The following are a selection of papers written by CEESI engineers regarding ultrasonic meters. If you would like addition information on this type of meter, or on other flow measurement topics, search the Measurement Library. Please read the CEESI Disclaimer before downloading any CEESI publications.


Uncertainty Analysis of Turbine and Ultrasonic Meter Volume Measurements – Part 2, Advanced Topics
Tom Kegel,  2004, SE Asian Flow Conference

Abstract:
This paper continues from the first paper1 in describing the process of estimating the uncertainty of volume measurements made with turbine and ultrasonic flowmeters. Components that contribute uncertainty include the pressure and temperature transducers, the gas chromatograph, state equation and flow computer as well as the meter itself. In the first paper each component was described and numerical uncertainty values were estimated based on a hypothetical set of measurements. The individual component values were combined to provide the uncertainty in the total volume.

The present paper discusses uncertainty issues associated with calibration, it is organized based on two examples. The first example concerns pressure transducer calibration, the second example discusses flowmeter calibration. Topics include short and long term random effects, percent-of-reading effects, and full-scale effects Additional discussion covers proper interpretation of flowmeter calibration results and guidance to replace manufacturer specifications with calibration results.
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Uncertainty Analysis of Turbine and Ultrasonic Meter Volume Measurements
Tom Kegel,  2003, AGA Operations Conference

Abstract:
This paper describes the process of estimating the uncertainty of volume measurements made with turbine and ultrasonic flowmeters. Components that contribute uncertainty include the pressure and temperature transducers, the gas chromatograph, state equation and flow computer as well as the meter itself. Each component is described and numerical uncertainty values are estimated based on a hypothetical set of measurements. The individual component values are combined to provide the uncertainty in the total volume. Some discussion of advanced topics is included.
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Ultrasonic Meter Performance Issues: A Review of Recent Laboratory Results
Tom Kegel,  2002, 3rd Seminar on Advanced Flow Measurement

Abstract:
A variety of calibration and test facilities are owned and operated by the Colorado Engineering Experiment Station, Inc. (CEESI). These facilities are often utilized to generate data that advance the state of the art in flow measurement technology. This paper briefly discusses the following recent ultrasonic meter results:

* Typical meter performance
* Installation effects study
* Pressure effects study
* Operation at extreme pressure
* Clamp on design
* Wet gas performance
* Small line size meters
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Uncertainty Analysis of an Ultrasonic Meter Calibration Process
Tom Kegel,  2002, AGA Operations Conference

Abstract:
In March of 1999 CEESI completed construction of a natural gas flow calibration facility located in Clear Lake, Iowa. The uncertainty associated with the process of calibrating a meter in that facility has recently been estimated to be +-0.23% at a 95% level of confidence. This paper describes the two part analysis leading to that value. The first part is based on manufacturer’s specifications while the second part is based on results from a Measurement Assurance Program.
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Calibration of Ultrasonic Flowmeters
Bill Johansen and Joel Clancy,  2000, 75th International School of Hydrocarbon Measurement

Abstract:
Ultra-sonic flowmeters are currently being put into service in large numbers. When used in custody transfer applications, ultrasonic flowmeter calibration is required. There is currently no standard covering the calibration of ultra-sonic flowmeters, although AGA Report No. 9 is used as a guide. The process of calibrating an ultra-sonic meter will be discussed as well as the calculation of a flow weighted mean error (FWME) and a calibration factor in accordance with AGA Report No. 9.
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