ULTRASONIC GASMETERS

HANDBOOK
INTRODUCTION
1. OPERATION
1.1 Operating principle
1.2 Pulse generation and detection
1.2.1 Transducer technology
1.2.2 Pulse detection
2. PERFORMANCE
2.1 The accuracy of the travel time of a single path meter
2.2 The uncertainty due to the flow pattern
2.2.1 Reynolds number
2.2.2 Perturbed flow
2.2.3 The effect of turbulence
2.3 Possible path configurations
2.3.1 Single path meters
2.3.1.1 CheckSonic spool piece meter
2.3.1.2 Insertion meter
2.3.2 Multipath meters
2.3.2.1 Q.Sonic spool piece meter
3. INSTALLATION
3.1 Installation of single path meter
3.2 Installation of Q.Sonic multipath meter
3.3 Ultrasonic noise caused by regulators and control valves
3.4 Pressure drop
3.5 Wet gas
3.6 Pressurising and depressurising
3.7 Physical size
3.8 Transducer installation
4. DIAGNOSTICS
4.1 AGC
4.2 Number of pulses accepted
4.3 Velocity of sound
4.4 Noise and signal analysis
5. OUTPUTS
ULTRASONIC GASMETERS
INTRODUCTION
This handbook is one of a series that Instromet has prepared for the
gas industry. It describes the operating principle, the performance, the
installation and the output facilities of the different types of
Instromets ultrasonic gasmeters. Comparisons are made with other
types of meters such as orifice plates, turbine meters and rotary piston
meters.
Other handbooks in this series deal with turbine meters, rotary
displacement meters, gas chromatographs and with complete Gas
Metering Systems.
1. OPERATION
1.1 Operating principle
Sound waves travel with a specific velocity through a medium.
The velocity of sound in gas is determined by its composition and also
by its pressure and temperature.
Some indicative figures for different gases are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Velocities of sound for different gases under different
conditions
Substance p [bar] T [K] C [m/s]
Methane 1 275 432
Methane 1 320 463
Methane 60 275 414
Methane 60 320 456
Air 1.0133 275 333
Hydrogen 1.0133 273.15 1022
Ethylene 1 273.15 318
Natural gas (Groningen) 1.0133 273.15 400
For gases that behave as ideal gases the velocity of sound (C) is equal
to:
C =
(k

p)
For natural gas [1] the velocity of sound is approximately equal to:
C =
(k

p)
with k Poissons constant
P pressure
Z compressibility
density
If a sound wave is created in a flowing medium its speed of
propagation will be equal to the vector sum of the velocity of the
original wave and the velocity of the medium. This effect is used to
measure gas velocity.
In figure 1 the basic system set-up is shown. On both sides of the pipe,
at positions A and B, transducers are mounted, capable of transmitting
and receiving ultrasonic waves. The acoustic waves are generated as a
beam perpendicular to the surface of the transducer.
Figure 1. Basic system set-up
The Instromet ultrasonic gasmeters use a short pulse signal. The form
of this signal, which is really a short burst of a very high frequency
(figure 2), is recognised at the receiving end and the time elapsed since
emission is measured digitally.

v
m
A
B

z
Figure 2. Typical form of high frequency pulse
With zero flow the travel time from A to B (t
AB
) is equal to the travel time
from B to A (t
BA
). This is equal to the average travel time for the acoustic
pulses t
0
:
t
AB
= t
BA
= t
0
=
L
where L is the length of the acoustic path and C is the velocity of sound in
the gas.
If there is a flow of gas with velocity v
m
in the direction indicated in
figure 1, the travel time of the acoustic pulse from A to B will decrease and
from B to A will increase according to:
t
AB
=
L
C + v
m
cos ()
L
t
BA
=
C - v
m
cos ()
where is the angle between the path A - B and the pipe axis.
When the two acoustic pulses are transmitted at the same time, the
velocity of sound is identical for both measurements and can therefore be
eliminated, resulting in:
C
L
v
m
=
(
1 1
)
(1)
2 cos ()
where v
m
is the averaged flow velocity along the ultrasonic path. It is
clear from (1) that the flow meter is truly bidirectional.
