GASCalc™ 5.

0 Calculation Reference
Orifice Meter
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Background Information
Equations
Example Calculation
General Calculation Procedures
Notes & Considerations
Screen Description
See Also

General Calculation Procedures

To calculate the various values associated with the orifice meter calculation, complete the following steps:

! Select the Orifice Meter menu item from the Meters menu list. The Orifice Meter Values calculation
screen will be displayed.

! Select the Clear command button to set all of the values to an empty (null) value.

! Select the Base Conditions command button. The Base Conditions screen will be displayed.

! Enter an appropriate base pressure and temperature value.

! Select an appropriate file or the None option from the Use Gas Properties File list. If the “None”
option is selected, enter the appropriate gas property values.

! Select an appropriate method from the Atmospheric Pressure Method list.

! Select an appropriate method or the None option from the Compressibility Method list.

! Select the Apply command button to save the changes and return to the current calculation screen.

! Select an appropriate method from the Calculation Method data list.

! Click on the red label associated with the item to be calculated (the unknown value) until the label is
underlined.

! Select the desired dimensional units for all of the data items.

! Enter a value for all known data items.

! Select the Calculate command button.

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Example Calculation

Calculate the flow rate associated with the following meter and operating conditions, using the American Gas
Association Report No 3 1992 method:

Tube Size = 6 Inch steel standard wall pipe

Orifice Size = 1.910 Inches [48.5 Millimeter]
Differential Pressure = 22 Inches H2O [55 mBar]
Differential Tap Location = Flange
Static Pressure = 150 Psig [10 mBar]
Static Pressure Tap Location = Upstream
Elevation = 0 Feet [0 Metres]
Flowing Temperature = 52 Fahrenheit [11.1 Celsius]
Orifice Dimensional Reference Temperature = 70 Fahrenheit [21.1 Celsius]
Orifice Material = 304 Stainless Steel
Tube Dimensional Reference Temperature = 70 Fahrenheit [21.1 Celsius]
Tube Material = Carbon Steel
Meter Tube/Pipe Velocity Units = Feet/sec [Metres/sec]

Base Pressure = 14.73 Psia [1016 mBar]

Base Temperature = 60 Fahrenheit [15.6 Celsius]
Gas Composition = AGA8 1992 Gulf Coast sample gas mixture
Atmospheric Pressure Method = AGA
Compressibility Method = AGA8 1992 Detailed method

To perform the calculation, complete the following steps.

! Select the Orifice Meter menu item from the Meters menu list. The Orifice Meter Values calculation
screen will be displayed.

! Select the Clear command button.

! Select the Base Conditions command button. The Base Conditions screen will be displayed.

! For the Pressure, enter 14.73 Psi (Abs) [1016 mBar (Abs)].

! For the Temperature, enter 60 Fahrenheit [15.6 Celsius].

! From the Use Gas Properties File list, select aga8_92_gcoast_real_sg.prp .

! From the Atmospheric Pressure Method list, select AGA.

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! From the Compressibility Method list, select AGA8-92-Detailed .

! Select the Apply command button.

! From the Calculation Method list, select American Gas Association Report No 3 1992.

! In the Meter Run Data section:

! Click on the Flow Rate label until it is underlined. From the Flow Rate dimensional units list,
select Mcfh [Mm3h].

! From the Tube Size list, select 6S-STD Inches [Millimeter].

! For the Orifice Size, enter 1.910 Inches [48.5 Millimeter].

! For the Differential, enter 22 Inches H2O [55 mBar].

! For the Differential Tap Location, select the Flange option.

! For the Static Pressure, enter 150 Psi [10 Bar].

! For the Location, select the Upstream option.

! For the Elevation, enter 0 Feet [0 Metres].

! For the Flowing Temp, enter 52 Fahrenheit [11.1 Celsius].

! For the Orifice Dimensional Reference Temperature, enter 70 Fahrenheit [21.1 Celsius].

! From the Orifice Expansion Factor dimensional units list, select In/in-F [mm/mm-C].

! Select the ? command button next to the Orifice Expansion Factor label. The Coefficient of Linear
Thermal Expansion screen will be displayed.

! Select Steel, Stainless (304) from the list.

! Select the Apply command button to close the selection screen and assign the value.

! For the Tube Dimensional Reference Temperature, enter 70 Fahrenheit [21.1 Celsius].

! Select the ? command button next to the Tube Expansion Factor label. The Coefficient of Linear
Thermal Expansion screen will be displayed.

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! Select Steel, Carbon from the list.

! Select the Apply command button to close the selection screen and assign the value.

! In the Calculated Values section:

! From the Meter Tube/Pipe Velocity dimensional units list, select Feet/sec [Metres/sec].

! Select the Calculate command button.

Results - The results should be similar to the following:

Flow Rate: 59.71 Mcfh [1.67 Mm3h]

Meter Tube/Pipe Velocity: 7.1 Feet/sec [2.2 Metres/sec]
Orifice Velocity: 71.6 Feet/sec [22.2 Metres/sec]

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Screen Description

The various values associated with the flow through an orifice meter may be calculated using the Orifice Meter
calculation routine. To perform a calculation, select the Orifice Meter menu item from the Meters menu list. The
Orifice Meter Values calculation screen will be displayed. The features associated with the screen are described as
follows.

