You are on page 1of 9

Page 1 of 9

STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR

FLOW INSTRUMENTS

DOCUMENT NO : 44-LK-5102-00/J.02/0006-A4

Rev No. Issue Date Pages Rev Description Prepared Checked Approved
By By By

A 12.08.08 9 Issued for Comments / NSA SPM BSP


Approval
JACOBS ENGINEERING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

DOCUMENT NO :44-LK-5102-00/J.02/0006-A4 Date : 12.08.08


STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR FLOW INSTRUMENTS Page 2 of 9
Revision No.: A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE

2.0 SCOPE

3.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 ORIFICE PLATES


3.2 VENTURI METERS & FLOW NOZZLES
3.3 AVERAGING PITOT TUBES
3.4 DP TYPE FLOW TRANSMITTERS
3.5 VARIABLE AREA FLOW METERS
3.6 TURBINE & POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT TYPE FLOW METERS
3.7 CORIOLIS MASS FLOW METERS
3.8 THERMAL MASS FLOW METERS
3.9 MAGNETIC FLOW METERS
3.10 TARGET FLOW METERS
3.11 VORTEX FLOW METERS
3.12 ULTRASONIC FLOW METERS
3.13 FIELD BUS DEVICES GUIDELINES

4.0 RELATED DOCUMENTATION

5.0 ATTACHMENTS
JACOBS ENGINEERING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
_________________________________________________________________________

DOCUMENT NO : 44-LK-5102-00/J.02/0006-A4 Date : 12.08.08


STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR FLOW INSTRUMENTS Page 3 of 9
Revision No. :A

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this specification is to define the minimum requirements of design and
manufacture of Flow Instruments.

2.0 SCOPE

The scope of work shall include design, manufacture, testing and supply of flow
instruments.

3.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 ORIFICE PLATES

3.1.1 Orifice plate shall be the standard flow measurement device except for the following
conditions where other type of instrument shall be selected.

- where required accuracy is not obtained


- where flow rate varies in wide range
- where allowable pressure drop is limited
- for high viscosity liquids and slurries
- where other types of flow meters are more advantageous, like batching applications

3.1.2 Flow measurement shall be normally carried out using square edged concentric orifice
plate mounted between a pair of weld neck flanges of minimum 300# ANSI rating for
line size 2" and above. Flange taps shall be used for line sizes upto 12" while D-D/2 taps
shall be used for line sizes 14" and above. EPCC Contractor to check fouling of tapping
point with respect to welding of flange. In case of fouling, flange tap shall only be used.
The material of the orifice plates shall be normally SS 316, as a minimum. Orifice
flange, gaskets, bolts & nuts material shall be as per the relevant Piping material
Specification.

3.1.3 Quadrant edge or quarter circle orifice plates shall be used for highly viscous liquids and
for pipe Reynolds number below 10,000. The Beta Ratio for these plates shall not
exceed 0.6.

3.1.4 Conical entrance type of orifice plates shall preferably be used for highly viscous liquids
upto throat Reynolds number of 250. These shall be fabricated as per BS 1042 Part I.
The Beta Ratio for these plates shall not exceed 0.3.

3.1.5 Eccentric orifice plates shall be used for fluids containing two phases. Eccentric orifice
plates shall have the bottom of the orifice bore flush with the bottom I.D. of the pipe.
Eccentric or segmental orifice plates shall be used on liquids containing large amounts
of solid, or slurries. Eccentric or segmental orifice plates shall be used in horizontal runs
only.

3.1.6 Vent / drain hole shall be provided for orifice plate having bore greater than 25mm.

3.1.7 Orifice plate dimensions and machining tolerances shall be as per BS 1042 Part 1.

3.1.8 Sizing of orifice plates shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 5167. Other sizing
methods like AGA Report No.3, BS-1042, 'Flow measurement - Engineering Handbook'
by R.W. Miller shall be used when specified.
JACOBS ENGINEERING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

DOCUMENT NO :44-LK-5102-00/J.02/0006-A4 Date : 12.08.08


STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR FLOW INSTRUMENTS Page 4 of 9
Revision No.: A

3.1.9 Honed metering runs in accordance with AGA tolerances or integral orifice type
transmitter shall be used in lines with 1" (40 mm) nominal diameter or below. The
integral flow assembly shall be supplied as an integral assembly consisting of upstream
and downstream straight pipes, integral orifice of 316 SS (as a minimum) and
transmitter installed along with manifold.End flanges shall be as per piping
specifications. Upstream and downstream pipes shall be honed from inside to achieve
smooth surface. Integral orifice meters, when used, shall be installed with block and
bypass valves.