Alternatively when the gas velocity v
m
is eliminated, the velocity of
sound can be calculated:
C =
L
(
1
+
1
) (2)
Because the velocity of sound is related to the density of the medium,
it can also be used in some applications to calculate an approximate
value for the mass flow in the system. This technique has been applied,
for example, in flare gas measurement and in vapour recovery.
1.2 Pulse generation and detection
One of the reasons why ultrasonic gasmeters developed much later
than their equivalents for liquids, is that it is much more difficult to
transmit a sound wave into a gas than into a liquid. High efficiency
transducers are needed that emit a well defined pulse in a directed
beam into the gas.
It is also desirable to be able to change transducers without the need
for recalibration. These requirements demand a special design and
extreme quality control.
1.2.1 Transducer technology
Specially designed transducers are used in the Instromet meters. These
transducers are capable of both transmitting and receiving ultrasonic
pulses.The main component within a transducer performing these
functions is a piezoceramic element. In the transmitting mode these
piezoceramic elements are excited with a characteristic electrical pulse
which results in the emission of a well determined acoustic pulse. When
used as a receiver, the incoming pulse generates a small signal which,
after amplification, can be processed. The shape of the pulse
generated and the directional pattern of a transducer depend, to a
large extent, on the dimensions and material characteristics of the
piezoceramic element.
t
AB
t
BA
2 t
AB
t
BA
1.2.2 Pulse detection
Before pulse detection and recognition take place, the received signal
is pre-processed using Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and a filter
section. The AGC section is used to cope with a wide spectrum of gas
densities, pressures and composition. After the pre-processing stage
the pulse is presented to the detection circuitry. In the detection circuit
the signal is digitized and compared with a fingerprint of the
expected pulse signal, making it highly immune to other acoustic
signals that might otherwise influence the measurement. The
measurement result, based on the two transmitted pulses, is either:
* accepted, if the signal transmission is completely in agreement
with the preset quality standards, or
* rejected, if a deviation from these quality standards is
detected.
Only after the received pulse is accepted will the travel time be
determined and used in the calculation of the gas velocity and the
speed of sound. Matching the received signal with its fingerprint not
only eliminates spurious signals, it also makes it possible to determine
the time of arrival more accurately. This method results in the highest
measurement quality that can presently be achieved.
Depending on the pipe diameter some 20 to 60 pulses are emitted per
acoustic path every second. The average travel time of accepted pulses
is used every second for further processing.
2. PERFORMANCE
Instromets ultrasonic gasmeters are manufactured in three types, each
directed to a particular market need. Two are intended to be used for
control purposes. One of these is designed to be mounted on existing
pipelines by hot tapping, the second is designed as a spool piece. Both
these types are influenced by the velocity profile. The third type is
designed specifically for custody transfer. The recommendations of the
OIML [2] for turbine meters and the international standard ISO 9951 [3]
were used as a guideline in awaiting specific standards or
recommendations.
As a result Instromet's Q.Sonic ultrasonic gasmeter was the worlds first
to be officially approved. It has now been approved for use in fiscal
measurement by the Dutch Official Authority NMi, by the German
Official Authority PTB and by Industry Canada, the Canadian Weights
and Measures Authority. Other approvals are pending.
The difference in design and in path configuration of the three types of
meters result in a different performance.
A single path ultrasonic flow meter measures the average velocity
along the path in accordance with equation (1). If the velocity was
uniform over the cross-section, it would suffice to multiply this average
velocity with the cross-sectional area. In practice, the velocity reduces
from the centre towards the wall and the actual shape of this velocity
profile is a function of the Reynolds number.
For the flow rate we find therefore :
L
Q = k A (
1 1
) (3)
2 cos
where A denotes the cross-sectional area of the pipe and k the velocity
profile correction factor.
The uncertainty in the values of t
AB
and t
BA
is determined by the
electronics. The path length L, angle and the surface area A are
determined by the geometry and any uncertainty in these parameters
will result in an uncertainty in the flow rate.
2.1 The accuracy of the travel time of a single path meter
To illustrate the required accuracy in the travel time measurement,
practical values will be substituted in the preceding equation, using a
value of 60 for the ultrasonic path angle . The equations then
convert to:
L t
0
t
AB
=
= = t
0
- t
0
. (4)
C + V.cos
1+
.
