Technical Data Sheet

Fundamentals
of Flow Metering

Flow Metering

Reference-45 Reference-45
 Fundamentals of Flow Metering

INTRODUCTION FACTORS AFFECTING FLOW RATES IN

Measuring fluid flow is one of the most important PIPES
aspects of process control. In fact, it may well be the The major factors affecting the flow of fluids
most frequently measured process variable. This through pipes are:
bulletin describes the nature of flow and factors
affecting it. Devices commonly used to measure flow • the velocity of the fluid.
are presented, as is a discussion on accuracy and • the friction of the fluid in contact with the pipe.
how it is typically specified. For quick reference, a • the viscosity of the fluid.
table listing the primary characteristics of flow • the density of the fluid.
metering devices is included along with a conversion
chart for the various measurement units Fluid velocity depends on the head pressure which
encountered in dealing with flow. is forcing the fluid through the pipe. The greater the
head pressure, the faster the fluid flow rate (all
Flow is generally measured inferentially by other factors remaining constant), and consequently,
measuring velocity through a known area. With this the greater the volume of flow. Pipe size also affects
indirect method, the flow measured is the volume the flow rate. For example, doubling the diameter of
flow rate, Qv, stated in its simplest terms: a pipe increases the potential flow rate by a factor of
Qv = A 3 V four times.
Pipe friction reduces the flow rate of fluids through
In this equation, A is the cross-sectional area of the
pipes and is, therefore, considered a negative factor.
pipe and V is the fluid velocity.
Because of the friction of a fluid in contact with a
A reliable flow indication is dependent upon the pipe, the flow rate of the fluid is slower near the
correct measurement of A and V. If, for example, air walls of the pipe than at the center. The smoother,
bubbles are present in the fluid, the area term “A” of cleaner, and larger a pipe is, the less effect pipe
the equation would be artificially high. Likewise, if friction has on the overall fluid flow rate.
the velocity is measured as a point velocity at the
center of the pipe, and it is used as the velocity term Viscosity (m), or the molecular friction within a
“V” of the equation, a greater Qv than actual would fluid, negatively affects the flow rate of fluids.
be calculated because V must reflect the average Viscosity and pipe friction decrease the flow rate of a
velocity of the flow as it passes a cross-section of the fluid near the walls of a pipe. Viscosity increases or
pipe. decreases with changing temperature, but not
always as might be expected. In liquids, viscosity
typically decreases with increasing temperature.
However, in some fluids viscosity can begin to
increase above certain temperatures. Generally, the
higher a fluid’s viscosity, the lower the fluid flow rate
(other factors remaining constant). Viscosity is
measured in units of centipoise. Another type of
viscosity, called kinematic viscosity, is measured in
units of centistokes. It is obtained by dividing
centipoise by the fluid’s specific gravity.
Density (ρ) of a fluid affects flow rates in that a
more dense fluid requires more head pressure to
maintain a desired flow rate. Also, the fact that
Flow Metering

gases are compressible, whereas liquids essentially

are not, often requires that different methods be
used for measuring the flow rates of liquids, gases,
or liquids with gases in them.
It has been found that the most important flow
factors can be correlated together into a
dimensionless parameter called the Reynolds

Reference-46
 Rosemount Inc.

number, which describes the flow for all velocities, MEASUREMENT OF FLUID FLOW IN
viscosities, and pipeline sizes. In general, it defines
PIPES
the ratio of velocity forces driving the fluid to the
viscous forces restraining the fluid, or: Of the many devices available for measuring fluid
flow, the type of device used often depends on the
nature of the fluid and the process conditions under
VDρ which it is measured. Flow is usually measured
R D = -------------
µ indirectly by first measuring a differential pressure
or a fluid velocity. This measurement is then related
At very low velocities of high viscosities, RD is low to the volume rate electronically. Flowmeters can be
and the fluid flows in smooth layers with the highest grouped into four generic types: positive
velocity at the center of the pipe and low velocities at displacement meters, head meters, velocity meters,
the pipe wall where the viscous forces restrain it. and mass meters.
This type of flow is called laminar flow and is
represented by Reynolds numbers below 2,000. One Positive Displacement Meters
significant characteristic of laminar flow is the Positive displacement meters measure the volume
parabolic shape of its velocity profile (Figure 1). flow rate (QV) directly by repeatedly trapping a
At higher velocities or low viscosities the flow breaks sample of the fluid. The total volume of liquid
up into turbulent eddies where the majority of flow passing through the meter in a given period of time
through the pipe has the same average velocity. In is the product of the volume of the sample and the
the “turbulent” flow the fluid viscosity is less number of samples. Positive displacement meters
significant and the velocity profile takes on a much frequently totalize flow directly on an integral
more uniform shape. Turbulent flow is represented counter, but they can also generate a pulse output
by Reynolds numbers above 4,000. Between which may be read on a local display counter or by
Reynolds number values of 2,000 and 4,000, the flow transmission to a control room. Because each pulse
is said to be in transition. represents a discrete volume of fluid, they are
ideally suited for automatic batching and
Pipe Wall accounting. Positive displacement meters can be less
accurate than other meters because of leakage past
the internal sealing surfaces. Three common types of
Streamline displacement meters are the piston, oval gear, and
nutating disc.
Parabolic
Head Meters
Laminar Flow Turbulent
FLOW-0478

