TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

NUFLO Orifice Plates

for Flow Measurement and Flow Restriction

Camerons NUFLO orifice plates are one of the most popular

Cameron has decades of experience designing, sizing, and

devices for the measurement and control of fluid flow. The

manufacturing orifice equipment using Computational Fluid

shape and manufacturing tolerances of plates used in

Dynamics (CFS) techniques and other design tools. Cameron

measurement applications are defined in the international

has manufactured measurement orifice plates and restriction

standardization publications of ISO, AGA, ASME, and others.

orifice plates under the NUFLO brand, and through the

From the formulas and data within these publications, the

collaboration of its Measurement Systems and Flow Control

relationships and values of flow, differential pressure, and plate

divisions, Camerons restriction design capabilities include the

bore are determined.

design of multi-orifice/multi-chamber chokes for regulating

In flow control applications, orifice plates are used as restriction

flow from high-pressure oil and gas wellheads.

devices to regulate fluid flow or reduce the flowing pressure

Cameron also offers multiple holders for orifice plates.

downstream of the orifice plate. The use of a fixed restriction

These include holders that fit in or between ring joint flanges,

orifice can be beneficial and economic by reducing the

orifice holding blocks, and single and dual orifice fittings.

demands on other flow system components.

Plate Styles

Unlike measurement orifices, the sizing and design of

Camerons plate styles include:

restriction orifices are not defined by standardization

organizations. Additionally, restriction orifices are often

and Type 580 and 590 ring-joint flange plate holders.

exposed to severe flow conditions associated with large

pressure reductions and the related fluid conditions caused by
liquids flashing to a gas, cavitation, and sonic (choked) flow. In
torturous applications, mimicking the design of measurement
orifices is not sufficient. Rather, Camerons NUFLO orifice plates
offer a variety of solutions involving alternate designs for the
leading edge of the bore, increased plate thickness, alternate
materials of construction, and multi-stage assemblies
embedded with specifically sized orifices.

Type 500 A universal plate for use in orifice fittings

See Universal Orifice Plates, page 2.

Type 520 A paddle-type plate for use with raised-face

orifice flange unions for measurement applications or for
installation between standard ANSI flanges in restriction
applications. Special options for flat-face flanges with
full-face contact are also available. See Paddle Type
Orifice Plates, page 3.

Bore Designs

Design Specifications

The bore in the orifice plate can be shaped or positioned to create

NUFLO orifice plates offer the following features, options, and

advantages for specific measurement applications. Likewise, the

capabilities:

bore design can be customized to enhance the performance of

Edges Square and sharp, measurement plates will not

flow restriction plates. See Special Restriction Orifice Bores, page 5,

reflect a beam of light when viewed without magnification.

for illustrations and detailed descriptions of each bore design.

Non-counter-bored plates are available on request for bi-

Restriction plates can be challenging to engineer due to the

directional flow measurement or for restriction applications at

extreme conditions to which they are subjected. In applications

where a measurement plate is inadequate, a thick restriction
plate or a multi-stage plate may be the answer. A thick plate is as
thick as the diameter of the bore. In large diameter applications,
the appearance is similar to a wafer meter. Where extreme
velocities exist, a thick plate better resists supersonic velocity
and erosion. In installations where high sound levels or reduced
durability should be avoided, a series of orifices can be used. Each
orifice is specifically sized and factory installed in a pipe section,

no additional charge.
Finish 20 micro-inch roughness. Polish technique is variable.
Other or specific finishes are optional. Restriction plates may
not be polished.
Flatness Measurement plates are flat within 0.010 of an inch
per inch of dam height (dam height = pipe diameter minus orifice
diameter, divided by 2).
Material Grade 316 stainless steel. Other alloys are optional.
CRN All plates and the ring joint flange plate holder have a

which is supplied as a spool assembly.

Canadian Registration Number confirming compliance with

Orifice Sizing

are traceable to a mill test report.

Customers also rely on Cameron for expert sizing of orifice

applications. Cameron offers free quotations for measurement
and restriction orifice plates and provides bore dimensions
or calculation results for a nominal charge. The screen image
below shows calculations for a multi-stage orifice assembly. All
calculations are provided for advisement purposes only.

ASME B16.48 and other piping codes. All NUFLO orifice plates
Markings All plates are marked with the line size, material
of construction, bore size, reference temperature, and heat lot
number. As an option, the customers tag information can also
be included.
Plate Size and Thickness Orifice plates are available in line
sizes from 1/2" to 24"; standard line sizes, from 2" to 12",
are commonly available in both 1/8" and 1/4" thicknesses.
Restriction plates are offered in various thicknesses according
to calculation results based on line size, bore size, pressure
drop, material, and flowing temperature.
Vent or Drain Holes Vent or drain holes are an option.
Customers must specify diameter and location or pipe schedule.

