DIFFERENTIAL FLOW METER SELECTION GUIDE

DOCUMENT NUMBER: 2005-1001

PRODUCT BULLETIN

Purpose:
The purpose of this guide is to provide an objective method of selecting the type of differential flow meter that best suits a particular application. The comparative information presented is based on 25 years of field experience as well as a wide range of technical papers and codes which offer valuable guidance and insight into the performance and characteristics of differential devices.

Format:
Each section focuses on a particular flow meter type. Within the section, key characteristics and performance attributes are enumerated. Notes are provided for each section that further elaborate and qualify certain statements, and should be considered integral to the presentation and to any conclusions the reader makes with respect to the flow meters considered.
Meter Type Line Size Range (inches) Headloss % of Differential Basic Accuracy (% of Total) Minimum pipe Reynolds number Required Straight Piping Beta Range Useful Service Life Service Functional Limits Cost Range

ORIFICE

No Limit

50 to 70 percent

+/- 0.50 to +/-1.50** +/-0.67 ***

Must be greater than 10,000

Approach and Downstream Required

0.20 through Accuracy is 0.75 adversely affected by any change in bore edge****

Non-abrasive, clear low viscosity liquid or gas

LOW

*Per ASME Fluid Meters; *Per ASME Fluid Meters; **Depending on bore size (smaller bores 70%, larger bores **Depending less than 70%); on bore size (smaller bores 70%, larger bores less than ***If in compliance with AGA 3 requirements; 70%); ****The accuracy of an orifice plate is influenced by any ***If change in compliance to the sharpness with AGA of its 3 requirements; bore edge. This demands regular field inspection and replacement if change is noted. Approach ****The and discharge accuracystraight of an orifice piping plate must is comply influenced with by ASME any change Fluid Meter to the requirements, including need for flow straighteners, if indicated; sharpness of its bore edge. This demands regular field inspection and replacement if change is noted. Approach and discharge straight piping must comply with ASME Fluid Meter requirements, including need for flow straighteners, if indicated;

WEDGE
PFS WedgeTM type

thru 24.0*

30 to 60 percent

+/- 2.0 to +/-4.0**

Must be greater than 500

Approach and Downstream Required

0.20 through 0.5 H/D***

Long

Ideal for harsh, high viscosity, liquid, slurry or gas service

LOW ****

*Larger line sizes are available *Larger line but must sizes be are laboratory available but flow must calibrated. be laboratory flow calibrated. ** Accuracy stated is standard, **Accuracy non-laboratory stated is standard, flow calibrated non-laboratory value. Accuracy flow calibrated of +/- 0.50% value. is Accuracy possible of with +/- 0.50% laboratory is possible flow calibration with laboratory (must include flow up and down stream piping.) calibration (must include up and down stream piping.) *** H/D is the ratio between ***H/D wedge is the segment ratio between opening wedge (H) and segment the inside opening diameter (H) and of the meter inside body diameter (D). of the meter body (D). **** The relative capital ****The cost of relative differential capital producing cost of flow differential metersproducing can vary. Selection flow meters criteria can vary. recommending Selection criteria the Wedge recommending meter mustthe emphasize Wedge meter its superior ability to measure must harsh, emphasize abrasive, its superior high viscosity, ability to and measure otherwise harsh, difficult abrasive, service high conditions. viscosity, and otherwise difficult service conditions.

WEDGE ELBOW
PFS WedgeTM type

1.0 to thru any line 24.0* size

30 N/A* to 60 percent

+/- 2.0 4.0 to ** +/-4.0**

Must be greater than 10,000 500

Approach Approach and Downstream (Upstream) Required

0.20 N/A through 0.5 H/D***

Long

Ideal Clear for liquid harsh, high and viscosity, gas. liquid, slurry or gas service

VERY LOW LOW ****

* The Elbow meter utilizes the headloss created by flow passing through the elbow as a differential pressure signal. This limits the elbow meter application to flow rate range(s) that can accurately be covered by the secondary instrument( DP transmitter) particularly as regards the low end differential pressure. Typically an Elbow meter useful range *Larger line sizes are available but must be laboratory flow calibrated. is 3 or 4 to 1 on flow. **Accuracy stated is standard, non-laboratory flow calibrated value. Accuracy of +/- 0.50% is possible with laboratory flow calibration (must include up and down stream piping.) ** Per ASME. Better accuracy ca with specially machined ***H/D is the ratio between wedge segment opening (H) and the inside diameter of the meter body (D). elbows and laboratory flow calibration. Repeatability is good ****The relative capital cost of differential producing flow meters can vary. Selection criteria recommending the at 0.2% or better. Wedge meter must emphasize its superior ability to measure harsh, abrasive, high viscosity, and otherwise difficult service conditions.
2006 Primary Flow Signal, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Primary Flow Signal, Inc.- WORLD HEADQUARTERS 800 Wellington Avenue Cranston, RI 02910, USA http://www.primaryflowsignal.com toll free: 1-877-737-3569 phone: 401-461-6366 fax: 401-461-4450

DIFFERENTIAL FLOW METER SELECTION GUIDE

DOCUMENT NUMBER: 2005-1001

PRODUCT BULLETIN
(Continued)
Meter Type Line Size Range (inches) Headloss % of Differential Basic Accuracy (% of Total) Minimum pipe Reynolds number Required Straight Piping Beta Range
(C)2005-Primary Flow Signal, Inc.-All rights reserved.

