.028 1.010 0.992 0.973 0.954
0.60 1.044 1.0269 1.0096 0.9922 0.9746 0.9569 0.9211
0.61 1.042 1.0259 1.0093 0.9825 0.9756 0.9586 0.9242
0.62 1.040 1.0246 1.0088 0.9930 0.9768 0.9605 0.9276 0.8943
0.63 1.039 1.0239 1.0086 0.9931 0.9775 0.9618 0.9299 0.8977
0.64 1.038 1.0232 1.0083 0.9933 0.9781 0.9629 0.9320 0.9009
0.65 1.037 1.0225 1.0081 0.9936 0.9789 0.9641 0.9342 0.9040
0.66 1.036 1.0218 1.0078 0.9937 0.9794 0.9651 0.9362 0.9069
0.67 1.035 1.0211 1.0075 0.9939 0.9801 0.9662 0.9381 0.9098
0.68 1.0336 1.0205 1.0073 0.9941 0.9807 0.9672 0.9399 0.9124
0.69 1.0326 1.0199 1.0071 0.9942 0.9813 0.9682 0.9417 0.9150
0.70 1.0317 1.0194 1.0069. 0.9944 0.9818 0.9691 0.9434 0.9174
0.71 1.0308 1.0189 1.0067 0.9946 0.9823 0.9699 0.9450 0.9197
0.72 1.0300 1.0183 1.0065 0.9947 0.9828 0.9707 0.9466 0.9221
0.73 1.0293 1.0179 1.0064 0.9948 0.9832 0.9716 0.9480 0.9242
0.74 1.0284 1.0173 1.0062 0.9951 0.9837 0.9724 0.9494 0.9263
0.75 1.0277 1.0169 1.0061 0.9951 0.9842 0.9730 0.9507 0.9282
0.76 1.0270 1.0165 1.0059 0.9952 0.9845 0.9738 0.9520 0.9301
0.77 1.0263 1.0161 1.0057 0.9954 0.9849 0.9744 0.9533 0.9320
0.78 1.0256 1.0156 1.0056 0.9955 0.9853 0.9751 0.9545 0.9337 0.9128
0.79 1.0249 1.0152 1.0054 0.9956 0.9857 0.9757 0.9556 0.9354 0.9151
0.80 1.0244 1.0149 1.0053 0.9957 0.9861 0.9763 0.9567 0.9370 0.9171

Ref: API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 11 (API 2540, ASTM D-1250, ANSI 211-83, IP 200, ISO R91).

Standard conditions in liquid measurement are 60°F and Additional information concerning meter proving can be
the equilibrium vapor pressure of the liquid at 60°F (or found in Chapter 4 of the API Manual of Petroleum Measure-
atmospheric pressure for liquids with a vapor pressure of less ment Standards.
than 0 psig).
Meter Proving Reports — A meter proving report is
Meter Proving Systems — Meter proving systems the record of a meter proving and must be completed to calcu-
should include the following considerations: late the net volume being measured by the meter being
• All proving vessels should be calibrated by qualified per- proven. A meter proving report may contain considerable in-
sonnel using test measures certified by the U.S. Bureau formation but the following information is usually considered
of Standards and be issued a "Certificate of Calibration". the minimum necessary to identify the proving and allow cal-
• All meter proving systems should be equipped with a culation of net volumes: proving report number, date and
thermometer and pressure gauge located near the meter. time, meter owner, company of person responsible for proving,
Proving vessels shall have pressure gauges and ther- fluid used, fluid specific gravity, fluid vapor pressure (at oper-
mometers on the inlet and outlet. Gauges and thermome- ating temperature), meter size, totalizer pulses, prover size,
ters should be checked periodically against a deadweight pulses per unit volume, uncorrected prover volume, tempera-
tester and certified thermometer to verify accuracy. ture of fluid at meter and prover, pressure of fluid at meter
• All valves in the proving systems which affect the accu- and prover, and operator’s name and signature. If the proving
racy of the proving should provide for observation of is being done on a meter used for custody transfer, it is cus-
valve integrity, e.g., double block and bleed valves. tomary for a representative of each custodial company to wit-
• Proving conditions should approximate operating condi- ness the proving and sign the report if it is satisfactory. The
tions. parties involved in the proving should agree on what consti-