1 +
L
_
C
M
_
2
M
_
2
V
_
C
1
_
2
t
AB
t
BA
L t
0
t
BA
=
= = t
0
+ t
0
. (5)
C - V.cos
1 -
.
1 -
where M, the Mach number of the flow (v/C), must be much smaller
than unity. These relations show that the measured travel times (both
up and downstream) are equal to the mean travel time t
0
, with a small
correction A M depending on the average gas velocity.
A typical design velocity for an ultrasonic meter is 30 m/s. For a 1:75
range the minimum velocity is then 0.4 m/s. As an example, when this
velocity has to be measured with an accuracy of 0.5%, the meter must
have a resolution of 2mm/s. Combining this with a typical sound
velocity of 400 m/s and an ultrasonic path length of 0.4 m gives the
following results:
t
0
= 1 ms ; t
0
= M t
0
= 2.5 ns
The small value of the mean travel time indicates that an ultrasonic
flow meter is capable of measuring with high repetition rates. In surge
control and other applications, where the flow drops from its set point
to its minimum in less than 0.5 s, this high repetition rate is of prime
importance. Typical repetition rates are 10 to 30 Hz but can be set to a
higher value if necessary. The advanced signal processing used in
Instromets ultrasonic meters make it even possible to measure volume
in pulsating flow with little additional error [4].
The achievement of a high resolution in travel time measurement
requires the use of high speed, high accuracy and well designed
electronics.
The uncertainty in the time resolution in all Instromets ultrasonic
gasmeters is 10 ns or better.
The velocity error v is proportional to the time error t and given by:
C
2
tan()
v =
___________
t
4D
L
_
C
M
_
2
M
_
2
V
_
C
1
_
2
t
0

M
2
t
0

M
2
As a function of the pipe diameter this results in:
Table 2. Velocity error as a function of the pipe diameter for a
10 ns uncertainty in time measurement
Table 3. Envelope of meter errors
2.2 The uncertainty due to the flow pattern
2.2.1 Reynolds number
After entering the pipe the velocity profile will gradually
accommodate itself until it is axisymmetric and fully developed. This
would normally take some 80 D. Most theoretical and experimental
work in flow in pipes is related to fully developed flow.
For straight circular ducts the flow profile is determined by the
Reynolds number (Re) of the flow and the relative roughness of the
pipe wall. The dimensionless Reynolds number is calculated using the
D[mm] D [inch] V [mm/s] V[inch/s]
100 4 7.0 0.3
125 5 5.0 0.2
250 10 3.0 0.1
500 20 1.5 0.06
1000 40 0.7 0.03
1600 64 0.4 0.016
velocity, the duct diameter, the density and the dynamic viscosity of the
flowing medium. For low Reynolds numbers the flow is laminar and
has a parabolic velocity profile (Hagen Poiseuille); for high Reynolds
numbers the flow is turbulent and the velocity profile assumes the
form of a plug.
The transition from laminar to turbulent in a straight pipe normally
takes place at a Reynolds number of about 2300.
Several relations have been put forward to describe the velocity profile
in a round pipe. From these relations one can calculate a theoretical
value for k. Instromet's experience has been that the one given by
Rothfus and Monrad [5] in a study for Shell results in an uncertainty of
approximately 1% for a single path meter operated at Re 10
5
.
2.2.2 Perturbed flow
In a practical installation a fully developed flow will always be
perturbed to a certain extent. There may be bends, headers, risers,
valves or even filters generating all sorts of perturbations. Even in a
very long pipe the roughness of the surface, welds and the matching
between two subsequent pipe sections may influence the profile. The
sensitivity of the flow profile to minor deviations in the geometry is
exemplified by the tough requirements on the quality of the upstream
piping in the ISO 5167 [6] standard for orifice plate metering.
As a result the flow pattern will normally not be axisymmetric and may
contain a swirl component. Practical installations may also show
pulsating flow.