Useful Service Life

Service Functional Limits

Cost Range

ORIFICE FLOW NOZZLE

Greater No Limit than 2.0

40 50 to 95 70 percent* percent

+/- 0.25 0.50 to +/-2.00** +/-1.50** +/-0.67 ***

Must be greater than 10,000

Approach and Downstream Required*** Required

0.20 through Medium to Accuracy is 0.80*** 0.75 long adversely affected by any change in bore edge****

Clear Liquids, Gas and steam****

MED. LOW to HIGH

*Headloss is a function of bore size. If nozzle is part of a meter run including straightening vane(as required by some codes) loop headloss will be on high side. *Per ASME Fluid Meters; **Depending on bore size (smaller bores 70%,ASME largerPTC-6. bores less than 70%); **Per ASME including ASME and ISA for specific design requirements as function of Beta ratio. ***If in compliance with ***Consult AGA 3 requirements; ****One prominent use of by the ASME Nozzle andsharpness ASME Nozzle meter is for steam turbine efficiency ****The accuracy of an orifice plate is influenced any change to the of its borerun edge. This demands regular field inspection and replacement if change is noted. Approach and discharge straight piping must comply with ASME Fluid Meter testing as specified by ASME PTC-6. that number of international codes govern use and design of flow nozzles, ASME, ISA and requirements, includingNote need for a flow straighteners, if indicated; others. While they cover similar meter embodiments, design parameters and requirements, and stated performance in key areas may differ.

CLASSICAL WEDGE PFS WedgeVENTURI

type
TM

4.0 thru 48.0* 24.0*

12 30 to 30 60 percent** percent

+/+/-1.0 2.0 to to +/-4.0** +/-2.0

Must be greater than 100,000 500

Approach Approach only and Downstream Required Required

0.40 0.20 through 0.50.80 H/D***

Medium*** Long Periodic Tap and annular chamber maintenance is required.

Ideal Clear for liquids, harsh, gas highand viscosity, steam liquid, slurry or gas service

HIGH LOW ****

*Per ASME, ISO 5167 and MFC-3M-85. ** Headloss is a function of Beta ratio; the smaller the Beta the higher the headloss. *** ASME Classical Venturi meters, by design, have annular chambers, and all prior test data referring to these designs includes the performance effects of these chambers. Since the annular chambers are subject to plugging in contaminated process fluid applications, clear liquids and gases present the *Larger line sizes are available but must be laboratory flow calibrated. best use of this meter design. Because corrosion may produce **Accuracy stated is standard, non-laboratory flow calibrated value. Accuracy of +/0.50% is possible with laboratory flow plugging effects to the annular chamber and impulse taps over calibration (must include up and down stream piping.) time, as well, useful service life is contingent upon material ***H/D is the ratio between wedge segment opening (H) and the inside diameter of the meter body (D). selection. Periodic maintenance work to remove detritus and ****The relative capital cost of differential producing flow meters can vary. Selection criteria recommending the Wedge meter plugging is recommended. must emphasize its superior ability to measure harsh, abrasive, high viscosity, and otherwise difficult service conditions.

This 24.0 Classical Venturi is being refurbished in PFS Warwick, RI facility. Only the entrance vestibule and throat section are shown. The complete flow meter is nearly twice the length

MODIFIED WEDGE PFS WedgeSHORT type FORM VENTURI

TM

0.50 to thru any line 24.0* size

30 3.50 to to 60 percent 10.0

+/- 0.50 2.0 to * +/-4.0**

Must be greater than 75,000 500

Approach Approach and Downstream (Upstream) Required

0.20 through 0.50.80 H/D***

Very Long Long

Ideal Clear for liquid, harsh, gas, highsteam, viscosity, and liquid, contaminated slurry or line gas fluid(s).** service

MED. LOW ****

*Larger line sizes are available but must be laboratory flow calibrated. **Accuracy stated is standard, non-laboratory flow calibrated value. Accuracy of +/- 0.50% possible with laboratory flow ** Modified Shortis Form Venturi meters can be calibration (must include up and down stream piping.) equipped with sealed diaphragm sensors to ***H/D is the ratio between wedge segment opening (H) and the inside diameter of the meter body (D). by suspended solids eliminate plugging concerns ****The relative capital cost of differential producing flow meters can vary. in Selection recommending the Wedge meter processcriteria fluid. Options are available for in-place must emphasize its superior ability to measure harsh, abrasive, high viscosity, and otherwise difficult service conditions. calibration of secondary instrumentation without necessity for line shut-down or equipment removal.

* Modified short form Venturi meters can be made of any machinable material and in any line size. The basic accuracy is substantiated by prior laboratory flow calibrations and there is no effect on performance as a function of line size or Beta ratio. +/-0.25% accuracy (or better) is achievable through individual laboratory flow calibration.

