DP Selection Guide

1
DIFFERENTIAL FLOW
METER SELECTION GUIDE
PRODUCT BULLETIN
DOCUMENT NUMBER: 2005-1001
Purpose:
The purpose of this guide is to provide an objective method of selecting the type of differential flow meter that best suits a particular
application. The comparative information presented is based on 25 years of field experience as well as a wide range of technical
papers and codes which offer valuable guidance and insight into the performance and characteristics of differential devices.
Format:
Each section focuses on a particular flow meter type. Within the section, key characteristics and performance attributes are
enumerated. Notes are provided for each section that further elaborate and qualify certain statements, and should be considered
integral to the presentation and to any conclusions the reader makes with respect to the flow meters considered.
Meter
Type
Line Size
Range
(inches)
Headloss
% of
Differential
ORIFICE
No
Limit
50 to 70
percent
Basic
Accuracy
(% of Total)
+/- 0.50 to
+/-1.50**
+/-0.67 ***
Minimum
pipe Reynolds
number
Must be
greater than
10,000
Required
Straight
Piping
Approach and
Downstream
Required
Beta
Range
Useful
Service
Life
0.20 through
Accuracy is
0.75
adversely affected
by any change
in bore edge****
Service
Functional
Limits
Cost
Range
LOW
Non-abrasive, clear
low viscosity liquid
or gas
*Per ASME Fluid Meters;

**Depending on bore size (smaller bores 70%, larger bores
**Depending
less than 70%);
on bore size (smaller bores 70%, larger bores less than
***If in compliance with AGA 3 requirements;
70%);
****The accuracy of an orifice plate is influenced by any ***If
change
in compliance
to the sharpness
with AGA
of its
3 requirements;
bore edge. This demands regular field
inspection and replacement if change is noted. Approach
****The
and discharge
accuracystraight
of an orifice
piping
plate
must
is comply
influenced
with
byASME
any change
Fluid Meter
to the
requirements, including need for flow straighteners, if indicated;
sharpness of its bore edge. This demands regular field inspection and
replacement if change is noted. Approach and discharge straight piping
must comply with ASME Fluid Meter requirements, including need for flow
straighteners, if indicated;
WEDGE
PFS WedgeTM
type
thru
24.0*
30 to 60
percent
+/- 2.0 to
+/-4.0**
Must be
greater than
500
Approach and
Downstream
Required
0.20 through
0.5 H/D***
Long
LOW
****
Ideal for harsh,

high viscosity,
liquid, slurry or
gas service
*Larger line sizes are available

*Larger line
but must
sizes be
arelaboratory
available but
flowmust
calibrated.
be laboratory flow calibrated.
** Accuracy stated is standard,
**Accuracy
non-laboratory
stated is standard,
flow calibrated
non-laboratory
value. Accuracy
flow calibrated
of +/- 0.50%
value. is
Accuracy
possibleofwith
+/- 0.50%
laboratory
is possible
flow calibration
with laboratory
(must include
flow
up and down stream piping.)
calibration (must include up and down stream piping.)
*** H/D is the ratio between
***H/D
wedge
is thesegment
ratio between
opening
wedge
(H) and
segment
the inside
opening
diameter
(H) and
of the meter
inside body
diameter
(D). of the meter body (D).
**** The relative capital ****The
cost of relative
differential
capital
producing
cost of flow
differential
metersproducing
can vary. Selection
flow meters
criteria
can vary.
recommending
Selection criteria
the Wedge
recommending
meter mustthe
emphasize
Wedge meter
its
superior ability to measure
mustharsh,
emphasize
abrasive,
its superior
high viscosity,
ability to
and
measure
otherwise
harsh,
difficult
abrasive,
service
high
conditions.
viscosity, and otherwise difficult service conditions.
WEDGE
ELBOW
PFS WedgeTM
type
1.0
tothru
any
line
24.0*
size
30N/A*
to 60
percent
+/- 2.0
4.0 to
**
+/-4.0**
Must be
greater than
10,000
500
Approach
Approach
and
Downstream
(Upstream)
Required
0.20 N/A
through
0.5 H/D***
Long
Ideal
Clear
forliquid
harsh,
high
and
viscosity,
gas.
liquid, slurry or
gas service
VERY
LOW
LOW
****
* The Elbow meter utilizes the headloss created by flow

