Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering 57

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Permissible Maximum Errors of Measurement Instruments in

Metering Systems of Fluids
HARROUZ Abdelkader1, BENATIALLAH Ali1, HARROUZ Omar2
1
University of Adrar, Algeria,
Department of Hydrocarbon and Renewable Energy, Faculty of science and technology,
BP 252, 01000 Adrar, Algeria, harrouz@univ-adrar.dz, benatiallah@univadrar.org
2
University of Bordeaux, France,
Institute of Natural Sciences and Agra-food Bordeaux (ISNAB)
Bordeaux, France, harrouz@isnab.fr

Abstract – The control and calibration of measuring
instruments installed in dynamic metering station must
have a good understanding of the evaluation and
validation method of the error. This paper will address
the calculation procedures for petroleum quantities.
We discuss measurement, convert physical phenomena
into electrical signals, control and permissible
maximum errors of measurement instruments in
metering systems of fluids. After, we compared the
error of these instruments with the reference standards
and recommendations.
cable pair. Linking up to 32 modules, communicating
over distances up to 10 km, is possible when using the
RS-485 multi-drop network. However, since very few
computers have built in support for the RS-485 standard,
an RS-232 to RS-485 converter is required to allow
communications between the computer and the remote
modules [3].
Sensor and flow meter

Keywords: Control; error; measurement; PME.

Flow computer Ethernet
I. INTRODUCTION switch

Accuracy and precision are used in context of

measurement. Accuracy is the degree of conformity of a
measured or calculated quantity to its actual (true) value
[1], while precision is the degree to which further
measurements or calculations show the same or similar
results, the precision of an experiment/object/value is a
measure of the reliability of the experiment, or how
reproducible the experiment is. The accuracy of an
experiment value is a measure of how closely the
experimental results agree with a true or accepted value.
This paper presents the control of measuring station
and how to find the errors of all instrument in the
dynamic metering system after, we will compared this
error with the permissible maximum error defined by
international regulations and specifications.
Transducers convert physical phenomena into
electrical signals such as voltage and current for signal
conditioning and measurement within systems. While
the voltage or current output signal from transducers has
some direct relationship with the physical phenomena
they are designed to measure, it is not always clear how
that information is contained within the output signal
[3]. The use of RS-485 multi-drop networks, as shown
in Figure 1, reduces the amount of cabling required,
since each signal-conditioning module shares the same
RS232 to RS485 Data
communication
PC control converter
system
Figure 1. Digital transmitter of meterng systems
Data acquisition is the process by which physical
phenomena from the real world are transformed into
electrical signals that are measured and converted into a
digital format for processing, analysis, and storage by a
computer [3].
II. METRING SYSTEMS
Flow meters are an integral tool for measuring the
flow of liquid, gas, or a mixture of both in applications
used in the food and beverage industry, oil and gas
plants, and chemical/pharmaceutical factories. There are
many different types of flow meters available on the
market. Fluid characteristics (single or double phase,
viscosity, turbidity, etc.), flow profile (laminar,
transitional, or turbulent, etc.), flow range, and the need
 58 Volume 7, Number 1, May 2014
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for accurate measurements are key factors for
determining the right flow meter for a particular
application. Additional considerations such as
mechanical restrictions and output-connectivity options
also impact this choice [16].
The control is the process by which digital control
signals from the system hardware are convened to a
signal format for use by control devices such as
actuators and relays. These devices then control a
system or process [11]. Where a system is referred to as
a data acquisition system, it is possible that it includes
control functions as well.
Metering System consists of flow meter, flow
calculator panel, application softwares. Flow calculator
panel has flow computer and controller. Flow computer
performs calculation of flowing density, volume
correction, mass flow rate, corrected volume flow rate
and energy flow rate by referring to gas component,
pressure, temperature in case of natural gas. Calculator
performs automatic meter run switching or manual valve
operation. Also flow calculator communicates with
upper control system.
The control procedures and methods of calculation
used for every measurement instrument will be
developed according to the conditions of working and
material available on site, based on the instructions of
National Texts, recommendations and international
standards.
transfer, expressed at reference conditions. We’ve
identified that both primary measurement data (field
data) and correction factors are needed to complete our
calculation procedure.
C. Mass flow rates
The Coriolis meters have long been used for process
control, and a number of worldwide approvals or
documents exist for fiscal (custody) transfer of liquids
[13]. The measurement is based on the principle of
Carioles force. This force is generated when a system is
simultaneously subjected to movements of translation
and rotation, this force is given by:
FC = 2 · ǻm (v · Ȧ) (1)
Where FC: Carioles force, ǻm: moving mass, Ȧ:
rotational speed and v: radial velocity in systems with
rotating or oscillating (see Figure 2). The two vibrating
tubes (or the two parallel sections of a single tube)
deflect according to the mass flow rate of the measured
fluid that is flowing inside. Tubes are made of various
materials, of which stainless steel is the most common
[12].

