AGA Report No. 9 Measurement of Gas by Multipath Ultrasonic Meters Second Edition April 2007 acs American Gas AssociationAGA Report No. 9 Measurement of Gas by Multipath Ultrasonic Meters Second Edition April 2007 Transmission Measurement Committee AGA American Gas Association Copyright 2007, Operating Section, American Gas Association 400 North Capitol Street, NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20001, U.S.A. Phone: (202) 824-7000 + Fax: (202) 824-7082 + Web: www.aga.org Catalog # XQ0701DISCLAIMERS AND COPYRIGHT The American Gas Association’s (AGA) Operating Section provides a forum for industry experts to bring collective knowledge together to improve the state of the art in the areas of operating, engineering and technological aspects of producing, gathering, transporting, storing, distributing, measuring and utilizing natural gas. ‘Through its publications, of which this is one, AGA provides for the exchange of information within the gas industry and scientific, trade and govermmental organizations. Each publication is prepared or sponsored by an AGA Operating Section technical committee. While AGA may administer the proc neither AGA nor the technical committee independently tests, evaluates or verifies the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained therein AGA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of or reliance on AGA publications. AGA makes no guaranty or warranty as to the accuracy and completeness of any information published therein. The information contained therein is provided on an “as is” basis and AGA makes no representations or warranties including any expressed or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In issuing and making this document available, AGA is not undertaking to render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity. Nor is AGA undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone else, Anyone using this document should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances, AGA has no power, nor does it undertake, to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this document. Nor does AGA list, certify, test or inspect products, designs or installations for compliance with this document. Any certification or other statement of compliance is solely the responsibility of the certifier or maker of the statement. AGA does not take any position with respect to the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any items that are mentioned in or are the subject of AGA publications, and AGA disclaims liability for the infringement of any patent resulting from the use of or reliance on its publications. Users of these publications are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, is entirely their own responsibility. Users of this publication should consult applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. AGA does not, through its publications intend to urge action that is not in compliance with applicable laws, and its publications may not be construed as doing so. This report is the cumulative result of years of experience of many individuals and organizations acquainted with the measurement of natural gas. However, changes to this report may become necessary from time to time. If changes to this report are believed appropriate by any manufacturer, individual or organization, such suggested changes should be communicated to AGA by completing the last page of this report titled, “Form for Proposal on AGA Report No. 9” and sending it to: Operations & Engineering Services Group, American Gas Association, 400 North Capitol Street, NW, 4" Floor, Washington, DC 20001, U.S.A. Copyright 2007, American Gas Association, All Rights Reserved,FOREWORD This report is published in the form of a performance-based specification for multipath ultrasonic meters for gas flow measurement. It is the result of a collaborative effort of users, meter manufacturers, flow ‘measurement research organizations and independent consultants forming Task Group R-9 of AGA’s ‘Transmission Measurement Committee (TMC). In addition, comments to this report were made by the Committee on Gas Flow Measurement (COGFM) of the American Petroleum Institute (API), Gas Processor’s Association (GPA), International Standard Organization’s ISO/TC 30/SC 5/WG 1, Pipeline Research Council International (PRCT) and the committee members of Intemational School of Hydrocarbon Measurement (ISHM). This version of AGA Report No, 9 is intended to supersede all prior versions of this