Impact of Measurement Uncertainty on Ultrasonic Meter Speed of Sound Calculations

摘要

This paper addresses the effects of uncertainties on ultrasonic measurement. Specifically, it attempts to quantify the impact of uncertainties in physical properties (pressure, temperature, etc.), natural gas composition (hydrocarbons, diluents, etc.), and ultrasonic meter configuration (path length, pipe diameter, etc.), on measured and calculated speed of sound. The impact of measurement uncertainties on the assessment of ultrasonic meter performance is analyzed as relevant to the AGA9 Report on ultrasonic metering. The analysis is based on a combination of model and actual field data. The model is a production software utilized by the natural gas industry. The actual field data is obtained from an operating natural gas storage pool with ultrasonic measurement operating over a wide range of pressures and temperatures.