Flow Instruments: Scope

GP 15-04-01 Flow Instruments Version 2.0.
0 July 2015
Flow Instruments
GP 15-04-01
Scope
1) [I] This Global Practice (GP) covers the design and selection of flow meters and associated
equipment.
2) [I] Restriction and mixing orifices are not covered by this GP.
Refining/Chemicals © ExxonMobil 2015 TEC5000 Page 1 of 29
Copyright Waiver:
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permission from EM is not required. However, any modified GPs must be renumbered to a project-specific or affiliate-specific number to differentiate them from the
GPs on the EMEPS website. EM-operated Joint Ventures (JVs) may utilize the GPs to create project-specific or location-specific specifications. It is the responsibility
of each affiliate or Joint Venture to ensure that the use of GPs and their derivatives is limited to affiliate or JV-related business and not disclosed or used outside the JV
without appropriate EM management approval.
Note to Third Parties:
Copyright 2015 ExxonMobil. All rights reserved. No portion of this work may be reproduced or distributed by any means or technology or otherwise used in any
manner without the express written consent of ExxonMobil.
GP 15-04-01 Flow Instruments V 2.0.0 JUL 2015
Table of Contents
1. Required References ............................................................................................ 4
1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices ................................... 4
1.2. ExxonMobil Publications............................................................................... 4
1.3. AGA–American Gas Association .................................................................. 4
1.4. API–American Petroleum Institute................................................................ 5
1.5. ASME–American Society of Mechanical Engineers ..................................... 6
1.6. BSI–British Standards Institution .................................................................. 7
1.7. ISO–International Organization for Standardization ..................................... 7
2. Additional Requirements ...................................................................................... 7
2.1. IEC–International Electrotechnical Commission ........................................... 7
3. Definitions.............................................................................................................. 7
3.1. Terms ........................................................................................................... 7
3.2. Acronyms ..................................................................................................... 9
4. Measuring Element Selection .............................................................................. 9
4.1. Service, Considerations, Constraints, and Restrictions .............................. 11
5. Flow Meter Design .............................................................................................. 13
5.1. General....................................................................................................... 13
5.2. Enclosures and Connections ...................................................................... 13
5.3. Flow Conditioning ....................................................................................... 13
5.4. Strainers ..................................................................................................... 14
5.5. Calibration .................................................................................................. 14
6. Differential Pressure Meters............................................................................... 14
6.1. General....................................................................................................... 14
6.2. Standard Orifice Meter Installation ............................................................. 14
6.3. Integral Orifice ............................................................................................ 15
6.4. Conditioning Orifice Plate ........................................................................... 16
6.5. Pitot Tube / Averaging Pitot Tube............................................................... 16
6.6. Wedge ........................................................................................................ 17
6.7. Venturi and Flow Nozzle............................................................................. 17
6.8. Cone Meters ............................................................................................... 17
7. Volumetric Meters ............................................................................................... 17
7.1. Turbine ....................................................................................................... 17
RFCH © ExxonMobil 2015 TEC5000 Page 2 of 29
7.2. Displacement Meter ................................................................................... 18

8. Velocity Meters .................................................................................................... 18
8.1. Magnetic Flow Meters ................................................................................ 18
8.2. Ultrasonic Flow Meters ............................................................................... 19
9. Vortex Meters ...................................................................................................... 20
10. Variable Area Flow Meters.................................................................................. 21
11. Coriolis Meter ...................................................................................................... 21

11.1. General....................................................................................................... 21
11.2. Mechanical Design and Inspection Requirements...................................... 22
12. Thermal Mass Meter ............................................................................................ 24
13. General Mechanical/Fabrication Requirements ............................................... 24

13.1. Meter Tube Internal Tolerances ................................................................. 24
14. Custody Transfer ................................................................................................ 25
Record of Change ....................................................................................................... 27
Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions.................................................................... 29

1. Required References
This Section lists the Practices, codes, standards, specifications, and publications that shall be used with
this document. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest edition.
1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices

GP 03-02-04 Pressure Relieving Systems
GP 03-03-10 Strainers for Mechanical Equipment
GP 03-06-01 Piping for Instruments
GP 03-10-01 Piping Selection and Design Criteria
GP 03-16-01 Flanged Joints, Gaskets, and Bolting
GP 03-18-01 Piping Fabrication Shop or Field
GP 03-19-01 Piping Erection, Leak Testing, Flushing, and Cleaning
GP 15-02-01 Temperature Instruments
GP 15-06-01 Electronic and Pneumatic Instruments
GP 15-07-02 Protective Systems
GP 15-07-03 Alarm Systems
GP 15-08-01 Process Analyzers
GP 15-08-02 Sample Transport and Sample Conditioning Systems for Process Stream
Analyzers
GP 15-08-06 Manual Sampling Systems
GP 18-10-01 Additional Requirements for Materials
GP 18-12-01 Positive Material Identification
1.2. ExxonMobil Publications

HCP ExxonMobil Hydrocarbon Control Practices Manual (Document for
internal Company use only - release to third parties requires Document
Owner approval and compliance with Company MPI requirements)
1.3. AGA–American Gas Association

AGA Report No. 9 Measurement of Gas by Multipath Ultrasonic Meters
AGA Report No. 11 Measurement of Natural Gas by Coriolis Meter

1.4. API–American Petroleum Institute

API MPMS 4.1 Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards - Chapter 4: Proving
Systems - Section 1: Introduction
Systems - Section 2: Displacement Provers
Systems - Section 4: Tank Provers
API MPMS 4.5 Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards - Chapter 4.5: Master
Meter Provers
Systems - Section 6: Pulse Interpolation
Systems - Section 7: Field - Standard Test Measures
Systems - Section 8: Operation of Proving Systems
API MPMS 5.1 Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards - Chapter 5: Metering -
Section 1: General Considerations for Measurement by Meters
Section 2: Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Displacement
Meters
Section 3: Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Turbine Meters
Section 4: Accessory Equipment for Liquid Meters
Section 5: Fidelity and Security of Flow Measurement Pulsed-Data
Transmission Systems
Section 6: Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Coriolis Meters
Section 8: Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Ultrasonic Flow
Meters
API MPMS 6.2 Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards - Chapter 6: Metering
Assemblies - Section 2: Loading-Rack Metering Systems
Assemblies - Section 4: Metering Systems for Aviation Fueling
Facilities
Assemblies - Section 5: Metering Systems for Loading and Unloading
Marine Bulk Carriers


Assemblies - Section 6: Pipeline Metering Systems
Assemblies - Section 7: Metering Viscous Hydrocarbons
API MPMS 12.2.1 Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards - Chapter 12: Calculation
of Petroleum Quantities - Section 2: Calculation of Petroleum Quantities
Using Dynamic Measurement Methods and Volumetric Correction
Factors - Part 1: Introduction
API MPMS 12.2.2 Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 12 - Calculation
Factors - Part 2: Measurement Tickets
Factors - Part 3: Proving Reports
Factors - Part 4: Calculation of Base Prover Volumes by the Waterdraw
Method
API MPMS 14.3.1 Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards - Chapter 14: Natural Gas
Fluids Measurement - Section 3: Concentric, Square-Edged Orifice
Meters - Part 1: General Equations and Uncertainty Guidelines
Meters - Part 2: Specification and Installation Requirements
Meters - Part 3: Natural Gas Applications
Meters - Part 4: Background, Development, Implementation Procedures
and Subroutine Documentation
API MPMS 14.10 Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards - Chapter 14: Natural Gas
Fluids Measurement - Section 10: Measurement of Flow to Flares
1.5. ASME–American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS 1/2 Through NPS 24 Metric/Inch
Standard
ASME B16.34 Valves - Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End
ASME B16.36 Orifice Flanges