document. However, this document does not reference existing multipath ultrasonic meter installations. The decision to apply this document to existing installations shall be at the discretion of the parties involved. Research conducted in support of this report and cited herein has demonstrated that multipath ultrasonic meters can accurately ire gas flow and, therefore, should be able to meet or exceed the requirements specified in this report when calibrated and installed according to the recommendations contained herein. Users should follow appropriate installation, use and maintenance of an ultrasonic meter as applicable in each case, Various combinations ‘of upstream fittings, valves and lengths of straight pipe can produce profile disturbances at the meter inlet that may result in flow-rate measurement errors. The amount of meter error will depend on the magnitude of the inlet velocity profile distortion produced by the upstream piping configuration and the meter’s ability 10 compensate for this distortion, Research results and flow-meter calibration data have indicated that multipath ultrasonic flow meters can accurately measure gas flow rate when installed with upstream piping lengths and/or flow conditioning systems sufficient to maintain the integrity of the low calibration. Other effects that may also result in flow-rate measurement errors for a given installation include levels of pulsation, range of operating pressures and ambient temperature conditions, Flow-calibration guidelines are provided for occasions when a flow calibration is requested or required to verify the meter's accuracy or to apply a calibration factor to minimize the measurement uncertainty. (See Report text and Appendix A) Unlike most traditional gas meters, multipath ultrasonic meters inherently have an embedded microprocessor system, Therefore, this report includes, by reference, a standardized set of international testing specifications applicable to electronic gas meters. These tests, summarized in Appendix B, are used to demonstrate the acceptable performance of the multipath ultrasonic meter’s electronic system design under different influences and disturbances. AGA Engineering Technical Note M-96-2-3, Ultrasonic Flow Measurement for Natural Gas Applications, is included in Appendix C, as a source of background information on ultrasonic gas metering. Contents of this technical note were based on the information available when the note was written in March 1996. Therefore, in case of any conflict between the information in the main report and the technical note (Appendix C), the content in the main report prevails.The flow meter and/or flow conditioner performance verification test found in Appendix D is intended to provide a method by which an ultrasonic flow metering system can be shown to perform acceptably (i.c., within the performance specifications described in Sections 5.1, 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 of this document) under varying test flow conditions. An example of overall measurement uncertainty calculations is provided in Appendix E with assumed ‘numerical values for estimating measurement uncertainty for sites using ultrasonic gas flow meters. SibelACKNOWLEDGMENTS. AGA Report No. 9, Measurement of Gas by Multipath Ultrasonic Meters, was revised by a Task Group of the American Gas Association’s Transmission Measurement Committee under the joint chairmanship of Paul LaNasa of CPL & Associates and Warren Peterson of TransCanada Corporation, Individuals who made substantial contributions to the revision of this document are: Jim Bowen, formerly of Instromet, Ine. Fd Bowles, Southwest Research Institute Joe Bronner, Pacific Gas & Electric Lanry Fraser, Fraser & Associates Gamet Grudeski, TransCanada Calibrations John Lansing, Sick - Maihak Dan Rebman, Columbia Gulf Transmission Co. Jim Witte, F1 Paso Pipeline Group iduals who contributed to the revision of the document are: Frank Brown, Consultant Cary Carter, Texas Gas Transmission Claire Becker-Castle, Sempra Utilities Craig Chester, Williams Gas Pipeline Joel Clancy, CEES! Peter Espina, Controlotron Corporation Angela Floyd, Panhandle Energy Bill Frasier, Northern Border Pipeline Robert Fritz, Lone Star Measurement Jim Griffeth, Bristol Babcock, Ine ‘Terrence Grimley, Southwest Research Institute Danny Harris, Columbia Gas Zaki Husain, Chevron Texaco Mark Imboden, Controlotron Corporation Jim Keating, Consultant Allen Knack, Consumers Energy Rick Ledesma, El Paso Pipeline Group Brad Massey, Souther