3-19
 FIG. 3-23 Product = Propane-Butane Mix
Specific Gravity = 0.544
Typical Turbine Meter Components
Totalizer Pulses Per m3 = 13 188
Rotor Assembly Uncorrected Prover Volume = 2.0734 m3
U/S Bearing Vapor Pressure = 793 kPa
Spring Clip
Assembly Cone Prover Size = 300 mm pipe with 9.525 mm
Thrust wall
Washer

Proving results:
D/S Cone Temperature, °C Pressure, kPa (ga) (2) Pulse
Coil Journal Thrust Washer Run Count/Round
No. Prover Meter Prover Meter Trip
Coil Bosses
Nut Washer 1 24.8 24.4 2655 2724 28 629
Flow 2 24.9 24.9 2655 2724 28 626
3 24.9 24.4 2655 2724 28 635
4 25.3 25.0 2655 2724 28 634
5 25.0 25.1 2655 2724 28 633
Housing
6 25.0 24.8 2655 2724 28 631
Average 25.0 24.8 2655 2724 28 631.3
tutes an acceptable proving, and if it is not acceptable, what Average
(rounded) 25.0 24.7(1) 2655 2724 28 631(3)
must be done to correct the problem.

Example 3-7 — The following information was taken from a NOTES:

meter proving report. Calculate a meter factor with which to 1. Average temperatures are rounded to the nearest 0.5°C.
correct the routine meter recorded volumes.
2. Pressures are read to the nearest scale division.
Given Data: 3. Pulse count is rounded to the nearest count.

FIG. 3-24
Sizing Guide for Typical Turbine Meters

Courtesy of Daniels Industries, Inc.

3-20
 FIG. 3-25
Example Turbine Meter Installation

3-21
 FIG. 3-26 Metered fluid corrections:
Example Positive Displacement Meter 1. Uncorrected metered volume
Total meter pulses recorded
=
manufacturer's pulses per m3
28631
= = 2.1710 m3
13188
2. The correction for the effect of
temperature on the metered volume,
Ctl (Fig. 3-22) = 0.9789
3. The correction for the effect of
pressure on the metered volume, Cpl
(Reference No. 2) = 1.0080
4. Corrected metered volume
= Ctl · Cpl · 2.1710 = 2.1421 m3
5. Meter factor
corrected prover volume
=
corrected metered volume
2.0450
= = 0.9547
Vertical Double Case Meter 2.1421

CAM Fig. 3-27 is an example meter proving report. The uncor-

OUTER MEASURING rected prover volume is that volume of the prover tube be-
HOUSING CHAMBER
INNER
tween the switches, Fig. 3-28.
STATIC
LIQUID UNIT
HOUSING Several meters can utilize one prover if piping manifolds
BLADES
BLADE exist. If more than one product is proven by the same prover,
PATH BEARING precautions must be taken to prevent contamination. Double
OF BLADES block-and-bleed valves are commonly used to isolate specifi-
FLOWING cation products.
LIQUID ROTOR
Additional information on meter proving can be found in
Chapter 4 of the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement
Standards.

PLAN VIEW Mass Measurement

Mass measurement of a flowing fluid is advantageous where
the physical properties of the fluid are not well defined or
The volume of a steel prover must first be determined then available. Mass measurement is especially important in meas-
the characteristics of the fluid are used to correct the fluid to uring streams containing ethane and methane because of sub-
standard conditions using the corrected prover volume. stantial solution mixing effects.