The difference between swirl and turbulence is defined by the size of
the vortices. In case of turbulence, the size of the vortices is much
smaller than the pipe diameter. Since a single (small) vortex
automatically generates other vortices in different directions, this small
vortex breaks up into smaller and smaller vortices until it dissipates into
heat. In gas pipelines this process will last between 0.1 and 10 seconds,
depending on the pipe diameter. In the case of swirl, however, its size is
of the same magnitude as the inner pipe diameter. Therefore there is
no space to generate vortices in other directions. Consequently, this
vortex does not break up into smaller ones but remains stable over
pipe lengths of hundreds of pipe diameters long. In the extreme case,
one single vortex will occupy the full pipe diameter and encounter very
little damping other than created by the wall roughness.
Swirl can only be eliminated within a short distance by blocking it by
means of a flow straightener, making the installation unsuitable for
pigging. This also generates a pressure drop.
In all cases except the case of one single vortex, the presence of swirl
will also mean that there are radial velocity components present,
so-called cross flows (figure 3).
Figure 3. Single and double vortices and possible acoustic paths
As can be seen in figure 3 cross flow influences the average velocity
over a flow path and therefore generates an error in the flow rate.
A single vortex also produces an error in any path not going through
the centre. By choosing a different path configuration, the effect of
swirl can be completely eliminated. One method, shown in figure 4a,
uses another pair of transducers in the same plane parallel to the pipe
axis . By taking the average of the velocities measured by both pairs of
transducers, the cross flow is eliminated. The same effect can be
obtained by using the reflection of a centric ultrasonic beam as in
figure 4b. For this solution highly efficient transducers are needed.
The efficiency of the sophisticated Instromet transducers is such that
even multiple reflections can be used. All Instromets ultrasonic
gasmeters use the reflecting beam principle.
a. Two paths in the same plane
b. One single reflected path
Figure 4. Two ways to eliminate the effect of swirl
2.2.3 The effect of turbulence
Turbulence consists of small vortices in random directions rapidly
breaking down. The effect of turbulence can therefore be eliminated
by a sufficiently long averaging process. It shows in a random, small
apparent variation in the flow rate.
2.3 Possible path configurations
In figure 5 some possible path configurations are shown.
Figure 5. Path configurations
In arrangement A swirl as in figure 3 will give an error. It is also a
construction that is less suitable for buried pipe. Configuration B is
insensitive to these flow patterns and, because access from only one
side is needed, lends itself for application to buried pipe.
Configurations C and D are less influenced by asymmetric flow profiles
but are quite sensitive to vortices as in figure 4a. By adding a similar
second path rotating in the opposite direction, this effect can be
eliminated. These latter two configurations have also a longer path
length which increases accuracy. Configuration D is difficult to install
and C is therefore the better choice.
Single reflection
Double reflection
Fourfold reflection
No reflection
A
B
C
D
2.3.1 Single path meter
For a fully developed flow the uncertainty in the flow rate is mainly
determined by the geometry of the meter and, for low flow rates, the
turbulent fluctuations and the offset error. The flow rate is calculated
from the average velocity over the path assuming a fully developed
velocity profile. If this is not the case the uncertainty in the flow rate
will increase.
Orifice plate flow meters are similarly affected by the velocity profile. It is
reasonable to assume that, if the same installation conditions are
observed as for orifice plates, similar uncertainties can be expected. For an
installation that satisfies ISO 5167 [6] this would give a basic uncertainty
of 1% for a of 1. As the installation requirements according to the
standard increase with , and are only listed up to a value of 0.8, the
uncertainty may still be somewhat higher in practice, even though the
installation conditions of ISO 5167 for = 0.8 are fully met.
For installations that do not satisfy these installation conditions the
uncertainty introduced by inadequate knowledge of the flow profile
increases and can go up to 2%.
2.3.1.1 CheckSonic spool piece meter
The CheckSonic is a single reflection, single path meter with a path
configuration as in figure 4b, mounted in a machined spool piece. In
these meters the distance between the transducers can be accurately
controlled and the cross-sectional area of the pipe is known with great
precision. As a result the dimensions contribute very little to the uncertainty.
When averaging over 1 second, the uncertainty due to turbulence
amounts to approximately 2% for low velocities, a few meters per
second, decreasing for higher velocities.