3.1.10 Upstream and downstream straight length shall be provided based on maximum d/D
ratio of 0.75, in general. Where it is difficult to meet this requirement, the actual d/D
ratio can be considered for reducing the straight length as permitted by the codes. The
recommended practice shall be as per API-MPMS Recommended Practices and AGA
Report No.3. The piping layout, where possible, shall be arranged such that
straightening vanes are not required.

3.1.11 Orifice plates shall be installed on horizontal lines when practical. Vertical meter runs
may be used for down flow of vapour and up flow of liquids.

3.1.12 Meter taps shall be horizontal for liquids, condensible vapours and steam. The taps
shall be on top for gas, non-condensible vapour, or liquids, which boil at or below the
maximum design ambient temperature at operating pressure. Where piping
clearances are a factor, taps may be located upto 45 below the horizontal centre line
for liquids and upto 45 above the horizontal centre line for condensible vapour and
steam. The taps may be located upto 60 from vertical for gas and non condensible
vapour.

3.1.13 Each orifice plate shall be provided with a tab that is clearly visible in the final installed
position. The tab will be stamped, or deep engraved, on the upstream face with the tag
number, orifice plate material, measured bore, I.D. of the pipe, flange size and rating.
The tab shall also be in line with the Drain or Vent hole and shall indicate the direction of
flow

3.1.14 Flanges shall be as per ANSI B16.36 and shall generally be of weld-neck type.

3.1.15 Flanges larger than 3" shall have a pair of jack-screws. The mating flanges shall be so
aligned that jack-screws will be diametrically opposite.

3.1.16 Orifice flanges used at pressure ratings up to 600 lb. shall be tapped " female NPT; for
900 lb. and above - " female NPT. Orifice connections for Vena Contracta taps or
pipe taps shall be " "Sockets" or equal. Material and schedule number of "Sockets"
shall be in accordance with applicable piping specifications related to a specific service.

3.1.17 Maximum meter flow shall equal nearest preferred factor greater than or equal to 1.5
normal flow if only the normal flow is known and shall be greater than or equal to 1.1
max. flow, if max. flow is given.

3.1.18 Differential ranges for all liquid flow meters shall not exceed 5000 mm (200 inches) of
water. Typical ranges for gas, steam or vapour meters are as follows:

Static Pressure Differential pressure


kg/cmg (psig) mm of water (inches of water)
0.35 to 2.5 (5-35) 500 - 1250 (20-50)
2.5 to 6 (35-85) 1250 to 2500 (50 to 100)
Above 6 (above 85) 2500 to 5000 (100 to 200)
JACOBS ENGINEERING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
_________________________________________________________________________

DOCUMENT NO : 44-LK-5102-00/J.02/0006-A4 Date : 12.08.08


STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR FLOW INSTRUMENTS Page 5 of 9
Revision No. :A

Where practical, the differential range will be 2500 mm (100 inches) water column.
Other preferred ranges are 500, 625, 1250, 5000 mm of water.

3.1.19 Where compressible fluids are metered using differential pressure producing device, the
selected differential in mm of water shall preferably not numerically exceed 5.5 times the
upstream static absolute pressure in kg/cm x 100.

3.1.20 The diameter ratio of orifice plates shall be as follows:

Type Diameter Ratio


Corner taps 0.23 to 0.8
Flange taps 0.2 to 0.75
Radius contracts taps 0.2 to 0.75

Inspite of the above mentioned criteria, it is preferable to select between 0.3 and 0.65.
Orifice bore of less than 0.125 inches shall be avoided.

3.1.21 Flow transmitter shall have 100:1 rangebility.

3.1.22 For deriving more than one signals from a single orifice plate, separate tappings shall be
provided for each transmitter.

3.1.23 In case of single measurement of flow for steam export/import, two different transmitters
shall be used in place of single transmitter with compound range.

3.2 VENTURI METER & FLOW NOZZLES

Venturi meter & flow nozzles with piezometers rings may be considered for gas / air flow
measurement in large size pipes / ducts, where high accuracy is required and lower
permanent pressure loss to be low.
For high velocity steam or similar fluid, flow nozzles may be used in place of orifice
plates to avoid problems due to erosion.

