C62 Flow Calibration {A flow calibration can be used to reduce errors resulting from inaccuracies in path length, path angle, pipe diameter and path location. The mean ratio between the output signal and the flow velocity (sometimes called “meter factor”) can be determined by a flow calibration. The calibration should be performed in a way to ensure that the test rig does not influence the test results. This incorporates a steady, fully developed velocity flow profile, free from swirl and pulsation. Generally these requirements can be achieved by using sufficient straight lengths of pipe upstream and downstream from the meter tube. If necessary, an upstream flow conditioner may be installed. As a minimum, the manufacturer's reference to the installation conditions must be observed. The calibration should be performed as closely as possible to the Reynolds number of the actual application. During the calibration, the meter output, which may be via serial communications or a frequency signal, is compared with one or more reference instruments. If using analog output, the resolution of the conversion to a digital signal needs to be considered. To improve accuracy, the calibration should be conducted according to good laboratory practice and in accordance with methods recognized by intemational standards (c.g, 150 4185, 1S0 8316, 1S0 9300). Any flow calibration has a degree of uncertainty, depending on the methods of calibration and the facility. It is determined by the random and systematic errors in measurement of the flow velocity and by the random and systematic errors of the laboratory. - ‘The uncertainty of the laboratory can be as low as 0.2% to 0. ‘The calibration should be made over a statistically significant number of runs and over a range of flow velocities. A common practice is to calibrate at least 6 or 10 velocities, logarithmically spaced over the meter range, taking the mean of at least three measurements, of 100 seconds, at tach velocity. In the lower part of the range, the number of measurements may be increased to $ or 10. In determining the number of repeat points at each flow condition, the variability of the instrument under test should be considered, so that the random errors are sufficiently averaged and the remaining difference with respect to the calibration standard is predominantly the bias of the instrument under test 63 Calibration Facilities jficant problem is the current lack of facilities capable of calibrating these meters, which lly need to be calibrated at very high flow rates and pipeline pressures. Cost of the calibration may be a significant portion of the cost of the meter, and the test may only cover the ower end of the meter capacity Facilities to calibrate meters larger than 12" in diameter are virtually nonexistent. C64 Transducer Replacement Ultrasonic meters are fitted with pairs of electrical ultrasonic transducers. In the event that transducer must be removed due to malfunction or damage, single transducers or pairs of transducers are replaced, depending on the recommendations of the specific manufacturer. The 2