PROCESS MEASUREMENT 187

8.13 Process Pulsation

Instruments that measure the pulsating pressures of reciprocating pumps and compressors should be equipped with
pulsation dampeners to prevent premature failure. Needle valves, floating pins, or porous metal devices are often
used for this purpose.

However, snubbers reduce the noise by lowering the dynamic response time of the system. Therefore, they should be
used cautiously where response time is important.

In the case of flow instruments, pulsation leads to significant inaccuracy and systematically high differential flow
measurements. To obtain the correct reading, filtering should be applied to resulting flow reading not the differential
pressure. The ISO TR 3313-1998 provides further information on this topic. Also see Section 5.4.4.4 on frequency
effects on process piping.

8.14 Differential Pressure Flow Meters

The installation of differential pressure flow devices is generally the same regardless of the type of primary element.
See Figure 58 for typical closed coupled flow meter installation details. PIP PCIFL100 shows the preferred tap
locations of orifice plates and other head meters, such as flow tubes. The connecting pipe and manifold is a source of
inaccuracy. To meet the recommendations of ASME MFC-8M and ISO 2186 about avoiding long impulse lines. Flow
measurements should be transmitted electronically or pneumatically.

Differences in impulse line elevations create head problems. It is necessary to eliminate errors caused by vapor
condensation in the impulse lines. Equal liquid head should be provided on each side of a differential transmitter.

Differences in specific gravity between impulse lines can be caused by temperature or the amount of gas or water.
For example, if the meter is 2.5 m (100 in.) below the orifice, with one side filled with water and the other side filled
with a liquid that has a specific gravity of 0.65, the zero error is 35 % of full scale for a 25.4 kPa (100 in. WC20°C)
range.

Sensing lines for differential pressure transmitters should run together to keep both lines at the same temperature. If
insulation or heat tracing is needed, both lines should be insulated as one line.

Mounting the meter or transmitter tightly coupled to the meter taps greatly reduces head error from differences in
specific gravity and vapor binding as well as the square root error.

8.15 Process Differential Pressure Measurement

Process differential pressure measurements across filter, columns, etc. are remote connections and require the same
considerations. In gas services they should be mounted above the taps so they are self-draining. See 8.3.5
concerning differential measurement in condensing service. In liquid service the connections should be made at the
same elevation. When they are not at the same elevation, a calculation should be provided to correctly calibrate the
instrument. They need to be calibrated like a level transmitter; that is an elevated or suppressed zero calibration is
needed. Further once they are installed they should be zeroed with actual process fluid so wet leg calibration facilities;
i.e. filling tee, etc. are necessary.

8.16 Draft Measurement

8.16.1 General

Draft is the negative pressure inside a furnace and is the only motive force moving air through a natural draft furnace.
The most critical point for measuring draft pressure is the arch or roof of a furnace. This is the minimum draft point; i.e.
least negative and is the pressure control point for most furnaces. 23

23 See API 556 for further discussion about the use of draft and API 560 for the recommended instrument tap locations and sizes.
188 API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 551

Liquid Service Meter Below Taps Gas Service Meter Above Taps
HP
Upstream
Downstream
Downstream
Direction
of flow Direction
of flow
HP LP
LP Horizontal Horizontal

LP
LP
HP
HP

Vertical Vertical

Steam Service Meter Below Taps Steam or Vapor Service Meter Below Taps
(with blowdown) (with fill tees)

Direction Upstream Direction

of flow of flow Upstream
Downstream
Downstream
Fill tee Fill tee
Blowdown LP LP
valve HP
HP Horizontal Horizontal

LP LP
Insulate
HP
HP
Vertical Vertical

NOTE 1 Gauge valves shown, but piping specification gate valves can be provided as well,
particularly if rod-out tees are desired.
NOTE 2 Impulse lines should be minimum length and should be symmetrical.
NOTE 3 Slop line at least 1:12 to avoid pocking and to ensure venting or draining.
NOTE 4 Connect high pressure instrument tap to the up steam side of the pipe.
NOTE 5 Flow up is preferred for liquid services.
NOTE 6 Install instrument below the taps for liquids, steam, or condensable vapors.
NOTE 7 Install the meter above the taps for non-condensing gas.
NOTE 8 For steam service both filling-tees are even with the upper tap.

Figure 58—Close-coupled Flow Metering Installation Details