Mass Flow Meter Research Articles

Failure analysis of a titanium Coriolis mass flow meter: A case of hydrogen embrittlement

Titanium alloys are suitable for construction of the Coriolis mass flow meter due to their high strength to weight ratio, high thermal stability and excellent corrosion resistance. However, environments with high hydrogen content can be very harmful to titanium and its alloys, since this element may cause hydride formation and leads to hydrogen embrittlement.In this context, this paper reports on the analysis of a grade 9 titanium tube of a mass flow meter, which was performed using cyclohexanol (68%), water (2%) and Raney nickel catalyst (30%). After the active period, the flow meter was deactivated and left on standby for one year, and then reassembled on a production line, whereupon it failed prematurely. The failure was analyzed by OM, SEM, EDS, Vickers microhardness and XRD, whose results indicated that the cause was hydride embrittlement due to the chemical interaction between Raney nickel and the titanium tube during the deactivated period.

Design of a Real-Time Gas-Exchange Measurement System for Crop Stands in Environmental Scenarios

In contrast to conducting measurements on single plants, canopy gas exchange monitored continuously and for large batches of plants can give high-value data for crop physiological models. To this end, a system including eight airtight greenhouse cabins with a ground area of 28.8 m2 and a volume of 107.8 m3 each was designed for measuring the CO2 and H2O gas exchange of crop stands following the general principle of semi-open chambers. The measuring facility consists of a set of mass flow meters allowing air exchange rates between 0.5 h−1 and 19 h−1 (i.e., m3 gas per m3 greenhouse air per hour) and CO2 supply rates up to 4 L min−1 (i.e., ca. 14.9 g m−2 greenhouse h−1) and sensors for measuring the concentrations of CO2 and H2O. There are four separated belowground troughs per cabin for the root environment that can be operated as individual gas exchange chambers measuring the belowground gas exchange for example root zone respiration. This paper outlines a demonstration of the possibilities and constraints for measuring crop gas exchange in combination with crop model validation for larger crop stands under various conditions and discusses them along with examples.

The First Three-Dimensional Printed and Wet-Metallized Coriolis Mass Flowmeter

This letter presents the first 3-D printed Coriolis mass flowmeter, along with its fabrication and experimental characterization. The sensor is conceived to operate in the mode-split conditions with a mismatch between the driven mode and sensed mode resonance frequencies of about 25 Hz around a nominal frequency of 250 Hz. The fabrication process is based on a smart combination of 3D-printing techniques and wet-metallization procedures, with the interesting features of a 200- μ m capacitive gap, 500- μ m wide 3D-printed microchannel walls, and metallization only on the outer channel surface, which prevents the application of a huge potential on the flowing fluid in operation. The measurements confirm, within a factor 3, the expected performance, with a 60 μ V/(g/h) scale factor and a 3 g/hrms resolution on a 1-Hz bandwidth.

Coriolis meter density errors induced by ambient air and fluid temperature differentials

Coriolis metering technology is widely applied throughout industry. In addition to the mass flow rate, a Coriolis meter can measure fluid density based on the resonant frequency of the flow tube vibration. There is currently increasing interest in utilising this density measurement capability as the primary process value in applications such as precision control for fluid property conditioning, and fluid contamination monitoring.However, within these applications, ambient temperature variation can be significant.This paper details research data obtained using NEL's ‘Very Low Flow’ single-phase facility. The rig was modified to include a programmable temperature enclosure in which a Coriolis meter was installed. Two commercial meter models from the same manufacturer were tested. Both meters showed fluid density errors when subjected to fluctuations in the surrounding ambient air temperature. The fluid properties of the test medium were confirmed to be stable using NEL's UKAS standard reference instrumentation.Previous temperature effects research for Coriolis meters have focussed on the process fluid temperature and there is little published data on the effects of ambient temperature.

