We have recently installed a turbine type flowmeter make: fliud control our op. range is 12000cu.m/hr, media: Natural Gas.Loop powered, programmable menu.

At our w/s we don't have the equpiment to calibrate this meter. It is nearly two year that we have not calibrated, this is used for metering the total flow. We had requested for external calibration for this inst. But the calibration Service companies say that they only calibrate the signal cond. unit by simulating frequency. But we want to be sure that the rotor is also in good condition. Is it possible to calibrate (bench) by actual process media. Or the only option is to check the signal cond. unit.

thanks

 

Yes, it is possible to calibrate the flow element, not just the signal conditioner. However, you must remove the flow element from the line and either use your own flow prover or send it back to the manufacturer or another calibration laboratory for calibration.

Walt Boyes
Spitzer and Boyes LLC

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If you are fortunate, and have some of the initial documantation from the calibration as shipped, you may be able to field verify a point in the calibration. This check will give you some insight into the deterioration in the rotor and offsets in the signal.

We are not looking at a spot-on signal verification by any means. However if the total flow varies throughout the day and you are privy to the variations in flow, you can perform the spot checks. The spot sheck is essentially the reading of the rough signal which the signal conditioner ultimately transmits.

As rule, I normally acquire some of the rough data, shall we say the "signature" of the device, initially at start-up for future reference.
Hopfully this info is of worth.

Good Luck!
Paul Dackermann

 

If this is a custody transfer meter, the only way to properly calibrate it is to prove it on a meter prover. You will definitely have to remove the meter. You can be sure that there has been mechanical deterioration and that the meter no longer reads what it used to.

If this meter does not have any influence on "billing" and it is not a possible point of dispute I guess accuracy would not be that important.

Hope this helps
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