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

ASME SEC VIII D2 BPVC Section VIII - Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels -
Division 2 Alternative Rules
1.6. BSI–British Standards Institution

BSI PD 5500 Specification for Unfired Fusion Welded Pressure Vessels
1.7. ISO–International Organization for Standardization

ISO 5167-2 Measurement of Fluid Flow by Means of Pressure Differential Devices
Inserted in Circular Cross-Section Conduits Running Full - Part 2:
Orifice Plates
ISO TR 15377 Measurement of Fluid Flow by Means of Pressure-Differential Devices -
Guidelines for the Specification of Orifice Plates, Nozzles and Venturi
Tubes beyond the Scope of ISO 5167
2. Additional Requirements
[*] This Section lists the additional Practices, codes, standards, specifications, and publications that shall
be used with this document only where specified. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest
edition.
2.1. IEC–International Electrotechnical Commission

IEC 60079 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres (all current parts)
IEC 60529 Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)
3. Definitions
3.1. Terms
Term Description
Additives Flow stream chemicals used in oil and gas processing such as antifoam,
antiscale, corrosion inhibitor, and flow enhancers. These are usually low-
volume liquid, high-cost streams where accuracy of measurement is
important.

Term Description
Mechanical Measure of reliability, design, fabrication, and installation of the primary
Mean Time pressure boundary components (excluding instrumentation) of the mass flow
Between Failure meter. A higher MMTBF indicates higher reliability. The MMTBF is
(MMTBF) expressed in years.
Outer Enclosure In reference to Coriolis flow meters, an enclosure surrounding the meter flow
element (tubes and splitters) that provides mechanical protection to the drive
electronics and prevents interference with tube vibration.
Note: Some Coriolis flow meters have a rigid, piping-type outer enclosure
with design gauge pressures ranging from 300 psig to 600 psig (2000 kPa to
4000 kPa), while others have only thin gauge steel sheet outer enclosures with
no pressure rating.
Secondary Pressure vessel designed per ASME pressure vessel or piping code that
Containment provides an enclosure for an instrument with the function to contain the
process fluid in case of failure of the primary pressure boundary.
Notes:
(1) For Coriolis meters, potential failure of flow tube(s), flow splitters,
or weldments may be mitigated through the use of secondary
containment.
(2) The secondary containment can consist of a system, vessel, and
piping that collects and routes the process fluid to an approved
collection or disposal point in case of a failure of the primary
pressure boundary.
Toxic Service (a) Toxic Chemicals
Chemicals that cause damage to humans and for which a Threshold Limit
Value (TLV) or Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) has been established by
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH),
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), ExxonMobil
Biomedical Sciences, Inc. (EMBSI), or other relevant regulatory agency
(such as U.S. EPA) are toxic. Such substances may cause significant negative
impact (e.g., irritation, cancer, collapse, or even sudden death) if humans are
exposed to sufficiently high concentrations for a sufficiently long period of
time. The concentrations of toxic chemical that would create a significant
risk will vary by chemical and potential exposure time. Examples of toxic
chemicals include but are not limited to the following: benzene, xylene, 1,3-
butadiene, hexane, chlorine, bromine, ammonia, carbon disulfide, hydrogen
chloride, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen fluoride.
(b) Toxic Gas/Vapor Service
Any gas or vapor stream containing a toxic chemical above a specific
concentration defined by regulation is toxic. In addition, equipment shall be
considered in toxic gas or vapor service if material released from the
equipment could result in a concentration in air equal to or above the ACGIH
time weighted average (TWA) or OEL for the toxic gas/vapor at the nearest
location of exposure. Following are links to the TLV and OEL lists,
respectively:

Term Description
http://emre.na.xom.com/dsinfo/ACGIH/
http://emre.na.xom.com/OEL/OEL/currentoel.htm
(c) Toxic Liquids
Liquids that can cause adverse health effects in humans as a result of
exposure, such as by inhalation of an aerosol, by ingestion, or by dermal
absorption, are toxic. The concentration of toxic chemical required to create
a significant risk will vary by chemical and potential exposure time.
3.2. Acronyms
Term Description
ANSI American National Standards Institute
dP Differential Pressure
FEA Finite Element Analysis
FF Foundation Fieldbus (Communication Protocol)
GVF Gas Volume Fraction
HART Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (Communication Protocol)
ID Internal Diameter
LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas
MMTBF Mechanical Mean Time Between Failure
NGL Natural Gas Liquids
P Pressure
PMI Positive Material Identification
PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
RD Rupture Disc
ReD Reynolds Number
SIS Safety Instrumented System
T Temperature
UFM Ultrasonic Flow Meter
4. Measuring Element Selection

1) Table 1 provides guidance for selecting meter types. Other specific constraints and/or restrictions that
are contained in other sections of this GP shall override the requirements or guidance given in this table.

2) [A] For a given service and application, use of any meter type not categorized as "A" or "B" in Table
1 is not permitted without a written justification and specific approval by Owner's Engineer.
3) [A] For any service not listed in or discussed in this Section, the meter selection shall require Owner's
Engineer approval.
Table 1: Meter Selection Guidance
Pitot Tube / Avg Pitot
Positive Displacement
Venturi/Flow Nozzle
Ultrasonic (liquid)
Ultrasonic (gas)
Integral Orifice
Thermal Mass
Variable Area
Orifice (3)
Magnetic
Turbine
Coriolis
Vortex
Wedge
Cone
Application vs Meter Type (1) (2)
Custody Transfer
Chemicals A B A B
Crude and Condensate A B B B
Gas B B A
NGLs A
Refined Products A A B
Noncustody Transfer
Additives / Small Volume Chemical Injection A B
Entrained Liquid in Gas (> 90% GVF) B A A
Entrained Vapor in Liquid (< 10% GVF) A B
Fuel Gas A B A B
Flare Gas A
Fouling Services A B A B
Furnace Stack A
Gas (Dry) B A A A A A
Gas (Saturated) B A A A
Light Hydrocarbons (LPG, condensate, etc.) A B A B B B
Liquid (ReD < 10,000) B B B A B B
Liquid (ReD >10,000, gas free) A B A B B B
Pipeline Leak Detection A B A
Steam (Dry) B A A A
Steam (Wet) A B A B
Utility Gas (e.g., N2, Air) B B A B B B B A
Water (High Pressure exceeding 900# ANSI) A
Water A A B A B B
Legend: Blank = Not Recommended
A = First Choice
B = Secondary Choice

Notes to Table 1:
(1) For specific considerations, constraints, and restrictions for each application, refer to the applicable subsection
in Section 4.1 and Section 14.
(2) For specific requirements for each meter type, refer to the applicable subsection of Sections 6 through 12.
(3) Orifice column includes conditioning, concentric, quadrant edge, segmental, and eccentric.
(4) Additional guidance can be found in DP XII-B Table 3 "Meter Suitability" and Table 4 "Flow Meter Selection
Criteria."
4.1. Service, Considerations, Constraints, and Restrictions