Prover Corrections: Mass measurement is accomplished by multiplying the vol-

ume of fluid flowing, over a defined period of time, by the
1. Uncorrected prover volume = 2.0734 m3 density of the fluid at flowing conditions. This procedure elimi-
2. The correction for steel expansion at nates the requirement to provide correction factors for the me-
25°C, Cts (Fig. 3-31) = 1.0003 tered volume. The total stream mass can be converted into
pure components by using a weight analysis of the fluid. An
3. The correction for the pressure effect example of converting stream mass to pure components is il-
on the steel prover, Cps (Fig. 3-33) = 1.0004 lustrated in Fig. 3-34.
4. The correction for the effect of Mass Flow Meters
temperature on the prover fluid, Ctl
(Fig. 3-22) = 0.9780 Several different techniques and processes have been devel-
oped to directly measure the mass of a flowing fluid. The de-
5. The correction for the effect of
pressure on the prover fluid, vices utilize the principle that angular momentum of a mass
Cpl (Reference No. 2) = 1.0078 is directly proportional to the mass velocity. The resistance of
a mass to change direction is measured by different types of
6. Combined prover corrections = devices using combinations of sensitive mechanical and elec-
Cts · Cps · Ctl · Cpl = 0.9863 trical sensors and transmitters that can result in a variety of
7. Corrected prover volume electronic signals.
= 0.9863 · 2.0734 m3 = 2.0450 m3
Mass flow meter installations may not require upstream
and downstream piping usually associated with other types of
measurement. Proving mass flow meters may involve a com-

3-22
 FIG. 3-27
Meter Proving Report

3-23
 FIG. 3-28
Example Bidirectional Pipe Prover

3-24
 FIG. 3-29 FIG. 3-31

Small Volume Prover Temperature Correction Factors for Mild Steel, Cts

Cts for mild steel having a cubical coefficient of expansion of 3.34

x 10–5 per °C
Actuator Optical Switches
Cylinder Observed Observed
Poppet Valve Cts Value Cts Value
(Open)
Temperature, °C Temperature, °C
Pneumatic Pis (–21.8) - (–18.8) 0.9988 23.0 - 26.0 1.0003
Spring ton
(–18.7) - (–15.8) 0.9989 26.1 - 29.0 1.0004
Chamber
(–15.7) - (–12.8) 0.9990 29.1 - 31.9 1.0005
Pneumatic
Spring (–12.7) - (– 9.8) 0.9991 32.0 - 34.9 1.0006
Hydraulic Plenum (– 9.7) - (– 6.9) 0.9992 35.0 - 37.9 1.0007
Fluid
(full) (– 6.8) - (– 3.9) 0.9993 38.0 - 40.9 1.0008
(– 3.8) - (– 0.9) 0.9994 41.0 - 43.9 1.0009
(– 0.8) - 2.1 0.9995 44.0 - 46.9 1.0010
Hydraulic 2.2 - 5.0 0.9996 47.0 - 49.9 1.0011
Motor and
Pump 5.1 - 8.0 0.9997 50.0 - 52.9 1.0012
8.1 - 11.0 0.9998 53.0 - 55.9 1.0013
Hydraulic 11.1 - 14.0 0.9999 56.0 - 58.8 1.0014
Reservoir
14.1 - 17.0 1.0000 58.9 - 61.8 1.0015
17.1 - 20.0 1.0001 61.9 - 64.8 1.0016
20.1 - 23.0 1.0002 64.9 - 67.8 1.0017

FIG. 3-30
Note: This table is suitable for application in meter proving; in
Multiple Meter Installation prover calibration use the formulas. For the formula used to de-
rive the tabulated values and to calculate values, see Section 12
of the API Manual.

FIG. 3-32
Temperature Correction Factors for Stainless Steel, Cts

Cts for stainless steel having a cubical coefficient of expansion of

4.77 x 10-5 per °C
Prover
Observed Observed
Temperature, °C Cts Value Temperature, °C Cts Value

(–23.2) - (–21.2) 0.9982 22.9 - 24.9 1.0004

(–21.1) - (–19.1) 0.9983 25.0 - 27.0 1.0005
(–19.0) - (–16.9) 0.9984 27.1 - 29.1 1.0006
(–16.8) - (–14.9) 0.9985 29.2 - 31.2 1.0007
(–14.8) - (–12.8) 0.9986 31.3 - 33.3 1.0008
(–12.7) - (–10.7) 0.9987 33.4 - 35.4 1.0009
(–10.6) - (–8.6) 0.9988 35.5 - 37.5 1.0010
(–8.5) - (–6.5) 0.9989 37.6 - 39.6 1.0011
(–6.4) - (–4.4) 0.9990 39.7- 41.7 1.0012
(–4.3) - (–2.3) 0.9991 41.8 - 43.8 1.0013
(–2.2) - (–0.3) 0.9992 43.9 - 48.0 1.0014
(–0.2) - 1.8 0.9993 48.1 - 50.1 1.0015
1.9 - 4.0 0.9994 50.2 - 52.2 1.0016
4.1 - 6.1 0.9995 52.3 - 54.3 1.0017
Meters 6.2 - 8.1 0.9996 54.4 - 56.3 1.0018
8.2 - 10.2 0.9997 56.4 - 58.5 1.0019
10.3 - 12.3 0.9998 58.6 - 60.6 1.0020
M 12.4 - 14.5 0.9999 60.7 - 62.7 1.0021
14.6 - 16.5 1.0000 62.8 - 64.7 1.0022
16.6 - 18.6 1.0001 64.8 - 66.8 1.0023
18.7 - 20.7 1.0002 66.9 1.0024
20.8- 22.8 1.0003 1.0025
M
Note: This table is suitable for application in meter proving; in
prover calibration use the formulas. For the formula used to de-
M rive the tabulated values and to calculate values, see Section 12
of the API Manual.

