API MPMS 22.2:2017 pdf free download.Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 22—Testing Protocol Section 2—Differential Pressure Flow Measurement Devices
4 Field of Application
The application for this testing protocol is limited to devices that are used in the measurement of hydrocarbon fluids in the petroleum, energy, and petrochemical industries. In addition, this protocol is limited to single phase, steady-state, Newtonian fluids operating within the turbulent flow regime (Reynolds number greater than 4,000). This protocol only applies to meters where the discharge coefficient for each individual meter is determined through flow calibration.
This protocol does not apply to meters where the manufacturer has developed a discharge coefficient or discharge coefficient equation that applies to all meters of the same design, size, or area ratio. The results of tests on representative meters for discharge coefficient uncertainty, installation effects, gas expansion factor, and the method of determining the discharge coefficient can be applied to all meters of the same make, model, size, and area ratio as the representative meters tested.
The discharge coefficient for individual meters of the same make and model can vary significantly. The use of a generalized discharge coefficient for a given make and model in lieu of an individually flow calibrated discharge coefficient is discouraged.
The application of this testing protocol assumes that the installation of the meter in the field conforms to the test conditions used in this protocol and that the discharge coefficient unique to each meter and the gas expansion factor have been programmed into the flow computer or measurement system. 5 Parameter Variations Affecting Device Performance The performance of differential pressure flow measurement devices can be affected by numerous parameters, including the following.
5.1 Flowing Conditions
— Reynolds number—The discharge coefficient for most differential meters is sensitive to the Reynolds number. The effect of Reynolds number on discharge coefficient is part of the mandatory tests (6.8.2). It may be necessary to fit the calibration data with either a curve fit or linearization techniques to meet the user’s uncertainty criteria (see 8.2).
— Density—The differential pressure across the meter is directly related to the density of the fluid at flowing conditions. Changes in fluid density will affect device performance through this direct relationship, as well as through changes in Reynolds number and the discharge coefficient. Fluid density during testing is controlled by the test facility and variations in fluid density is accounted for in the test facility uncertainty determination (see Annex B.4.6).
— Differential pressure to static pressure ratio (DP/P f )—The gas expansion factor required for meters measuring gas is typically a function of the ratio of the differential pressure to the static pressure. For meters designed to measure gas flow, this protocol requires a gas expansion factor to be provided (see 6.8.4). In addition, tests are required to be run at a high DP/P f and a low DP/P f to test the gas expansion factor (see 6.6).
— Pressure—Some meters may be sensitive to flowing pressure due to changes in dimensions caused by stress on the meter, or due to other causes. Although pressure effect testing is not part of this protocol, the manufacturer shall specify the maximum allowable pressure that will result in a discharge coefficient that is statistically similar to the stated discharge coefficient. The manufacturer shall also provide documentation, upon request of the user, as to how this was derived through testing.
5.2 Meter Pipe Conditions
— Steps or misalignment prior to and after the meter—Even with a symmetrical and fully developed flow profile entering the meter, a step or misalignment between the primary device or meter body and the upstream and downstream piping may cause changes to the discharge coefficient. Although testing the effects of steps or misalignment is not part of this protocol, the manufacturer shall specify the maximum allowable steps or misalignment that will result in a discharge coefficient that is statistically similar to the stated discharge coefficient. The manufacturer shall also provide documentation, upon request of the user, as to how this was derived through testing.
— Out of round—Even with a symmetrical and fully developed flow profile entering the meter, an out-of-round meter pipe may cause changes to the discharge coefficient. There are no mandatory tests addressing this condition. If this condition is not addressed in the testing, then in field applications of the meter, the meter pipe shall meet or exceed the roundness specifications found in API MPMS Chapter 14.3 Part 2, Section 5.1.3.1.
— Surface finish—the surface finish of the meter pipe can affect the flow profile of the fluid entering the meter. The mandatory testing includes specifications for meter pipe surface finish (see 6.2). If the meter is to be used in applications where the meter pipe surface finish is significantly different than the requirements in 6.2, additional tests shall be run to quantify the effects of surface finish on the discharge coefficient.API MPMS 22.2 pdf download.API MPMS 22.2:2017 pdf free download
