GUIDANCE NOTE

Selecting a Flow Meter

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Selecting a Flow Meter

Introduction
With a very large number of different ow meters based on over a hundred different operating principles, selecting a ow meter for a specic task can be a daunting prospect for even the most experienced metering engineer. With so many options available, it is not possible to provide a simple decision tree that will guide you to the right choice. This guidance note lists the key questions that should be answered when selecting a ow meter. You will have to consider the following points: Purpose Fluid Operating conditions Flow range Accuracy Installation Environment Economics Operational considerations:

How accurately?

Why?

What?

Where?

Costs?

Calibration?

Checklist for Flow Meter Selection

Purpose What are you measuring? Why are you making the measurement? Fluid What is your uid? What are its properties? density, viscosity, thermal conductivity etc Is it hazardous or corrosive? Can you accept an intrusive uid or must you avoid contact to avoid contamination? Test Conditions Pressure? Temperature? Do they vary? And if so does that alter the properties? Flow Range What is the turndown ratio between the maximum and minimum ow? Could you use two meters to reduce the range? Could you get a surge or reversal of the ow? This could damage some meters Could you get anomalies at start-up? Condensate slugs in steam lines or gas in liquid lines can destroy some meters. Uncertainty Do you require good accuracy or is repeatability good enough? Can you accept increased uncertainty at low ow? Be aware of manufacturers that quote uncertainty as a percentage of full-scale what does this mean at minimum ow?

Ultrasonic meter? Turbine meter?

Coriolis meter?

Orifice plate? Electromagnetic?

Venturi?

The selection process is not always straightforward and you may need to go round the loop more than once. You may wish to consult manufacturers about their meters or speak to a metering expert. Always ask for advice early in the selection process. This will ensure you have enough information to fully specify the equipment. Asking for advice too late in the process might mean having to redesign the system and asking to buy a replacement meter!

June 2010

Installation What straight length of pipe upstream and downstream do you have for the meter? What ttings are upstream? Can you install a ow conditioner to improve the ow prole? Environment Will the meter be exposed to signicantly high or low ambient temperatures? Will the meter be exposed to high humidity? Will the meter be exposed to electromagnetic interference? Economic Is the capital cost the only issue? dont forget about the installation cost Are the running costs an issue? How often can you afford to calibrate? Can you accept a high pressure drop with extra pumping costs? Or would a more expensive, low pressure drop meter be cheaper in the long run? What are the operational considerations? Operational Considerations Can you shut down the process and remove the meter to calibrate it? Will you need a second meter to use while you calibrate the rst one? Will you need bypass and isolation valves to enable the meter to be removed?

Concluding Points
There are several other points that should be raised when selecting a ow meter; Do you actually need the measurement? Very often the value of a ow can be inferred from other measurements without substantially increasing the uncertainty? Is this true in your case? It is often advisable to take advice from other people who have a good knowledge of the measurement system in which the meter is being installed. It is also important to realize that there is probably no unique correct answer to this. The process involves narrowing down the possible options and converging to a small number of choices. Occasionally you will forced into making a particular choice due a combination of circumstances.

Further Reading
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. Guide to selection and application of ow meters for the measurement of uid ow in closed conduits. British Standard BS 7405: 1991. British Standard Institution, London, 1991.

The purpose of this Guidance Note is to provide, in condensed form, information on measurement methods and technologies. It was produced as part of the UK Governments National Measurement System. For further information, contact: TUV NEL, East Kilbride, GLASGOW, G75 0QF, UK Tel: + 44 (0) 1355 220222 www.tuvnel.com Email: info@tuvnel.com

TUV NEL Ltd 2010 Re-issued 2010

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