3-25
 FIG. 3-33
Pressure Correction Factors for Steel, Cps

All measurements are in kPa (ga)

Prover Dimensions
Factor, 150 mm pipe 150 mm pipe 200 mm pipe 200 mm pipe 250 mm pipe 250 mm pipe 300 mm pipe 350 mm pipe 350 mm pipe
Cps 6.35 mm wall 7.11 mm wall 8.18 mm wall 9.525 mm wall 9.27 mm wall 9.525 mm wall 9.525 mm wall 7.92 mm wall 9.525 mm wall
1.0000 0-420 0-476 0-413 0-490 0-372 0-386 0-317 0-234 0-290
1.0001 421-1262 477-1427 414-1248 491-1476 373-1124 387-1158 318-965 235-717 291-876
1.0002 1263-2110 1428-2386 1249-2082 1477-2462 1125-1882 1159-1937 966-1613 718-1200 877-1462
1.0003 2111-2950 2387-3337 2083-2917 2463-3441 1883-2634 1938-2710 1614-2262 1201-1682 1463-2048
1.0004 2951-3799 3338-4296 2918-3751 3442-4427 2635-3385 2711-3489 2263-2903 1683-2165 2049-2634
1.0005 3800-4640 4297-5247 3752-4585 4428-5413 3386-4144 3490-4261 2904-3551 2166-2648 2635-3213
1.0006 4641-5482 5248-6206 4586-5419 5414-6399 4145-4833 4262-5040 3552-4199 2649-3130 3214-3799
1.0007 5483-6330 6207-7157 5420-6254 6400-7385 4834-5647 5041-5812 4200-4847 3131-3613 3800-4385
1.0008 6331-7171 6255-7088 5648-6399 5813-6592 4848-5488 3614-4096 4386-4971
1.0009 6400-7157 6593-7364 5489-6137 4097-4578 4972-5557
1.0010 6138-6785 4579-5061 5558-6143
1.0011 6786-7433 5062-5544 6144-6730
1.0012 5545-6026 6731-7316
1.0013 6027-6509
1.0014 6510-6992