Laminar Flow Head meters are the most common types of meter
Uniform Non-Uniform Flow
(Axisymmetric) (Asymmetric) used to measure fluid flow rates. They measure fluid
flow indirectly by creating and measuring a
differential pressure by means of an obstruction to
FIGURE 1. Velocity Profiles.
the fluid flow. Using well-established conversion
coefficients which depend on the type of head meter
used and the diameter of the pipe, a measurement of
the differential pressure may be translated into a
volume rate.

Flow Metering
From the Equation of Continuity, assuming
constant density (incompressible fluid) it can be seen
that:
QV = V1A1 = V2A2
This equation is one of the most important
relationships in fluid mechanics. It demonstrates
that for steady, uniform flow, a decrease in pipe

Reference-47 Reference-47
 Fundamentals of Flow Metering

diameter results in an increase in fluid velocity. In Orifice Plates

addition, from Bernoulli’s equation on the A concentric orifice plate is the simplest and least
conversation of energy, it is further seen that total expensive of the head meters (Figure 2). Acting as a
head pressure (H) must remain constant primary device, the orifice plate constricts the flow of
everywhere along the flow or: a fluid to produce a differential pressure across the
plate. The result is a high pressure upstream and a
P V2 low pressure downstream that is proportional to the
---- + ------
- = H = Cons tan t
ρ 2 square of the flow velocity. An orifice plate usually
produces a greater overall pressure loss than other
The first term of the equation is called “potential primary devices. A practical advantage of this device
head” or “potential energy”. The second term is is that cost does not increase significantly with pipe
known as the “velocity head” or “kinetic energy”. size.
Because potential and kinetic energy together are
constant, it is clear that an increase in velocity as D D/2
described by the Equation of Continuity must also be
accompanied by a decrease in potential energy or D and D/2
Pressure Taps
line pressure. It is this relationship between velocity
and pressure that provides the basis for the
operation of all head-type meters. D d Square-edged
Head meters are generally simple, reliable, and Orifice Plate
offer more flexibility than other flow measurement

FLOW-0475A
methods. The head-type flowmeter almost always
consists of two components: the primary device and Flange
Pressure
the secondary device. The primary device is placed Taps
in the pipe to restrict the flow and develop a
differential pressure. The secondary device FIGURE 2. Thin Plate Orifice Meter.
measures the differential pressure and provides a
readout or signal for transmission to a control Venturi Tubes
system. With head meters, calibration of a primary Venturi tubes exhibit a very low pressure loss
measuring device is not required in the field. The
compared to other differential pressure head meters,
primary device can be selected for compatibility with
but they are also the largest and most costly. They
the specific fluid or application and the secondary
operate by gradually narrowing the diameter of the
device can be selected for the type or readout of
pipe (Figure 3), and measuring the resultant drop in
signal transmission desired.
pressure. An expanding section of the meter then
returns the flow to very near its original pressure.
As with the orifice plate, the differential pressure
measurement is converted into a corresponding flow
rate. Venturi tube applications are generally
restricted to those requiring a low pressure drop and
a high accuracy reading. They are widely used in
large diameter pipes such as those found in waste
treatment plants because their gradually sloping
shape will allow solids to flow through.
Flow Metering

Convergent
Entrance Throat
Cylindrical Divergent
Inlet Outlet

D d
FLOW-0474A

Pressure
Taps

FIGURE 3. Venturi Tube.

