TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
NUFLO Orifice Plates
for Flow Measurement and Flow Restriction
Cameron’s NUFLO™ orifice plates are one of the most popular
devices for the measurement and control of fluid flow. The
shape and manufacturing tolerances of plates used in
measurement applications are defined in the international
standardization publications of ISO, AGA, ASME, and others.
From the formulas and data within these publications, the
relationships and values of flow, differential pressure, and plate
bore are determined.
In flow control applications, orifice plates are used as restriction
devices to regulate fluid flow or reduce the flowing pressure
downstream of the orifice plate. The use of a fixed restriction
orifice can be beneficial and economic by reducing the
demands on other flow system components.
Unlike measurement orifices, the sizing and design of
restriction orifices are not defined by standardization
organizations. Additionally, restriction orifices are often
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, Cameron’s 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.
Cameron has decades of experience designing, sizing, and
manufacturing orifice equipment using Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFS) techniques and other design tools. Cameron
has manufactured measurement orifice plates and restriction
orifice plates under the NUFLO brand, and through the
collaboration of its Measurement Systems and Flow Control
divisions, Cameron’s restriction design capabilities include the
design of multi-orifice/multi-chamber chokes for regulating
flow from high-pressure oil and gas wellheads.
Cameron also offers multiple “holders” for orifice plates.
These include holders that fit in or between ring joint flanges,
orifice holding blocks, and single and dual orifice fittings.
Plate Styles
Cameron’s plate styles include:
• Type 500 – A universal plate for use in orifice fittings
and Type 580 and 590 ring-joint flange plate holders.
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
The bore in the orifice plate can be shaped or positioned to create
advantages for specific measurement applications. Likewise, the
bore design can be customized to enhance the performance of
flow restriction plates. See Special Restriction Orifice Bores, page 5,
for illustrations and detailed descriptions of each bore design.
Restriction plates can be challenging to engineer due to the
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,
which is supplied as a spool assembly.
Orifice Sizing
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.
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
Design Specifications
NUFLO orifice plates offer the following features, options, and
capabilities:
• Edges – Square and sharp, measurement plates will not
reflect a beam of light when viewed without magnification.
Non-counter-bored plates are available on request for bi-
directional flow measurement or for restriction applications at
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
Canadian Registration Number confirming compliance with
ASME B16.48 and other piping codes. All NUFLO orifice plates
are traceable to a mill test report.
• Markings – All plates are marked with the line size, material
of construction, bore size, reference temperature, and heat lot
number. As an option, the customer’s 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
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 B
specified by purchaser

Plate Plate Blank

Line
OD Thickness2 Weight3
Size1
A B (lb)
3/4 1.125 1/8 0.06
1 1.312 1/8 0.06
1-1/2 2.000 1/8 0.11
2 2.437 1/8 0.17

A Dia. 2-1/2 2.812 1/8 0.25

3 3.437 1/8 0.34
4 4.406 1/8 0.55
6 6.437 1/8 1.18
8 8.437 1/4 4.06
10 10.687 1/4 6.41
12 12.593 1/4 9.61
1
All dimensions in inches.
FLOW
2
Other thicknesses available.
3
Weight for thickness shown.

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 C
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 A Dia.

handle includes a hole as indicated in the table below.

When ordering, please specify:
1. Type number
2. Line size and ANSI class
Diameter of bore to be B
3. Plate OD (Dimension A) if not as listed specified by purchaser
FLOW

4. Material
Line Size Handle Hole Diameter
5. Plate thickness (Dimension B) if not as listed
1/2 to 2 1/4
6. Orifice bore type
2-1/2 to 12 3/8
7. M
 easurement type or restriction type (no bevel or polish) 14 to 24 1/2
8. Any special requirements All dimensions in inches.