Factor, 400 mm pipe 450 mm pipe 500 mm pipe 600 mm pipe 650 mm pipe 650 mm pipe 750 mm pipe 900 mm pipe
Cps 9.525 mm wall 9.525 mm wall 9.525 mm wall 9.525 mm wall 9.525 wall 12.7 mm wall 12.7 mm wall 12.7 mm wall
1.0000 0-248 0-221 0-200 0-165 0-152 0-207 0-172 0-145
1.0001 249-758 222-669 201-600 166-496 153-455 208-614 173-531 146-441
1.0002 759-1269 670-1124 601-1007 497-827 456-765 615-1034 532-889 442-738
1.0003 1270-1779 1125-1572 1008-1407 828-1165 766-1069 1035-1441 890-1248 739-1027
1.0004 1780-2282 1573-2020 1408-1806 1166-1496 1070-1379 1442-1862 1249-1600 1028-1324
1.0005 2283-2792 2021-2468 1807-2213 1497-1834 1380-1689 1863-2268 1601-1958 1325-1620
1.0006 2793-3303 2469-2917 2214-2613 1835-2165 1690-1993 2269-2689 1959-2317 1621-1917
1.0007 3304-3813 2918-3372 2614-3020 2166-2496 1994-2303 2690-3096 2318-2668 1918-2213
1.0008 3814-4323 3373-3820 3021-3420 2497-2834 2304-2606 3097-3516 2668-3027 2214-2510
1.0009 4324-4827 3821-4268 3421-3827 2835-3165 2607-2917 3517-3923 3028-3385 2511-2806
1.0010 4828-5337 4269-4716 3828-4227 3166-3503 2918-3220 3924-4344 3386-3744 2807-3103
1.0011 5338-5847 4717-5164 4228-4633 3504-3834 3221-3530 4345-4751 3745-4096 3104-3392
1.0012 5165-5619 4634-5033 3835-4165 3531-3834 4752-5171 4097-4454 3393-3689
1.0013 5620-6067 5034-5433 4166-4502 3835-4144 5172-5578 4455-4813 3690-3985
1.0014 6068-6516 5434-5840 4503-4833 4145-4454 5579-5999 4814-5171 3986-4282
1.0015 6517-6964 5841-6240 4834-5164 4455-4758 6000-6405 5172-5523 4283-4578
1.0016 6241-6647 5165-5502 4759-5068 6406-6826 5524-5881 4579-4875
1.0017 6648-7047 5503-5833 5069-5371 6827-7233 5882-6240 4876-5164
1.0018 5834-6171 5372-5681 6241-6592 5165-5461
1.0019 6172-6502 5682-5985 6593-6950 5462-5757
1.0020 6503-6833 5986-6295 5758-6054
1.0021 6834-7171 6296-6599 6055-6350
1.0022 6600-7047 6351-6647
1.0023 6648-6943

Note: This table is based on the equation:

Pp − PsD
Cps = 1 +
Em

3-26
plicated arrangement of flow and density measuring equip- pressure on the side or downstream face of the tube. The use
ment, or access to an alternate proving station, or use of a of a pitot tube is severely limited by its sensitivity to velocity
master mass meter comparison. profile.
Densitometers — A densitometer measures density The multiport averaging pitot (Fig. 3-37) attempts to over-
(mass/unit volume) of a fluid. In a vibrating densitometer (Fig. come the velocity profile sensitivity by providing several ports
3-35), a drive coil forces a tube to vibrate at some natural fre- to sense the varying impact pressures across the diameter of
quency which is a function of the tube’s mass per unit length. the pipe. The pressures are averaged and the differential pres-
As a fluid flows through the tube, the resonant frequency var- sure between this average and the static pressure detected on
ies with the density of the fluid. the downstream side of the probe, or from the line itself, is
used to determine flow.
Buoyant force densitometers (Fig. 3-36) operate on the prin-
ciple that buoyant forces acting on a floating body are a func- The flow formula for the pitot tube is very similar to that for
tion of the fluid surrounding the body. A float surrounded by an orifice. Fna is a units conversion factor and C is a flow coef-
fluid is attached to a beam suspended on a pivot. As the density ficient for this type installation.
of the fluid changes, the buoyant force provides an angular
displacement around the pivot point which is proportional to Fb = (Fna) (C) D2 Eq 3-19
the density change. The displacement is picked up and trans- Installation requirements include precise alignment of the
mitted electronically. tube and upstream flow conditioning which provides a
Densitometers installed to record flowing density should be symmetrical velocity profile. Use of the averaging pitot in a
installed close to the pipeline and all connections and parts pipe with a diameter or wall thickness other than design will
insulated. Densitometers in flowing service can be proven cause erroneous results.
with an auxiliary pycnometer. Refer to Chapter 14.6 of the API
Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards for more de- Vortex Shedding Flowmeters — A vortex meter (Fig.
tails on installation and calibration of density meters. 3-39) consists of a flow tube, a shedding element, and a detec-
tor. The shedding element is a non-streamlined object placed
STEAM MEASUREMENT in the fluid flow path. As the fluid passes the obstruction, vor-
tices are shed on alternating sides with a frequency that is
The steam flow equation (Fig. 3-3, Eq. 3-8) can be used to linearly proportional to the velocity of the fluid (Fig. 3-38) . A
calculate steam flow rate by applying a steam factor, Fs, found sensor detects vortices from which a pulse is generated. Each
in Fig. 3-19 for saturated steam and Fig. 3-20 for superheated pulse generated represents a shed vortex and the discrete vol-
steam. The Fs factor makes corrections for volume and density ume of fluid associated with that vortex. The K factor
at the pressure and temperature conditions of the steam. (pulses/unit volume) of a particular meter is the same for
gases, liquids, or steam.
Vortex meters may be installed horizontally or vertically.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASUREMENT Upstream flow conditioning comparable to that required for
DEVICES turbine meters is required. Vortex meters should be installed
with proving connections and can be proved with a master
Pitot — A pitot tube is a cylindrical probe installed in a meter or meter prover.
flowing fluid which senses the impact pressure created by the
velocity of a flowing fluid. The probe senses the impact pres- Venturis — The venturi is a tube which combines a short
sure by a hole in the upstream face of the tube, and the static constricted portion between two tapered sections (Fig. 3-40) .