Gas-liquid two-phase flow measurement by combining a Coriolis flowmeter with a flow conditioner and analytical models

Abstract In oil-gas fields, two phase flow measurement of liquid-gas mixture for the whole Gas Void Fraction (GVF) range remains a challenging task. Coriolis flow meter is proven to be one of the most accurate device for single phase flow measurement. However, for two phase flow metering, its accuracy gets altered for liquid continuous phase (respectively gas continuous phase) in case of GVF that exceeds 20% (respectively low GVF that is lower than 80%). This paper presents a new Coriolis-based two phase flow meter (TPFM) that uses an upstream inline flow conditioner which separates liquid (i.e. water in this paper) from gas. Each of the gas dominant phase and liquid dominant phase are carried by two outlets, namely gas and liquid outlets respectively. A Coriolis flow meter and an actuated valve are placed in each outlet to measure and regulate the GVF that passes in each line. A new measurement algorithm based on a multistage artificial neural network (ANN) and which explores the physical model of the Coriolis flow meter is also suggested. This latest combines the pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) and bubble theory models to estimate the amount of gas (respectively liquid) dissolved in the liquid phase (respectively gas phase). Experimental results that were conducted on a multiphase flow loop reveals that for the whole GVF range (i.e. 0 to 100% GVF), the absolute value of the relative error on both the mass flow rate and density does not exceed 2.5%. This suggests that the proposed TPFM can be considered as a new non-hazardous alternative for accurate two phase flow measurement.

Feeding the Growing Appetite for Reality-Based Drilling Data

Drilling still depends on human judgment to solve many problems. Some of the problems are big: How much volume is flowing out of the well, and how does that compare with how much was pumped in? These are critical measures for well control and efficient drilling. Other observations are needed to improve the process. How well do the data coming to surface predict the wear on a drill bit? And some problems are related to niggling details. There are few problems less compelling than coding the steps described in thousands of memos found in the daily drilling reports. But for those searching the reports to identify bits of wasted time, that information can be crucial. This article discusses three innovations aimed at improving the data flows. In Search of a Flowmeter That Is Sensitive but Tough Drillers live with a worrisome question: How much fluid is actually flowing out of the well compared to what flowed in? A growing rise in the fluid flowing out can signal a dangerous gas influx, increasing the volume of the outflow. Accurate measures are needed to create a condition-monitoring system allowing a driller to more accurately assess what is coming out and to distinguish changes that are warnings signs from routine fluctuations during drilling, such as turning mud pumps off and on. Eric Cayeux, chief scientist for the Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE), is working on filling a need for a “quantitative” measurement of the flow rate out of the well that is not influenced by mud mixing and treatment activities.” The widely used tool he wants to replace is a paddle that moves up and down based on the flow rate—seemingly a low bar to clear. Cayeux describes paddles as “a very crude instrument which can only be used to give a gross indication of the flow rate” in a paper about his work at the NORCE (SPE 199661). However, sometimes the indications are misleading. Paddles can get stuck when mud clogs the hinges. A change in the level may be due to a change in fluid properties rather than flow rate. Fluid levels in return tanks are a measurable indication of the difference between flow in and out, but fluid transfers among mud pits can complicate the calculations, as can measuring fluid levels on moving offshore platforms. On the input side, counting pump strokes offers a measure of how much fluid is pumped into the well, but the volume depends on pump efficiency, which drilling experts say varies. There is one direct measurement tool for flow that offers quantitative results—a Coriolis mass flowmeter. It can directly measure the flow, but must be fully filled to work and requires a location below the flowline. Such a location can be hard to find, and particle buildups inside the flowmeter can lead to misleading results.

Experimental Qualification of New Instrumentation for Lead-Lithium Eutectic in IELLLO Facility

