absolute mass n: the expression of a fluid's weight in terms of its weight in a vacuum.

absolute pressure n: total pressure measured from an absolute vacuum. It equals the
sum of the gauge pressure and the atmospheric pressure; expressed in pounds per
square inch.

accuracy n: the ability of a measuring instrument to indicate values closely

approximating the true value of the quantity measured.

annubar n: a gas measurement device that consists of a multiple-ported Pitot tube

installed inside a pipe through which gas is flowing; it is installed perpendicular to the
flow of gas. The length of the annubar that face into the flowing stream sense average
upstream, or impact, pressure. A rear-facing port senses flowing, or static, pressure,
which is lower than impact pressure. The difference between impact pressure and
static pressure allows gas volume to be calculated. See Pitot tube.

atmospheric pressure n: the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. At

sea level, the pressure is approximately 14.73 pounds per square inch (101.325
kilopascals), often referred to as I atmosphere. Also called barometric pressure.

ballistic prover n: see small-volume prover.

Bernoulli's theorem n: a mathematical expression of the conservation of energy in

streamline flow; the theorem states that the sum of the ratio of the pressure to the
mass density, the product of the gravitational constant and the vertical height, and the
square of the velocity divided by 2 are constant.

British thermal unit (BTU) n: a measure of heat energy equivalent to the amount of
heat needed to raise I pound of water I degree Fahrenheit at or near its point of
maximum density (39.1 degrees Fahrenheit). Equivalent to 0.252 kilogram-calories or
1,055 joules.

calibration n: the adjustment or standardising of a measuring instrument or of a

standard capacity measure, a tank prover, or a pipe prover.

calorimeter n: an apparatus used to determine the heating value of a combustible

material.

capacity rating n: a rating equal to the maximum number of cubic feet of gas that
will pass through a meter when the pressure differential across the meter equals a 0.5
inch water column and the flowing pressure is 0.25 psig.

chromatograph n: an analytical instrument that separates mixtures of substances into

identifiable components by means of chromatography.

chromatography n: a method of separating a solution of closely related compounds

by allowing it to seep through an adsorbent so that each compound is adsorbed in a
separate layer.

closed stationary tank prover n: see positive-volume prover.

coefficient of discharge n: the ratio of actual flow to theoretical flow.

coefficient of expansion n: the increment in volume of a unit volume of solid, liquid,

or gas for a rise of temperature of I degree at constant pressure. Also called coefficient
of cubical expansion, coefficient of thermal expansion, expansion coefficient,
expansivity.

composite sample n: a sample of substance that is made up of equal portions of two

or more spot samples obtained from a tank or pipeline. In a crude oil storage tank, one
type of composite sample is taken at the top, at the bottom, and in the middle.

compressibility n: the change in volume per unit of volume of a liquid caused by a

unit change in pressure at constant temperature.

compressibility factor n: the ratio of the actual volume of gas at a given temperature
and pressure to the volume of gas when calculated by the ideal gas law.

condensate n: a light hydrocarbon liquid obtained by condensation of hydrocarbon

vapors, It consists of varying proportions of butane, propane, pentane, and heavier
fractions, with little or no methane or ethane.

critical flow n: the rate of flow of a fluid that is equivalent to the speed of sound in
the fluid.

critical-flow prover n: a pipe-shaped device with a restriction, usually an orifice or

nozzle, that is used to measure the velocity of gas flow during an open-flow test of a
gas well.

critical point n: the point of critical pressure and critical temperature of a fluid.

critical pressure n: the pressure needed to condense a vapor at its critical

temperature.

critical temperature n: the highest temperature at which a substance can be

separated into two fluid phases-liquid and vapor. Above the critical temperature, a gas
cannot be liquefied by pressure alone.

critical value n: the amount of critical pressure and critical temperature for a
particular fluid.

critical volume n: the specific volume of gas at its critical temperature and pressure.

cryogenic plant n: a gas processing plant that is capable of producing natural gas
liquid products, including ethane, at very low operating temperatures.

densimeter n: a device that measures the specific gravity or relative density of a gas,
liquid, or solid.

densitometer n: see densimeter.

density n: the mass or weight of a substance per unit volume. For instance, the
density of a gas may be state in terms of pounds per gallon, although it is usually
expressed a specific gravity. Relative density and API gravity are other units of
density.

dew point n: the temperature and pressure at which a liquid begins to condense out of
a gas. For example, if a constant pressure is held on a certain volume of gas but the
temperature is reduce, a point is reached at which droplets of liquid condense out of
the gas. That point is the dew point of the gas at that pressure. Similary, if a constant
temperature in maintained.

dew point temperature n: the temperature at which the rate that water vapor leaves a
gas equals the rate that water vapor enters the gas at a given pressure.

