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Title: Measurement Of Flow In Viscous Fluids
Author: Gary Miller, Robert Belshaw
Source: 2008 South East Asia Flow Measurement Conference
Year Published: 2008
Abstract: Worldwide reserves of heavy hydrocarbons (oils and tars) are now estimated to significantly outweigh those of conventional light crudes. Extraction of these viscous deposits is growing rapidly, supported by high oil prices and the increasing demand for security of energy supply. The recovery and transport challenges now arising and the enormous monetary value of the end product make accurate flow measurement vital. Unfortunately, when applied to viscous fluids, the accuracy achievable with many conventional liquid flowmeters remains relatively poorly known although it has long been recognised that higher viscosity conditions introduce additional technical challenges to the meter designer and end-user. These include increased friction at solid surfaces, larger pressure losses across internal bends and restrictions, the possibility of extreme or varying velocity profiles, and the greater susceptibility of the viscous fluids to entrain secondary components such as solids or gas. It is reasonable to predict that different meter designs will be affected in different ways, but at the present time the most appropriate technologies for viscous flow measurement have yet to be fully established. To improve upon this situation, an NMS (National Measurement System) programme of research work has been launched in the UK to investigate the performance of a series of conventional liquid flowmeters at elevated viscosity conditions. This paper reports on preliminary investigations made into the performance of sonar, Coriolis and Ultrasonic devices when operated under such conditions and on an associated upgrade of the UK National Standards Oil Flow Facility at TUV NEL that was undertaken to provide test fluids (with traceable reference metering) at viscosities up to 300 cSt in the initial stage.

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