• results of a new experimental campaign in IELLLO facility, a LLE (Lead Lithium Eutectic) loop designed for transient simulation and instrumentation testing. • A type of differential pressure transducer and 3 flow meters were characterized in LLE: Vortex flow meter, Coriolis flow meter, Thermal flow meter. • The differential pressure transducers were used to characterize the pressure drops of some of the major components and the pressure head of the permanent magnet pump. • After a detailed analysis, the thermal flow meter was considered the most reliable for flow rate measurements in LLE. • A detailed uncertainty analysis was carried out to support the investigations. The experimental facility IELLLO was installed in ENEA Brasimone R.C. in 2007, aiming to support the design of liquid Test Blanket Modules that will be installed in ITER and to contribute to the development of Lead-Lithium Eutectic (LLE) technologies. IELLLO has been recently upgraded by installing instrumentation relevant for ITER application. Differential pressure transducers, a Coriolis and a thermal mass flow meters were installed in the facility. An experimental campaign was planned, setting two objectives. The first objective was to qualify the instrumentation for flowing LLE The installation of a differential pressure transducer across each flow meter made also possible to characterize the pressure drops across these instruments. The second objective of this activity was to improve the knowledge on the performances of the main components of the loop at lower mass flow rates (namely 0.5-1.2 kg/s) and to quantify their pressure drops. The investigated flow rates were chosen to be relevant for the LLE loop of the WCLL TBS (Water Cooled Lead-Lithium Test Blanket System). This work presents the results of the experimental campaign, paying particular attention to underline the lessons learned on how to correctly operate instrumentation for LLE.

Hydrogen refuelling station calibration with a traceable gravimetric standard

Of all the alternatives to hydrocarbon fuels, hydrogen offers the greatest long-term potential to radically reduce the many problems inherent in fuel used for transportation. Hydrogen vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions and are very efficient. If the hydrogen is made from renewable sources, such as nuclear power or fossil sources with carbon emissions captured and sequestered, hydrogen use on a global scale would produce almost zero greenhouse gas emissions and greatly reduce air pollutant emissions.The aim of this work is to realise a traceability chain for hydrogen flow metering in the range typical for fuelling applications in a wide pressure range, with pressures up to 875 bar (for Hydrogen Refuelling Station - HRS with Nominal Working Pressure of 700 bar) and temperature changes from −40 °C (pre-cooling) to 85 °C (maximum allowed vehicle tank temperature) in accordance with the worldwide accepted standard SAE J2601. Several HRS have been tested in Europe (France, Netherlands and Germany) and the results show a good repeatability for all tests. This demonstrates that the testing equipment works well in real conditions. Depending on the installation configuration, some systematic errors have been detected and explained. Errors observed for Configuration 1 stations can be explained by pressure differences at the beginning and end of fueling, in the piping between the Coriolis Flow Meter (CFM) and the dispenser: the longer the distance, the bigger the errors. For Configuration 2, where this distance is very short, the error is negligible.

Solar-driven melting dynamics in a shell and tube thermal energy store: An experimental analysis

The integration of an array of two evacuated-tube solar collectors with a latent thermal energy storage system has been accomplished, in order to study the heat transfer characteristics during solar-driven melting. A shell-and-tube heat exchanger is employed for energy storage purposes, using 30 kg of paraffin RT70HC in the shell side. A tube bundle uniformly distributed accommodates 12 tube passes, allowing a total mass flow of 100–1000 kg/h of water for inducing turbulent-flow in the tube side. A Coriolis flowmeter is employed for measuring the mass flow through the tubes, and PT100 temperature sensors are used for measuring the inlet and exit temperature of the heat transfer fluid. Outside wall temperature is measured in different cross-sections of the tubes using T-type thermocouples, which capture the buoyancy plume of the PCM induced over the tubes during phase change. Vertical and horizontal temperature probe arrays in the shell characterize the thermal stratification that occurs during melting. Liquid fraction and energy storage during three different scenarios of solar irradiance are computed. The relation between the primary energy source and the heat transfer dynamics of the LTES are described, considering the constraints in terms of maximum PCM operating temperature and achievable liquid fraction.