passing through the elbow as a differential pressure signal.
This limits the elbow meter application to flow rate range(s)
that can accurately be covered by the secondary instrument(
DP transmitter) particularly as regards the low end
differential pressure. Typically an Elbow meter useful range
*Larger line sizes are available but must be laboratory flow calibrated.
is 3 or 4 to 1 on flow.
**Accuracy stated is standard, non-laboratory flow calibrated value. Accuracy of +/- 0.50% is possible with
laboratory flow calibration (must include up and down stream piping.)
** Per ASME. Better accuracy ca with specially machined
***H/D is the ratio between wedge segment opening (H) and the inside diameter of the meter body (D).
elbows and laboratory flow calibration. Repeatability is good
****The relative capital cost of differential producing flow meters can vary. Selection criteria recommending the
at 0.2% or better.
Wedge meter must emphasize its superior ability to measure harsh, abrasive, high viscosity, and otherwise
difficult service conditions.
2006 Primary Flow Signal, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Primary Flow Signal, Inc.- WORLD HEADQUARTERS

800 Wellington Avenue Cranston, RI 02910, USA http://www.primaryflowsignal.com
toll free: 1-877-737-3569 phone: 401-461-6366 fax: 401-461-4450
DIFFERENTIAL FLOW
PRODUCT BULLETIN
(C)2005-Primary Flow Signal, Inc.-All rights reserved.
(Continued)
Meter
Type
Line Size
Range
(inches)
Headloss
% of
Differential
ORIFICE
FLOW
NOZZLE
Greater
No
Limit
than
2.0
40
50 to 95
70
percent*
percent
Basic
Accuracy
(% of Total)
+/- 0.25
0.50 to
+/-2.00**
+/-1.50**
+/-0.67 ***
Minimum
pipe Reynolds
number
Must be
greater than
10,000
Required
Straight
Piping
Approach and
Downstream
Required***
Required
Beta
Range
Useful
Service
Life
0.20 through
Medium to
Accuracy
is
0.80***
0.75
long
adversely
affected
by any change
in bore edge****
Service
Functional
Limits
Clear Liquids, Gas

and steam****
Cost
Range
MED.
LOW
to
HIGH
*Headloss is a function of bore size. If nozzle is part of a meter run including straightening vane(as
*Per ASME Fluid Meters;required by some codes) loop headloss will be on high side.
**Depending on bore size
(smaller
70%,ASME
largerPTC-6.
bores less than 70%);
**Per
ASMEbores
including
ASME and ISA for specific design requirements as function of Beta ratio.
***If in compliance with ***Consult
AGA 3 requirements;
****Oneplate
prominent
use of by
theany
ASME
Nozzle
andsharpness
ASME Nozzle
meter
is for
steam
turbine
efficiency
****The accuracy of an orifice
is influenced
change
to the
of its
borerun
edge.
This
demands
regular
field
inspection and replacement
if change
is noted.
Approach
and discharge straight piping must comply with ASME Fluid Meter
testing
as specified
by ASME
PTC-6.
number
of international
codes govern use and design of flow nozzles, ASME, ISA and
requirements, includingNote
needthat
for a
flow
straighteners,
if indicated;
others. While they cover similar meter embodiments, design parameters and requirements, and
stated performance in key areas may differ.
CLASSICAL
WEDGE
PFS WedgeVENTURI
TM
type
4.0
thru
48.0*
24.0*
12
30 to 30
60
percent**
percent
+/+/-1.0
2.0 to
to
+/-4.0**
+/-2.0
Must be
greater than
100,000
500
Approach
Approach only
and
Downstream
Required
Required
0.40
0.20 through
0.50.80
H/D***
Medium***
Long
Periodic Tap and
annular chamber
maintenance is
required.
Ideal
Clearfor
liquids,
harsh,
gas
highand
viscosity,
steam
liquid, slurry or
gas service
HIGH
LOW
****
This 24.0 Classical

Venturi is being
refurbished in PFS
Warwick, RI facility.
Only the entrance
vestibule and throat
section are shown. The
complete flow meter is
nearly twice the length
*Per ASME, ISO 5167 and MFC-3M-85.