A. Fluid flow measurement

Both gas and liquid flow can be measured in

volumetric or mass flow rates, such as liters per second
or kilograms per second [10]. These measurements can
be converted between one another if the material's
density is known. The density for a liquid is almost
independent of the liquid conditions; however, this is not
the case for gas, the density of which depends greatly
upon pressure, temperature and to a lesser extent, the gas
composition.

B. Reference (standard) conditions

The primary measurement data is normally acquired

at operating conditions, which vary greatly. Therefore
reference or standard conditions have been established,
whereby the primary measurement data, at operating
conditions, are corrected to reference or base conditions,
using correction factors. This allows two or more
different parties to make a comparison of different
transactions on the same basis [14].
The reference (base) conditions for the measurement
of liquids having a vapor pressure equal to or less than Figure 2. Mass flow measurement.
atmospheric at base temperature are as follows:
• Temperature—15.00 °C Pressure—101.325 kPa The table 1 show the resultat of calibration was
(International System (SI) Units) performed in mass flow rigs using weighing scales in
• Temperature—60.0 °F Pressure—14.696 psia (start / stop) operation.
(United States Customary (USC) Units)
Our goal of paper is to control the calculate volume
of liquid hydrocarbon (petroleum) involved in the
 Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering 59
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TABLE 1. Results of calibration mass flowmeter III. CORRECTION OF VOLUME

Flow rate Measured Actual Error PME Fidelity
Mass Mass Turbines flow meters are controlled by the pipe
(kg/h) (kg) (kg) (%) (%) (%) prove standard; there is automatic update of "Meter
Factor" after each sequence. The bidirectional prover
49471 1186.24 1185.21 0.087
0.3 ” 0.2 requires a displacer round trip to complete one prover
49784 1187.80 1187.43 0.031 run. It can be made U-shaped, folded, or straight shaped
depending on space requirements [11].
94104 1082.98 1082.47 0.047
0.3 ” 0.2 A. Determination of liquid volume
94229 1083.18 1082.32 0.080 The Gross Standard Volume (GSVm) for meters is
the meters indicated volume (IVm) or registration,
126539 876.656 876.545 0.013
0.3 ” 0.2 corrected for the meter’s performance factor (MF) and
126219 876.806 876.595 0.024 the effect of temperature (CTL) and pressure (CPL) on
the liquid density. This can be expressed as the
181152 971.637 971.805 -0.017 following equation:
0.3 ” 0.2
181133 974.194 974.356 -0.017
GSVm = IVm (CTL x CPL x MF) (2)
227814 1089.01 1089.42 -0.038
0.3 ” 0.2 As we have discussed corrections factors are necessary
227289 1087.38 1088.07 -0.063 to correct the measured volume of petroleum liquid to
its volume at reference conditions [13]. The Net
Standard Volume (NSV) equation utilizes multiple
We can see on table 1, that the error of mass flometer is types of correction factors depending on whether one is
always less than the MPE. We can validate this test of measuring in a static or dynamic mode [13], [15].
measurement. The test used for the verification of mass
flow meter is test of accuracy according with R117, B. Correction for the Temperature on the Liquid (CTL)
R105 (OIML Recommendation) and ISO 5725.
When petroleum liquid is subjected to changes in its
D. Turbine flow meter temperature, its density will increase or decrease as the
Fluid flowing through the meter is channeled temperature falls or rises. This change is proportional to
through the inlet flow straightened section (upstream the thermal coefficient of expansion of the liquid, which
rotor support assembly). This reduces the turbulent flow varies with base density and the liquid temperature [13].
pattern to a more stable, laminar flow and prior to The correction factor used to adjust the metered
coming in contact with the multi-bladed turbine rotor. volumes for the temperature effect is called CTL, which
Flow through the rotor's angular blades cause the turbine are specified in the Physical Properties standards of
rotor to spin at a speed proportional to the velocity of the either the API MPMS Ch 11.1 or the appropriate ASTM
flowing media [11]. standard (D 1250) for Crude Oils or Refined Products.
Various other products, such as LPG, NGL, aromatics
have different standards which define their thermal
expansion and/or contraction amount [13].
C. Correction for the Pressure on the Liquid (CPL)