A benchmark data set for two-phase Coriolis metering

For more than a decade there has been growing interest in the use of Coriolis mass flow metering applied to two-phase (gas/liquid) and multiphase (oil/water/gas) conditions. It is well-established that the mass flow and density measurements generated from multiphase flows are subject to large errors, and a variety of physical models and correction techniques have been proposed to explain and/or to compensate for these errors. One difficulty is the absence of a common basis for comparing correction techniques, because different flowtube designs and configurations, as well as liquid and gas properties, may result in quite different error curves. Furthermore, some researchers with interests in the modelling aspects of the field may not have suitable multiphase laboratory facilities to generate their own data sets. This paper offers a small data set that may be used by researchers as a benchmark i.e. a common data set for comparing correction techniques. The data set was collected at the UK National Flow Laboratory TUV-NEL, using air and a viscous oil, and provides experimental points over a wide flow range (8:1 turndown) and with Gas Volume Fraction (GVF) values up to 60%. As a first investigation using the benchmark data set, we consider how data sparsity (i.e. the flow rate and GVF spacing in the experimental grid) affects the accuracy of a correction model. A range of neural network models are evaluated, based on different subsets of the benchmark data set. The data set and some exemplary code are provided with the paper. Additional data sets are available on a web site created to support this initiative.

Experimental study on leakage and wear characteristics of C/C composite finger seal

Purpose The carbon/carbon (C/C) composite finger seal experiment was performed on a high-speed seal tester. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the leakage and wear characteristics of C/C composite finger seal under various operating conditions. Design/methodology/approach Static, dynamic, endurance and post endurance tests were carried out. For static and performance tests, the pressure differential changed from 0.1 to 0.6 MPa and the rotor speed varied from 1,000 to 9,000 r/min. Two endurance tests were conducted for 4 h, with each mounting two finger seals. The seal leakage was monitored by mass flowmeters, and the wear depth was measured and calculated by using three-dimensional profilometer. Findings Results showed that the seal leakage increases with pressure differential but decreases with rotor speed. Leakage rate is lower when speed is decelerated than that with the speed stepped up. During a time history, material removal caused by wear has significant influence on leakage data causing higher leakage than the results before endurance test. Particular interest is that the uneven wear characteristic on finger foot bottom was firstly revealed, showing severe wear in foot heel area than that in foot toe. Originality/value This study could provide experimental guidance for finger seal designers. Additionally, the uneven wear characteristic of finger foot was firstly revealed, which showed the necessity of further theoretical research on finger seal wear.

Thorpe tube and oxygen flow restrictor: what's flow accuracy?

Oxygen gas flowmeters (OGF) are used to regulate the oxygen flow in acute and chronic care. In hospitals, Thorpe tubes (TT) are the classical systems most used for delivering oxygen. In recent years, the oxygen flow restrictor (OFR) has appeared. These devices use a series of calibrated openings in a disk that can be adjusted to deliver different flow rates. These devices have a reputation for delivering more accurate oxygen flow rates compared to classical OGFs. However, to our knowledge, few study has examined this supposition. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the accuracy and precision of the ready-to-use TTs and OFRs. OGFs were selected from hospitals in Belgium and France. Before performing the flow measurements, the inlet pressure was checked. The accuracy of the OGF was analyzed with a calibrated thermal mass flowmeter (RED Y COMPACT™ GCM-0 to 20L/min-VÖGTLIN Instruments). Different flows (2, 4, 6, 9 or 12L/min) were evaluated. Linear regression analysis, bias (with confidence interval) and lower and upper limit of the agreement were calculated for TTs and OFRs. All measurements are expressed in absolute values. Four-hundred-seventy-six TTs and 96 OFRs were analyzed. The intra-class correlation coefficient calculated for the calibrated thermal mass flowmeter was > 0.99 and reflected the excellent reliability of our measurements. For TTs, the bias value was -0.24 L/min (± 0.88), and the limits of agreement were -1.97 to 1.48L/min. For OFRs, the bias value was -0.30 L/min (± 0.54), and the limits of agreement were -1.36 to 0.77L/min. As the flow increased, the accuracy of all analyzed OGFs decreased. With the increasing flow, some data fell outside the limits of agreement, and the trend increased with the elevated oxygen flow. TTs were less accurate compared to OFRs due to the increased flow variability. However, for TTs and OFRs, as the required flow is elevated, the dispersion of values increases on both sides of the actual flow.