Star Central Gas Pipeline George Mattingly, Consultant Dannie Mercer, Atmos Energy Kevin Moir, DTE Energy Dr, Thomas Morrow, Southwest Research Institute John Naber, Emerson Process Management, Daniel Div. Dan Peace, Sensus Metering Systems Mark Pelkey, National Fuel Gas Thanh Phan, Duke Energy Reese Platzer, Questar Pipeline Alex Podgers, American Meter Co. Hank Poeltnitz, II, El Paso Pipeline Group King Poon, Thermo Electron Corporation James Robertson, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Blaine Sawchuk, Canada Pipeline Accessories Mike Scelzo, GE SensingWalt Seidl, CEES Tushar Shah, Eagle Research Corporation Jerry Paul Smith, Consultant Karl Stappert, Daniel M&C John Stuart, Stuart Gas Measurement Consulting Fred VanOrsdol, Souther Petroleum Laboratories Kevin Warner, Instromet, Inc. ‘Wayne Wenger, Kinder Morgan ‘Klaus Zanker, Emerson Process Management, Daniel Div. AGA acknowledges the contributions of the above individuals and thanks them for their time and effort in getting this document revised. Lori Traweek Ali Quraishi Senior Vice President Staff Executive, Engineering Services Director44.1 Specifications Table of Contents 4, INTRODUCTION 11 Scope. 1.2 Principle of Measurement.. TERMINOLOGY, UNITS AND DEFINITIONS... 21 Terminology. 22 Engineering Unit 23 Definitions .enennnennens 3. OPERATING CONDITIONS 3.1 Gas Quality : 32 Pressures 33 Temperatures, Gas and Ambient -.cnsnstsnsenenntinninnnnsn : 34 Gas Flow Considerations. 3.8 Upstream Piping and Flow Profiles nnn 3.6 Acoustic Noise. 4. METER REQUIREMENTS 41 Codes and Regulations. 42 Quality Assurance. 9 43. Meter Body... 9 43.1 Maximum Operating Pressure. 9 43.2 Corrosion Resistance 9 43.3 Meter Body Lengths and Bores. 9 43.4 Ultrasonic Transducer Ports... 10 43.5 Pressure Tap 10 43.6 Miscellaneous. 10 43.7 Meter Body Markings old 44° Ultrasonic Transducers. 44.2 Rate of Pressure Change.swnnen u443° Exchange. MW 444 — Transducer Tests 12 4.5 Blectronies 4.5.1 General Requirements... 12 45.2 Output Signal Specifications o 12 433 Electrical Safety Design Requirements. : 3 45.4 Component Replacement nnn evn 13 4.6 Computer Programs 461 BIMWALE corre 13 46.2 Configuration and Maintenance Software 14 4.6.3 Inspection and Auditing Functions so . 14 464 — Alarms. ns 14 4.65 Diagnostic Measurements cnr 14 4.7 Documentation : Sete cere renee 3 47.1 After Receipt of Order... o 16 47.2 Before Shipment 16 5. METER PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS. ere 7 5.1 General Meter Performance Requirements 5.11 Large Meter Accuracy 5.12 Small Meter Accuracy 5.2 Pressure, Temperature and Gas Composition Influences. 6. INDIVIDUAL METER & METERING PACKAGE TESTING REQUIREMENTS....20 6.1 Leakage Tests 6.2 Dimensional Measurements 6.3 Zero-Flow Verification Test (Zero Test) 64 — Meter and Metering Package Flow-Calibration Test... 64.1 Preparation for Flow Calibration 64.2 Calibration of Metering Package 643 Calibration Adjustment Factors 644 Calibration Test Reports, 64.5 Final Considerations 7. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS 7.1 Environmental Considerations 711 Temperature... 71.2 Vibration 713 Blectrical Noise: 71.4 Pulsation,72 Piping Configuratio, 72.1 Flow Direction, os 7.2.2 Piping Installations, so 25 7.2.3. Protrusions and Misalignments, 27 7.2.4 Internal Surface 28 7.2.8 Thermowells and Sample Probes 28 72.6 Flow Conditioners. : oer) 7.2.7 Orientation of Meter... . 28 72.8 Filtration 28 72.9 Meter Tube Potts...-.c 29 13 fed Flow Computer. 1.3.1 Flow Computer Calculations. 29 74 Maintenance. 8. FIELD VERIFICATION TESTS 9. ULTRASONIC METER MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY DETERMINATION ..32 9.1 ‘Types of Uncertainties. 9.2 Meter Calibration Uncertainty 9.3 Uncertainties Arising From Differences Between the Field Lnstallation and the Calibration Lab... 93.1 Parallel Meter Runs: 93.2 Installation Effects 93.3 Pressure and Temperature Effects 93.4 Gas Quality Effects 94 Uncertainties Due to Secondary Instr 95 Une inty Analysis Procedure 10. REFERENCE LIST.. APPENDIX A: MULTIPATH ULTRASONIC METER FLOW-CLAIBRATION ISSUES. 