2006 Primary Flow Signal, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Primary Flow Signal, Inc.- WORLD HEADQUARTERS 800 Wellington Avenue Cranston, RI 02910, USA http://www.primaryflowsignal.com toll free: 1-877-737-3569 phone: 401-461-6366 fax: 401-461-4450

DIFFERENTIAL FLOW METER SELECTION GUIDE

DOCUMENT NUMBER: 2005-1001

PRODUCT BULLETIN
(Continued)
Meter Type Line Size Range (inches) Headloss % of Differential Basic Accuracy (% of Total) Minimum pipe Reynolds number Required Straight Piping Beta Range
(C)2005-Primary Flow Signal, Inc.-All rights reserved.

Useful Service Life

Service Functional Limits

Cost Range

ORIFICE HBX-1

0.50 No to Limit any line size

18 50 to 25 70 percent

+/+/-0.50 0.50* to +/-1.50** +/-0.67 ***

Must be greater than 10,000 6,600

Approach Approach only and Downstream Required Required

0.20 through Accuracy Very Long is Clear Non-abrasive, liquids, gases clear 0.80 0.75 adversely affected low viscosity and steam. liquid by any change or gas in bore edge****

LOW

*Per ASME Fluid Meters; *The PFS-X1 was designed to provide Venturi meter accuracy, repeatability and long service life but **Depending on bore size (smaller bores 70%, larger bores less than 70%); including low flow rate capability (down to 6,600 pipe Reynolds number) which cannot be easily achieved ***If in compliance with AGA 3 requirements; using standard Venturi meter designs. ****The accuracy of an orifice plate is influenced by any change to the sharpness of its bore edge. This demands regular field inspection and replacement if change is noted. Approach and discharge straight **The significant feature of therequirements, PFS-X1 is that it is not limited to flow 75,000 pipe Reynolds number piping must comply beneficial with ASME Fluid Meter including need for straighteners, if indicated; low limit for constant accuracy as is the case for the Modified Short Form Venturi design. This results in a significantly lower flow range-ability of this design while still enjoying high, stable and linear accuracy performance envelope.

WEDGE HBX-2
PFS WedgeELBOW TM type

0.25 t0 any thru line size 24.0*

Standard 30 to 60 elbow percent

+/+/-2.0 2.0* to +/-4.0**

Must be greater than 5,000 500

Approach and Very short Downstream Approach Required only Required

0.20 through Any** 0.5 H/D***

Long Very Long

Ideal for harsh, liquid, high steam viscosity, gas, and liquid, slurry or contaminated gas service service

VERY LOW LOW ****

*Laboratory flow calibration will improve meter accuracy to +/-0.25%. *Larger line sizes are available but must be laboratory flow calibrated. ** Reduced bore is specifically designed to develop high differentials. **Accuracy stated is standard, non-laboratory flow calibrated value. Accuracy of +/- 0.50% is possible with NOTE: aflow variety of tap orientations are up utilized depending on the type of service intended. laboratory calibration (must include and down stream piping.) ***H/D is the ratio between wedge segment opening (H) and the inside diameter of the meter body (D). ****The relative capital cost of differential producing flow meters can vary. Selection criteria recommending the Wedge meter must emphasize its superior ability to measure harsh, abrasive, high viscosity, and otherwise difficult service conditions.

PFSFlowMaster-fully integrated secondary metering system

Primary Flow Signal, Inc. Has developed a wide variety of secondary instrumentation metering systems which can be used with a broad range of differential producer type flow meter primaries. The selection of equipment that is factory installed, tested and calibrated inside a properly sized NEMA 4X enclosure, is dependent upon the specific requirements of each application. Single range systems are most frequently used for 8:1 flow range applications. Dual range systems are used on 64:1applications, and triple range systems can be effectively used up to 500:1 applications.

PFS Self Checking OptionShort form Venturi and HBX-1 meters can be equipped with a self checking system that compares two independent pressure sources and alarms if the change exceeds a range limit. The alarm then signals either a transmitter malfunction or unacceptable change to the internal geometry of the flow meter requiring maintenance or corrective action. This prevents long term undetected accuracy degradation in critical applications. 64:1applications, and triple
2006 Primary Flow Signal, Inc. All Rights Reserved

ABRASIVE LINE FLUID NOT A PROBLEM! Novel rectangular Venturi design by Primary Flow Signal, Inc. Features removable and replaceable segment for harsh and abrasive service

Primary Flow Signal, Inc.- WORLD HEADQUARTERS 800 Wellington Avenue Cranston, RI 02910, USA http://www.primaryflowsignal.com toll free: 1-877-737-3569 phone: 401-461-6366 fax: 401-461-4450

DIFFERENTIAL FLOW METER SELECTION GUIDE

DOCUMENT NUMBER: 2005-1001

PRODUCT BULLETIN

2006 Primary Flow Signal, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Primary Flow Signal, Inc.- WORLD HEADQUARTERS 800 Wellington Avenue Cranston, RI 02910, USA http://www.primaryflowsignal.com toll free: 1-877-737-3569 phone: 401-461-6366 fax: 401-461-4450