FIG. 3-34
Example Calculation Converting Stream Mass to Component m3

Total Kilograms of Stream = Metered m3 (Meter Factor) (Recorded Actual Flowing Density kg/m3) (Density Factor)
= 249.92 (1.004) (507.57) (1.002)
= 127 614

Component Analysis Molecular kg/mol of Weight % kg per kg/m3 Component

Mol % Mass* Mixture Component (wt. in vacuum)* m3
Carbon Dioxide 4.40 44.010 1.936 4.34 5 538 821.94 6.738
Methane 1.10 16.043 0.176 0.39 498 300.00 1.660
Ethane 41.57 30.070 12.500 28.00 35 732 357.76 99.877
Propane 28.31 44.097 12.484 27.97 35 694 507.30 70.361
Isobutane 8.01 58.123 4.656 10.43 13 310 562.98 23.642
Normal Butane 5.93 58.123 3.447 7.72 9 852 584.06 16.868
Pentanes Plus 10.68 88.394 9.440 21.15 26 990 666.19 40.514
Totals 100.00 100.00 127 614 259.660
*From Fig. 23-2

3-27
The difference in pressure between the inlet and the throat of Critical flow nozzles, sometimes called sonic nozzles, have
the device is used to calculate flow rate. been used many years to prove gas metering, air flows, and
steam generators. A pressure drop sufficient to create a critical
Venturis require less upstream pipe than other differential velocity must be maintained across the nozzle, whereby its
pressure meters and have the lowest pressure loss. performance is completely independent of downstream condi-
tions, and relatively unaffected by variations in upstream con-
The ASME Fluid Meters Reference Book gives some gener- ditions, providing a stable, accurate flow rate determination
alized coefficients for calculation; however, since there are with which to prove other metering devices. The rate of dis-
many variations of venturis, it is recommended they be flow charge of a gas will increase for a decrease in the absolute
calibrated for most accurate measurement. The manufacturer pressure ratio, p1/p2, until the linear velocity in the throat
is the best source for installation and calculation procedures. reaches the speed of sound in the gas, and will remain constant
with further increase in pressure drop.
Flow Nozzles — The flow nozzle (Fig. 3-41) is an ellipti-
cally shaped, velocity-increasing device inserted in a flow line. Auxiliary Equipment and Common Terms
Pressure taps are taken at designated points, indicating the Differential Measuring Devices — Differential
pressure drop between the entrance and the throat of the noz- measuring devices are necessary to determine the pressure
zle. The flow follows a smooth curve leading into a minimum- differential across an orifice fitting or other type of primary
throat section that controls the contraction of the jet of fluid measuring device that produces a pressure drop that is pro-
to the same diameter as the throat. portional to the flow rate. Usually this device causes an exter-
nal movement that can be directly recorded, or can be
There are several shapes that are commercially available transmitted pneumatically or electronically to a location re-
based on standards of the International Standards Organization. mote to the primary measuring device. Section 4, Instrumen-
Reference should be made to the appropriate standard for in-
stallation and calculation procedures. FIG. 3-37
FIG. 3-35 Basic Operating Principle—Multiple Averaging Pitot
Vibrating Tube Densitometer
hv (Velocity Head)
hb (Blockage)
hw (D P)
hs (Suction ?K? Corrects
Saddle Mounted Amplifier Case hh Pressure) For:
(Hi Pressure 1. Blockage
Signal) 2. Suction
Cable Entry hL
hp (Lo Pressure
(Pipe Static Signal)
Pressure)