For long averaging times or conversion of flow rate to a quantity, the
effect of turbulence goes to zero. Then, the uncertainty in the velocity
profile becomes the determining factor. For very low velocities the
absolute error in the traveltime becomes a significant addition.
For fully developed flow the uncertainty would be approximately 1.5%
at velocities down to 1 m/s if the installation conditions of ISO 5167 are
observed. For long averaging times in a good installation, the
uncertainty approaches 1%.
2.3.1.2 Insertion meter
The transducers are inserted through a full bore 2 valve perpendicular
to the pipe and in a plane through the pipe axis (figure 6). The
transducers are constructed to transmit a sound wave whose angle
with the tube is 45

or more. The meter is normally located on a trans-

mission line and if needed the pipe can be tapped under pressure using
hot tapping techniques.
Figure 6. CheckSonic insertion meter
Compared to a spool piece meter additional uncertainties in the
following parameters have to be considered:
* the diameter of the pipe,
* the position and orientation of the transducers, affecting the
length of the ultrasonic path,
* the roundness of the pipe affecting the surface area.
These factors are very much determined by local practical conditions. In
general larger diameters give smaller errors except for roundness,
when large diameter pipes are becoming thin shelled structures.
2.3.2 Multipath meter
In a practical installation the velocity profile will mostly differ from the
undisturbed velocity profile due to the actual piping configuration.
The piping may result in:
* asymmetric velocity profiles,
* swirl, generating tangential and / or radial velocity components,
* pulsations.
2.3.2.1 Q.Sonic spool piece meter
Ultrasonic meters utilizing a multiple path configuration, f.i. parallel
paths or crossed paths, could eliminate their effects to a certain extent.
The multipath Q.Sonic has been designed to fully eliminate the effect of
the distortions of the velocity profile. The path configuration has been
chosen in such a way that it is possible to detect the type of distortion
and to measure its strength (figure 7). Two double reflection triangular
corkscrew paths, one rotating clockwise and the other counter clockwise,
are used to measure the swirl strength. Three single reflection paths are
used to measure the asymmetry of the flow pattern.
Figure 7. Q.Sonic path configuration
Swirl paths Diagonal paths Cross-sectional view
For the determination of the flow rate, the mean velocity over the
cross-section of the pipe is needed. To calculate the value, several
thousands of flow profiles were measured and analysed. On the basis
of this analysis Instromet has developed a proprietary procedure that
takes into account:
* the Reynolds number
* the measured velocities along the individual paths
* the measured swirl strength
* the asymmetry of the flow
The velocities are measured almost instantaneously. The pulses are
generated in a semi-random way and averaging over a sufficiently long
period eliminates any bias due to pulsations.
As a result, the uncertainty in measurement with a Q.Sonic can be
predicted from the dimensions to within 0.5%. Individual (wet)
calibration in a test installation can reduce this even further.
For the smaller diameters a 3 paths configuration is used and the
uncertainty with dry calibration only increases to 0.7%.
3. INSTALLATION
3.1 Installation of single path meter
As discussed earlier the flow profile has a similar effect as for orifice
plates. Present indications are that observing the installation
conditions as stipulated in ISO 5167 will result in a basic uncertainty of
about 1%. Similarly, if the smaller, bracketed values listed in this
standard are used for the straight lengths preceding the meter, one can
expect to have to add an additional 0.5% arithmetically.
3.2 Installation of Q.Sonic multipath meter
In absence of any standards for ultrasonic meters or their installation, the
Q.Sonic was tested to the standard for turbine meters ISO 9951.
The standard defines a set of flow perturbators that have to be installed
upstream of the meter for a performance test. The flow perturbators give
either a low level or a high level of perturbations.
The high level perturbation as defined in ISO 9951 consists of two
bends in perpendicular planes, with a segmental orifice located
between the two bends blocking half the pipe area. The objective is to
model the flow pattern generated by a regulator. The low level
perturbation is similar to the high level perturbation except for the
omission of the segmental orifice.
Independent tests carried out by users [7] have confirmed that the
Q.Sonic only needs 10 nominal diameters of straight upstream pipe to
satisfy the requirements of ISO 9951.