dew point tester n: a high-pressure

differential drop n: the reduction in pressure that occurs as gas flows through a
restriction in a line, such as through an orifice.

differential head n: see differential pressure

differential pressure n: the difference between two fluid pressures, for example the
difference between the pressure in a reservoir and in a well bore drilled in the
reservoir and in a wellbore drilled in the reservoir, or between atmospheric pressure at
sea level and at 10,000 feet. Also called pressure differential.

differential pressure transducer n: an electrical device that senses very small

bellows or diaphragm movement in a bellows meter. Allows a computer to calculate
flow rates directly by producing electrical output.

differential test n: a test taken at a particular point in the flow of a meter, which is
compared with the same flow rate on a differential curve that was established at the
time the meter was installed. If the differential pressure reading obtained during the
test is 50% higher than the original test value (at the same flow rate), with pressure
and temperature conditions being approximately the same, the meter is removed and
the cause of the increased operating resistance determined.

discharge coefficient n: a measure of the efficiency with which gas flows through an
actual orifice. Compares the actual orifice's discharge rate with an ideal orifice's
discharge rate.

dynamic equilibrium n: a condition in which several processes act simultaneously to

maintain a system in an overall state that does not change with time.

electrolytic moisture analyzer n: instrument that uses the principle that moisture is
absorbed on a phosphorous pentoxide film between two electrodes to measure the
amount of water in a fluid such as gas.
energy n: the capability of a body for doing work. Potential energy is this capability
due to the position or state of the body. Kinetic energy is the capability due to the
motion of the body.

equilibrium vapor pressure n: the pressure at which as liquid and its vapor are in
equilibrium at a given temperature.

expansion factor n: a factor that corrects for the change in density of the gas as it
flows from the pressure tap location to the plane of the orifice.

flanged fitting n: a device that holds an orifice plate centered in the line in which a
fluid is flowing. It consists of two pieces that are joined by placing them together and
tightening bolts and nuts. The orifice plat fits between the two pieces. To remove or
inspect the orifice plate in a flanged fitting, the line must be bled and the flow of fluid
rerouted so that no pressure exists on the fitting.

flange tap n: in an orifice fitting, the position of a pair of tap holes. The upstream tap
center is located I inch upstream of the nearest plate face. The downstream tap center
is located I inch downstream of the nearest plate face. Compare pipe tap.

flow coefficient n: see C'.

flowmeter n: a device that measures the amount of fluid moving through a pipe.

flow nozzle n: a restriction installed in a line in which fluid is flowing that produces a
pressure differential. The volume of fluid can be determined by measurement of the
differential. Flow nozzles can handle dirty and abrasive gases better than orifices.

flow rate n: the speed, or velocity, of fluid flow through a pipe or vessel.

flow recorder n: a device with a chart and pens used to record static and differential
pressures and sometimes temperature in an orifice meter installation.

flow tube n: a restriction installed in a line of flowing fluid that produces relatively
high differential pressures with relatively low permanent pressure losses as the fluid
flows through the device. By measuring the differential, the volume of fluid flowing
through the tube can be inferred.

gas n: a compressible fluid that completely tills any container in which it is confined.
Technically, a gas will not condense when it is compressed and cooled, because a gas
can exist only above the critical temperature for its particular composition. Below the
critical temperature., this form of matter is known as a vapor, because liquid can exist
and condensation can occur. Sometimes the terms "gas" and "vapor" are used
interchangeably. The later, however, should be used for those streams in which
condensation can occur and that originate from, or are in equilibrium with, a liquid
phase.

gravitometer n: a device for measuring and recording the density or specific gravity
of a gas or liquid passing a point of measurement. Also called a densimeter.
Herschel tube n: a venture tube used to measure fluid flow when a low permanent
pressure drop is required for measurement.

hydrocarbons n pl: organic compounds of hydrogen and carbon whose densities,

boiling points and freesing points increase as their molecular weights increase.
Although composed of only two elements, hydrocarbons exist in a variety of
compounds, because of the strong affinity of the carbon atom for other atoms and for
itself. The smallest molecules of hydrocarbons are gaseous; the largest are solids.
Petroleum is a mixture of many different hydrocarbons.

inferential mass meter n: a volume meter with the addition of a densitometer from
which mass flow is inferred.

junior orifice fitting n: a one-piece orifice fitting without flanges.

kinetic pressure n: the pressure exerted by a gas under ideal conditions. Also called
ideal pressure.

liquid n: a state of matter in which the shape of the given mass depends on the
containing vessel, but the volume of the mass is independent of the vessel. A liquid is
a fluid that is almost incompressible.