4.1.1. Gas
4.1.1.1. General
[O] Venturi, wedge, and ultrasonic meters may be considered when the possibility of physical damage
due to sudden changes in flow exists (e.g., downstream of control valves or near a blowdown valve).
4.1.1.2. Dry Gas
1) Orifice, conditioning orifice, vortex, and Venturi meters are acceptable for most process monitoring
applications where accuracies better than 2% are not required.
2) Orifice meters with senior fittings, ultrasonic meters, and Coriolis meters are recommended when
verified accuracy of better than 2% is required.
3) Ultrasonic meters are not recommended for line sizes below 6 in. (150 mm).
4) [C] Vortex meters are acceptable if low-flow cutoff is not a concern and accuracy better than 2% is
not required. Vortex meters are usually limited to sizes no greater than 12 in. (300 mm).
4.1.1.3. Saturated Gas
1) Meters in saturated gas service shall be able to handle small amounts of entrained liquids without
failure of the meter or excessive deterioration of accuracy.
2) Venturi meters and conditioning orifice plates are preferred for saturated gas service.
3) Vortex meters are acceptable if low-flow cutoff is not an issue.
4) Ultrasonic meters are recommended when accuracies better than 2% or a turndown greater than 4:1 is
required.
4.1.1.4. Entrained Liquid in Gas (>90% GVF)
1) This Section only applies to single-phase measurement of wet gas. Wet gas is defined as a gas stream
with Gas Volume Fraction (GVF) greater than 90% where some entrained liquids are always present
(i.e., < 99.9% GVF). A single-phase wet gas meter only measures the volume of gas in the
flowstream.
2) [I] Differential pressure meters, such as Venturi, conditioning orifice, and cone meters, will over-read
as a function of GVF. These meters are recommended for GVFs > 98%.
3) Cone meters and orifice meters should be avoided when the possibility of physical damage due to
high flow, surges, and high differential pressure exists.
4) Ultrasonic meters should be limited to streams > 99% GVF. A four-path (or higher) ultrasonic meter
is recommended when ultrasonic meters are used.

4.1.2. Pipeline Leak Detection

1) Either Coriolis or ultrasonic meters are recommended for pipeline leak detection.
2) Because ultrasonic meters are not limited in size or capacity, ultrasonic meters are preferred when
sizing dictates more than one Coriolis meter.
3) When using ultrasonic meters for leak detection, a four-path meter with flow conditioner is
recommended.
4) If the flow conditioner creates flow restriction, pressure drop, or pigging issues, then an eight-path
ultrasonic meter is recommended.
4.1.3. Light Hydrocarbon Liquids

1) Light hydrocarbon applications include the following:
a) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
b) Condensate
c) Fluids with relative densities to water (i.e., specific gravity) less than 0.7
d) Other liquids with properties similar to LPG and condensate
3) Coriolis meters are recommended for light hydrocarbon liquids when accuracy and repeatability are
important or when the number of upstream diameters is limited.
4) Coriolis meters are recommended when fluid properties are subject to wide changes in density or
viscosity (i.e., changes in composition or temperature).
4.1.4. Liquid (ReD >10,000, Gas Free)

2) Ultrasonic, turbine, positive displacement, and Coriolis meters are recommended when accuracies of
better than 2% are required.
3) Coriolis meters are recommended when accuracy better than 2% is required and changes in density
and viscosity can result in significant change in meter response.
4) Ultrasonic meters are not recommended for line sizes below 6 in. (150 mm).
5) [C] Vortex meters are acceptable if low-flow cutoff is not a concern and accuracy better than 2% is
not required. Vortex meters are usually limited to sizes no greater than 12 in. (300 mm).
4.1.5. Additives
1) Coriolis meters are recommended.
2) Displacement meters are also acceptable.
4.1.5.1. Small Volume Chemical Injection
For applications where flow is small (< 2 gpm [0.008 m3/min]) or noncontinuous/discrete (e.g., injection
is via a low-frequency positive displacement pump), a displacement meter is recommended.

4.1.5.2. High-Pressure Water

1) High-pressure water is defined as water exceeding 900# ANSI ratings.
2) [M] Orifice meters are not recommended for high-pressure water injection where potential for plate
damage exists.
3) Venturi or flow nozzles are recommended when turndown is not an issue.
4) Wetted liquid ultrasonic flow meters are recommended where pressure ratings allow (typically
limited to 900# ANSI).
5) Clamp-on ultrasonic or acoustic meters are recommended where wetted Ultrasonic Flow Meter
(UFM) pressure ratings do not meet the application requirements.
5. Flow Meter Design

5.1. General
1) [*] Where a measurement is required for internal accounting (or other reasons), Owner's Engineer
shall specify the accuracy requirements. Pressure, temperature, or density measurements may be
necessary to achieve the desired measurement accuracy. When compensation is required, Owner's
Engineer shall specify the pressure, temperature, and/or density tap location.
2) For custody transfer applications, orifice, displacement, turbine, Coriolis, or ultrasonic meters shall be
used for liquid and gas/vapor services subject to the guidance given in Table 1 and any additional
restrictions given in Section 4.1 and Section 14 of this GP.
3) Variable area flow meters may be used for applications as indicated in Table 1 subject to the special
requirements of Section 10 of this GP. They may also be used for small line size sample / quality
slipstream (speed loop).
4) Flow nozzles or Venturi tubes shall be used for steam flow measurement from boilers.
5) Where the pressure drop associated with a flow element needs to be minimized, the use of high-
pressure recovery devices (e.g., Dall tube or a low-loss Venturi tube) may be considered.
6) Some devices, such as a Coriolis meter, cause a significant pressure drop and may cause cavitation or
flashing in the meter and the downstream piping. If this is a concern, then back-pressure control or
relocation of the meter to another part of the line should be evaluated.
7) [S] Any device that relies on a single diaphragm or bellows assembly to serve as the sole seal
between the process fluid and atmosphere shall not be used in hydrocarbon and toxic services.
5.2. Enclosures and Connections

[R] Terminations and enclosures for flow transmitters shall be in accordance with GP 15-06-01. In
particular, spring-type terminals shall not be used.
5.3. Flow Conditioning

1) For high-accuracy (greater than 2%) applications, flow conditioners are recommended.
2) Flow conditioners are not recommended for erosive or plugging services.