Vibrating Tube Drive Coils

ho
(REF: No Pressure)
Flow Profile

Velocity Average Rear Lo Pressure Port

Interpolating Tube Pressure Impact Ports
FIG. 3-36
Buoyant Force Densitometer
FIG. 3-38
15 7 6 4 16 5 17 3 2 1 12 Vortex Shedding Phenomenon

High Velocity Fluid

Meter
Sensor Bore
Diaphragm
8 9 10 14 18 11 13 Strain
Detector
1 Float 6 Sensing Coil 11 Balance Beam Flow
2 Pivot 7 Sensing Slug 12 Float Shield
3 Counterweight 8 Calibration Plug 13 Barrel Chamber Quiet
Fluid Alternate
4 Restoring Magnet 9 Zero Calibration Weight 14 Terminal Strip Zone Vortices
5 Restoring Coil 10 Knurled Sleeve 15 Vent
Shear Layer
16 Coil Cover
17 Closure Pin
*18 Plug-in Circuit Board

* Not Shown

3-28
 FIG. 3-39 tation, should be consulted for more details of recorders and
differential transmitters.
Vortex Flowmeter Components
Differential measuring devices in gas service should be
mounted above the pipeline in which the primary device is
located. Connecting tubing should be sloped toward the pri-
End Cover Electronics Housing mary device. Differential measuring devices in liquid service
(Without Indicator) (Output Module End)
should be mounted below the pipeline.

Output Module The differential pressure range should be compatible with

Assembly (Two the expected differential measurement. For example a pri-
Versions Available
With Three Outputs) mary device expected to have an average output signal of 1778
mm of water differential pressure could be equipped with a
0-2540 mm of water measuring device. However, if the pri-
mary device will produce an output differential pressure of 380
mm of water, a 0-500 mm of water measuring range should be
specified. Differential measuring devices are usually available
End Cover in scales ranging from vacuum to 25 400 or more mm of water
differential pressure.
Coax Connector
Flow Recorders — Recorders may be connected directly
Sensor Assembly
to differential measuring devices and record the differential
Detector pressure through mechanical linkages. Recorders can also be
located remote from the primary differential measuring device
and receive a pneumatic or electronic signal of the differential
pressure for recording.
Flowmeter Body

Mechanical Connector Two basic configurations of recorders are available, circular

and strip. A circular chart recorder has a round chart, driven
Pin
Vortex Shedding Element mechanically, electrically or pneumatically to complete a revo-
Flow Dam
lution in a specified period of time, e.g., 24 hours, 8 days, etc.,
Cap Screw
upon which the value is recorded by an inking pen or other
marking device. The static pressure is usually recorded on the
same chart. The temperature can also be recorded, using a
three-pen recorder.
A strip chart recorder uses rolls of narrow paper driven me-
FIG. 3-40 chanically, electrically, or pneumatically, upon which the re-
ceived signal is marked. Strip chart recorders are available in
Venturi Meter many chart speeds, or combinations of chart speeds.
"Roots" or "Roots of Flow" — Many times an operator
Cylindrical Inlet Throat Divergent Cone will refer to "roots of flow." This expression is used to define
Convergent Cone a differential flow measurement when every variable is rela-
tively constant except the differential pressure across an ori-
fice plate. The expression is mostly used in processing
D
operations where the static pressure is controlled or varies
only a small amount, and the stream composition is constant.
Of course the orifice and line size are constant, leaving only
Upstream Tap Downstream Tap
the flow rate to vary, which, in turn, changes the differential
pressure recording. Since the differential pressure is a square
root function in the basic orifice equation, the "flow rate per
root" is constant on a square root (0-100") chart recorder and
FIG. 3-41 the operator usually has a simple reference chart of "roots"
Flow Nozzle Assembly versus the flow rate in m3 per hour, m3 per day, or m3 per
minute, etc.
If a differential recorder with a span of something other than
UPSTREAM TAP P1 P2
DOWNSTREAM TAP 0-100" is used, a 0-10 square root chart is more difficult to
calculate. For example, if a 0-200" differential meter is used,
the "10" on a square root chart will actually be the square root
FLOW of 200" rather than the square root of 100", or 14.142. Each
"root" would be 1.4142 times the calculated flow rate for an
actual square root. For a 0-50" recorder, the factor would be
0.707 times the actual square root of the inches of differential.
NOZZLE FLANGES NOZZLE
Gas Sampling — Sample taking requires considerable
care, utilizing specific techniques in order to obtain a repre-

