ASME PTC 19.

5: Flow Measurements

ASME PTC 19.5-2004 is a detailed guide for accurately measuring the flow of fluids. It provides techniques and methods
for different types of flow meters, like orifice and ultrasonic meters. The code incorporates advanced equations based
on fluid dynamics for better accuracy. It emphasizes continuous updates to stay current with technology. Overall, it
ensures that measurements are reliable and precise in various industrial applications.

Sections of ASME PTC 19.5

1. Differential Pressure Class Meters - these meters compare the pressure on either side of a constriction in a pipe to
estimate how much fluid is flowing through. They are often used in industrial settings to monitor and control the
flow of liquids and gases in pipes.

This section of ASME PTC 19.5-2004 provides a detailed guide on using differential pressure class meters to
measure fluid flow. It explains the terminology, formulas, and steps involved in the process. If you're working with
these meters, it's like a manual that helps you understand and apply the necessary concepts, ensuring accurate
measurements of fluid flow in different conditions.

2. Orifice Meters - are devices used to measure the flow rate of fluids, such as liquids or gases, through a pipe. The
basic principle involves placing a thin plate with a specifically sized hole (the orifice) in the flow path. As the fluid
passes through this restriction, the pressure drop across the orifice is measured. This pressure drop is then
correlated with the flow rate, providing an indication of how much fluid is moving through the system.

This section of ASME PTC 19.5-2004 is a detailed guide on orifice meters, explaining everything from
terminology to practical considerations. It tells you how to use orifice meters for measuring fluid flow accurately. Key
points include types of orifices, compliance with ASME code, considerations for differential pressure taps, machining
tolerances, and the uncertainty associated with various factors like discharge coefficient and expansion factor.

Section 4, generally cover the specifics of installation, inspection, and maintenance of these devices. Section
4 often focuses on the detailed procedures for installing orifice plates, primary devices, and associated
instrumentation within a piping system. It includes guidelines for proper positioning, alignment, and verification of
orifice meters to ensure accurate flow measurement. Additionally, this section might outline protocols for
conducting periodic inspections and maintenance to sustain the meter's reliability and accuracy over time.

3. Nozzles and Venturis - These are devices that accelerate fluid flow.

This section is a guide to using nozzles and Venturis for measuring fluid flow. Nozzles accelerate flow, and
Venturis use a constricted throat to achieve the same. The information includes recommended proportions,
pressure tap requirements, installation conditions, and details about coefficients crucial for accurate measurements.

This section would cover specifics on their placement within a piping system, calibration procedures, and
maintenance guidelines to ensure accurate and reliable flow measurement. It might also include information on
factors affecting their performance and recommendations for optimizing their operation.

4. Pulsating Flow Measurement - refers to the process of measuring the flow of fluid when it varies in a pulsating or
oscillating manner over time. In other words, instead of a steady and constant flow, the fluid alternately increases
and decreases in intensity in a repeating pattern. This type of flow can occur in various systems, such as those with
reciprocating pumps or engines, or in applications where the flow is intentionally varied in a pulsating manner.

This section of ASME PTC 19.5-2004 focuses on the measurement of pulsating flow, which refers to fluid flow
that varies in a pulsating or oscillating manner over time. It provides insights into how devices like orifices, nozzles,
Venturis, and turbine meters can be used to accurately measure flow in situations where the fluid undergoes
pulsations.
 If you're working with systems where the flow fluctuates or pulsates, this section serves as a guide on
choosing and applying the right measurement devices and understanding the considerations involved in accurately
measuring pulsating fluid flow.

This section outlines specific methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation required to accurately
measure fluid flow in systems where the flow fluctuates or exhibits pulsations. It covers procedures for handling and
analyzing data from instruments used in measuring these varying flows. The section might also include guidelines for
the calibration and validation of instruments under pulsating flow conditions, ensuring accurate measurements
despite the fluctuations in the flow. Overall, it aims to provide guidance for accurately quantifying pulsating flow
rates within different industrial systems.

5. Flow Conditioning and Meter Installation Requirements - refer to the necessary steps and considerations for
creating optimal conditions and installing flow measurement devices to ensure accurate and reliable flow
measurements.

This part of the document is a guide on creating optimal conditions for accurate flow measurements. It
covers the use of flow conditioners, installation of pressure transducers and temperature sensors, and highlights the
importance of proper meter installation. If you're involved in flow measurement, this section provides essential
information to ensure reliable and precise readings by addressing factors like flow profile uniformity and sensor
placement.

This section details guidelines and best practices for creating optimal flow conditions within a piping system
to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. It covers various aspects such as the design and placement of flow
conditioning elements or devices that help stabilize and streamline the flow before it reaches the meter.
Additionally, it provides specifications for the proper installation of flow meters, including considerations for
upstream and downstream piping configurations, straight-run requirements, and other factors essential for the
accurate performance of flow measurement instruments. The aim is to establish standardized practices that
promote consistent and reliable flow measurement results across different industrial applications.

6. Sonic Flow Nozzles and Venturis — Critical Flow, Choked Flow Condition - refer to devices designed to handle flow
conditions where the velocity of the fluid reaches the speed of sound. When the flow reaches this critical velocity, it
is often referred to as "sonic flow."

The section delves into the theoretical and practical aspects of dealing with flow conditions at or near the
speed of sound. It covers considerations such as theoretical relationships, mass flow calculations, designs of sonic
nozzles and Venturi nozzles, coefficients of discharge, installation guidelines, and measurements of pressure and
temperature in such conditions.

Critical Flow: This occurs when the flow of fluid through a nozzle or Venturi reaches the speed of sound. At
this point, further reductions in pressure do not increase the flow rate.

