Gravimetric system using high-speed double switching valves for low liquid flow rates

Abstract

This paper presents a gravimetric system developed to perform the static weighing with flying-start-and-stop (SW-FSS) calibration method at low liquid flow rates using a pair of identical high-speed switching valves as a flow diverter. Features of the gravimetric system comprise three main components: a pair of switching valves that divert the working liquid between two symmetrical flow paths; a weighing vessel equipped with an overflow inner vessel and enclosed in a weighing chamber; and a liquid discharge mechanism comprising a discharge tube and a discharge pump, used with a multi-purpose bin. These are described with an explanation of the design considerations behind each feature. The overflow inner vessel is designed with a notch in its wall and is positioned so that it does not come into contact with the liquid surface of the accumulated liquid in the weighing vessel or the side wall of the weighing vessel to obtain a good repeatability of the interactive effects between the feeding tube and the submerging working liquid, thus ensuring a correct mass reading of the liquid collection. A performance test showed that, in terms of contribution to the overall uncertainty of the standard flow rate, the pair of switching valves is capable of performing SW-FSS satisfactorily with small relative timing errors within %. However, the mass loss due to evaporation is considered a major source of error of the gravimetric system, showing a maximum error of 0.011% under the most evaporative condition tested for the longest liquid collection time of the gravimetric system.