Wellhead metering based on bubble and resonance Coriolis effect with known gas-liquid ratio

Coriolis flowmeters are widely used in various industries for their high accuracy in density and mass flow measurement. However, for wellhead produced fluid with low gas content, its metering accuracy will be affected by entrained gas in the fluid. The bubble effect and increase of fluid compressibility have a major impact on the measurement results. In this paper, the influences of gas volume fraction and flow conditions on measurement deviations of Coriolis flowmeter are analyzed by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method in case of low GVF that is lower than 10%. The deviations induced by the bubble effect and resonance effect under the influence of low gas content and flow conditions increase the metering errors of Coriolis flowmeters. The simulation results show that the deviations of fluid density increase negatively with the increase of gas content and the maximum deviation is 37.273%; the deviations of mass flow increase at first and then decrease, and the maximum deviation is −9.311%. A novel method based on correction model of the measurement deviations induced by bubble and resonance Coriolis effect with known gas-liquid ratio is proposed to accurately measure various parameters of wellhead produced fluid. The corrected results show that for the low gas content range (i.e. 0 to 10% GVF), the deviations of gas-containing fluid density and mass flow do not exceed ±0.3% and ±0.5% respectively, which are significantly lower than those before.

Effect of Sagging on Dynamic Characteristics of Silicone Tube Conveying Fluid

Flexible silicone tubes are nowadays broadly employing in medical applications such as drugs or blood-conveying tubes, various infusions as well as medical pumps, and ventilators tubes. Due to better resistance to corrosion and erosion, the subsequent diminishing of wall thickness and change in stiffness of silicone tubes are negligibly small. Hence, these tubes provide trouble-free operations for a prolonged period. Commonly, the fundamental frequency of fluid conveying tubes is influenced by various flow parameters. Recognizing the parameters affecting the fundamental frequency and estimating the extent of the impact of these parameters on the natural frequency are extremely important. This information is vital in the design of precision flow measuring instruments such as Coriolis flowmeter (CFM), which uses vibration techniques for flow measurements. Owing to higher accuracy and the direct fluid flow rate measurements, CFMs are universally accepted in industries for flow measuring applications. When the flexible silicone tube is excited in its sagged condition, there exists a difference in natural frequency in horizontal and vertical planes. Applying pre-stretch decreases the difference in natural frequency, which reduces the sagging and facilitates the tube to regain its cylindrical shape. This paper shows the experimental research on the influence of sagging of the silicone tube conveying fluid, the feasible methods to overcome these effects, and an effective means to capture the deformed shape of a flexible tube. Numerical analysis is carried out in ANSYS using the deformed shape acquired from the laser scanning technique, and the result shows excellent agreement with the experimental values. The damping ratio of the tube is identified by experimenting with varying flow velocities and pre-stretches. This study reveals that it is essential to eliminate the effect of sagging and the subsequent impact of frequency difference in flexible tubes when the principle of Coriolis flowmeter employs for measuring flow rates through flexible tubes.

Study on Coriolis Mass Flow Meter for Error Correction through Two-phase Fluid Using Fuzzy Logic

For mass flow in industry, one of the most accurate measuring tools is Coriolis mass flow meters. Though, two-phase gas-liquid movement may effect severe functioning complications as well as reducing assurance in dimension. It is essential to find a technique to correct the dimension error as a result of significant presentations of these Coriolis mass flow meter. Here a Fuzzy systems based method is considered for the error correction of Coriolis mass flow meters through two-phase fluid. The main aptitude for the purpose of error correction of this technique is specified by trying through on-line experimental data. One more benefit of the suggested method is its too much small cost relating to other methods which requires different hardware for correction in error.

АНАЛИЗ НОВОГО СПОСОБА СИЛОВОГО ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ МАССОВОГО РАСХОДА И ПЛОТНОСТИ ЖИДКОСТИ

This paper gives the preliminary analysis of a new physical method of measuring the fluid’s mass flow rate and density which has been discovered by other authors. The need for exploration and development of the method is defined by its advantages in comparison with other currently existing systems for mass flow rate measuring such as Coriolis flowmeter. The new physical method under consideration is based on measuring the alternating pressure difference which would occur along the flow due to harmonic oscillations of the cross-section area of the pipeline which has flexible walls. It is shown that the new physical method gives the opportunity of simultaneous measurement of mass flow rate and liquid’s density. A mathematical model of the process of non-stationary flow of a liquid is built. The problem of non-stationary flow of a liquid is considered and solved as to be one-dimensioned one. The detailed and thorough derivation of the formulae of the mathematical model is performed. Some inaccuracies in formulae permitted by authors of the method are indicated at. The limitations in applicability of the method which had been indicated at by its authors are also essentially weaken. The theoretical examination and approval of conclusions about the applicability of the new method are made.

