Ask the Experts Webinar – Fluid Flow Metrology

To celebrate World Metrology Day we brought together experts from academia, research and industry to discuss fluid flow metrology in an hour-long webinar. Questions were submitted in advance and live, with popular themes asking about AI, digital developments and the future of the sector.

PANELLISTS

Professor Manus Henry, Professor of Flow Measurement at Coventry University and the University of Oxford.

Professor Henry is also chair of the National Measurement System’s Flow Programme Expert Group.

Dr Chris Mills, Senior Consultant, TÜV SÜD

Chris is an expert in Coriolis meters and active in many flow measurement technical committees and the development of several ISO metering standards.

Dr Gabriele Chinello, Head of CCUS, TÜV SÜD

Gabriele is also a technical advisor on CCUS metering to the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) as well as participating in various ISO and BSI committees.

Dr Piotr Traczykowski, Clean Fuels Consultant TÜV SÜD

Piotr is heavily involved in hydrogen metrology and accurate measurements of hydrogen dispensed by hydrogen refuelling stations.

MODERATOR

Colin Lightbody, Principal Consultant, TÜV SÜD

Colin spent many years working across the world as a Metering Consultant for an energy services company. He has contributed to the development of several ISO metering standards for Coriolis and ultrasonic flow metering, and has been awarded a patent for a flow meter verification technique.

Question 1 (Timestamp 03:20)

The energy transition requires metrology to move its focus from fossil-based fuels such as oil and natural gas to a host of new fuels, including ethanol, hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, biofuels, as well as CO₂ for CCUS.

With many of these requiring measurement in multiple phases, including the supercritical critical phase, accurate measurement will be key to enabling stakeholders to meet their net zero goals. Does the panel think that metrology in general is responding to this growing need? And if not, what is required to achieve it?

Question 2 (Timestamp 20:00)

The time-based calibration of measuring instruments, based on the SI Units traceability pyramid, international standards and National Measurement Institutes has served the science of metrology exceptionally well for decades, even centuries.

Advances in instrument diagnostic capabilities and data sciences such as machine learning are seeing a push towards the use of Condition Based Calibration to (primarily) reduce operating costs. Does the panel think that there is a danger in moving too far from the established and proven time-based, traceable calibration methodology? And if so, what are the dangers and how can they be addressed?

Question 3 (33:00)

With the latest developments in AI, machine learning, and CBM, how will they influence the development and adoption of certain flow measurement systems? Is there still going to be a place for the humble orifice plate, PD meter, and turbine meter etc in the future? How might these traditional methods evolve to remain relevant in modern applications?

Question 4: (44:50)

Will fluids at pressures well above critical pressure have homogenous density and phase as they transition above and below the critical temperature?

Question 5: (47:00)

What is your favourite flow meter and what developments do you envisage coming to this technology?

In our resource centre you will find multiple webinars on a variety of flow measurement topics. Or meet the team in person at one of our upcoming events.