39 Al Why Flow-C: brate a Multipath Ultrasonic Meter’ A2 Methods for Correcting a UM's Flow-Measurement Error. A3_ Example of a Flow-Weighted Mean Error (FWME) Calculation APPENDIX B: ELECTRONICS DESIGN TESTING. B.L_ Static Temperature, Dry Heat... B.2_ Static Temperature, ColB.3 Damp Heat, Steady State B.4 Damp Heat, Cycli B.S_ Random Vibratior in B.6 Sinusoidal Vibration B.7_ Mech -al Shock. BA Power Voltage Variation B.9 Short Time Power Reduction. B.10 Bursts (Transients). B.11 Electrostatic Discharge. B.12_ Electromagnetic Susceptibility. APPENDIX C: ULTRASONIC FLOW MEASUREMENT FOR NATURAL GAS APPLICATIONS CA Introduction . C11 Task Group Scope: so 50 C.1.2. Engineering Technical Note Scope. so C2. Principle of Operation. C.2.1 Introduction C.2.2 Theory of Ultrasonic Flow Measurement C3 Techn C.3.1 Speed of Sound in Natural Gas C32. Installation Requirements. C33 Meter Construction, C34 Performance Characteristics. C35 Field Checks. C4 Evaluation of Measurement Performance. C41. Signal Amplitude, C42 Pulse Shape C43. Noise C44 Batch Diagnostics. : C.4.5 Diagnostic Message Block Example, c. C6 Calibration.. C.6.1 Dry Calibration, . 81 €.6.2 Flow Calibration, : 82C63. Calibration Facilities 82 C64 Transducer Replacement 82 ©.7 Recommendations C71 Industry. C72: Users: 7.3 Manufacturers. C74 Researchers TABLE C1: Ultrasonic Meter Research Literature. TABLE C2: Ultrasonic Meter Research Acti Appendix C References, APPENDIX D: FLOW METER AND/OR FLOW CONDITIONER PERFORMANCE. VERIFICATION TEST APPENDIX E: EXAMPLES OF OVERALL MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY CALCULATIONS — ULTRASONIC METER .. E. General. E.2 The Mathematical Model.. E3 Contributory Variances 3.1 Uncertainty in the Uncorrected Volume Flowrate, Q, 8 E.3.2 Uncertainty in the Measurement of Pressure 94 E33 Uncertainty in the Measurement of Temperature 94 E.3.4 Uncertainty in the Determination of Compressibility 94 E44 Combined Uncertainty (percent)... 98 ES Expanded Uncertainty . 95 APPENDIX F: FORM FOR PROPOSALS ON AGA REPORT NO. 9Introduction 1.1 Seope This report was developed for multipath ultrasonic transit-time flow meters used for the measurement of natural gas. Multipath ultrasonic meters have at least two independent pairs of measuring transducers (acoustic paths). Typical applications include measuring the flow of gas through production facilities, transmission pipelines, storage facilities, distribution systems and large end-use customer meter sets. 1.2 Principle of Measurement Multipath ultrasonic meters are inferential meters that derive the gas flow rate by measuring the transit times of high-frequency sound pulses. Transit times are measured for sound pulses transmitted and received between pairs of transducers positioned on or in the pipe. Pulses transmitted downstream with the gas flow are accelerated by the flow and pulses transmitted upstream against the gas flow along the identical acoustic path are decelerated. The difference in these transit times along the acoustic paths is related to the average gas flow velocity. Numerical calculation techniques are then used to compute the average axial gas flow velocity and the gas volume flow rate at line conditions through the meter. ‘The accuracy of an ultrasonic gas meter depends on several factors, such as * Precisely measured dimensions of the meter body and ultrasonic transducer locations © The velocity integration technique inherent in the design of the meter + The shape of the velocity profile at the meter * Levels of pulsation that may exist in the flowing gas stream. * The accuracy of the transit-time measurements, * Flow calibrations The accuracy of the transit-time measurement depends on: # The electronic clock accuracy and stability * Accurate, consistent detection of sound pulse transmit and receive times * Proper compensation for signal delays of electronic components and transducers * Dimensional integrity of the meter body Ultrasonic meter (UM) accuracy is dependent on these fundamental characterizations and their continued integrity over time. These accuracy dependencies may be adversely influenced by operational degradation of the UM over time (e.g., dirt build up on the intemal surfaces of the meter, electronics drifi, etc.). Emphasis on UM diagnostic data collection and interpretation in this document is made to impress upon users the need to continuously monitor UM integrity so that aceuracy is maintained,‘Terminology, Units and Defi tions For the purposes of this report, the following terminology, definitions, and units apply: 2.1 Terminology auditor designer inspector manufacturer operator U uM 2.2 Engineering U The following units should be used for the various valu Parameter density energy mass pipe diameter Representative of the operator or other interested party that audits operation of multipath ultrasonic meters. Company that designs and constructs metering facilities and purchases ‘multipath