Flow Conditioner Tests for Three Orifice Flowmeter Sizes

摘要

Test sponsored by the Gas Research Institute were performed with orificeflowmeters of three nominal sizes: 52, 104, and 154 mm (2, 4, and 6 in). Tests with the 52 mm orifice meter included establishing a baseline curve for 6 beta ratios and then conducting flow conditioner performance tests with an elbow located 17 pipe diameters (17D) upstream of the orifice plate. Results from this laboratory indicate that beta ratios of 0.54 or less do not require flow conditioning in this configuration and the 19 tube bundle flow conditioner at 12D produces the best results for larger beta ratios. For the 104 mm orifice meter in the same piping configuration, flow conditioning is necessary for beta ratios of 0.55 and greater. Meter performance is less sensitive to the location of the 7 tube bundle than the 19 tube bundle flow conditioner, but the influence of the flange tape location is greater. Testing of two beta ratios in the 154 mm orifice meter in a baseline configuration and with a tee located 18D from the orifice plate indicates that placing a 19 tube bundle flow conditioner at 12D produces discharge coefficients equivalent to those measured in baseline conditions. Flow rates for all tests were in the turbulent regime.