Can We Calibrate in One Fluid and Operate in Another

The transferability of a calibration from one fluid to another fluid has been a topic of interest for several years now. Flow meters have been installed in many challenging operations such as LNG, heavy oil, and CO₂ to name a few. However, there are a very limited number of traceable flow laboratories globally that can offer calibrations with these aforementioned fluids. As such, calibrating in a more readily available fluid would be extremely advantageous. This presentation will present the findings of research completed using the flow facilities at TÜV SÜD in water, light oil, and high pressure gas. Potential solutions, calibration strategies and opportunities will be discussed.

FOCUS TOPICS

• There’s only a limited number of traceable flow laboratories globally that can offer calibrations with challenging fluid properties
• Temperature, pressure, and viscosity variations are known to influence the overall measurement uncertainty.
• Can some flow meters be calibrated with one fluid and then successfully operated in another in service but with a higher uncertainty?

SPEAKER

Dr. Chris Mills

Senior Consultant, TÜV SÜD

Chris is a senior consultant based at TÜV SÜD in Glasgow, Scotland and specialises in flow metrology. He has an Engineering Doctorate from Coventry University, an Honours degree in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Strathclyde and is also a chartered engineer.

Chris has 15 years’ experience at TÜV SÜD and has theoretical and practical experience of flow measurement technologies, including Coriolis, turbine, differential pressure, and ultrasonic meters. This includes calibration methodologies, traceability, and measurement uncertainty.