L-10 chart n: a chart used in measuring gas with orifice meters on which are
recorded differential and static pressures. It uses a logarithmic scale from 0 to 10. The
readings must be converted, but it can be used on any flow recorder, regardless of
range. Also called square-root chart.

mass n: the quantity of matter a substance contains, independent of such external

conditions as the buoyancy of the atmosphere or the acceleration caused by gravity.

master meter n: a meter that is proved using a certified prover and then used to
calibrate other provers or to prove other meters.

mechanical displacement prover n: see pipe prover.

meter factor n: a number used to correct a meter's inaccuracy. The factor is derived
by dividing the actual volume of liquid passed through a meter during proving by the
volume registered by the meter. For subsequent metering operations, the actual
throughput, or gross measured volume, is determined by multiplying the indicated
volume registered on the meter by the meter factor.

meter installation n: in gas measurement, the orifice plate, orifice fitting, manifold,
and flow recorder. Also called a meter run, meter station, orifice meter installation.

meter K-factor n: pulses per barrel.

meter station n: see meter installation.

meter tube n: an important part of the primary element of an orifice meter installation
that must create a known flow pattern for the fluid as it reaches the plate. It is the
straight upstream pipe of the same size between the orifice and nearest pipe fitting and
the similar downstream pipe between the orifice and nearest pipe fitting.

natural gas n: a high compressible, highly expansible mixture of hydrocarbons with a

low specific gravity and occurring naturally in a gaseous form. Besides hydrocarbon
gases, natural gas may contain appreciable quantities of nitrogen, helium, carbon
dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water vapor. Although gaseous at normal temperatures
and pressures, the gases making up the mixture that is natural gas are variable in form
and may be found either as gases or as liquids under suitable conditions of
temperature and pressure.

natural gas liquids (NGLS) n pl: those hydrocarbons liquefied at the surface in field
facilities or in gas processing plants. Natural gas liquids include propane, butane, and
natural gasoline.

orifice meter n: an instrument used to measure the flow of fluid through a pipe. The
orifice meter is an inferential device that measures and records the pressure
differential created by the passage of a fluid through an orifice of critical diameter
placed in the line. The rate of flow is calculated from the differential pressure and the
static, or line, pressure and other factors such as the temperature and density of the
fluid, the size of the pipe and the size of the orifice.

orifice plate n: a sheet of metal, usually circular, in which a hole of specific size is
made for use in an orifice fitting.

pipe prover n: 1. an accurately calibrate, usually U-shaped, pipe used to check, or

prove, the accuracy of a meter on a LACT unit or other oil measuring installation. 2. a
type of continuous-flow volumetric prover comprising a length of pipe from which a
known volume is displaced by a displacer to or from a meter being proved at normal
operating conditions. Also called mechanical displacement prover.

pipe tap n: in an orifice meter installation, the threaded hole into which is screwed a
small pipe to connect the orifice fitting to the flow recorder. Two taps are usually
employed: the upstream tap center is located two and one-half times the published
inside pipe diameter upstream of the nearest plate face; the downstream tap center is
located eight times the published inside pipe diameter downstream of the nearest plate
face. Compare flange tap.

Pitot tube n: an open-ended tube arranged to face against the current of a stream of
fluid. It is used in measuring the velocity of a flowing medium.

positive-displacement meter n: a mechanical fluid-measuring device that measures

by filling and emptying chambers of a specific volume. The displacement of a fixed
volume of fluid may be accomplished by the action of reciprocating or oscillating
pistons, rotating vanes or buckets, nutating disks, or tanks or other vessels that
automatically fill and empty. Also called a volume meter or volumeter.

positive-volume prover n: a relatively small tank with an accurately calibrated

volume used to prove a meter. Liquid is flowed from the meter and into the tank until
the calibrated level is achieved. The volume of liquid in the tank is then compared
with the volume the meter recorded. If required, the meter is adjusted or a special
factor is used to correct the meter. Also called closed stationary tank prover.

pressure differential n: see differential pressure.

pressure drop n: a loss of pressure that results from friction sustained by a fluid
passing through a line, valve, fitting, or other device.

pressure extension n: in gas measurement with orifice meters, a mathematical

expression derived from the flow-rate equation. The pressure extension is the square
root of the differential pressure in inches of water (hw) times the static pressure in
pounds per square inch absolute.

pressure head n: see head.

prove n: to determine the accuracy of a petroleum measurement meter.

prover counter n: an electronic device that counts each pulse generated by a meter
transmitter.

pulsating flow n: flow that is variable; unstable flow.

range n: the region between the limits within which a quantity is measured, received,
or transmitted, expressed by stating the lower and upper range values.

rangeability n: the capability of a meter or flow-measuring device to operated

between the minimum and maximum flow range within an acceptable tolerance.
Generally expressed as the ratio of maximum flow to minimum flow.

relative density n: see specific gravity.

repeatability n: 1. the closeness of the agreement between the results of successive

measurement of the same quantity carried out by the same method, by the same
person with the same measuring instrument at the same location over a short period of
time. 2. the ability of a meter and prover system to repeat its registered volume during
a series of consecutive proving runs under constant operating conditions.