Reference-48
 Rosemount Inc.

Flow Nozzle Pitot Tubes

Flow nozzles may be thought of as a variation on In general, a pitot tube for indicating flow consists
the venturi tube. The nozzle opening is an elliptical of two hollow tubes that sense the pressure at
restriction in the flow but with no outlet area for different places within the pipe. These tubes can be
pressure recovery (Figure 4). Pressure taps are mounted separately in the pipe or installed together
located approximately 1/2 pipe diameter downstream in one casing as a single device. One tube measures
and 1 pipe diameter upstream. The flow nozzle is a the stagnation or impact pressure (velocity head
high velocity flowmeter used where turbulence is plus potential head) at a point in the flow. The other
high (Reynolds numbers above 50,000) such as in tube measures only the static pressure (potential
steam flow at high temperatures. The pressure drop head), usually at the wall of the pipe. The
of a flow nozzle falls between that of the venturi tube differential pressure sensed through the pitot tube is
and the orifice plate (30 to 95 percent). proportional to the square of the velocity. To install a
pitot tube, you must determine the location of
maximum velocity with pipe traverses. Although a
pitot tube may be calibrated to measure fluid flow to
D D/2 ±1/2 percent, changing velocity profiles may cause
significant errors. Pitot tubes are primarily used to
Nozzle measure gases because the change in the flow
velocity from average to center is not as substantial
D d as in other fluids. Pitot tubes have found limited
applications in industrial markets because they can
FLOW-0479A
easily become plugged with foreign material in the
fluid. Their accuracy is dependent on the velocity
profile which is difficult to measure.
Target Meters
FIGURE 4. Flow Nozzle Installed with Pipe Wall Taps. A target meter consists of a disc or a “target”
which is centered in a pipe (Figure 5). The target
surface is positioned at a right angle to the fluid flow.
A direct measurement of the fluid flow rate results
from the force of the fluid acting against the target.
Useful for dirty or corrosive fluids, target meters
require no external connections, seals, or purge
systems. Much data is necessary, however, to
determine the optimum size of the target and
calibration is essential for its proper operation.

Electronics
Housing

Flow Metering
Pivot and Seal Force Bar
FLOW-0480A

Flow

Target

FIGURE 5. Target-Type Meter.

Reference-49 Reference-49
 Fundamentals of Flow Metering

Elbow Tap Meters Velocity Meters

An elbow tap operates by using a 45 degree pipe When using velocity to measure a fluid flow rate,
elbow in the fluid flow. A high pressure tap is taken the primary device generates a signal proportional
from the outside of the elbow and a low pressure tap to fluid velocity. The equation QV = A 3 V illustrates
is taken from the inside of the elbow. This provides a that the generated signal is linear with respect to
differential pressure which is proportional to the the volume flow rate. Velocity meters are usually
flow rate. Measuring the differential pressure less sensitive than head meters to velocity profile,
depends on the centrifugal force of the fluid flowing some are obstructionless, and because they provide
through the elbow. Hence, gas with its low density is linear output with respect to flow, there is no square-
not a good application for elbow taps. This also root relationship as with differential pressure
explains why a short curvature in the elbow meters. This eliminates the potential inaccuracies
develops a much greater differential pressure than a associated with square-root extraction and explains
long curvature. The pressure drop of an elbow tap is the greater rangeability of velocity meters in
no greater than that of the elbow. Though comparison to most head meters.
repeatable, accuracy of an elbow tap meter is only
within ±5 percent. Turbine Meters
A turbine meter uses a multi-bladed rotor that is
Rotameters supported by bearings within a pipe section
Rotameters (also known as variable-area perpendicular to the flow (Figure 7). Fluid drives the
flowmeters) are typically made from a tapered glass rotor at a velocity that is proportional to the fluid
tube that is positioned vertically in the fluid flow velocity and, consequently, to the overall volume
(Figure 6). A float that is the same size as the base of flow rate. A magnetic coil outside the meter produces
the glass tube rides upward in relation to the an alternating voltage as each blade cuts the coil’s
amount of flow. Because the tube is larger in magnetic lines of flux. Each pulse, therefore,
diameter at the top of the glass than at the bottom, represents a discrete volume of liquid. Since the
the float resides at the point where the differential rotor is usually made of stainless steel, it is
pressure between the upper and lower surfaces compatible with many fluids. However, the bearings,
balance the weight of the float. In most rotameter which are necessary to support the rotor and which
applications, the flow rate is read directly from a must allow it to spin freely at high speeds, require a
scale inscribed on the glass; in some cases, an fairly clean process. Turbine meters are typically
automatic sensing device is used to sense the level of available in pipeline sizes from less than 1/2 inch
the float and transmit a flow signal. These through 12 inches. They have fast response and good
“transmitting rotameters” are often made from accuracy.
stainless steel or other materials for various fluid
applications and higher pressures. Rotameters may
Pulse-Pickup Coil and
range in size from 1/4 inch to greater then 6 inches. Electrical Connector
They measure a wider band of flow (10 to 1) than an
orifice plate with an accuracy of ±2 percent, and a Journal or
Ball Bearings
maximum operating pressure of 300 psig when
constructed of glass. Rotameters are commonly used
for purge flows and levels.
Flow Metering