Universal Orifice Plates

Type 500
The Type 500 orifice plate is a standard design used in most
brands of single and dual chamber orifice fittings. Non-NUFLO
brand dual chamber fittings may require a seal ring.
Type 500 plates also fit Type 580 and Type 590 ring joint orifice
plate holders. When ordering, please specify:
1. Type number
When sizing a restriction orifice plate, it is important to remember
that the orifice plate is a fixed opening that is selected based on
only one set of conditions. Therefore, when a range of conditions
is provided, a determination must be made as to which single
set of conditions should be used for the sizing. Upon request, a
what-if analysis for testing the effectiveness of the plate with
other flow conditions can be performed once sizing is completed.

2. Line size
3. Plate OD (Dimension A) if not as listed on page 3
4. Material
5. Plate thickness (Dimension B) if not as listed on page 3
6. Orifice bore type

Type 500 Dimensions

Diameter of bore to be
specified by purchaser

Plate
OD
A

Line
Size1

A Dia.

Blank
Weight3
(lb)

Plate
Thickness2
B

3/4

1.125

1/8

0.06

1.312

1/8

0.06

1-1/2

2.000

1/8

0.11

2.437

1/8

0.17

2-1/2

2.812

1/8

0.25

3.437

1/8

0.34

4.406

1/8

0.55

6.437

1/8

1.18

8.437

1/4

4.06

10

10.687

1/4

6.41

12

12.593

1/4

9.61

All dimensions in inches.

2
Other thicknesses available.
3
Weight for thickness shown.
1

FLOW

Paddle Type Orifice Plates

Type 520
NUFLO Type 520 orifice plates are used with raised-face orifice flange
unions for measurement applications and installed between standard
ANSI flanges for restriction applications. Cameron also supplies
special versions for installation between flat-face flanges with
full-face contact.

The plate and handle are a one-piece seamless design on 1/8" thick
orifice plates for line sizes 2" to 6" and ANSI classes less than 900.
On all other plates, the handle is welded to the plate as standard;
one-piece construction is available as an option. The flange ANSI
class and other standard information is stamped on the handle. Each
handle includes a hole as indicated in the table below.

A Dia.

When ordering, please specify:

1. Type number
2. Line size and ANSI class

Diameter of bore to be
specified by purchaser

3. Plate OD (Dimension A) if not as listed

B
FLOW

4. Material
5. Plate thickness (Dimension B) if not as listed
6. Orifice bore type
7. M
 easurement type or restriction type (no bevel or polish)
8. Any special requirements

Line Size

Handle Hole Diameter

1/2 to 2

1/4

2-1/2 to 12

3/8

14 to 24

1/2

All dimensions in inches.