Reynolds number n: a dimensionless number defined as Re = DuP + m, where D =

inside diameter of the pipe; u = mean flow velocity; P = density of the fluid; m =
dynamic viscosity, all in consistent units.

rotameter n: instrument used to indicate flow rate. It consists of a float in a tapered

tube or a tapered float that moves in a fixed orifice. Flow passing around an annular
space between the float and its container causes the float to rise until its weight
counterbalances the pressure drop across it.

rotational flow n: see swirl

senior orifice fitting n: a one-piece orifice fitting that allows the orifice plate in it to
be changed without depressuring the meter run or shutting off the flow of gas.

simplex fitting n: modified version of flanged fitting. Flange bolts are replaced with a
single chamber that holds the plate.

small-volume prover n: a prover with a volume between detectors that does not
permit a minimum accumulation of 1,000 direct (unaltered) pulses from the meter.
Small-volume provers require meter pulse discrimination by pulse interpolation
counter or other techniques to increase the resolution. Also called ballistic prover.

sonic flow nozzle n: a specially designed nozzle that is installed in a line through
which fluids are flowing. It is used to measure the volume of fluids. It works on the
same principle as an orifice plate in that the nozzle causes a pressure drop from which
volume of flow can be inferred. It is used where the velocity of flow is particularly
high because the pressure loss through the nozzle is lower than through an orifice. See
orifice plate.

specific gravity n: 1. the ratio of the weight of a given volume of a substance at a

given temperature to the weight of an equal volume of a standard substance at the
same temperature. For example, if I cubic inch of water at 39 degrees F weighs I unit
and I cubic inch of another solid or liquid at 39 degrees F weighs 0.95 unit, then the
relative density of the substance is 0.95. In determining the relative density of gases,
the comparison is made with the standard of air or hydrogen. 2. the ratio of the mass
of a given volume of a substance to the mass of a like volume of a standard substance,
such as water or air.

specific weight n: density times the attraction of gravity.

static pressure n: the pressure exerted by a fluid upon a surface that is at rest in
relation to the fluid.

straightening vanes n pl: bundles of small-diameter tubing tack-welded together in a

concentric pattern and placed in the upstream section of an orifice-meter run for the
purpose of reducing considerably the amount of straight pipe required upstream of the
orifice. They eliminate swirls and crosscurrents set up by the pipe fittings and valves
proceding the meter tube.

supercompressibility n: a deviation of natural gas from Boyle's and Charles's laws

for ideal gas. Natural gas in not an ideal gas in that it is a mixture of several gases. As
the pressure increases, the volume of space that a given weight of natural gas would
occupy becomes increasingly smaller than the volume calculated by application of
Boyle's and Charles's laws.

swirl n: a qualitative term describing tangential motions of liquid flow in a pipe or

tube. Also called rotational flow.

totalizer n: a meter register that receives signals from several other meters and
displays or records the sum of the readings from the other meters.
transfer proving n: the use of a master meter to calibrate positive-displacement and
turbine meters measuring gas flow.

true volume n: the calibrated volume of a prover between two detector switches on a
pipe prover.

turbine meter n: a velocity-measuring device for fluids in which the flow is parallel
to the rotor axis and the speed of rotation is proportional to the rate of flow. The
volume of gas in gas measurement is determined by counting the revolutions of the
rotor. In liquid turbine meter measurement, the meter and electronic instrumentation
are combined to measure total flow and/or flow rate within the piping system.

ultrasonic meter n: flowmeter used (1) to measure transit times of an acoustic

pressure wave with and against the flow (time-of-flight meter) to infer pipeline
velocity or (2) to reflect sonic energy from scatterers in fluid back to a receiver
(Doppler meter) to measure volumetric flow rate.

universal constant n: in an ideal gas, a number equal to the pressure of the gas times
its molar volume divided by its temperature. See molar volume, mole.

variable-area meter n: see rotameter.

velocity of approach factor (Ev) n: a mathematical expression that relates the

velocity of the fluid flowing in the meter tube upstream from the orifice to the
velocity of the fluid flowing through the orifice.

vena contracta n: squeezing of the gas flow.

venturi tube n: a short tube with a calibrated constriction that is used in instruments
or devices such as jet hoppers. It was developed to take advantage of the principle that
a fluid flowing through a constriction has increased velocity and reduced pressure.

viscosity n: a measure of the resistance of a fluid to flow. Resistance is brought about

by the internal friction resulting from the combined effects of cohesion and adhesion.
The viscosity of petroleum products is commonly expressed in terms of the time
required for a specific volume of the liquid to flow through a capillary tuber of a
specific size at a given temperature.