Data Items

Atmospheric Pressure - A data field used to enter a specific atmospheric pressure value for the meter location. The
item is only displayed and enabled when the Atmospheric Pressure Method in the Base Conditions is set to “None -
Entered Value”. If the field is displayed and enabled, enter a value by typing it into the data field. Ensure the value
is expressed in terms of the selected dimensional unit.

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Calculation Method - A drop-down list used to select the method to be used to perform the calculation. Select an
item from the list. The unknown value should be recalculated if the method is changed.

Compressibility Factor (Base) - A data field used to enter a specific compressibility factor value for the specified
base conditions. The item is only displayed when the Compressibility Method in the Base Conditions is set to “None -
Entered Values”. If the field is displayed, enter a value by typing it into the data field.

Compressibility Factor (Flowing) - A data field used to enter a specific compressibility factor value for the
specified flowing conditions. The item is only displayed when the Compressibility Method in the Base Conditions
is set to “None - Entered Values”. If the field is displayed, enter a value by typing it into the data field.

Differential Pressure - A data field used to enter or display the differential pressure across the orifice plate. If the
value is known, enter a value by typing it into the data field. Ensure the value is expressed in terms of the selected
dimensional unit.

Differential Tap Location - A group of option buttons used to specify the location of the differential pressure tap.
Select the desired option. This item is only used for certain calculation methods.

Elevation - A data field used to enter the height above mean sea level for the location of the meter installation. The
item is only displayed and enabled when the Atmospheric Pressure Method in the Base Conditions is not set to
“None” or “None - Entered Value”. If the field is displayed and enabled, enter a value by typing it into the data field.
Ensure the value is expressed in terms of the selected dimensional unit.

Expansion Factor - A pair of data fields used to enter the coefficient of linear thermal expansion factor value for
the orifice plate and/or meter tube material. Either enter a value by typing it into the data field, or select the ?
command button next to select a value using the associated selection screen. Ensure the value is expressed in terms
of the selected dimensional unit.

Flow Rate - A data field used to enter or display the volumetric flow rate through the meter. If the value is known,
enter a value by typing it into the data field. Ensure the value is expressed in terms of the selected dimensional unit.

Flowing Temperature - A data field used to enter the temperature of the gas flowing through the meter. Enter a value
by typing it into the data field. Ensure the value is expressed in terms of the selected dimensional unit.

Orifice Dimensional Reference Temperature - A data field used to enter the dimensional reference temperature
value for the orifice plate. Enter a value by typing it into the data field. Ensure the value is expressed in terms of the
selected dimensional unit.

Orifice Size - A data field used to enter or display the orifice diameter value. If the value is known, enter a value by
typing it into the data field. Ensure the value is expressed in terms of the assigned dimensional unit.

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Pressure Tap Location - A group of option buttons used to specify the location of the differential pressure tap relative
to the orifice plate location. Select the desired option. This item is only used for certain calculation methods.

Static Pressure - A data field used to enter the static pressure at the orifice plate. Enter a value by typing it into the
data field. Ensure the value is expressed in terms of the selected dimensional unit.

Tube Dimensional Reference Temperature - A data field used to enter the dimensional reference temperature value
for the meter run tubes. Enter a value by typing it into the data field. Ensure the value is expressed in terms of the
selected dimensional unit. This item is only used for certain calculation methods.

Tube Size - A data list used to enter or select the inside diameter of the meter tube in which the meter is installed.
Either select an item from the list, enter a value by typing it into the data field, or select the ? command button to
select a size using the Pipe Selection screen. Ensure the value is expressed in terms of the selected dimensional unit.

Calculated Values

Meter Tube/Pipe Velocity - Displays the calculated velocity of the flow through the upstream meter tube. Ensure
the value is expressed in terms of the selected dimensional unit.

Orifice Velocity - Displays the calculated velocity of the flow stream through the orifice.

Other Values - Additional results displayed for certain calculation methods. The contents of this item vary depending
on the selected calculation method.

Command Buttons

? - A command button used to display a data selection screen for the associated item. Use the various data lists on
the screen to select a value, then select the Apply command button to assign the selected value and return to the
calculation screen.

i - A command button used to display information about the associated item. The contents of the information screen
generally reflects the various data values contained in the associated Property Table. Select the Close command
button to return to the calculation screen.

Base Conditions - A command button used to access the Base Conditions screen. When selected, the Base
Conditions screen will be displayed. Make any desired changes to the settings, then select the Apply command button
to save and apply the changes to the current calculation screen.

Calculate - A command button used to calculate the value of the unknown (underlined) parameter.

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Cancel - A command button used to close the screen without saving any changes.

Clear - A command button used to set all of the data items to blank (null) values.

Close - A command button used to close the screen and save the current data values.

Help - A command button used to display this Calculation Reference.

Notes - A command button used to display the Calculation Notes editor screen for the current calculation.