3.3 Ultrasonic noise caused by regulators and control valves
Some types of regulators and control valves generate very high levels
of ultrasonic noise. If the acoustic energy that is generated is in the
same frequency band as where the meter operates there is a likelihood
of interference.
Instromet has developed a mathematical model to predict the effect of
the piping configuration on the behaviour of the ultrasonic gasmeter.
Regulators and control valves produce noise that interferes with the
measuring signals of an ultrasonic gasmeter. If the noise level is too
high corrective measures have to be taken to reduce the noise. Bends,
tees, filters, turbine meters or heat exchangers all have a reducing
effect on the noise that reaches the ultrasonic gasmeter. In general, a
single bend accounts for an attenuation of 5 dB, a tee 10 dB, a turbine
meter 15dB and a heat exchanger 30 dB. As a first order estimation the
graph can be used for designing a measurement station with
ultrasonic gasmeters. If the pressure drop over the regulator or control
valve is known, the required noise attenuation is given for a particular
meter size. This attenuation can be obtained by adding noise reducing
elements.
The graph gives an example of a 6" and 12" ultrasonic gasmeter both
operating in the safe area (with no noise interference) at a pressure
drop of 20 bar over the regulator or control valve; at that point they
both operate below the safe line. The configuration with the 24" flow
meter requires additional attenuation by at least one extra bend
between the regulator or control valve and the ultrasonic gasmeter.
Remark: Instromet is not liable for any consequences by using this
graph for first order estimation. Please ask Instromet for detailed
calculation to help with your design.
If an ultrasonic meter has to be installed in the same installation as a
regulator or control valve that operates above the critical pressure
ratio, the following measures should be considered:
1. Install the regulator or control valve and the meter as far apart
as possible.
2. Avoid a design where regulator or control valve and meter are
in line, some bends or tees in between help attenuate the noise.
3. If possible, install the meter upstream of the regulator or
control valve.
3.4 Pressure drop
Ultrasonic meters produce no pressure drop.
3.5 Wet gas
Under certain conditions small amounts of liquid can deposit from
natural gas on the pipe wall. This liquid film is propelled through the
pipe by the gas velocity, at low velocities mostly along the bottom, and
at higher velocities also along the rest of the surface. At the same time
droplets are being carried in the gas stream.
Instromets ultrasonic gasmeters are not sensitive to the presence of
liquid. The meter will continue operating even if totally flooded.
However, in these circumstances the uncertainty of the measurement
result will increase with the amount of liquid present. This is for a large
part due to the decrease in free area available for gas flow.
A temporary flooding of the meter with water or condensate will not
normally affect its performance afterwards. However, the meter should
be installed so that liquids do not collect in the meter.
The performance of the Q.Sonic for wet gas has been demonstrated in
trials carried out by ARCO British Limited on the Thames platform in
the North Sea [8].
3.6 Pressurising and depressurising
Pressurising and depressurising the meter can be done at any rate. The
meter does not suffer any damage from high gas velocities.
3.7 Physical size
Sizes and ranges are given in table 3 for the CheckSonic and in table 4
for the Q.Sonic.
Table 4. Sizes and ranges for the CheckSonic single path meter
Table 5. Sizes and ranges for the Q.Sonic multipath meter
3.8 Transducer installation
The transducers have proven to be extremely reliable. There is
however, an option available which permits the removal of the
transducers under pressure. The transducers are in this case inserted
through full bore ball valves.
The transducers are fully exchangeable without invalidating the official
calibration. There is no need for recalibration after installing a
different transducer.