When petroleum liquids are subjected to changes in

Figure 3. Turbine flow measurement [17].
A turbine flow meters, utilize their angular velocity
(rotation speed), like windmills, to indicate the flow
velocity [18]. The turbine flowmeter must be well
designed and placed hydrodynamic blades, so that are
suitable for the fluid and flow condition and bearings
that are both smooth and durable to survive the sustained
high-speed rotation of the turbine [18].
pressure, its density will increase or decrease as the
pressure increases or decreases. This effect necessitates
an adjustment to reflect reference conditions, which is
called CPL [13]. This CPL factor is a function of the
liquid’s compressibility (F), base pressure (Pb),
equilibrium vapor pressure (Pe) and the weighted
average pressure (PWA) [13].
In turn the compressibility (F) is a function of the
liquid’s base density (RHOb) and weighted average
temperature (TWA). The equations and the
compressibility factor’s (F) are specified in the API
Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards [13].
The basic correction factor for the effect of pressure
on the liquid is calculated from the following equation:
CPL = 1/(1 – [PWA – (Pe – Pb)] x [F]) (3)
 60 Volume 7, Number 1, May 2014
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Where:
Pb = base pressure
Pe = equilibrium vapor pressure Error (%)
PWA = weighted average pressure
F = compressibility factor for the liquid
D. Meter Factors
A meter’s performance will change over time, this
change can be due to mechanical wear or to a change in
the physical properties of the liquid being metered.
Therefore a meter is proved or verified to establish its
meter factor (MF), which is used to adjust the indicated Flow (m3/h)
volume of a meter during a transfer [13].
During a proving operation the indicated volume of a
meter is compared to the precisely known volume in the
prover, both corrected to standard conditions. This ratio
is called the meter factor (MF).
Typically three or more consecutive runs or passes of
the displacer, agreeing within a range of 0.05%, Figure 4. Graphic of error (%) versus flowrate (m3/h)
constitute a proving [15].
A meter factor is calculated for each run and if E. Operating procedures
within the specified tolerance, the average is the Each proving run shall be of sufficient volume to
resultant meter factor used for that transfer [13]. discriminate volume units to 1 part in 10.000. In the case
Therefore the meter factor (MF) can be expressed as the of loading rack meters, each proving run should depict
following base equation: the start up, shutdown, and interim flow patterns of a
normal loading. If electronic counters and high
MF = NPV ÷ NMV (4) resolution meter transmitters are used to register metered
Where: volume, at least 10,000 pulses must be collected during
MF = Meter Factor the proving run [14]. Once the proving operation is
NPV = Net Prover Volume started, it should be carried to conclusion in a
NMV = Net Meter Volume continuous process, without interruption or delay. The
following steps should be taken: a. Using a work sheet
The net prover volume calculation starts with the or master meter proving report, record the appropriate
base prover volume (BPV). The base prover volume is a meter and flow data as indicated in the factor
precisely determined volume, stated at reference calculations section of API MPMS, Chapter 12.2.
conditions, for the calibrated portion of the prover [13]. • If the master meter has an electrical output,
A commonly used method of presenting the data care should be taken to ensure all electrical
when a turbine meter is used in a wide range of equipment is properly grounded to prevent
operational viscosities is the 'Universal Curve'. errors from electrical noise.
• If the master meter is permanently piped in a
TABLE 2. Summary of results manifold with the line meter to be proved, the
isolation valves should be opened and the flow
Flow 300.4 240.5 180.4 121.4 59.5
directed through both meters.
Viscosity 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6
• Before the meter proving is made, the two
F (Hz) 123.1 98.6 73.9 49.7 24.4 meters shall be operated at the desired flow rate
MF med. 1.0014 1.0011 1.0014 1.0004 0.9997 for a period of time sufficient to purge the
system of vapor and to achieve steady
Error -0.14 -0.11 -0.14 -0.04 0.03 temperature, pressure, and flow rate.
(%) There are various ways of assessing, whether the
Kf med. 1.4735 1.4739 1.4736 1.4750 1.4761 repeatability of a set of readings is acceptable. The
repeatability should not exceed the limits agreed upon
Rep. 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.00
by all parties [14]. In some circumstances, statutory
(%) authorities or government departments will set the limits
This method consists of a number of calibrations at for the range of a set of results. One method of
various fluid viscosities which cover the range of conducting, a proving is to make five consecutive meter
interest. Data resulting from all the calibrations are proof runs within 0.05 percent. "Within a range of 0.05
presented as K-factor, Meter Factor or Error as a percent" is defined as a value that does not exceed 0.05
function of flowrate (or frequency) divided by kinematic when applying the following formula:
viscosity. This ratio can be written Q/Ȟ.
 Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering 61
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[(Max. Value - Mini.Value) / Mini. Value].100 (5) TABLE 5. Proving report runs number 2
Pilot Controlled
After installing these meters turbines either as pilot or turbine turbine
the line must be setup again (Kf) in the computer room
to supervision. Based on the certificate of calibration, Pulses 50974 68498
apply linearization in the computer. K-factor base (pulse/m3) 1475.6 2013.9
Meter Factor 1.00137 1.00000
Pressure (Brag) 55.20 55.60
Temperature (°C) 66.41 66.49
CTL med. 0.85000 0.84978
CPL med. 1.04397 1.04435
Net Standard Volume (m3) 30.696 30.185
Meter Factor final 1.01693