3) Flow conditioners are not required when Coriolis, cone, conditioning orifice plates, or ultrasonic
meters with eight or more sensor paths are used.
4) The use of straightening vanes is not permitted.
5) [O] Flange-mounted devices are required. The use of pins to fasten a conditioner or straightening
device is not allowed.
6) [A] The Flow Conditioner Manufacturer shall provide a noise rating for the application. Noise
ratings greater than 80 dBA at 3 ft (1 m) measuring distance shall require Owner's Engineer approval.
5.4. Strainers
1) Strainers are required for all turbine meters and positive displacement meters.
2) [O] Strainer design shall comply with GP 03-03-10.
5.5. Calibration
1) [*] Flow loop calibration at a third-party or Vendor meter calibration facility may be required for
custody transfer or other high-accuracy application or may be required when commercial agreements
(custody transfer or allocation) or regulations require it. Owner's Engineer shall specify if such a
calibration is required.
2) Flow loop calibration is not normally required for process measurements where repeatability is more
of a consideration than absolute accuracy.
3) Factory calibration of differential pressure (dP), pressure (P), and temperature (T) transmitters is
required for transmitters. Pre-start-up field verification is required.
6. Differential Pressure Meters

6.1. General
1) Where the pipe Reynolds Number (ReD) is less than 10,000, a square-edge orifice plate shall not be
used. In such services, the use of a quadrant-edge orifice, conical-entrance orifice, or wedge meter
should be considered.
2) Tap locations shall be on the top or side location for gases and on the 45-degree down or side
locations for liquids. Refer to GP 03-06-01.
6.2. Standard Orifice Meter Installation

1) [R] The minimum pipe size for an orifice plate installation shall be NPS 2 (50 mm). Where the
process line size is less than NPS 2 (50 mm), the line size shall be increased for the length of the
metering run. If this is not possible, then an integral orifice or a prefabricated meter run shall be used.
2) [O] Where the pipe ReD is greater than 10,000, flow rates and choice of differential pressure
transmitters shall be as follows:
a) Normal flow rate shall be between 70% and 80% of the full-scale flow with the following
provision: The anticipated minimum and maximum flow rates shall be between 20% and 95% of

the full-scale flow (maximum permissible turndown of 5:1), and the accuracy of the transmitter
shall be 0.075% of span.
b) [C] [O] Where the required rangeability is greater than 5:1 and less than 8:1, a single, higher
accuracy smart transmitter shall be used in lieu of two transmitters. The accuracy of the
transmitter shall be 0.040% of span. Rangeability higher than 8:1 is not recommended.
3) [O] Orifice meter differential ranges shall be as follows:
a) For new piping of any size and existing piping up to and including NPS 4 (100 mm), if the meter
d/D (beta) ratio exceeds 0.7 for a 200 in. H2O (50 kPa) range, then the process piping line size
shall be increased for the meter run.
b) For existing piping over NPS 4 (100 mm), if the meter d/D (beta) ratio exceeds 0.75 for a 200 in.
H2O (50 kPa) range, then the process piping line size shall be increased for the meter run.
c) Orifice meter differential range shall be 20, 25, 50, 100, or 200 in. H2O (5, 6.25, 12.5, 25, or 50
kPa). A range of 100 in. H20 (25 kPa) is preferred.
d) For ranges greater than 200 in. H2O (50 kPa), refer Table 2-E-1 "Maximum Allowable Calculated
Differential Pressure Across 304/316SS Orifice Plate at 150 °F" of API MPMS 14.3.2.
e) The preferred d/D (beta) ratio is between 0.20 and 0.60.
f) For compressible fluids, the meter differential range in inches of water shall not exceed 1.5 times
the normal upstream static pressure in psi absolute (kPa not to exceed 0.054 times the normal
upstream static pressure in kPa absolute), except that for exhaust steam (approximately 30 psi
[200 kPa] absolute), a 50 in.H2O (12.5 kPa) range may be used.
4) Orifice plate flanges shall be per ASME B16.36 and the following:
a) Flanges shall be welding neck type.
b) Pressure taps shall be equipped with round head bar stock plugs.
c) [*] Flange rating, facing, and finish shall be specified (for raised face flanges, the raised face shall
not be less than 0.06 in. [1.6 mm]).
d) Ring joint type orifice plates NPS 6 (150 mm) and smaller shall be fabricated with the holder and
the plate being in one piece. For sizes above NPS 6 (150 mm), the plate may be removable from
the holder, provided that the attachment method securely holds the plate and minimizes leakage
between plate and holder.
5) [S] Where a single orifice plate is used for process control and protective systems, a second set of taps
on the orifice flange shall be used for the protective system per GP 15-07-02.
6) Orifice plate thickness shall be the recommended value given in API MPMS 14.3.2, except that for
NPS 6 (150 mm) and NPS 8 (200 mm) services above 750 °F (400 °C), the plate thickness shall be 1/4
in. (6 mm).
7) [O] No drain or weep hole shall be made in any orifice plate.
6.3. Integral Orifice

1) [A] Integral orifices may be used for line sizes smaller than NPS 2 (50 mm) subject to Owner's
Engineer approval.
2) Integral orifices come in standard pipe sizes of 0.5 in. (12.7 mm), 1.0 in. (25.4 mm), and 1.5 in.
(38.1 mm). For these meter sizes, the orifice bore can range from 0.010 in. (0.25 mm) to 1.184 in.
(30.07 mm). Due to these very small clearances, the use of these devices in dirty services should be
avoided and the use of strainers should be considered.

6.4. Conditioning Orifice Plate

1) Conditioning orifice plates are recommended in lieu of traditional orifice plates when insufficient
upstream piping is available to meet the straight run requirements and will cause flow profile issues.
2) [I] d/D (beta) ratio for a conditioning orifice is determined using the sum of the area of the four bores.
This beta is equivalent to the area of a bore "d" in the standard equation "beta = d/D" for a standard
orifice meter. Thus for a given beta, each bore diameter of a conditioning orifice is equal to half the
bore diameter of a standard orifice.
3) [O] Beta ratios between 0.4 and 0.65 are recommended.
4) [O] A conditioning orifice shall be centered in the pipe (the same as a traditional orifice plate).
5) [O] A conditioning orifice shall be installed such that its orientation has the taps located
perpendicular between 2 of the 4 holes (bottom taps should be avoided). It is recommended that
installation instructions include this requirement. See Figure 1.
Figure 1: Conditioning Orifice Tap Locations

1 of 3 permitted tap locations
6.5. Pitot Tube / Averaging Pitot Tube

1) [A] [O] Pitot tubes or averaging Pitot tubes may be used in applications that require minimum 10 in.
(250 mm) or larger pipe sizes where conventional flow elements would be very expensive to
fabricate, and may not be cost justified, subject to Owner's Engineer's approval.
2) [M] A Pitot tube or averaging Pitot tube shall not be used in an application where dirty streams or
streams containing solids are found.
3) [R] Opposite-end support shall be provided.
4) [R] An on-line retraction assembly should be considered to allow for on-line maintenance.

6.6. Wedge
1) [A] Wedge meters may be considered in hot, viscous, corrosive, or erosive services and for liquid
slurries, subject to Owner's Engineer's approval.
2) Wedge meters are not suitable for custody transfer service.
6.7. Venturi and Flow Nozzle

1) Where minimizing pressure drop is important, the use of high-pressure recovery devices (e.g., Dall
tube or a low-loss Venturi tube) may be considered.
2) Flow nozzles or Venturi tubes shall be used for steam flow measurement from boilers and high-
pressure steam inlets to steam turbines.
3) Venturi tube applications require ReD of 75,000 or more, as this is the region where their discharge
coefficient (C) is relatively constant.
6.8. Cone Meters

1) [I] Cone meters may be installed with four upstream diameters of straight run pipe.
2) Sizing for cone meters shall be provided by Manufacturer and are recommended only in services with
ReD above 10,000.
3) [A] Cone meters shall not be used in liquid hydrocarbon service without Owner's Engineer's approval.
4) [O] Cone meters are not recommended where sudden changes in flow may result in damage to the
cone body or mounts (e.g., high-pressure gas wells or gas injection).
5) Cone meters are not recommended as a measuring device upstream of rotating equipment.
7. Volumetric Meters
7.1. Turbine
1) Turbine meters shall not be used for custody transfer of gas.
2) Design, construction, installation, and calibration of turbine meters shall be in accordance with API
MPMS 5.3. Turbine flow elements should be provided with back-pressure controls, or other means
should be provided to prevent damage by over-speed during start-up.
3) [A] All turbine meter applications shall be calibrated for a ReD range equal to that of the application
wherever possible. Where this is not possible, Owner's Engineer shall approve the use of an
alternative, such as a composite calibration curve.
4) Calibration curves shall be provided for each turbine meter. Flows shall range from the maximum
meter design flow downward to the point at which required accuracy is no longer attainable.
5) Turbine meters shall be equipped with two pickup coil hubs.