Thrust
Bearing
Turbine
Tapered Blades
FLOW-0485A

Tube Straightening and

Direct Supporting Vanes
Reading
Scale
FIGURE 7. Axial-Flow Turbine Meter.
Float
FLOW-0476A

FIGURE 6. Rotameter-Type Area

Reference-50
 Rosemount Inc.

Electromagnetic Flowmeters
The operating principle of magnetic flowmeter
system is base upon Faraday’s Law of
electromagnetic induction, which states that a
voltage will be induced in a conductor moving
through a magnetic field.
Electronics
Faraday’s Law: E=kBDV Housing
Shedder Bar
The magnitude of the induced voltage E is directly
proportional to the velocity of the conductor V,
conductor width D, and the strength of the magnetic
field B. Figure 8 illustrates the relationship between
the physical components of the magnetic flowmeter
and Faraday’s Law. Magnetic field coils placed on
opposite sides of the pipe generate a magnetic field.
As the conductive process liquid moves through the Vortex Forming
(Higher Velocity, Lower Pressure)
field with average velocity V, electrodes sense the
induced voltage. The width of the conductor is

8800-0317E, 0002D02 A
represented by the distance between electrodes. An
insulating liner prevents the signal from shorting to Alternating
Vortices

the pipe wall. The only variable in this application of

Faraday’s law is the velocity of the conductive liquid
V because field strength is controlled constant and Bluff Body
electrode spacing is fixed. Therefore, the output (Shedding Bar)
voltage E is directly proportional to liquid velocity,
resulting in the linear output of a magnetic FIGURE 9. Vortex Shedding Meter.
flowmeter.
The output of a vortex flowmeter depends on the
Variable Flow K-factor. The K-factor relates the frequency of
Rate (FPS)
Conductive generated vortices to the fluid velocity. The formula
Process for fluid velocity is as follows:
Medium
Lining Flange
Vortex Frequency
Sensing
SST Tube
Fluid Velocity = -------------------------------------------------
Electrodes K-factor
Field
Coils Magnetic Field “B”
(Constant Strength)
The K-factor varies with Reynolds number, but it
is virtually constant over a broad flow range
“E” (Figure 10). Vortex flowmeters provide highly
accurate linear flow rates when operated within this
“E”
flat region.
8800-0471A

FIGURE 8. Cutaway View of a Magnetic Flowmeter Flow Metering

K-factor

Flowtube.
Vortex Meters
The operating principle of a vortex flowmeter is Linear
Operating
based on the phenomenon of vortex shedding known Range
8800-0073A

as the von Karman effect. As fluid passes a bluff

body, it separates and generates small eddies or
Reynolds Number
vortices that are shed alternately along and behind
each side of the bluff body (Figure 9). These vortices
FIGURE 10. Relationship between K-factor and
cause areas of fluctuating pressure that are detected Reynolds Number.
by a sensor. The frequency of vortex generation is
directly proportional to fluid velocity.

