PERFORMANCE OF ORIFICE METERS IN INSTALLATIONS WITH HEADERS
Wojciech Studzinski
Abstract:
Headers commonly used in multirun meter stations can generate a variety of flow profile distortions influencing the measurement error of orifice meters. The experiments conducted at the low pressure air test facility at NOVA Research & Technology Centre covered a range of header configurations used in various meter station designs. The upstream piping configuration included a straight inflow pipe, a single elbow and two elbows in perpendicular planes in two orientations. It was found that some changes in flow configuration through the header and meter runs, as well as modifications to the geometrical dimensions of the header, can result in significant flow measurement errors up to 4.3%. There are some header configurations which provide error free operation of orifice meters. The finding validates concerns that the header effect depends on a particular geometry being used and is difficult for an up front assessment at the design stage.