7.1.1. Meter Runs for Turbine Meters

1) For service at or below 600# ANSI, the flow conditioner and meter run shall be the same nominal
pipe diameter as the meter and have a welding neck, raised-face flange at either end, sized and rated
as defined in Manufacturer data sheet. The meter-to-meter run flange shall provide a smooth internal
diameter transition and shall be internally aligned and doweled in a minimum of three places to
ensure this alignment.
2) [*] When specified by Owner's Engineer for high-accuracy applications, the flow-conditioning element
shall comply with API MPMS 5.3. The element type selected shall be installed per Manufacturer's
recommendations.
3) Turbine meters shall have strainers installed upstream of the meter.
7.2. Displacement Meter

1) Design, construction, installation, and calibration of displacement meters shall be in accordance with
API MPMS 5.2.
2) Temperature measurement shall be provided for all meters. An electronic method shall be employed
where correction to a standard temperature is required. Mechanical temperature compensation is only
permitted where required by local authorities or where no electrical power is available. Facilities for
on-line or shop calibration of the temperature correction method shall be provided.
8. Velocity Meters
8.1. Magnetic Flow Meters
1) [I] [R] Magnetic flow meters may only be used in applications where the fluid has minimum 5 µS/cm
of conductivity.
2) [R] As the flow tubes of most magnetic flow meters are lined, appropriate liner material shall be
selected for compatibility with the process fluid to be measured. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and
Polyurethane are some common liner materials.
3) [R] Flow meter electrode material shall be selected for compatibility with the process fluid to be
measured. The commonly used electrode materials are 316L SS, Tantalum, and Hastelloy.
4) [R] To avoid interference with measurement, flow meter shall not be installed near high process noise
or vibration environment.
5) [O] [R] The flow meters shall be factory wet-calibrated prior to installation and assigned a factory set
calibration factor.
6) [O] The pipe should be filled with liquid at all times, and piping layout shall be designed to avoid an
empty or partially filled pipe condition.
7) [R] Grounding rings or connections shall be provided for meters to ensure proper grounding to the
plant electrical ground. The grounding ring material shall be compatible with the process fluid (same
as the electrode material).
8) [*] Maximum measurement error shall not exceed ±0.50% of span. Requirement of higher accuracies
shall be specified separately by Owner's Engineer.

8.2. Ultrasonic Flow Meters

8.2.1. General
1) [M] [O] The flow meter reliability and criticality should be considered, along with the following,
when selecting a UFM design and Manufacturer:
a) Transit time meters are preferred to Doppler type.
b) Meter bodies with transducers that can be replaced with the meter in service should be
considered.
c) Four-path and eight-path meter designs may be considered for critical or custody transfer
applications where the loss of a path or meter is not acceptable and the meter cannot be repaired
on-line.
2) [A] A minimum of 20 upstream pipe diameters of straight run pipe is required.
3) The location of control valves shall be considered in the piping design for UFMs with respect to
noise. Manufacturer should be consulted for limitations involving noise emitted from control valves,
pumps, and other sources that may cause loss of signal between transducers.
4) [R] Thermowells and tapping for pressure measurement shall be located 3–5 pipe diameters
downstream of meter body.
8.2.2. Gas Ultrasonic Flow Meters

8.2.2.1. General
1) UFMs in natural gas service shall be installed per AGA Report No. 9.
2) The UFM working velocity range shall be between 10 ft/s (3 m/s) and 70 ft/s (21 m/s), where the
maximum velocity is at minimum pressure.
3) UFMs in services above ANSI 600# shall be ordered without a pressure tap on the meter body, or if
so supplied, with the pressure tap plugged but not seal-welded. For this service, a pressure transmitter
shall be located on the meter run within 5 diameters downstream of the meter.
8.2.3. Liquid Ultrasonic Flow Meters

1) Liquid UFMs shall be designed in compliance with API MPMS 5.8.
2) [*] For services other than custody transfer or fiscal applications, neither a prover nor prover
connections are required, but may be specified by Owner's Engineer if accuracies better than 1% are
required.
3) Liquid UFMs should not be installed where entrained gas exists or two-phase oil/water flow exists.
4) Liquid UFMs should not be used where emulsions may interfere with transmission of the signal
paths.
5) Liquid UFMs should not be used on liquid streams at or near the bubble point or on production
separators.
8.2.4. Ultrasonic Flow Meters in Flare Service

1) Flare UFMs shall be designed in compliance with API MPMS 14.10.

2) [R] UFMs in flare service shall be designed to handle minimum and maximum velocity without loss
of signal.
3) [R] Each transducer shall be retractable on-line (with the flare line in service).
4) [R] Maximum wake frequency calculations shall be performed on insertion probes with the probes
meeting the same criteria as for thermowells per GP 15-02-01.
5) [R] For mass flow calculation, nitrogen compensation shall be activated within the meter if the flare
stream is expected to have high nitrogen content. Presence of components (e.g., Hydrogen) should be
considered.
8.2.5. Clamp-on Ultrasonic Flow Meters

1) The use of clamp-on UFMs shall be avoided for new installations.
2) [A] Clamp-on UFMs may be used on existing (brownfield) applications with Owner's Engineer
approval.
3) Clamp-on meters may be used on line sizes from 2 in. up to 256 in. (50 mm up to 6.5 m).
4) Clamp-on UFMs may be used for verification meters. They should be located upstream of orifice
meters or turbine meters and downstream of other UFMs.
5) [O] Solid elastic patches are recommended for acoustically bonding transducers to the pipe. Meters
that require the use of gels for an acoustic bond should be avoided.
6) [M] [O] The transducer bond to the pipe and the physical protection aspects of the clamp-on UFM
should be considered for permanent installation.
7) [R] A protective cover is recommended for environmental and mechanical protection of the cables,
sensors, and their alignment.
9. Vortex Meters
1) Vortex meters are not permitted for custody transfer applications and should not be used where
accuracies better than 2% or reproducibility better than 0.3% are required.
2) Upstream piping should have 40 pipe diameters of straight pipe. Otherwise, flow conditioning with
10 upstream straight diameters is required. The meter outlet shall have 5 straight diameters free of
any obstructions, including thermowells.
3) The use of vortex meters for high turndown or the possibility of low flow rates should be avoided.
The ReD should be greater than 20,000 at minimum flow rate. Signal cutout or significant flow rate
errors may occur for ReD below 20,000, with cutout or erratic signals probable for ReD below 4000.
Manufacturer's guide for low-flow cutoff should be followed.
4) [O] Vortex meters shall not be installed where pulsating flow or mechanical vibrations is possible.
5) [*] Process noise from control valves, pumps, and compressors shall be considered utilizing
Manufacturer's guidelines for noise. Owner's Engineer shall be consulted for applications involving
process noise. If noise is identified as an issue, then one of the following shall occur:
a) Relocate the meter to avoid noise

