Flowmeters and Turndown Ratio

An introduction to turndown ratio for flow measurement devices as orifices,

venturi meter etc.

Turndown ratio is often used to compare the span - the range - of flow measurement
devices.

Turndown Ratio

Turndown ratio can be expressed as:

TR = qmax / qmin (1)

where

TR = Turndown Ratio

qmax = maximum flow

qmin = minimum flow

Maximum and minimum flow is stated within a specified accuracy and repeatability
for the device.

Example - Turndown Ratio for an Orifice Meter

The turndown ratio - TR - for an orifice meter with maximum flow of 12 kg/s and a
minimum flow of 3 kg/s can be calculated as:

TR = (12 kg/s) / (3 kg/s) = 4 - normally expressed as turndown ratio of 4:1

This is a typical turndown ratio for a orifice plate. In general a orifice plates has
turndown ratio between 3:1 and 5:1.

Turndown Ratio and Measured Signal

In a flow meter based on the orifice or venturi principle, the differential pressure
upstream and downstream of an obstruction in the flow is used to indicate the flow.
According the Bernoulli Equation the differential pressure increases with the square
of flow velocity. A large turndown ratio will cramp the measurement signal at low
flow rate.