ultrasonic meters. Representative of the designer who visits the manufacturer's facilities for quality-assurance purposes. Company that designs, manufactures, sells and delivers multipath ultrasonic meters. Company that operates multipath ultrasonic meters and performs normal maintenance. Signal Processing Unit, the portion of the multipath ultrasonic meter that is made up of the electronic microprocessor system. Multipath ultrasonic meter for measuring gas flow rates, ts associated with the UM. US.Units — S1Units Ibn? kg/m? Bru J Ib ke in mm psioribfiin? bar or kPa pressure temperature °F or°R °C or "K velocity fis mis Viscosity, absolute dynamic Ibi(ftsec) Por Pass volume efor ft? m actual (at flowing conditions) volume flow rate acth am‘/h standard volume sef am?2.3 Definitions ‘Accuracy Confidence Level Discrete Error Value Error Inside Pipe Diameter Maximum Error Maximum Error Shift with One Path Failed Maximum Peak-to-Peak Error ‘Maximum SOS Path Spread Mean error Metering Package Nominal Pipe Diameter (ND) ‘The degree to which an indicated value matches the recognized reference value) of a measured variable. ‘tual value (or ‘The degree of confidence, expressed as a percent, that the true value lies within the stated uncertainty. A proper uncertainty statement ‘would read: “qq,-500 fh +1.0% at a 95% level of confidence”. This means that 95 out of every 100 observations are between 495 and 505 cfh, An estimate of error for an individual measurement, expressed in “percent of reading’ or in engineering units. ‘The result of @ measurement minus the true value of the measurand Note: Since a true value cannot be determined, in practice, a conventional true (or reference) value is used. The inside diameter of a pipe, as determined from direct physical measurement or calculated from pipe schedule and wall thickness. ‘The allowable error limit within the specified operational range of the meter, as shown in Figure | and Sections 5.1.1 and, 5.1.2 ‘The maximum deviation between the observed error, at one flow rate, with all paths in operation compared to the observed error, at the same flow rate, with any one of the meter’s paths inactive. The largest allowable difference between the upper-most error point and the lower-most error point as shown in Figure 1 and Section 5.11 and 5.1.2. ‘The maximum difference in speed of sound values between the acoustic paths. ‘The arithmetic mean of all the observed errors or data points for a given flow rate Note: Mean error to be determined for at least seven different flow rates, such as 2.5, 5, 10,25, 50, 75, 100 percent of maximum flow rate. A mean error corresponding to 95% confidence level shall be reported for the data collected at each flow rate along with the number of samples used to compute the mean error. A ‘minimum number of three flow rate error values shall be determined at each flow rate to compute mean error. A piping package that consists of an ultrasonic meter and adequate ‘upstream and downstream piping, as defined in Section 7.2.2, along with thermowell(s), sample probe, and any flow conditioning to censure that there is no significant difference between the velocity profile experienced by the meter in the laboratory and the velocity profile experienced in the final installation. Pipe diameter corresponding to Nominal Pipe Size. For example, the ND of schedule 40 NPS 4 pipe is 4 inches, whereas the Inside Pipe Diameter may be 4.026 inches.a oa a Reference Gas Reference Meter Repeatability Reproducibi The actual measured gas flow rate passing through a meter under a specific set of test condition. ‘The manufacturer specified maximum allowable gas flow rate through the meter (see Figure 1) ‘The minimum gas flow rate through the meter as specified by the manufacturer (see Figure 1) ‘The flow rate specified by the manufacturer at which the meter error limit and allowable peak to peak error limit change, prior to flow calibration adjustment, where qt < 0.1 qna. (See Figure 1). A gas of known physical properties, e.g, nitrogen. A meter or measurement device of proven flow measurement accuracy. Closeness of the agreement between the results of successive measurements of the same measurand carried out under the same conditions of measurement. Notes: 1. These conditions are called repeatability conditions, 2. Repeatability conditions include: + The same measurement procedure * The same observer * The same measuring instrument used under the same conditions ‘+The same location ‘+ Repetition over a short period of time 