Ultrasonic Meter Testing for Storage Applications

摘要

Laboratory tests of commercially available 8-inch diameter single- and multipath211u001eultrasonic flow meters were conducted as part of this study to assess their 211u001eperformance in natural gas storage field applications. The lab evaluation tests 211u001edetermined the sensitivity of ultrasonic gas flow meters to gas pressure and 211u001etemperature variations. The performance of the meters under bi-directional flow 211u001econditions was also assessed to establish the range over which an accurate flow 211u001erate measurement can be obtained. Lab tests were also performed to quantify the 211u001emagnitude of the volumetric flow rate measurement error caused by the presence of 211u001ea thermowell upstream of the meter, and to establish guidelines on placement of 211u001ethe thermowell so as to minimize or eliminate this error source. In addition to 211u001ecollecting ultrasonic flow meter test data at the Metering Research Facility, 211u001eSouthwest Research Institute staff also collected and analyzed field meter 211u001eperformance data from gas transmission pipeline operators in the United States. 211u001eSeveral pipeline operators have performed field evaluations of ultrasonic flow 211u001emeters ranging in size from 304.8 to 508 millimeters (12 to 20 inches) in 211u001ediameter. Significant findings and observations from these field evaluations are 211u001eincluded in this report.