3
 Type 520 Dimensions

125 lb 250 lb For All

400 lb 600 lb 900 lb 1500 lb 2500 lb
& 150 lb & 300 lb Pressure Ratings
ANSI ANSI ANSI ANSI ANSI
Line Size ANSI ANSI 125 to 2500 lb ANSI

A A A A A A A B C D

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 4 1

3/4 2-1/4 2-5/8 2-5/8 2-5/8 2-3/4 2-3/4 3 1/8 4 1
1 2-5/8 2-7/8 2-7/8 2-7/8 3-1/8 3-1/8 3-3/8 1/8 4 1
1-1/4 3 3-1/4 3-1/4 3-1/4 3-1/2 3-1/2 4-1/8 1/8 4 1
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
2 4-1/8 4-3/8 4-3/8 4-3/8 5-5/8 5-5/8 5-3/4 1/8 4 1
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 4 1-1/4
3 5-3/8 5-7/8 5-7/8 5-7/8 6-5/8 6-7/8 7-3/4 1/8 4 1-1/4
4 6-7/8 7-1/8 7 7-5/8 8-1/8 8-1/4 9-1/4 1/8 4 1-1/4
5 7-3/4 8-1/2 8-3/8 9-1/2 9-3/4 10 11 1/8 5 1-1/2
6 8-3/4 9-7/8 9-3/4 10-1/2 11-3/8 11-1/8 12-1/2 1/8 5 1-1/2
8 11 12-1/8 12 12-5/8 14-1/8 13-7/8 15-1/4 1/8 5 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 6 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 6 1-1/2
14 17-3/4 19-1/8 19 19-3/8 20-1/2 22-3/4 n/a 1/4 6 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 6 1-1/2
18 21-1/2 23-3/8 23-1/4 24 25 27-5/8 n/a 3/8 6 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 6 1-1/2
22 26 27-3/4 27-1/2 28-7/8 n/a n/a n/a 3/8 6 1-1/2
24 28-1/8 30-3/8 30-1/8 31 32-7/8 35-1/2 n/a 3/8 6 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 D d
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
R 45ϒ
thickness. The radius of the quarter circle bore is a function of
D d
the orifice-to-pipe ratio (d/D). Thickness at the throat is equal to
the radius. This bore is specifically designed for viscous fluids such
as heavy crudes, syrups, and slurries with Reynolds Numbers c 0.734
R =d 0.638
4
below 100,000. c =1.5 d but less than D 1

4
Eccentric Bore
Eccentric bore orifice plates are plates with the orifice off-center, or
eccentric, as opposed to concentric. The bore of the eccentric
orifice normally is inscribed in a circle that is 98% of the pipe
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
small D D > 2"
D d
d d
Some restriction applications are designed with the assumption that
the fluids will reach sonic velocity through the bore of the restriction
(critical flow). It is more predictable to achieve sonic velocity through
the bore of a thick plate, and a thick plate can withstand the
mechanical wear associated with sonic velocity.
Tap angle
180ϒ
D 90ϒ
d
D d
Thin Restriction Bore
D d
In a restriction application the thin plate is advantageous over the
thick plate in situations where the bore would be large. Since the
thick plate requires the thickness of the plate and the bore to be
equal the thin plate alternative will be lighter, easier to handle, and
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.
5
 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

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
5. Quantity
304 321 Hastelloy B, C
6. Orifice bore type
316 347 Inconel 600
7. Plate thickness (inches)
316 L Duplex Inconel 625
8. Measurement or restriction application
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.

6
 2" 2" 2"
1/8"
1/8"
1-1/4" 1-1/4" 1-1/4"

B B
Orifice Plates for RTJ Flanges B
Orifice Plat
Spring Hold-Dow
Clip Screws

Snap
Ring

A A
Type 560 Type 580 Type 590
Integral Plate Seal with Snap-Ring Clip with Hold-Down Scre

300 – 600 lb ANSI 900 lb ANSI 1500 lb ANSI 2500 lb ANSI

Line API Approx. API Approx. API Approx. API Approx.

A B A B A B A B
Size Ring # Gap* Ring # Gap* Ring # Gap* Ring # Gap*

1/2 R-11 29/32 4-1/4 19/32 R-12 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-12 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-13 1 4-1/4 19/32

3/4 R-13 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-14 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-14 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-16 1 4-1/4 19/32

1 R-16 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-16 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-16 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-18 1 4-1/4 19/32

1-1/2 R-20 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-20 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-20 1 4-1/4 19/32 R-23 1-1/16 5-1/4 1/2

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

3 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

4 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

5 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

6 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

8 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 2 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 1 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 1 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 1 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.

7
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