3. Repeatability may be expressed quantitatively in terms of the dispersion characteristics of the results 4, A valid statement of repeatability requires specifications of the conditions of measurement, such as pressure, temperature, and gas composition. When a value of repeatability is given, following note shall be provided: “The stated value for repeatability is in accordance with the note 3 of the repeatability definition as it quantifies the dispersion of flow data.” Closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements of the same measurand carried out under changed conditions of ‘measurement. Notes: 1. A valid statement of reproducibility requires specification of the conditions changed. 2. The changed conditions may include: principle of measurement ‘method of measurement observer ‘measuring instrumentResolution Speed of Sound (SOS) Deviation ‘True Value Uncertainty Velocity Sampling Interval ‘Zero-Flow Reading reference standard location conditions of use time 3. Reproducibility may be expressed quantitatively in terms of the dispersion characteristics of the results. 4, Results here usually are understood to be corrected results. ‘The smallest change in the measure and that can be observed. See Section 5.1 ‘The maximum difference, in percent, between the average speed of sound reported by the meter and the speed of sound of the gas being measured, as calculated per AGA Report No.10. The value determined with a perfect measurement process. The true value is always unknown because all measurement processes are imperfect to some degree. ‘An estimate of the interval bounding the measured value within which the true value lies. The time interval between two succeeding gas velocity measurements by the full set of transdiicers or acoustic paths. ‘Typically, between 0.05 and 0.5 seconds, depending on meter size. See Section 5.1 ‘The maximum allowable flow-velocity reading when the gas is assumed to be at rest, ie. both the axial and non-axial velocity components are essentially zero. See Section 5.13. Operating Conditions 3.1 Gas Quality ‘The meter shall, as a minimum, requirement, operate with any of the “normal range” natural gas composition mixtures specified in AGA Report No. 8. This includes relative densities between 0.554 (pure methane) and 0.87 ‘The manufacturer should be consulted if any of the following are expected: 1) carbon dioxide levels are above 10%, 2) operation near the critical density of the natural gas mixture, or 3) total sulfur level exceeds 20 grains per 100 standard cubic fect, including mercaptans, HS, and other sulfur compounds. Deposits due to normal gas pipeline conditions (e.g., condensates, glycol, amines, inhibitors, water or traces of oil mixed with mill-scale, dirt or sand) may affect the meter’s accuracy by reducing the meter’s cross-sectional area, Independent of transducer mounting, deposits may also attenuate or obstruct the ultrasonic sound waves emitted from and received by the ultrasonic transducers or reflected by the internal wall of the meter. 3.2 Pressures Ultrasonic transducers used in UMs require a minimum gas density (a function of pressure) to ensure ‘oustic coupling of the sound pitlses to and from the gas. Therefore, the designer shall specify the expected minimum operating pressure as well as the maximum operating pressure 3.3 Temperatures, Gas and Ambient As a minimum, the UM should operate over a flowing gas temperature range of -4° to 140° F (-20° to 60° C). The designer shall specify the expected operating gas temperature range. ‘The operating ambient air temperature range should be at a minimum -40° to 140° F (-40° to 60° C), This ambient temperature range applies to the meter body with and without gas flow, field-mounted electronics, ultrasonic transducers, cabling, ete. If the meter and the associated electronies are in direct sunlight, the temperature limits stated may not be adequate. Therefore, itis recommended that a sun shield be considered. The manufacturer shall state the flowing gas and ambient air temperature specifications for the multipath ultrasonic meter, ifthey differ from the above. 