API MPMS Chapter 5.3 and parts of API MPMS Chapter 6 cover the installation requirements and performance characteristics of turbine meters in liquid hydrocarbon service. This research work provides data that should be considered for future incorporation into these standards. Phase I of this flow conditioning task force was performed on water prior to 2009. As part of Phase I, an addendum was included in API MPMS Chapter 5, Section 5.3.5.3 and Appendix A.1, that recommended the need for flow conditioning rather than straight pipe of any length. Phase II was intended to prove or disprove whether the results on water would translate to light hydrocarbons, higher viscosities, larger line and strainer sizes, and different Reynolds numbers. Phase II of the flow conditioning project tested several sizes and types of turbine meters, strainers, and piping arrangements with various types and arrangements of commercially available flow conditioners.
This was carried out on a range of petroleum liquids to try to determine which flow conditioner arrangements provide adequate turbine meter accuracy for liquid hydrocarbon applications. Previous work by the Ad Hoc Flow Conditioning Task Force determined that meter performance, as reflected by meter factor deviation, repeatability, and reproducibility, was sensitive to flow profile effects caused by obstructions in strainer baskets, as well as strainer basket movement. Phase II testing continued with obstructions similar to those in Phase I (water testing), but “finger left” (D) and “finger right” (E) obstructions were eliminated part way through Phase II testing, as they were found to cause minimal change to meter factor deviation.