Type 520 Dimensions

Line Size

125 lb
& 150 lb
ANSI

250 lb
& 300 lb
ANSI

400 lb
ANSI

600 lb
ANSI

900 lb
ANSI

1500 lb
ANSI

2500 lb
ANSI

For All
Pressure Ratings
125 to 2500 lb ANSI
B

1/2

1-7/8

2-1/8

2-1/8

2-1/8

2-1/2

2-1/2

2-3/4

1/8

3/4

2-1/4

2-5/8

2-5/8

2-5/8

2-3/4

2-3/4

1/8

2-5/8

2-7/8

2-7/8

2-7/8

3-1/8

3-1/8

3-3/8

1/8

1-1/4

3-1/4

3-1/4

3-1/4

3-1/2

3-1/2

4-1/8

1/8

1-1/2

3-3/8

3-3/4

3-3/4

3-3/4

3-7/8

3-7/8

4-5/8

1/8

4-1/8

4-3/8

4-3/8

4-3/8

5-5/8

5-5/8

5-3/4

1/8

2-1/2

4-7/8

5-1/8

5-1/8

5-1/8

6-1/2

6-1/2

6-5/8

1/8

1-1/4

5-3/8

5-7/8

5-7/8

5-7/8

6-5/8

6-7/8

7-3/4

1/8

1-1/4

6-7/8

7-1/8

7-5/8

8-1/8

8-1/4

9-1/4

1/8

1-1/4

7-3/4

8-1/2

8-3/8

9-1/2

9-3/4

10

11

1/8

1-1/2

8-3/4

9-7/8

9-3/4

10-1/2

11-3/8

11-1/8

12-1/2

1/8

1-1/2

11

12-1/8

12

12-5/8

14-1/8

13-7/8

15-1/4

1/8

1-1/2

10

13-3/8

14-1/4

14-1/8

15-3/4

17-1/8

17-/18

18-3/4

1/4

1-1/2

12

16-1/8

16-5/8

16-1/2

18

19-5/8

20-1/2

21-5/8

1/4

1-1/2

14

17-3/4

19-1/8

19

19-3/8

20-1/2

22-3/4

n/a

1/4

1-1/2

16

20-1/4

21-1/4

21-1/8

22-1/4

22-5/8

25-1/4

n/a

3/8

1-1/2

18

21-1/2

23-3/8

23-1/4

24

25

27-5/8

n/a

3/8

1-1/2

20

23-3/4

25-5/8

25-3/8

26-3/4

27-3/8

29-5/8

n/a

3/8

1-1/2

22

26

27-3/4

27-1/2

28-7/8

n/a

n/a

n/a

3/8

1-1/2

24

28-1/8

30-3/8

30-1/8

31

32-7/8

35-1/2

n/a

3/8

1-1/2

All dimensions in inches.

Measurement Orifice Bore Profiles

Square Edge (Standard) Bore
For the common square edge concentric bore orifice, the bore and

bevel is the standard method of limiting the plate edge thickness.

Unless otherwise specified, plates will be beveled to the current
accepted AGA standards.

Quadrant Edge Bore

min 1/8" thick

The quadrant edge bore is an orifice with the inlet edge rounded.
Instead of beveling, the plate is counter-bored to the desired edge
thickness. The radius of the quarter circle bore is a function of
the orifice-to-pipe ratio (d/D). Thickness at the throat is equal to

45

R
D

the radius. This bore is specifically designed for viscous fluids such
as heavy crudes, syrups, and slurries with Reynolds Numbers
below 100,000.

c
c =1.5 d but less than D

R =d

0.734
1

0.638

Eccentric Bore

Tap angle

Eccentric bore orifice plates are plates with the orifice off-center, or

180

eccentric, as opposed to concentric. The bore of the eccentric

orifice normally is inscribed in a circle that is 98% of the pipe

90

diameter, so that solids or slurries may pass through. Eccentric bore

orifice plates are used in many industries including heavy and light
chemicals, steel, paper, nuclear, and petrochemicals.

Conical Reverse Bevel Restriction Bore

The conical orifice is a measurement orifice installed in the flow line
with the bevel facing upstream. It is applied in low Reynolds Number

applications. Due to reduced machining, this style is more economical

than the quadrant bore typically used for measurement of viscous
fluids, and is sufficiently accurate for most restriction applications.

Special Restriction Orifice Bores

Quadrant Edge Bore

Thin Restriction Bore

small D

D > 2"

Some restriction applications are designed with the assumption that

In a restriction application the thin plate is advantageous over the

the fluids will reach sonic velocity through the bore of the restriction

thick plate in situations where the bore would be large. Since the

(critical flow). It is more predictable to achieve sonic velocity through

thick plate requires the thickness of the plate and the bore to be

the bore of a thick plate, and a thick plate can withstand the

equal the thin plate alternative will be lighter, easier to handle, and

mechanical wear associated with sonic velocity.

less expensive. Although the thin plate may be less durable than a
thick plate they are suitable for most applications. Attention should
be paid when sizing thick versus thin plates as the sizing results will
differ between the two styles. To avoid thin plate acting like a thick
plate a bevel may be incorporated during manufacture to reduce
the thickness through the bore cylindrical to at least one third the
thickness of the plate.
As a rugged economical device a restriction plate does not require
the same stringent machining tolerances and surface finish as a
measurement plate.

Multi-Stage Restriction Assembly

A multi-stage restriction assembly reduces the flowing pressure in stages as a means of reducing noise pollution or improving the durability
of the restriction element. Flow is kept subsonic and non-cavitating at each stage by adding stages. Each assembly is custom engineered by
Cameron for specific operating parameters. These assemblies are commonly used in blowdown applications in which gases are vented to
atmospheric pressure with minimal emitted sound. Each plate is typically held between standard ANSI flanges (not shown).

4D
D
d

Ring Joint Orifice Plate Holders

Cameron offers the Type 560 orifice plate to holders that fit between

Other sizes, materials, ANSI, and special flange ratings are available on

ring joint flanges.

special order.

In conformance with ASME B16.2, Type 560 plate holders feature an

When ordering, please specify:

oval gasket ring. Octagonal rings are available on request. Standard

1. Type number

materials are carbon steel and 316 stainless steel; however, NUFLO

2. Line size

plate holders can be manufactured from nearly any alloy.

3. API ring number or ANSI flange pressure rating

4. Material

Orifice Plate Alloys Available

304

321

Hastelloy B, C

316

347

Inconel 600

316 L

Duplex

Inconel 625

317

Monel

Other materials available on request.

Type 560 plate holders are available in all sizes and ring numbers.
Please note that 2" to 12" sizes have 1/4" thick plates as standard; for
restriction applications additional thickness may be required. Confer
with sizing results. Additional thickness will increase the Approx. Gap
shown on page 7.