b) Attenuate the noise (e.g., with piping modifications using blind tees) using Manufacturer's
recommendation
c) Confirm Manufacturer's built-in filtering can eliminate the effects of noise
d) Select a different type of meter immune to noise
6) [C] For services other than custody transfer or fiscal applications, where a temperature measurement
is required, a vortex meter with the optional bluff body temperature measurement should be
considered. The use of Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) or Foundation Fieldbus
(FF) multivariable protocols should be considered in lieu of two 4–20 mA signals if the control
system supports usage of these protocols.
10. Variable Area Flow Meters

1) [S] Variable area flow meters shall be made of a metal tube; however, glass tube types may be used if
the fluid is air, inert gas, or water at operating pressures below 50 psig (350 kPa).
2) [I] When flow rates are lower than can be measured with a metal tube and the fluid meets the criteria
stated in Item (1) above, a glass tube with a heavy-duty flat glass protective enclosure may be used.
3) Connection sizes of NPS 11/4 (32 mm), NPS 21/2 (65 mm), and NPS 5 (125 mm) shall not be used.
4) Connections NPS 1/2 (15 mm) and larger shall be flanged.
5) Connections smaller than NPS 1/2 (15 mm) shall have an internal taper thread.
6) [O] Manufacturer's standard tube and float shall be used wherever possible. Normal flow shall be
between 60% and 80% of capacity, provided that anticipated minimum and maximum flow rates will
be between 10% and 90% of capacity.
7) [R] Flow measurement accuracy shall be better than 2% of full-scale flow over a rangeability of 10%
to 100%.
8) The meter coefficient and design conditions shall be engraved permanently on the nameplate and/or
tube.
9) [R] Variable area meters shall be hydrostatically tested to 1.5 times the meter pressure rating at
100 °F (38 °C).
10) [S] Variable area flow meters with integral needle valves shall not be used in hydrocarbon and toxic
services.
11. Coriolis Meter

11.1. General
1) Coriolis meters are available in two-wire and four-wire configurations. For ease of installation, a
two-wire system is preferred.
2) [O] Sizing calculations for Coriolis meters shall be provided by Manufacturer. Volumetric or mass
measurement shall be specified in Manufacturer's data sheet.

3) [A] [O] Coriolis flow meters shall be calibrated at a recognized meter calibration facility or at
Manufacturer's facility prior to installation. If Manufacturer's own meter calibration facilities are not
used, then Owner's Engineer approval of the selected facility is required.
4) [R] Meter body shall be properly aligned and supported per GP 03-18-01 such that no piping stresses
are imparted on the meter.
5) Coriolis meters shall be designed and installed per API MPMS 5.6 and AGA Report No. 11.
6) [A] [R] Coriolis meter installations shall allow for Coriolis meters to be zeroed per Manufacturer's
recommendation and shall require Owner's Engineer's approval. The zero reading must be
rechecked any time there is a large change in operating conditions. This requires that the meter be
fluid filled with no flow. Depending on operational requirements, block valves, a meter bypass, or
other installation details may need to be specified.
11.2. Mechanical Design and Inspection Requirements

11.2.1. General
1) [A] [R] All wetted parts of the meter shall be made of fully corrosion-resistant material to prevent
corrosion and corrosion fatigue degradation of wetted parts. Suitability of material selection for the
service shall be documented by Manufacturer and approved by Owner's Material Engineering
Specialist.
2) [R] Meters for standard temperature service shall be designed for a minimum temperature range of
20 °F to 250 °F (−7 °C to 121 °C). For meters in cryogenic service, refer to GP 18-10-01.
3) [S] The meter shall not be the limiting component in the piping system. The gauge pressure rating of
the meter flow element (flow tube and flow splitters) shall be selected to be at least equal to the
design rating of the accompanying pipe system. When possible and not costly, the pressure rating
should be set to the maximum allowed by the piping system flange rating. However, in no case shall
the minimum pressure rating be lower than 175 psig (1200 kPa). Manufacturer shall indicate the
actual pressure rating of the flow meter on the tag plate.
4) [S] To demonstrate the mechanical integrity of the meter, Manufacturer shall provide a summary
report documenting performance of a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on all pressurized parts of the
meter. Details are as follows:
a) The FEA shall include a fatigue analysis of the flow tube, including joints to flow splitters in
accordance with ASME SEC VIII D2, BSI PD 5500, or other Company-approved equivalent
method.
b) The FEA summary report shall indicate the evaluation code and show the FEA model, the loading
conditions used in the analysis, the stress results, and the code-allowable stress for all parts
subjected to process pressure. The full FEA analysis is not required and is not a substitute for the
summary report.
c) If Company has deployed a particular make and model of a Coriolis meter in previous projects,
then Company may use Manufacturer's FEA and Mechanical Mean Time Between Failure
(MMTBF) records from those projects to confirm that FEA has been performed. A completed
data sheet with make and model may be used for verification using Company records.
5) [I] For Coriolis meters, mechanical failure means loss of containment. A tube leak could occur as a
result of erosion, corrosion, or fatigue failure. MMTBF differs from MTBF in that MTBF also
includes electronics failures and therefore would always be a lower number.

6) [R] Manufacturer shall demonstrate an MMTBF of 1000 years or greater. Meters that have a
demonstrated MMTBF less than 1000 years are acceptable only when the design pressure of the outer
enclosure is equal to or greater than the design pressure of the meter (full containment).
7) [S] For applications where temperature cycling will occur (e.g., high temperature or refrigerated
service where the meter will be regularly cycled between hot or cold service), Manufacturer's FEA
model shall include the design temperature cycling for the specific application. The number of cycles
and temperature range shall be specified on the instrument data sheet.
8) [S] The wetted meter flow element shall be hydrostatically or pneumatically tested per ASME B31.3.
The duration of the test shall take into account the possibility of small leaks between the wetted meter
flow element and the outer enclosure.
9) [S] Positive Material Identification (PMI) testing per GP 18-12-01 is required for the primary
pressure boundary components (e.g., flanges, flow-splitters, flow tubes, and welds).
11.2.2. Outer Enclosure/Secondary Containment