Open - A command button used to open a previously saved calculation file. When selected, the File Selection screen
will be displayed. Enter or select the desired File name, then select the Open command button.

Print - A command button used to print the contents of the calculation screen. When selected, the Print Settings
screen will be displayed. Make any desired changes to the printer settings, then select the Print command button.

Save - A command button used to save the contents of the calculation screen to a calculation file. When selected,
the File Selection screen will be displayed. Enter or select the desired File name, then select the Save command
button.

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Notes & Considerations

! The Calculation Notes editor screen allows the User to add a specific title and/or notes to the current calculation
values.

! The red colored labels indicate which items may be calculated. An underlined (selected) label identifies the item
whose value is to be calculated. Only one item at a time may be selected to be calculated, the remaining items must
be known. To identify which item to calculate, click on the label associated with the desired item until the label is
underlined.

! The American Gas Association Report No 3 1992 method assumes flange tap measurement of the differential
pressure. The results are not valid for other locations.

! The International Standard Organization 5167 method assumes upstream measurement of the static pressure. The
results are not valid for downstream measurement.

! If the run size is set by selecting an item from the Tube Size list, the appropriate inside diameter value will be read
from the Pipe Property Table and used during the calculation.

! The Orifice Velocity value is based on the flow through the specified orifice diameter, unadjusted for flowing
temperature, at the specified static pressure.

! The Tube Velocity value is based on the flow through the specified tube diameter, unadjusted for flowing
temperature, at the specified static pressure.

! The Other Values panel displays additional calculated values depending on the selected calculation method. These
values provide intermediate calculation results which may be used to verify and compare the calculated results against
other calculation procedures or published example calculations.

! To specify the number of digits to display to the right of the decimal indicator, double-click in the associated data
field. The Decimal Specifications screen will be displayed. Enter or select the desired number of digits, then select
the Apply command button to save and apply any changes.

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Background Information

There are various methods and devices used to measure the flow of gas at a specific location. The devices used to
measure the gas flow are generally referred to as “meters”. One device, an orifice meter, uses the known
characteristics of gas flowing through an orifice, to determine the gas flow rate. In this case, the “orifice” is a reduced
size (compared to the inside tube diameter), sharped edged circular opening in a plate placed in the path of the flow.
The meter is configured such that the gas can only pass through the orifice opening. Provided that they are installed
correctly, these devices can provide very precise and accurate measurement. Various standards exist to define and
describe the required conditions, configurations, and equations which should be used to produce results of certain
specified accuracy.

Flow through a reduced size orifice opening will produce a pressure differential across the orifice plate. The pressure
on the downstream side of the plate is less than the pressure on the upstream side of the plate. With all other
parameters remaining the same, the pressure differential across the orifice plate increases as the flow through the
orifice opening increases. By knowing the pressure and temperature conditions at the meter, the dimensional data
associated with the orifice and tube containing the orifice, and certain properties of the gas, the volumetric flow
passing through the orifice opening can be calculated using a fairly simple relationship. The various orifice meter
calculation methods used in the gas industry, expand on this relationship to varying levels of complexity. When the
design and calculation methods described in these standards, recommendations, and reports are followed, a specific
level of accuracy can be expected to be achieved.

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Equations

GASCalc provides several methods for calculating the parameters associated with an orifice meter. Each method is
unique and may have individual limitations associated with its use. The User must determine the appropriate equation
to use for the application being analyzed. The various orifice meter equations supported by GASCalc are described
as follows.

American Gas Association Report No 3 1985 (AGA3-1985)

This method uses the equations described in American Gas Association Report No. 3, "Orifice Metering Of Natural
Gas", Second Edition - 1985. The User may refer to Reference 1 for further information on the calculation of the
orifice meter parameters using this method.

American Gas Association Report No 3 1992 (AGA3-1992)

This method uses the equations described in American Gas Association Report No. 3, "Orifice Metering Of Natural
Gas", Third Edition - 1992. The User may refer to Reference 2 for further information on the calculation of the orifice
meter parameters using this method. The calculations performed by GASCalc assume that the differential pressure
is measured using a flange tap location. This method is not valid if the differential pressure is measured at another
location.

International Standard Organization 5167 (ISO 5167)

This method uses the equations described in International Standard ISO 5167-1, "Measurement of fluid flow by
means of pressure differential devices", First Edition, 1991-12-15. The User may refer to Reference 3 for further
information on the calculation of the orifice meter parameters using this method. The calculations performed by
GASCalc assume that the static pressure is measured at the upstream tap location. This method is not valid if the
static pressure is measured at another location.

References

1. American Gas Association, Report No. 3, Orifice Metering Of Natural Gas, Second Edition, 1985.
2. American Gas Association, Report No. 3, Orifice Metering Of Natural Gas, Third Edition , 1992.
3. International Standard Organization, ISO 5167-1, Measurement of fluid flow by means of pressure differential
devices, First Edition, 1991.

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See Also

Atmospheric Pressure Calculation Reference

Base Conditions Help Reference
Compressibility Factor Calculation Reference
Meter Matchmaker Help Reference
Velocity Calculation Reference

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