Orifice Equation

The basis for the orifice-meter equation is the first law of thermal dynamics. Derivation of the
equation can be found in a number of publications such as that by Ikoku (1984). For the
calculation of the quantity of gas, AGA (1956) recommends the formula:
(10.1)qh=C'hwpf
where
qh = quantity rate of flow at base conditions, cfh
C″ = orifice flow constant
hw = differential pressure in inches of water at 60 °F
pf = absolute static pressure, psia
The orifice flow constant C″ is expressed in the following equation:
(10.2)C'=(Fb)(Fr)(Y)(Fpb)(Ftb)(Ftf)(Fg)(Fpv)(Fm)(F1)(Fa)
where
Fb = basic orifice factor, cfh
Fr = Reynolds number factor
Y = expansion factor
Fpb = pressure base factor
Ftb = temperature base factor
Ftf = flowing temperature factor
Fg = specific gravity factor
Fpv = supercompressibility factor
Fm = manometer factor for mercury meter
F1 = gauge location factor
Fa = orifice thermal expansion factor
The basic orifice factor, Fb, is dependent on the location of the taps, the internal diameter of the
run, and the size of the orifice. Tables for the basic orifice factor are presented in Appendix C of
this book.
The Reynolds number factor, Fr, is dependent on the pipe diameter and the viscosity, density,
and velocity of the gas. It is expressed as:
(10.3)Fr=1+bhwpf
where the values of b are given in Appendix C of this book.
The expansion factor, Y, depends on the expansion of gas through the orifice. The density of the
stream changes because of the pressure drop and the adiabatic temperature change. The
expansion factor Y corrects for the variation in density. It is a function of the differential
pressure, the absolute pressure, the diameter of the pipe, the diameter of the orifice, and the type
of taps. Tables for Y values are presented in Appendix C of this book. The pressure base
factor, Fpb, is a direct application of Boyle's law in the correction for the difference in base from
14.73 psia. The pressure base is set by contract:
(10.4)Fpb=14.73pb
The temperature base factor, Ftb, would be used in a direct application of Charles's law to correct
for the base temperature change from 60 °F. Gas measured at one base temperature will have a
different calculated volume if it is sold to a customer on a different base. That is, if the gas is
measured at a base temperature of 60 °F and sold at a base temperature of 70 °F, the company
must correct the volume to the contract temperature or, in this case, lose money. It is clear that
the absolute temperature of the base (60 °F) divided by the absolute temperature of the contract
will give a factor that should be applied to correct the meter reading to the terms of the contract
temperature.
(10.5)Ftb=tb+460520
The flowing temperature factor, Ftf, corrects the effects of temperature variation. The flowing
temperature has two effects on the volume. A higher temperature means a lighter gas so that flow
will increase. Also, a higher temperature causes the gas to expand, which reduces the flow. The
combined effect is to cause the quantity of flow of a gas to vary inversely as the square root of
the absolute flow temperature. The Ftf is usually applied to the average temperature during the
time gas is passing. The temperature may be taken by recording charts or by periodic indicating
thermometer readings.
(10.6)Ftf=520t+460
where t = fluid temperature, °F
The specific gravity factor, Fg, is used to correct for changes in the specific gravity and should be
based on the actual flowing specific gravity of the gas as determined by test. The specific gravity
may be determined continuously by a recording gravitometer or by gravity balance on a daily,
weekly, or monthly schedule, or as often as necessary to meet conditions of the contract. The
basic orifice factor is determined by air with a specific gravity of 1. With a given force applied
on a gas, a larger quantity of lightweight gas can be pushed through an orifice than a heavier gas.
To make the basic orifice factor usable for any gas, the proper correction for the specific gravity
of the gas being measured must be applied. This factor varies inversely as the square root of
specific gravity.
(10.7)Fg=1γg
The supercompressibility factor, Fpv, corrects for the fact that gas does not follow the ideal gas
laws. It varies with temperature, pressure, and specific gravity. The development of the general
hydraulic flow equation involves the actual density of the fluid at the point of measurement. In
the measurement of gas, this depends on the flowing pressure and temperature compared to base
pressure and temperature. It is necessary to apply the law for an ideal gas. All gases deviate from
this ideal gas law to a greater or lesser extent. The actual density of a gas under high pressure is
usually greater than the theoretical density obtained by calculation of the ideal gas law. This
deviation has been termed supercompressibility. A factor to account for this supercompressibility
is necessary in the measurement of some gases. This factor is particularly appreciable at high line
pressures.
(10.8)Fpv=1z
The manometer factor, Fm, is used with mercury differential gauges and compensates for the
column of compressed gas opposite the mercury leg. Usually, this is not considered for pressures
below 500 psia, nor is it required for mercury-less differential gauges. The weight of the gas
column over the mercury reservoir of orifice meter gauges, introduces an error in determining
the differential pressure across the orifice, unless some adjustment is made. This error is
consistently in one direction and becomes increasingly important with increasing pressure. The
correction varies with ambient temperature, static pressure, and specific gravity. Because the
correction is very small, usually some average conditions are selected and a factor is agreed on.
(10.9)Fm=62.3663−patm+hw27.707192.462.3663
The gauge location factor, Fl, is used where orifice meters are installed at locations other than
45° latitude and sea-level elevation. It may affect the total flow of gas as recorded by the orifice
meter.
(10.10)Fl=g32.17405
where
(10.11)gundefined=undefined3.2808undefined×10−2undefined(9.7801855undefined×102 - 2.82
47undefined×10−3Lundefined+undefined2.029undefined×10−3L2 -1.5058undefined×10−5L3 - 
9.4undefined×10−5H)
where
L = latitude, deg.
H = elevation above sea level, ft
The orifice thermal expansion factor, Fa, is introduced to correct for the error resulting from
expansion or contraction of the orifice operating at temperatures appreciably different from the
temperature at which the orifice was bored.
(10.12)Fa=1+1.8×10−5(t−tm)
where tm = temperature during orifice boring