1) [I] For most applications, the outer enclosure of a Coriolis meter provides physical protection for the
vibrating tubes and keeps moisture from affecting the operation of the drive mechanism and
associated sensors. Because the outer enclosure is seal-welded, it would trap process fluid in the
remote event of a tube leak. Therefore, it is still normally given a pressure rating, which can be less
than the design pressure of wetted parts. When outer enclosure rating is less than the pressure rating
of the wetted parts, the design requirements in this Section become important.
2) [S] Manufacturer shall state the design pressure of the outer enclosure on the instrument data sheet.
The following requirements apply to the outer enclosure:
a) The integrity of the outer enclosure shall be proven via a hydrostatic or pneumatic test per ASME
B31.3. Manufacturer shall use the specified outer enclosure design pressure for calculating the
required test pressure per ASME B31.3.
b) If the process fluid side design pressure (i.e., as limited by pressure safety device) of the meters is
greater than 1.1 times the design pressure of the outer enclosure, then the outer enclosure shall be
equipped with a Rupture Disc (RD) assembly.
c) The RD may be eliminated if the burst rating of the outer enclosure is at least twice the maximum
operating pressure.
3) [S] When an RD is required, it shall be set no higher than the design pressure of the outer enclosure,
and its sizing shall be based on a 1/8 in. (3 mm) hole in the process fluid flow tube. RD outlet piping
shall be designed per GP 03-02-04.
4) [S] When local release is not acceptable, consideration shall be given to designing the outer enclosure
for full containment of the process pressure. If this design pressure cannot be met, then the discharge
of the required RD shall be piped to a safe location. RD and piping shall be designed per GP 03-02-
04 and shall include pressure indication.
5) If an RD is provided in the hazardous services, then an alarm and/or appropriate Safety Instrumented
System (SIS) trip action upon high pressure in the outer enclosure shall be considered. Facilities shall
be installed to give notification of a tube leak and to isolate the source of flow to the leak.
6) [S] If the RD vent is to be connected to a closed system (e.g., flare), then the meter design shall
account for any back-pressure that may be present within the closed system. Refer to GP 03-02-04
Section 5.2.2.5 Item (a).

12. Thermal Mass Meter

[A] Thermal mass meters should only be used for streams with constant molecular weight and with
Owner's Engineer approval.
13. General Mechanical/Fabrication Requirements

1) [S] [A] Pressure-retaining parts of in-line flow instruments (e.g., turbine meters and Venturi meters)
and associated devices (e.g., strainers and de-aerators) shall be fabricated with full penetration welds
or be fabricated from single bar stock. These shall be in accordance with the requirements of GP 03-
18-01, GP 03-19-01, ASME B16.5, and ASME B31.3. Welds may be subject to inspection by
Owner's Engineer.
2) [S] Elements (e.g., Venturis and metering tubes) shall be designed in accordance with Owner's
standard piping classification for the line in which the element will be installed. Pipe wall thickness
and corrosion allowance shall be per GP 03-10-01.
3) [S] Insertion flow meters shall have a blowout prevention device, such as a stop or safety chain. This
device shall prohibit the complete removal of the flow element under pressure.
4) [S] Wafer-style devices shall not be used. Meters or meter runs with nonwelded flanges, such as slip-
on flanges, shall not be used.
5) [A] All in-line flow elements shall have flanged ends suitable to the piping service per GP 03-16-01.
Flow elements without flanges, welded directly to the piping (e.g., Venturi meters), may be used with
Owner's Engineer approval. Welding directly to the pipe is not recommended for fiscal applications.
6) [A] Clamp-on flanges, such as Graylok fittings, are only permitted with Owner's Engineer's approval.
7) Mechanical and electronic auxiliary equipment located on meters shall be weatherproof and suitable
for the hazardous area classification.
13.1. Meter Tube Internal Tolerances

1) Pipe and flanges shall have an internal diameter that is within ±0.5% of the measured internal
diameter of the meter.
2) The inside surface of girth welds shall not include any projection or depression greater than 0.25% of
the meter Internal Diameter (ID). The maximum dimension (width or length) of surface imperfection
shall not exceed 2% of the meter ID. Surface imperfections can be repaired by welding, filling,
grinding, and/or machining.
3) Fabricator shall check the internal alignment of welds and gaskets by shining a flashlight in one end
of the meter run after it has been assembled for delivery to ensure that there are no discernible
shadows.
4) All flow path welds (i.e., flow-tube to flow-tube, flow-tube to flow-splitters, and flow-splitters to
flange) shall be smooth on the internal surface and external surface. Welds shall have a maximum
projection of 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) of weld metal into the flow path.
5) [O] Changes in internal diameters and protrusions shall be avoided at the meter inlet. The meter bore,
flanges, and adjacent pipe spool sections shall be carefully aligned to minimize flow disturbances,

especially at the upstream flange. The upstream flange internal weld shall be ground smooth. No
part of the upstream gasket or flange face edge shall protrude into the pipe internal diameters.
14. Custody Transfer

1) Flow meters for custody transfer shall be installed and designed according to the requirements
specified throughout this GP and local codes and regulations. Items in this Section describe
additional requirements and/or exceptions to the general requirements for custody transfer
applications.
2) Any system of measurement to be used for custody transfer shall meet the following two conditions:
a) The practice is an ISO, API, or ASTM standard.
b) [A] The practice is in compliance with Company Hydrocarbon Control Practices (HCP) Manual
and approved by Owner's Engineer.
3) [M] [R] All equipment shall be designed and installed to accommodate removal or access for
inspection, testing, calibration, and routine maintenance. For this purpose, the system shall be
outfitted with isolation valves, bleed valves, flanges, and other fittings based on fluid, if needed for
removal of equipment.
4) Accuracy, repeatability, and measurement uncertainty requirements shall be specified in compliance
with HCP and API MPMS standards.
5) An automatic sampling package designed and certified to the applicable HCP and API MPMS
Chapter 8 standards is required for crude measurement stations.
6) [R] The sharing of taps or gauge lines in custody transfer applications shall not be permissible.
7) [M] A spare (test) thermowell shall be provided with temperature devices installed in piping for
custody transfer.
8) Flow loop calibration at a third-party or Manufacturer meter calibration facility shall be performed for
custody transfer or allocation applications or when commercial agreements (custody transfer or
allocation) or regulations require it.
9) All custody transfer facilities shall be designed to alarm in the control room in cases of failure or
malfunction with alarm priority assigned per GP 15-07-03. Unsampled, off-specification, or
unmeasured fluid shall not flow through custody measurement facilities without an alarm.
10) Provers shall be designed in accordance with API MPMS Chapter 4 and the HCP.
11) [*] [A] A permanent prover is preferred. When a permanent prover is not available, connection for a
portable prover shall be provided, as specified by Owner's Engineer. Proving out of line is least
preferable (except for gas service) and shall be approved by Owner's Engineer.
12) Where hydraulically actuated valves are used and high system availability is required, redundant
hydraulic supply pumps and associated equipment shall be considered.
13) Double block and bleed systems shall be used to switch flow into a proving loop. Refer to GP 03-06-
01.
14) [O] Electronic packages for custody transfer metering systems, e.g. flow computers, shall perform all
measurement calculations as defined in API MPMS or Company-approved equivalent standards.

15) [A] Orifice meters shall not be used for custody transfer of liquids and are not recommended for
custody transfer of gas. Owner's Engineer's approval is required for their use in custody applications.
16) [R] Displacement and Turbine meters for custody transfer shall have dual electronic pulse
transmitters for remote transmission, except where only a mechanically coupled ticket counter is
required or allowed. The security of any electronic pulse transmission shall, as a minimum, meet
Level B of API MPMS 5.5.
17) Where analyzers are required for custody transfer, refer to GP 15-08-01, GP 15-08-02, and GP 15-08-
06.
18) [R] Locks, seals, and/or electronic access control shall be used to restrict unauthorized entry to
equipment involved with measurement, calculation, and recording of the quality or quantity of
custody transfer applications.