Reference-51 Reference-51
 Fundamentals of Flow Metering

Ultrasonic Meters Mass Meters

Ultrasonic flowmeters use sound waves to True mass flowmeters measure the mass rate of
determine the flow rate of fluids. Pulses from a flow directly as opposed to the volumetric flow rate.
piezoelectric transducer travel through a moving As a result, entrained air does not affect the
fluid at the speed of sound and provide an indication accuracy of their measurement. Many so-called mass
of fluid velocity. Two different methods are currently flowmeters, however, infer the mass flow rate via the
employed to establish this velocity measurement. equation:
The first ultrasonic meters used a transit-time QM = QV 3 ρ
method, in which two opposing transducers are
mounted so that sound waves traveling between In this equation, QM is the mass flow rate, QV is the
them are at a 45 degree angle to the direction of flow volume flow rate, and ρ is fluid density. Such mass
within a pipe. The speed of sound from the upstream flowmeter instruments essentially combine two
transducer to the downstream transducer represents devices, one to measure fluid velocity and the other
the inherent speed of sound plus a contribution due to measure density. These inputs are typically
to the fluid velocity. In a simultaneous measurement combined in a microprocessor, along with additional
in the opposite direction, a value (determined data, to provide an output indicative of the mass
electronically) is representative of the fluid velocity, flow rate. In contrast, the following meters measure
which is linearly proportional to the flow rate. While mass flow directly without the intermediate
the transit-time method works well in most fluids, it calculation from volume and density.
is essential that they be free of entrained gas or Thermal Meters
solids to prevent scattering of the sound waves Thermal meters are commonly applied to gas
between transducers. streams only; in fact, to gas streams where the
Another type of ultrasonic meter uses the Doppler transfer of heat to and from the stream is a usual
effect. This type of ultrasonic meter uses two element of the metering process. Measuring this
tranducer elements as well, but each is mounted in heat transfer supplies data from which a mass flow
the same case on one side of the pipe. An ultrasonic rate may be calculated. As mass meters, thermal
sound wave of constant frequency is transmitted into meters operate independent of density, pressure, and
the fluid by one of the elements. Solids or bubbles viscosity.
within the fluid reflect the sound back to the Coriolis Meters
receiver element. The Doppler principle states that The Coriolis meter uses an obstructionless U-
there will be a shift in apparent frequency or shaped tube as a sensor and applies Newton’s
wavelength when there is relative motion between Second Law of Motion to determine flow rate. Inside
transmitter and receiver. Within the Doppler the sensor housing, the sensor tube vibrates at its
flowmeter, the relative motion of the reflecting natural frequency (Figure 11). The sensor tube is
bodies suspended within the fluid tends to compress driven by an electromagnetic drive coil located at the
the sound into a shorter wavelength (high center of the bend in the tube and vibrates similar to
frequency). This new frequency measured at the that of a tuning fork.
receiving element is electronically compared with
the transmitted frequency to provide a frequency
difference that is directly proportional to the flow
velocity in the pipe. In contrast to the transit-time
method, Doppler ultrasonic meters require
entrained gases or suspended solids within the flow
Flow Metering

to function correctly.
While ultrasonic meters have several advantages,
FLOW-0482A

including freedom from obstruction in the pipe and

negligible cost-sensitivity with respect to pipe
diameter, their performance is very dependent on
flow conditions. A fair accuracy is attainable with
ultrasonic flowmeters when properly applied to FIGURE 11. Vibrating Coriolis Sensor Tube.
appropriate fluids.

Reference-52
 Rosemount Inc.

The fluid flows into the sensor tube and is forced to ACCURACY IN MEASURING FLUID FLOW
take on the vertical momentum of the vibrating
Flow metering systems contain a number of
tube. When the tube is moving upward during half of
components, each of which has its own accuracy
its vibration cycle (Figure 12), the fluid flowing into
rating. To understand the accuracy of a flow
the sensor resists being forced upward by pushing
metering system, it is important to consider the
down on the tube.
accuracy rating of each component and understand
how these individual ratings combine into a
Fluid Force statement of accuracy for the entire system. Also,
statement of accuracy should be accompanied by the
Flow flow rate range over which the accuracy applies. For
example, a statement on accuracy might read: “The
system has an accuracy of ±1 percent of rate over a
range of 10 to 90 percent of maximum flow.” The
following is a breakdown of the types of accuracy
statements made concerning flow metering systems.
It is generally expected that an accuracy

FLOW-0481A
specification includes the effects of linearity,
Fluid Force
hysteresis, and repeatability.