Experiment and Simulation of Coriolis Mass Flowmeter with Multi-Medium and Multi-Working Conditions

Coriolis mass flowmeter can directly measure mass flow, high measurement accuracy, which can be used for gas, liquid, high viscosity media and other fluids. Thus it is one of the most important directions of flow measurement. Coriolis mass flowmeters currently used in natural gas pipeline networks are usually calibrated using water. The effects of differences in the detection medium and pressure on the results are lacking in relevant studies. This article analyzes the influence of fluid pressure on the test results by statics simulation, and different pressure was carried out on the DN80 flow meter to simulate different calibration media. Then real flow calibration on several brands and models of flowmeters to compare the influence of water and natural gas respectively. The experimental results show that the error of water is less than ±0.2%, and the error of natural gas is less than ±01%. The influence brought by pressure is close to the simulation analysis, and the results of different media have good consistency.

Investigation on separation performance of vane-type gas-liquid tube separator

In this work, gas phase distribution characteristic and separation performance of a new vane-type gas-liquid separator were carefully investigated using electrical resistance tomography and numerical simulation. The diameter of the separator was 100 mm and the flow rate ranges from 12.0 to 23.0 m3/h. The gas flow rate ranges from 1.2 to 4.0 m3/h. In the experiment, electrical resistance tomography was applied to test section void fraction distribution. Coriolis mass flow meter was applied to obtain separation efficiency by testing separator exits mixture density. In the numerical simulation, full Eulerian multiphase model, together with RNG k-? turbulent model and dispersed phase zero equation models were applied. Results show that the vane-type gas-liquid separator's performance is influenced by gas core size. The separator performs well in all the cases, considering separation efficiency is over 85%, and achieves nearly 100% through adjustment of split ratio. All these findings are beneficial for vane-type gas-liquid separator design and optimization.

Preparing nano-zinc oxide with high-added-value from waste zinc manganese battery by vacuum evaporation and oxygen-control oxidation

In this paper, nano-ZnO with high-added-value was prepared from waste Zn-Mn battery by using high-temperature vacuum evaporation and oxygen control oxidation. Nano-ZnO particles with different morphologies were prepared under the different experimental conditions of oxygen content, nitrogen flow rate, heating temperature, condensing distance and collecting substrate. The oxygen was used as oxidant and nitrogen was used as carrier gas. Their flow rates were adjusted through a gas mass flowmeter. In the experimental condition of 1123 K heating temperature, 12.5% oxygen content and 21 L/min nitrogen flow rate, the high-added-value tetrapod nano-ZnO in regular shape was obtained on the glass sheet. Its growth process and photoelectric effect were analyzed by electron microscopy and spectrum test. The results showed that the tetrapod nano-ZnO has fantastic UV absorption performance with high purity and can be used as a potential photocatalyst. This research can provide a novel and environmental friendly method for recycling zinc from waste Zn-Mn batteries.

Modal simulation and experiment analysis of coriolis mass flowmeter

This article describes the simulation and experimental determination of the oscillation modes of a Coriolis Mass Flowmeter (CMF). The authors use the SolidWorks software to create a suitable model which is a double U-type of CMF. Based on SolidWorks software, the authors established the double-U tube model for CMF, adopted ANSYS-Workbench simulation software to make the modal analysis, and the exciting mode and Coriolis force mode of CMF are obtained by simulation. According to the results of modal analysis, the authors made the harmonic response analysis of the Flowmeter, got the displacement amplitude of the U-shaped tube excited by different frequency loads under the exciting force, and the maximum displacement amplitude at the resonant frequency was determined. Next, the authors use a laser vibrometer to perform an experimental modal test on the flowmeter. The result of the simulation of the finite element model was verified by modal test of the flowmeter. Provides an effective reference for CMF modelling and simulation in the future.