Record of Change
Version 1.0.0 Date: 07/01
Location Action Description
Initial Publish.

Version number was altered to reflect Business Sector tagging.

Global Practice version number and format updated to comply with new
process; however, original publish date remains, and no content was
modified.

Section 1.4 Modification Replaced BSI BS 1042 SEC 1.1 with BSI BS EN ISO 5167-1.

Section 1 Modification Removed references API MPMS 4.3 and BSI BS EN ISO 5167-1;
Updated reference titles.
Section 1, Modification Replaced ISO 5167-1 with ISO 5167-2.
Section 2
(Item 1),
Section 4
(Item 1c)

General Modification Updated Purpose Codes, Rationales, references, and unit conversions and
clarified content throughout GP. GP was updated to include new flow
measurement technologies.
Section 2 Addition Added Section 2, Additional Requirements.
Section 3 Addition Added Section 3, Definitions.
Section 4 Modification Moved text into Section 5, "Flow Meter Design." Added new
"Measuring Element Selection" text, including Table 1 and subsection.
Section 5 Modification Incorporated and modified text from Section 4, "Measuring Element
Selection," into Subsection 4.1, General. Added other subsections.
Section 6 Modification Added Section 6 heading "Differential Pressure Meters." Added
Subsection 6.1, "General."
Moved original Section 3, "Standard Orifice Meter Installation," into

Subsection 6.2; modified and added items and rationales.
Added other subsections.

Section 7 Addition Added Section 7, "Volumetric Meters," including subsections.

Section 8 Addition Added Section 8, "Velocity Meters," including subsections

Section 9 Addition Added Section 9, "Vortex Shedding Meter."
Section 11 Addition Added Section 11, "Coriolis Meter," including subsections.
Section 12 Addition Added Section 12, "Thermal Mass Meter."
Section 13 Modification Modified Item (1) to allow fabrication from single bar stock.
Removed item referring to API RP 551, item on inline orifice fittings,

and item on custody transfer metering systems.
Added item forbidding use of wafer-style devices, item about clamp-on

flanges.
Modified item about inline flow elements.
Added Subsection 13.1 Meter Tube Internal Tolerances.

Section 14 Modification Removed original sections "Custody Transfer Orifice Meter
Installations" and "Custody Transfer Positive Displacement Meter and
Turbine Meter Flow Measurement Installations."
Added new "Custody Transfer" section and text.

All Global Modifications To standardize the format of the Global Practices and to meet other
Practices requirements, the following changes have been implemented:
"For ExxonMobil Use Only" has been replaced with "For Company Use
Only."
A copyright waiver has been added in the first page Footer.
The definition of asterisks in the Scope has been deleted. The asterisk is
now defined in the Purpose Code attachment and is used within brackets
as other Purpose Codes.
Multiple paragraphs within a Section have been numbered.
The standard text for Required References has been modified.
The standard text for Additional Requirements has been modified.
The [S] Purpose Code has been modified.
The following Purpose Codes have been added:
[*] for additional information or decision required of Owner's Engineer.
[A] for approval requirements before beginning work or finalizing
design.

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions

Code Description
* Assigned to paragraphs that require the Owner's Engineer to provide additional information or
make a decision.
A Assigned to paragraphs that require approval from the Owner's Engineer before the work may
proceed or the design is finalized.
C Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is reduced costs. Reduced cost in this context
refers to initial investment cost and does not include life cycle cost considerations. Life cycle
cost considerations are captured under reliability, maintainability, or operability purpose
codes.
E Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is driven by environmental considerations.
Environmental considerations typically include specifications intended to protect against
emissions/leakage to the air, water, and/or soil. Deviations from the specifications contained
in such paragraphs require formal review and approval according to local environmental
policy.
I Assigned to paragraphs that provide only clarifying information, such as Scope statements,
definitions of terms, etc.
M Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to provide for maintainability of equipment
or systems. Maintainability provisions are those that facilitate the performance of
maintenance on equipment/systems either during downtimes or during onstream operations.
O Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to assure operability of equipment or
systems. Operability is the ability of the equipment/system to perform satisfactorily even
though conditions are off-design, such as during start-ups, process swings, subcomponent
malfunction, etc.
R Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to improve or assure the reliability of
equipment or systems. Reliability is a measure of the ability of equipment/systems to operate
without malfunction or failure between planned maintenance interventions.
S Assigned to paragraphs containing specifications/guidance where the primary purpose is the
avoidance of incidents impacting personnel safety, process safety, and the public in general
and/or involving responses to emergency situations. Any deviation from the specifications
contained in such designated paragraphs requires formal review and approval according to
local safety policy.
Personnel Safety: Refers to the prevention of incident-related personnel injuries or illness,
e.g., burns, cuts, abrasions, inhalation of or exposure to dangerous
substances, etc., that could result in medical treatment, restricted work,
lost-time incidents, or fatalities.
Process Safety: Refers to the prevention and control of process releases, fires, and/or
explosions that could result in damage to equipment, process disruption,
or personnel injury or illness.

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GP 15-04-01 Flow Instruments Version 2.0.

Refining/Chemicals © ExxonMobil 2015 TEC5000 Page 1 of 29

7.2. Displacement Meter ................................................................................... 18

10. Variable Area Flow Meters.................................................................................. 21

11. Coriolis Meter ...................................................................................................... 21

13. General Mechanical/Fabrication Requirements ............................................... 24

Record of Change ....................................................................................................... 27

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions.................................................................... 29

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1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices

1.2. ExxonMobil Publications

1.3. AGA–American Gas Association

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1.4. API–American Petroleum Institute

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API MPMS 6.6 Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards - Chapter 6: Metering

1.5. ASME–American Society of Mechanical Engineers

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ASME B31.3 Process Piping

1.6. BSI–British Standards Institution

1.7. ISO–International Organization for Standardization

2.1. IEC–International Electrotechnical Commission

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4. Measuring Element Selection

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Table 1: Meter Selection Guidance

Pitot Tube / Avg Pitot

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4.1. Service, Considerations, Constraints, and Restrictions

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4.1.2. Pipeline Leak Detection

4.1.3. Light Hydrocarbon Liquids

4.1.4. Liquid (ReD >10,000, Gas Free)

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4.1.5.2. High-Pressure Water

5. Flow Meter Design

5.2. Enclosures and Connections

5.3. Flow Conditioning

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6. Differential Pressure Meters

6.2. Standard Orifice Meter Installation

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6.3. Integral Orifice

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6.4. Conditioning Orifice Plate

Figure 1: Conditioning Orifice Tap Locations

6.5. Pitot Tube / Averaging Pitot Tube

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6.7. Venturi and Flow Nozzle

6.8. Cone Meters

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7.1.1. Meter Runs for Turbine Meters

7.2. Displacement Meter

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8.2. Ultrasonic Flow Meters

8.2.2. Gas Ultrasonic Flow Meters

8.2.3. Liquid Ultrasonic Flow Meters

8.2.4. Ultrasonic Flow Meters in Flare Service

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8.2.5. Clamp-on Ultrasonic Flow Meters

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10. Variable Area Flow Meters