Choked Flow: This term is often used interchangeably with critical flow. Choked flow happens when the flow
rate of a gas is limited by the maximum speed of sound for that particular fluid and pressure.

7. Flow Measurement by Velocity Traverse - a method used to determine the velocity profile of a fluid at different
locations within a duct or pipe. The goal is to understand how the velocity of the fluid varies across the cross-
sectional area. This information is crucial for calculating the total flow rate of the fluid through the conduit.

This section of ASME PTC 19.5-2004 guides users through the velocity traverse method for measuring fluid
flow. It covers essential aspects such as nomenclature, recommended installation requirements, and calibration
needs for sensors. The procedures for flow measurement by velocity traverse are outlined, including computations
for determining overall flow. The document provides practical insights through an example in a rectangular duct,
illustrating the application of these methods in a real-world scenario. Additionally, it directs users to relevant sources
 for fluid and material data, ensuring comprehensive guidance for accurate flow measurements using the velocity
traverse approach.

8. Ultrasonic Flow Meters - Ultrasonic Flow Meters are devices used to measure the flow rate of a fluid, typically
liquids, by utilizing the principles of ultrasonic waves. These meters operate on the basis of the Doppler effect or
transit-time difference.

It covers the scope and applications of ultrasonic flow meters, detailing their description, implementation,
and operational limits. The document explores error sources and methods for reduction, providing practical
examples of large pipe field calibrations and achieved accuracies. It offers application guidelines, insights into
installation considerations, and guidance on meter factor determination and verification. The section concludes by
directing users to relevant sources for fluid and material data, offering a comprehensive guide to understanding,
implementing, and optimizing ultrasonic flow meters for fluid measurement.

In Doppler-based ultrasonic flow meters, ultrasonic waves are transmitted into the flowing fluid. The motion
of particles in the fluid causes a frequency shift in the reflected waves, known as the Doppler shift. By measuring this
shift, the flow velocity can be determined.

Transit-time ultrasonic flow meters, on the other hand, work by sending ultrasonic pulses upstream and
downstream in the direction of fluid flow. The difference in the time it takes for these pulses to travel indicates the
flow velocity.

9. Electromagnetic Flow Meters - also known as magmeters, are instruments used for measuring the flow rate of
electrically conductive fluids, primarily liquids. They work by using a magnetic field to generate an electric voltage in
the flowing liquid. The strength of this voltage helps determine how fast the liquid is moving, providing a way to
measure its flow rate. These meters are useful for liquids like water and chemicals and find applications in managing
water, processing chemicals, and treating wastewater. They are known for their accuracy and reliability.

This section of ASME PTC 19.5-2004 on Electromagnetic Flow Meters covers meter construction, calibration,
application considerations, and directs users to relevant sources for fluid and material data. It provides
comprehensive insights into the practical aspects of using electromagnetic flow meters for accurate fluid
measurement.

10. Tracer Methods Constant Rate Injection Method Using Nonradioactive Tracers - it's a method for tracking the flow
of liquids by adding specific substances to them. This technique involves injecting a consistent amount of
nonradioactive tracers (markers) into the fluid and observing how they move.

It outlines a technique for injecting tracers into a fluid flow at a constant rate. The method involves selecting
appropriate tracers, determining the mixing length, and following a specific procedure. Fluorimetric analysis is
employed to measure the tracer concentration, and the document includes details on the flow test setup, potential
errors, and sources of fluid and material data. This method is valuable for studying and understanding the
characteristics of fluid flow, providing insights into the dynamics of the system under investigation.

11. Radioactive Tracer Technique for Measuring Water Flow Rate - involves introducing a known amount of a
radioactive substance (tracer) into a fluid and monitoring its movement to determine flow rates. The radioactive
tracer, often a substance with a short half-life, is mixed with the fluid, and detectors are placed at various points to
track its progress. By analyzing the time it takes for the tracer to travel between these points, one can calculate the
flow velocity and, consequently, the flow rate of the fluid. This method is used in scientific research and industrial
applications where precise flow measurements are essential. While effective, safety precautions are crucial due to
the use of radioactive materials.

This section details a technique using radioactive tracers to measure the flow rate of water. It outlines the
requirements for these tracers and explains the principles behind the measurement. The document covers practical
 aspects such as where to inject and sample the tracers, the setup of injection and sampling lines, and considerations
for sampling flow rate. Timing and sequence in the injection and sampling process are also discussed. Overall, it
provides insights into using radioactive tracers for precise water flow rate measurements.

12. Mechanical Meters - devices used to measure the flow of fluids, typically liquids or gases. They operate based on
mechanical principles to quantify the volume or rate of fluid passing through a system.

Mechanical meters, particularly turbine meters and positive displacement meters, are types of flow
measurement devices discussed in this section. Turbine meters use a rotating turbine to measure the flow of fluid,
and the signals generated by the turbine's movement are translated into flow readings. Calibration,
recommendations for use, and considerations for piping installation and disturbances are covered. Positive
displacement meters, another type, measure the flow by capturing and moving fixed volumes of fluid. This section
also addresses the sources of fluid and material data relevant to these mechanical meters, providing comprehensive
information for users and practitioners in the field of flow measurement.

Turbine Meters: These meters employ a rotating turbine placed in the path of the fluid flow. The rotation of
the turbine is proportional to the flow rate, and this rotational motion is converted into signals that can be used to
determine the flow of the fluid accurately.

Positive Displacement Meters: In positive displacement meters, fixed volumes of fluid are captured and
moved through the meter. The number of these fixed volumes passing through the meter corresponds to the total
flow. This type is particularly useful for measuring viscous fluids.