3.4 Gas Flow Considerations The flow-rate limits that can be measured by a UM are determined by the actual velocity of the flowing gas. The designer should determine the expected gas flow rates and verify that these values are within the range specified by the manufacturer. The designer is cautioned to examine carefully the maximum velocity for noise and piping safety (erosion, thermowell vibrations, ete.) concerns. (For further information on probe vibration, see API MPMS Chapter 14, Part 1, Section 14.1.7.4.1) UMS have the inherent capability of measuring flow in either direction with equal accuracy; ie., they are bi-directional. The designer should specify if bi-directional measurement is required so that the ‘manufacturer can properly configure the SPU parameters. The designer/operator is cautioned that operating ultrasonic meters at low gas velocities, less than 2 f/sec, may incur greater measurement uncertainty due to thermal gradients across the pipe.3.5 Upstream Piping and Flow Profiles Upstream piping configurations (i.c., various combinations of upstream fittings, valves, regulators, and lengths of straight pipe) may affect the gas velocity profile entering a UM to such an extent that significant flow rate measurement error results. The magnitude and sign of the error, if any, will be, in part, a function of the ability of the meter to correctly compensate for such conditions. In general, rescarch results have shown that this effect is dependent on the meter design, as well as the type and severity of the flow field distortion produced at the meter. Although a substantial amount of data is available on the effect of upstream piping, the full range of field piping installation configurations has not been studied in detail. Meter station designers/operators may gain insight into expected meter performance for given upstream piping installation configurations by soliciting available test results from meter manufacturers or by reviewing test data found in the open literature. However, to truly confirm meter performance characteristics for a particular piping installation configuration, flow calibration of the metering package is usually required. In order to achieve the desired meter accuracy, it may be necessary for a designer/operator to alter the original piping configuration or include a flow conditioner as part of the meter installation, Further recommendations are provided in Sections 7.2.2 and 7.2.7 of this report. 3.6 Acoustic Noise The presence of dcoustic noise in a frequency range coincident with a UM’s operating frequency, may interfere with pulse detection and, therefore, transit time measurement. If the UM cannot detect pulses, their transit times between transducers can't be measured and flow measurement ceases. Acoustic noise interference can also cause pulse “mis-detection” resulting in erroneous transit time measurements that translate into volumetric errors. Users must consider whether interfering acoustic noise is anticipated at particular installation and take steps to prevent adverse effects on UM performance during the station design phase. Acoustic noise may be generated from numerous sources related to gas flow turbulence: high gas velocities through piping and/or fittings, protruding probes, flow conditioners, or pressure and regulating control valves, etc. Since UM manufacturers specify the operating frequencies of their transducers, the frequency range in which a particular meter might be affected by acoustic noise is known, Dynamic operating conditions (flow, pressure and temperature) and the variety of acoustic noise generators make prediction of offending noise frequencies difficult, Consequently, decoupling a UM's operating frequency from piping system noise can be challenging, Manufacturers recognize the potential for operating problems, and most UMs have diagnostic outputs that indicate when acoustic noise impairs meter performance. Strategies, as follows, have also been devised by users and manufacturers to estimate and/or limit 2 UM's susceptibility to noise interference. ‘© Enhanced signal processing to improve ultrasonic pulse recognition and detection ‘© Signal filtering to narrow the bandwidth surveyed for better/faster pulse recognition © Installation of fittings, such as blind tees or filters, to isolate noise source from the UM * Development and deployment of specialized silencers that are installed in the piping between UM and noise sources to isolate the meter from the offending noise * Evaluation of UM response to acoustic noise prior to station installation © Additional attenuation between noise source and UM, if required, could include blind tees or other fittings or acoustic filters. (The user should be aware that close-coupling of pipe fittings, such as blind Tee fittings, may distort velocity profiles.)In general, noise sources upstream of UMs have a more adverse impact on meter performance than