5. Quantity
6. Orifice bore type
7. Plate thickness (inches)
8. Measurement or restriction application

2"

2"

2"

1/8"
1-1/4"

1-1/4"

Orifice Plates for RTJ Flanges

1/8"

1-1/4"

Orifice Plat
Hold-Dow
Screws

Spring
Clip

Snap
Ring
A

A
Type 560
Integral Plate Seal

300 600 lb ANSI

Line
Size

Type 580
with Snap-Ring Clip

900 lb ANSI

Type 590
with Hold-Down Scre

1500 lb ANSI

2500 lb ANSI

API
Ring #

1/2

R-11

29/32

4-1/4

19/32

R-12

4-1/4

19/32

R-12

4-1/4

19/32

R-13

4-1/4

19/32

3/4

R-13

4-1/4

19/32

R-14

4-1/4

19/32

R-14

4-1/4

19/32

R-16

4-1/4

19/32

Approx.
Gap*

API
Ring #

Approx.
Gap*

API
Ring #

Approx.
Gap*

API
Ring #

Approx.
Gap*

R-16

4-1/4

19/32

R-16

4-1/4

19/32

R-16

4-1/4

19/32

R-18

4-1/4

19/32

1-1/2

R-20

4-1/4

19/32

R-20

4-1/4

19/32

R-20

4-1/4

19/32

R-23

1-1/16

5-1/4

1/2

R-23

1-1/16

4-1/4

23/32

R-24

1-1/16

5-1/4

3/4

R-24

1-1/16

5-1/4

5/8

R-26

1-1/16

5-1/4

5/8

2-1/2

R-26

1-1/16

5-1/4

23/32

R-27

1-1/16

5-1/4

3/4

R-27

1-1/16

5-1/4

5/8

R-28

1-13/16

5-1/4

11/16

R-31

1-1/16

5-1/4

23/32

R-31

1-1/16

5-1/4

21/32

R-35

1-1/16

5-1/4

5/8

R-32

1-3/16

6-1/4

11/16

3-1/2

R-34

1-1/16

4-1/4

23/32

n/a

n/a

n/a

21/32

n/a

n/a

n/a

5/8

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

R-37

1-1/16

5-1/4

23/32

R-37

1-1/16

5-1/4

21/32

R-39

1-1/16

5-1/4

5/8

R-38

1-5/16

6-1/4

21/32

R-41

1-1/16

6-1/4

23/32

R-41

1-1/16

6-1/4

21/32

R-44

1-1/16

6-1/4

5/8

R-42

1-7/16

7-1/4

21/32

R-45

1-1/16

6-1/4

23/32

R-45

1-1/16

6-1/4

21/32

R-46

1-3/16

6-1/4

11/16

R-47

1-7/16

7-1/4

21/32

R-49

1-1/16

6-1/4

23/32

R-49

1-1/16

6-1/4

21/32

R-50

1-35/16

6-1/4

11/16

R-51

1-9/16

8-1/4

3/4

10

R-53

1-3/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-53

1-3/16

7-1/4

21/32

R-54

1-7/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-55

8-1/4

7/8

12

R-57

1-3/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-57

1-3/16

7-1/4

21/32

R-58

1-11/16

8-1/4

3/4

R-60

2-1/8

9-1/4

7/8

14

R-61

1-3/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-62

1-7/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-63

1-7/8

8-1/4

25/32

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

16

R-65

1-5/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-66

1-9/16

7-1/4

27/32

R-67

2-1/8

9-1/4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

18

R-69

1-5/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-70

1-11/16

7-1/4

3/4

R-71

2-1/8

9-1/4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

20

R-73

1-3/8

7-1/4

23/32

R-74

1-9/16

7-1/4

3/4

R-75

2-1/8

10-1/4

7/8

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

24

R-77

1-7/16

7-1/4

13/16

R-78

1-7/8

9-1/4

25/32

R-79

2-5/16

11-1/4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

All dimensions in inches.

* Approximate distance between flanges.

Single and Dual Orifice Chamber Fittings

Orifice fittings provide an alternative to holding an orifice plate between flanges.
They allow for easier and faster inspection or replacement of the orifice plate.
Measurement accuracy is assured by centering the orifice plate in the pipe bore.
A dual chamber fitting allows the plate to be changed without depressurizing
the flow line or interrupting the flow. Fittings are available for line sizes ranging
from 2" to 6". See NUFLO Single and Dual Orifice Fitting Models 4055 and 4042
and CLIF MOCK Model 5030 Orifice Fitting technical data sheets and related
accessory data sheets for details.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided for marketing purposes only.
Exact specifications should be confirmed with the factory at time of order.

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