** Headloss is a function of Beta ratio; the smaller the Beta the
higher the headloss.
*** ASME Classical Venturi meters, by design, have annular
chambers, and all prior test data referring to these designs
includes the performance effects of these chambers. Since the
annular chambers are subject to plugging in contaminated
process fluid applications, clear liquids and gases present the
useAccuracy
of this meter
Because
corrosion
may produce
**Accuracy stated is standard, non-laboratory flow calibratedbest
value.
of +/-design.
0.50% is
possible
with laboratory
flow
plugging effects to the annular chamber and impulse taps over
time,
as
well,
useful
service
life
is
contingent
upon
material
selection.
Periodic
maintenance
work to remove
detritus
****The relative capital cost of differential producing flow meters
can vary.
Selection
criteria recommending
the
Wedgeand
meter
plugging
is recommended.
must emphasize its superior ability to measure harsh, abrasive,
high viscosity,
and otherwise difficult service conditions.
MODIFIED
WEDGE
PFS
WedgeSHORT
type
FORM
VENTURI
TM
0.50
tothru
any
line
24.0*
size
30
3.50
to to
60
percent
10.0
+/- 0.50
2.0 to*
+/-4.0**
Must be
greater than
75,000
500
Approach
Approach
and
Downstream
(Upstream)
Required
0.20 through
0.50.80
H/D***
Very
Long
Long
Ideal
Clear
forliquid,
harsh,
gas,
highsteam,
viscosity,
and
liquid,
contaminated
slurry or
line
gasfluid(s).**
service
MED.
LOW
****
* Modified short form Venturi meters can be made

of any machinable material and in any line size. The
basic accuracy is substantiated by prior laboratory
flow calibrations and there is no effect on
performance as a function of line size or Beta ratio.
+/-0.25% accuracy (or better) is achievable through
individual laboratory flow calibration.
**Accuracy stated is standard, non-laboratory flow calibrated value. Accuracy
of +/- 0.50%
possible
with
laboratory
flow
** Modified
ShortisForm
Venturi
meters
can be
equipped with sealed diaphragm sensors to
***H/D is the ratio between wedge segment opening (H) and the inside diameter
of the
meter body
(D). by suspended solids
eliminate
plugging
concerns
****The relative capital cost of differential producing flow meters can vary. in
Selection
recommending
the Wedge
meter
processcriteria
fluid. Options
are available
for in-place
must emphasize its superior ability to measure harsh, abrasive, high viscosity,
and otherwise
difficult
service conditions.
calibration
of secondary
instrumentation
without
necessity for line shut-down or equipment removal.

DIFFERENTIAL FLOW
PRODUCT BULLETIN
(Continued)
(C)2005-Primary Flow Signal, Inc.-All rights reserved.
Meter
Type
Line Size
Range
(inches)
Headloss
% of
Differential
ORIFICE
HBX-1
0.50
No
to
Limit
any
line size
18
50 to 25
70
percent
Basic
Accuracy
(% of Total)
+/+/-0.50
0.50*
to
+/-1.50**
+/-0.67 ***
Minimum
pipe Reynolds
number
Must be
greater than
10,000
6,600
Required
Straight
Piping
Approach
Approach only
and
Downstream
Required
Required
Beta
Range
Useful
Service
Life
Service
Functional
Limits
0.20 through
Accuracy
Very Longis
Clear
Non-abrasive,
liquids, gases
clear
0.80
0.75
adversely affected low viscosity
and steam.
liquid
by any change
or gas
in bore edge****
Cost
Range
LOW