those installed downstream, although downstream installation of pressure reduction or other noise generating equipment doesn’t guarantee interference won't occur. Also, greater separation between @ noise source and the UM equipped with an increased number of fittings, provides more attenuation than if meter and source are installed in close proximity to one another. When considering installation of a UM, particularly in the vicinity of pressure or flow regulators, the following factors should be assessed during the station design phase + The valve’s (ic., noise source) installed position relative to the meter upstream or downstream, distance between meter and source, number and type of fittings between meter and source. * Operating frequency of the meter’s ultrasonic transducers and the range of frequencies generated by the noise source (noise reduction trim valves are of particular concer since the design generates noise exceeding audible frequencies, which are often times in the ultrasonic range). + Whether additional attenuation between noise source and UM is required, which could include blind tees or other fittings or acoustic filters. © Whether enhanced filtering of digital signal processing should be applied, and if so, whether it slows signal processing time beyond acceptable limits (limits prescribéd for a linear measuring device are in API MPMS Chapter 21.1). When installation of a UM near potential noise source is anticipated, it is recommended users contact manufacturers for recommendations specific to their products prior to finalizing station design. Cooperation between users and manufacturers during facilities design can avoid the need for potentially expensive remedial actions at a completed meter installation,Meter Requirements 4.1 Codes and Regulations ‘The meter body and all other parts, including the pressure-containing structures and external electronic components, shall be designed and constructed of materials suitable for the service conditions for which the meter is rated and in accordance with any codes and regulations applicable to each specific meter installation, as specified by the designer. Unless otherwise specified by the designer, the meter shall be suitable for operation in a facility subject to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) regulations in 49 C.F.R. Part 192, Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards. 4.2 Quality Assurance ‘The manufacturer shall establish and follow a written comprehensive quality-assurance program for the production, assembly and testing of the meter and its electronic system (c.g., ISO 9000, API Specification QI, etc.). This quality-assurance program should be available to the inspector. 4.3 Meter Body 4.3.1 Maximum Operating Pressure Meters should be manufactured to meet one of the comimon pipeline flange classes — ANSI Class 150, 300, 600, 900, etc, The maximum design operating pressure of the meter should be the lowest of the maximum design operating pressure of the following: meter body, flanges, transducer connections, transducer assemblies. The required maximum operating pressure shall be determined using the applicable codes for the jurisdiction in which the meter will be operated and for the specified environmental temperature range. The designer should provide the manufacturer with information on all applicable codes for the installation site and any other requirements specific to the operator. 4.3.2 Corrosion Resistance All wetted parts of the meter shall be manufactured of materials compatible with natural gas and related fluids. All extemal parts of the meter should be made of a non-corrosive material or sealed with a corrosion-resistant coating suitable for use in atmospheres typically found in the natural gas industry and/or as specified by the designer 4.3.3 Meter Body Lengths and Bores ‘The manufacturer shall publish standard its overall face-to-face length of the meter body with flanges, for each ANSI flange class and diameter. For meters without flanges, the manufacturer shall publish its standard overall length of the measurement section for each diameter size and schedule. ‘The meter inside diameter in the measurement section shall be of constant diameter to within 0.5% of the average intemal diameter of the measurement section. The measurement section average internal diameter shall be determined by 2 minimum of four equally-spaced individual internal diameter measurements made in a plane at the meter measurement section entry, middle, and exit.