Flow measurement and instrumentation testing

Flow measurement is the measurement of fluid movement. In the chemical process industries, flow is measured for trading chemicals and fiscal reporting. It can also help to optimise processes, product quality, and safety.

TÜV SÜD  has knowledge and experience of a wide variety of flow measurement devices, including Coriolis, differential pressure, vortex, magnetic, turbine, positive displacement, and ultrasonic flow meters. Our experts at TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory have been directly involved in developing and writing measurement standards for these technologies.

Choosing the right flow measurement devices depends on a few factors including the material you are measuring, the accuracy you require, and the location of the measurement. Some guidance is provided in our webinar, Flow Meter Selection, and our team can provide independent advisory to support your decision-making process.

In the chemical process industries, accurate flow measurement ensures process control, product quality, production efficiency, safety and environmental compliance. Inaccurate or inconsistent readings may lead to serious accidents, emergency shutdowns, unplanned maintenance, production slowdowns or cost overruns.

As we progress the energy transition, it will be equally important to be able to measure other energy sources such as hydrogen and to be able to utilise existing equipment to support sustainability targets.

TÜV SÜD is one of the world’s leading independent providers of calibration, testing, research and technical advisory services for flow meters and other flow measurement instruments.

We carry out over 1,200 flow meter calibrations each year. Our Glasgow, UK facility is the UK’s Designated Institute for Flow Measurement and part of the UK’s National Measurement System. Our facilities house some of the largest operating envelopes globally, and are equipped for single phase and multiphase flow, densitometer calibration, water, oil and gases.

Our depth of expertise allows us to provide a comprehensive range of services that encompass the vast majority of meter types.

Beyond calibration, we provide a wide range of technical advisory services, offering theoretical guidance and practical support on all aspects of flow measurement.

This includes the design and commissioning of flow measurement instruments and systems, selection and management of meters and other measurement technology, auditing, inspections, tests and calibration witnessing, and environmental risk assessments and compliance.

Our flow measurement and flow instrumentation services include:

• Measurement of high-pressure chemical dosing to support the transportation and refining of crude oils – from simple surfactants through to complex blended scale and corrosion inhibitors.
• Meter selection guidance for additive injection fluids – managing the balance between high pressure capability and fouling or contamination.
• Densitometer calibration.
• Environmental compliance monitoring of stack emissions.
• Domestic hydrogen gas components testing.
• Liquid and gaseous CO₂ for CCUS.
• Modelling, auditing and design support services that can identify the root causes of problems and provide experience-based solutions.