FIGURE 12. Fluid Forces in a Coriolis Sensor Tube. Percent of Rate

Percent of rate accuracy states that throughout a
The fluid flowing out of the sensor has an upward given range, the uncertainty of flow in ±gallons per
momentum from the motion of the tube. As it travels minute (gpm) decreases as the flow rate decreases
around the tube bend, the fluid resists changes in its (Figure 14). For example, a maximum flow of 100 gpm
vertical motion by pushing up on the tube (Figure at ±2 percent of rate would allow uncertainty between
12). The difference in forces causes the sensor tube 98 gpm and 102 gpm at the full rate of flow, ±1 gpm
to twist (Figure 13). When the tube is moving uncertainty at half flow (49 to 51 gpm), and ±2/5 gpm
downward during the second half of its vibration uncertainty at 20 gpm flow (19.6 to 20.4 gpm). A
cycle, it twists in the opposite direction. This percent of rate accuracy statement usually applies to
twisting characteristic is called the Coriolis effect. meters that measure fluid velocity to determine the
flow rate. Examples of meters using a percent of rate
accuracy are electromagnetic meters, turbine meters,
and vortex meters.

Angle of
Twist 10

±1 Percent of
Accuracy (Percent of Rate)

Angle of Rate
Twist
±1 Percent of
FLOW-0483A

5
Max. Flow
Driving Force 4
3
2
1

Flow Metering
FIGURE 13. Coriolis Effect. 0
10 20 50 100
–1
Due to Newton’s Second Law of Motion, the –2 Percent of Flow
amount of sensor tube twist is directly proportional –3
FLOW-0484A

to the mass flow rate of the fluid flowing through the –4

tube. Electromagnetic velocity detectors located on –5
each side of the flow tube measure the velocity of the
vibrating tube. Mass flow is determined by FIGURE 14. Accuracy Comparison.
measuring the time difference exhibited by the
velocity detector signals. During zero flow
conditions, no tube twist occurs, resulting in no time
difference between the two velocity signals. With
flow, a twist occurs with a resulting time difference
between the two velocity signals. This time
difference is directly proportional to mass flow.

Reference-53 Reference-53
 Fundamentals of Flow Metering

Percent of Upper Range Value

When describing flow accuracy using percent of
upper range value (URV), the uncertainty remains
constant over the specified range (Figure 14). In the
above 100 gpm example, but with ±2 percent of URV,
uncertainty at full flow is 98 to 102 gpm; at half flow
it is 48 to 52 gpm; and at 20 gpm uncertainty may
vary from 18 to 22 gpm. The amount of uncertainty
is constant over the range of flow. Therefore, the
uncertainty is a greater percent of the actual flow
rate at low flows than at higher flow rates. Percent
of URV is suitable for describing the accuracy of
head-type flow metering systems.

Repeatability
In many process flow applications, repeatability of
a flowmeter is of greater importance than its
accuracy. In a flow control loop, for example, if the
flowmeter gives a stable, repetitive reading, the true
accuracy of the measurement is usually not as
meaningful. Repeatability does not imply that a flow
measurement is accurate or correct, but that it is the
same each time.

System Accuracy
The accuracy of the entire flow metering system
can best be determined if all the components are
rated according to the sane type of accuracy
statement (percent of rate or percent of maximum
flow). If system accuracy varies at different flow
rates, then overall system accuracy should be
calculated at various flow rates. The usual method to
produce a usable system accuracy statement is to
calculate the square root of the sum of the square of
each component’s accuracy rating, or:

± ( Accuracy A ) 2 + ( Accuracy B ) 2 … ( Accuracy n ) 2

This equation partially accounts for the fact that

errors will probably not all be either positive or
negative simultaneously, and that, therefore, the
Flow Metering

overall accuracy rating will not reflect a “worst case”

condition.
©Rosemount Inc., 1982, 1989, 1996.

Rosemount and the Rosemount logotype are registered trademarks of

Rosemount Inc.