TABLE 6. Proving report runs number 3

Pilot Controlled
turbine turbine

Pulses 50706 68131

Figure 5. The setup of new meter factor (Kf)
K-factor base (pulse/m3) 1475.6 2013.9
For low volume locations such as small LACT units Meter Factor 1.00137 1.00000
where five runs within a range of 0.0005 may not be Pressure (Brag) 55.20 55.60
practical or cost effective, three runs within a range of Temperature (°C) 66.54 66.61
0.0005 may be practiced [14]. The condition flow of test CTL med. 0.84941 0.84900
are : 187 m3 / h and the base density (15 ° C, 1.01325 CPL med. 1.04397 1.04439
Net Standard Volume (m3) 30.513 29.997
bars): 534 000 kg/m3.
Meter Factor final 1.01720
TABLE 3. Variable Range Criteria
for ±0.00027 Random Uncertainty in Average Meter Factor The results of the table 4, 5 and 6 are shows the
standard proving report of turbine volume on metering
Number of Proving Runs, n Moving (Variable) Range Limit system, the test respect well the tolerances defined by
3 0.0002 standards. we have testing net standard volume with
4 0.0003 three proving runs to see if they have deviation of
5 0.0005 turbine and to determine the new Meter factor: 1.01720,
6 0.0006
the experimental typical error is :0.014%.
7 0.0008
8 0.0009
9 0.0010 VI. CONCLUSION
10 0.0012
11 0.0013 This paper investigates the state of popular operating
12 0.0014 principles of control flow metering for custody transfer.
13 0.0015
Basic principles and underlying equations are discussed,
The results of both tests accuracies and repeatability is as are considerations for applying flow meter technology
shown in Tables 4, 5 and 6. to station design, communications systems, installation,
factor of correction and calculation. Different tests of
TABLE 4. Proving report runs number 1 calibration have given with satisfactory results of
volume or mass.
Pilot Controlled The errors are on the range of maximum permissible
turbine turbine errors definite by the regulations. The advantage of this
verification and metrological control is its practical
Pulses 50124 67356 application.
K-factor base (pulse/m3) 1475.6 2013.9
Meter Factor 1.00137 1.00000 REFERENCES
Pressure (Brag) 55.20 55.60
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 62 Volume 7, Number 1, May 2014
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