3-29
 FIG. 3-42
Gas Sampler

Sample
Pump

Speed Sample
Loop Container
Timing
System

Inlet Discharge

Probe

FIG. 3-43
Liquid Sampler

Inert Gas
Preload Gauge

Sample Gauge
Floating Piston Inert Gas
Fill Preload Valve
Valve

Bursting
Relief Sample Mixer Inert Gas

sentative sample. A sample should be taken from a section of resentative sample. Sample containers must be transported
line where good velocity and minimum turbulence are main- in accordance with government regulations.
tained. Headers and manifolds should be avoided. Elbows,
tees, valves, fittings, etc., all cause turbulence resulting in Extreme care must be exercised in both cleaning the sample
generation of aerosols which ruin the integrity of the sample. container and sample taking. GPA 2166 describes proper
Gas samples should be collected from the top of a line, through methods which, when followed, will ensure representative
a probe extending down to the center third of the line. The spot samples.
probe is essential to avoid a concentration of heavy ends which Continuous samplers accumulate a composite sample over
travel along the pipe wall from reaching the sample container a specific time period. A continuous sampler consists of a
and skewing the results. Sample lines should be as short as probe, a sample valve, a timing device, and a sample container.
possible and sloped downward from the sample container to A stream with a relatively constant analysis can be sampled
the sample source, allowing any liquids to drain back to the with a timed sampler; however, if the stream composition var-
source. When entrained liquids are present, a liquid separator ies, a proportional-to-flow sampler is required to obtain a rep-
should be installed. Sampling valves should be of the full- resentative sample. Provisions should be made to stop
opening type with soft seats to allow positive shutoff. Use of sampling under no-flow conditions. The same considerations
stainless steel sample containers is recommended in order to discussed in spot sampling are applicable to continuous sam-
minimize surface adsorption of heavy hydrocarbons and to pling. In addition, no filters, regulators, or drips should be
minimize reactions with corrosive compounds. All parts of the placed between the probe and the sampler; and short lines
sampling system must be designed with adequate working with small diameter tubing should be used. The system must
pressures. Any leakage in the system will result in a non-rep- be checked to ensure against leaks; and care must be taken to

3-30
purge the system lines carefully. Continuous flowing sample Continuous samplers should use a continuous flowing sample
loops (speed loops) are recommended to ensure the most cur- loop (speed loop) driven by an orifice, differential pump, or
rent sample is always added to the sample container. See available pressure drop, and be timed on a proportional-to-
Fig. 3-42 for an example gas sampling application. flow basis unless flow rate is constant. Loop lines may require
insulation. The product must be thoroughly mixed before be-
Liquid Sampling — Liquid sampling requires special ing transferred to another container or before being analyzed.
precautions to accumulate and transfer representative sam-
ples. Pressure in the sample cylinder must remain above the Details for obtaining liquid samples are found in GPA 2174.
vapor pressure of the product, and a method to break up strati-
fication must be provided prior to laboratory analysis. Both of
these requirements can be satisfied by using floating piston REFERENCES
sample cylinders with mixers (Fig. 3-43). The floating piston
cylinders are pre-charged on one end with an inert gas at a 1. Fluid Meters, Sixth Edition (1971), The American Society of
pressure above product vapor pressure. This prevents sample Mechanical Engineers, New York, New York.
vaporization, which could result in an erroneous analysis, and 2. Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, American Pe-
provides a compressible gas cushion to allow for thermal ex- troleum Institute, Washington, D.C.
pansion of the liquid. A pressure relief valve is needed, but 3. Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocar-
should it discharge, the integrity of the sample will be lost. bons, ANSI/API 2530 (GPA 8185), American Petroleum Insti-
Samples are acquired through a probe with a beveled edge tute, Washington, D.C.
facing upstream, securing product from the center third of the 4. Orifice Meter Constants, Handbook E-2, American Meter Com-
pipe. The probe should be located on the top or side of the line. pany, 1955.

3-31