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Title: Vortex flowmeters: Transferability of water-based calibration results to liquids, gases and steam applications
Author: Jess Aguilera, Rainer Hcker
Source: 2018 International Symposium on Fluid Flow Measurement
Year Published: 2018
Abstract: A vortex flowmeter, like other flowmeter types, must be calibrated to determine its measurement accuracy and to ensure metrological traceability. Most vortex flowmeters are calibrated using water, since the physical properties of this fluid are well known, easy to handle (i.e. safe) and have a good transferability to other process fluids. Such an approach is typically accepted by the end users as long as the calibration covers the entire flow range of the intended application or at least most of it. For some particular liquids and flow conditions, such requirement can be met. However, for gases this is basically not achievable, due to the significant difference between liquids and gases in terms of density and viscosity. This situation raises one recurring question: How can one be sure that the results of an ostensibly incompatible or incomplete water-based calibration are valid for other process fluids1? The aim of this document is to answer that question by recalling the basic vortex flowmeter principle of operation, some essential concepts of fluid mechanics that influence the measuring range of the flowmeter, and by using the Reynolds number as a means to transfer water-based calibration data to any other process fluid. The latter has been experimentally demonstrated with vortex flowmeters calibrated with water, and subsequently verified with air and high-pressure natural gas for assessing the level of agreement. Although the Reynolds number is a known and accepted concept for transferring water-based calibration results to other fluids, it is still not fully understood and even overlooked in some industry sectors. Therefore, this manuscript can serve as a guideline for vortex flowmeter users to address the topic properly. For quantifying the effects of two-phase flow on the induced-measurement errors of vortex flowmeters, testing has been conducted in an experimental steam facility enabling the generation of wet steam of different dryness fractions. The results of these experiments deliver insight into analogous applications involving wet natural gas.

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