*The PFS-X1
was designed
to provide
Venturi
meter
accuracy,
repeatability
and long service life but
**Depending
on bore
size (smaller
bores 70%,
larger
bores
less than
70%);
low flow
rate
capability
(down to 6,600 pipe Reynolds number) which cannot be easily achieved
***Ifincluding
in compliance
with
AGA
3 requirements;
using
standard
Venturi
meter
designs.
****The accuracy of an orifice plate is influenced by any change to the sharpness of its bore edge. This
demands regular field inspection and replacement if change is noted. Approach and discharge straight
**The
significant
of therequirements,
PFS-X1 is thatincluding
it is not limited
to flow
75,000
pipe Reynolds
number
piping
must
comply beneficial
with ASMEfeature
Fluid Meter
need for
straighteners,
if indicated;
low limit for constant accuracy as is the case for the Modified Short Form Venturi design. This results in a
significantly lower flow range-ability of this design while still enjoying high, stable and linear accuracy
performance envelope.
WEDGE
HBX-2
PFS
WedgeELBOW
TM
type
0.25
t0thru
any
line
size
24.0*
Standard
30 to 60
elbow
percent
+/+/-2.0
2.0*
to
+/-4.0**
Must be
greater than
5,000
500
Approach
and
Very short
Downstream
Approach
Required
only
Required
0.20Any**
through
0.5 H/D***
Long
Very
Long
Ideal for harsh,

liquid,
high steam
viscosity,
gas,
and
liquid,
slurry or
contaminated
gas
service
service
*Laboratory flow calibration will improve meter accuracy to +/-0.25%.

** Reduced
boreisisstandard,
specifically
designed to develop
high differentials.
**Accuracy
stated
non-laboratory
flow calibrated
value. Accuracy of +/- 0.50% is possible with
NOTE: aflow
variety
of tap orientations
are up
utilized
depending
the type of service intended.
laboratory
calibration
(must include
and down
streamon
piping.)
****The relative capital cost of differential producing flow meters can vary. Selection criteria recommending
the Wedge meter must emphasize its superior ability to measure harsh, abrasive, high viscosity, and
otherwise difficult service conditions.
PFSFlowMaster-fully integrated secondary metering system

Primary Flow Signal, Inc. Has developed a wide variety of secondary instrumentation
metering systems which can be used with a broad range of differential producer type
flow meter primaries. The selection of equipment that is factory installed, tested and
calibrated inside a properly sized NEMA 4X enclosure, is dependent upon the specific
requirements of each application. Single range systems are most frequently used for
8:1 flow range applications. Dual range systems are used on 64:1applications, and
triple range systems can be effectively used up to 500:1 applications.
PFS Self Checking OptionShort form Venturi and HBX-1 meters can be
equipped with a self checking system that compares
two independent pressure sources and alarms if the
change exceeds a range limit. The alarm then signals
either a transmitter malfunction or unacceptable
change to the internal geometry of the flow meter
requiring maintenance or corrective action. This
prevents long term undetected accuracy degradation
in critical applications. 64:1applications, and triple
ABRASIVE LINE
FLUID NOT A
PROBLEM!
Novel rectangular
Venturi design by
Primary Flow Signal,
Inc.
Features removable
and replaceable
segment for harsh and
abrasive service

VERY
LOW
LOW
****
DIFFERENTIAL FLOW
PRODUCT BULLETIN


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What are the main types of differential flow meters discussed in the document?

What are the main types of differential flow meters discussed in the document?

What are some key characteristics of orifice plates as differential flow meters?

What are some key characteristics of orifice plates as differential flow meters?

1

*Per ASME Fluid Meters;

Ideal for harsh,

*Larger line sizes are available

* The Elbow meter utilizes the headloss created by flow

Primary Flow Signal, Inc.- WORLD HEADQUARTERS

Clear Liquids, Gas

This 24.0 Classical

*Per ASME, ISO 5167 and MFC-3M-85.

* Modified short form Venturi meters can be made

2006 Primary Flow Signal, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Primary Flow Signal, Inc.- WORLD HEADQUARTERS

(C)2005-Primary Flow Signal, Inc.-All rights reserved.

*Per ASME Fluid Meters;

Ideal for harsh,

*Laboratory flow calibration will improve meter accuracy to +/-0.25%.

PFSFlowMaster-fully integrated secondary metering system

2006 Primary Flow Signal, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Primary Flow Signal, Inc.- WORLD HEADQUARTERS

2006 Primary Flow Signal, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Primary Flow Signal, Inc.- WORLD HEADQUARTERS

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