Diameter Product Flow range Q
min
Q
max
Meter body
[m
3
/h] [m
3
/h] length
4 CheckSonic 1:40 20 800 5D
6 CheckSonic 1:60 30 1800 5D
8 CheckSonic 1:60 50 3000 5D
10 CheckSonic 1:80 60 5000 3D
12 CheckSonic 1:100 80 8000 3D
16 CheckSonic 1:125 95 12000 3D
20 CheckSonic 1:140 135 19000 3D
24 CheckSonic 1:175 160 28000 3D
30 CheckSonic 1:250 225 45000 3D
Diameter Product Flow range Q
min
Q
max
Meter body
[m
3
/h] [m
3
/h] length
6 Q.Sonic 1:40 45 1800 5D
8 Q.Sonic 1:50 60 3000 5D
10 Q.Sonic 1:65 75 5000 5D
12 Q.Sonic 1:90 90 8000 3D
16 Q.Sonic 1:120 100 12000 3D
20 Q.Sonic 1:150 130 19000 3D
24 Q.Sonic 1:140 200 28000 3D
30 Q.Sonic 1:225 225 45000 3D
The transducers of insertion meters can routinely be retracted to be
able to give passage to a pig. A hydraulic system to automatically
retract the transducers at the approach of a pig is available as an
option.
4. DIAGNOSTICS
The fact that all relevant data are available in digital electronic form
allows for sophisticated diagnostic techniques. These diagnostic data
can be accessed on line and used to generate control charts. In this way
any degradation in performance can be detected in an early stage and
remedied. The following diagnostics are available on Instromets
ultrasonic gasmeters:
4.1 AGC
The received signals are amplified. An Automatic Gain Control adjusts
the amplification to achieve a specific signal level. Decrease of signal
level could for example be caused by thick deposits on the transducers.
Monitoring the AGC provides an excellent diagnostic tool.
4.2 Number of pulses accepted
The received signal is compared with a template of the expected signal.
If the resemblance is sufficient the signal is accepted. The percentage of
rejected signals has to remain under a certain level however.
4.3 Velocity of sound
From equation (2), the velocity of sound can be calculated.
Depending on the fluid and the pressure and temperature range that
can be expected a maximum and minimum value for this figure can be
determined. Values outside of these limits would indicate abnormal
conditions or a malfunction somewhere in the system. In multipath
meters the velocity of sound can be determined for each of the paths
individually.
4.4 Noise and signal analysis
The noise received in absence of signals is analysed typically every
10 seconds. Its level determines the value to which the gain can be
increased by the AGC. The AGC level strength and the noise level are
both available from the meter.
5. OUTPUTS
The outputs of ultrasonic flow meters consist of a pulse signal and a
serial digital data signal available according to RS 232 or RS 485 standards.
The pulse rate is proportional to the flow rate so that each pulse equals
a certain volume.
Additional status signals are available to indicate flow direction and to
indicate validity of the signal.
Special software is provided to communicate with the gasmeter
through a PC. This PC can also serve to adjust parameters as far as
allowed for legal metrological purposes.
REFERENCES
[1] R.L. Andsager, R.M. Knapp: Acoustic measurement of distance in
natural gas systems, Society of Petroleum Engineers, paper SPE
1640, 1966.
[2] Organisation Internationale de Mtrologie Lgale (OIML),
recommendation R32: Rotary piston gas meters and turbine
gasmeters.
[3] ISO 9951, Measurement of gas flow in closed conduits - Turbine
meters.
[4] H.J. Dane: Ultrasonic measurement of unsteady gas flow, Paper
presented at the 1995 meeting of the AGA operating section.
[5] R.R. Rothfus, C.C. Monrad:Correlation of turbulent velocities for
tubes and parallel plates, Indust. and Engng. Chem. 47 (6) (1955)
p.1144.
[6] ISO 5167-1, Measurement of fluid flow by means of pressure
difference devices-Orifice plates, nozzles and Venturi tubes inserted
in circular cross-section conduits running full.
[7] F. Vulovic, B. Harbrink, K. van Bloemendaal: Installation effects on a
multipath ultrasonic flow meter designed for profile distortions,
North Sea Flow Measurement Workshop, October 1995,
Lillehammer.
[8] P. Robbins: Thames Alpha gas metering ultrasonic meter (USM)
trial, North Sea Flow Measurement Workshop, October 1996,
Peebles Hydro, Scotland.
Sales Offices:
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Products & Services:
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INSTROMET has agents and representatives worldwide.
INSTROMET has a continuing program of product research and development.
Technical specifications and construction may change due to improvements.
This publication serves as general information only, and all specifications are
subject to confirmation by INSTROMET.
YOUR SALES OFFICE OR REPRESENTATIVE:
Gas measurement and control equipment
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