Reference-54
 FLOWMETER CHARACTERISTICS
REQUIRED SIZE
MAX. MAX.* FLOW CUSTOMER
PIPE AVAIL- TYPICAL
Clean Dirty Viscous Gas or TEMP. PRESS. PRESS RANGE- CALIBRA-
FLOWMETER DIAMETER ABILITY ACCURACY
Liquids Liquids Liquids Slurry Vapor Steam (°C) (PSI) LOSS ABILITY TION
UPSTREAM (INCHES)
•Displacement Meters A C A C A C 300 1500 High None 15:1 1-16 Required 0.25-0.5% R
•Head-Type Meters A B B B A B >300 Per Medium 10-30D 4:1 All Transmitter 2-4% URV
Orifice Plate, Concentric Transmitter Only
Integral Orifice Assembly A C C C A B Per Per High 10-30D 4:1 ≤1.5 Transmitter 2-5% URV
Transmitter Transmitter Only
Venturi A B B B A A >300 Per Low 5-30D 4:1 3-72 Transmitter 2-4% URV
Transmitter Only
Flow Nozzle A B B C A A >300 Per Medium 10-30D 4:1 3-48 Transmitter 2-4% URV
Transmitter Only
Elbow A B C C B B >300 Per Low 30D 3:1 All Transmitter 5-10% URV
Transmitter Only
Pitot Tubes A C C C A A >300 Per Low 20-30D 3:1 All Transmitter 3-5% URV
Transmitter Only
Target A B A B B B 400 10,000 Medium 10-30D 4:1 ≤8 None 2-4% URV
Rotameter Glass A B B C A B 200 300 Medium None 10:1 ≤3 None Varies by
Metal A B B C A B 500 1000 Type
•Velocity Meters A B B C A C 400 3000 High 5-10D 10:1 3/16-24 None 0.25-1% R
Turbine
Electromagnetic A A A A C C 180 1500 None 5D 30:1 1/10-104 None 0.25-1% R
Vortex A B B C A A 200 1500 Medium 10-40D 40:1 None 1% R
1/2-12
Ultrasonic Transit Time A C B C C C 250 Pipe None 5-30D 10:1 ≥1/2 Required 1% R
Doppler C A B B C C 150 Pipe 3% R
•Mass Meters A B C C A A 100 Pipe Low None 10:1 All None 2% URV
Thermal
Coriolis A B A B C C 300 1500 Low None 10:1 ≤6 None <0.5% R
NOTES:
A = Intended for this service *Maximum pressure assume appropriate flange rating
B = Possibly Applicable - consult manufacturer F.S. = Full Scale
C = Not Applicable R = Rate

CONVERSION FACTORS
VOLUMETRIC FLOW RATE VOLUME
cu meters/ cu meters/ Cubic
cu ft/sec cu ft/min liters/min min hour gal/min Gallons Cubic Cubic Barrels Centi- Imperial
(U.S.) Feet Inches (oil) meters Liters Gallons
1 60 1699 1.699 101.95 448.83
1 0.1337 231 0.02381 3785 3.785 0.8327
0.01667 1 28.32 .02832 1.699 7.481
7.481 1 1728 0.1781 28320 28.32 6.229
5.855 3 10-4 0.03531 1 0.001 0.06 0.2642
0.004329 0.0005787 1 0.0001031 16.39 0.01639 0.003605
0.5885 35.31 1000 1 60 264.2
42 5.615 9702 1 159000 15.894 34.97
0.00981 .5885 16.667 0.01667 1 4.403
0.000264 0.0000353 0.06102 6.29 3 106 1 0.001 0.000220
0.002228 0.1337 3.786 0.003785 0.2271 1
1.201 0.1606 277.4 0.02860 4546 4.546 1
GRAVIMETRIC FLOW RATE 0.264 0.0353 61.03 0.0629 1000 1 0.220

lb/sec lb/min lb/hr gm/sec gm/min Kg/hr

VELOCITY
1 60 3600 435.6 27220 1633 ft/sec ft/min cm/sec meter/sc meter/min
0.01667 1 60 7.560 453.6 27.22 1 60 30.48 0.3048 18.29
0.0002778 0.01667 1 0.1260 7.560 0.4536 0.01667 1 0.5080 0.005080 0.3048
0.002205 0.1323 7.938 1 60 3.600 0.03281 1.9685 1 0.01 0.600
3.675 3 10-5 0.002205 0.1323 0.01667 1 0.600 3.281 196.85 100 1 60
6.125 3 10-4 0.03675 2.205 0.2778 16.67 1 0.0547 3.281 1.667 0.01667 1
Rosemount Inc.

Reference-55
Flow Metering