3.3 AVERAGING PITOT TUBES

Averaging pilot tubes shall be considered for low pressure loss, high velocity steam,
large diameter lines and air ducts. This shall be installed on 1 size nozzle for small
lines and 3 for large lines or lines with high velocity. The averaging pitot tube shall be
of 316 SS material as a minimum, shall be provided with end support, whenever
required. Retraction arrangement with ball valves shall be provided for each averaging
pitot tube installation.

3.4 DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE TYPE FLOW TRANSMITTERS

Differential Pressure type flow transmitters shall be as per the requirements specified in
Standard Specification for Pressure Instruments (Doc. No. 3188-JSS-106).

The above flow transmitters shall be provided with integral 3 way manifold valves.

3.5 VARIABLE AREA FLOWMETER

3.5.1 Variable Area Flowmeters or rotameters shall be as per ISA-RP 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4,
16.5 and 16.6 and shall be used for viscous or corrosive services or where rangeability
in flow precludes the use of an orifice. Metal tube rotameters shall be used for all
JACOBS ENGINEERING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

DOCUMENT NO :44-LK-5102-00/J.02/0006-A4 Date : 12.08.08


STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR FLOW INSTRUMENTS Page 6 of 9
Revision No.: A

process fluids. External devices for indicating or transmitting shall be magnetically


coupled to the float or extension. Magnetic coupling shall be glandless type. The tube
and flanges shall be SS316 as a minimum and shall be weatherproof to IP 66.

3.5.2 Glass tube rotameters shall be used for low pressure utility services for local indication
and where line size is 1-1/2" (40 mm) or less. Glass tube rotameters shall not be used if
outlet line is connected to a line or vessel containing hazardous or toxic fluid unless a
check valve is installed at the downstream side of rotameter. Glass tube meters shall be
mechanically protected and may only be used on non-hazardous fluid services, with
temperatures up to 130C, and on fluids always above freezing.

3.5.3 Linearity should be better than 5% for indication-only rotameters and better than 1% for
rotameter transmitter. Accuracy shall be 2% (or better) of full scale for general purpose
and metal tube rotameters.

3.5.4 Variable Area Flowmeters (purge rotameters) fitted with a constant flow regulator shall
only be used for fixed rate flows such as flushing or purging.

3.5.5 For low cost measurement of high flow rates generally 2 and larger sizes, bypass
rotameters shall be used.

3.6 TURBINE & POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT TYPE FLOW METERS

3.6.1 These flow meters shall be used for highly accurate volumetric flow measurement.
These meters can be applied in custody transfer operation or in batch-transfers.

3.6.2 Turbine / PD flow meters shall be used for relatively clean liquid services. Strainers and
vapour Accuracy / Repeatability to be indicated, eliminators shall be used with these
meters.

3.6.3 As a minimum, the rotor shall be of 316 SS material. Turbine meter shall have tungsten
carbide bearings and shall be designed with hydraulic balance to keep the rotor in place.
Designs using thrust bearings are not advisable.

3.6.4 Whenever PD meter is selected, these shall be of double casing type with inner casing
of 316 SS as a minimum.

3.6.5 Transmitter signal shall be of pulse type. Pulser and the transmitter selected shall be
compatible and should have a proven combination reference.

3.6.6 While selecting turbine flow meters, due considerations to be given to the fluid viscosity.
Viscocity affects the linearity of turbine meter, so on high viscosity line it is advisable to
size the meter so that its maximum permitted flowrate is as close as possible to the
application maximum flowrate.

3.7 CORIOLIS MASS FLOW METER

3.7.1 Coriolis mass flowmeter shall be used for high-rangeabilty, high-accuracy applications
requiring mass flow measurement. It shall also be used where liquid physical properties
will vary, for slurry services and corrosive services. This is also recommended for
custody transfer. This flow meter may also be used for measuring density.

3.7.2 As a standard, sensor tube material to be SS 316L. Accuracy shall be within +/- 0.1% of
reading.
JACOBS ENGINEERING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
_________________________________________________________________________

DOCUMENT NO : 44-LK-5102-00/J.02/0006-A4 Date : 12.08.08


STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR FLOW INSTRUMENTS Page 7 of 9
Revision No. :A

3.7.3 While selecting the meter size, due considerations shall be given to the loss of pressure
with respect to tube size and degradation of sensor tube accuracy as the flow rate
decreases.

3.7.4 Velocity

To reduce the erosive wear on wetted parts by abrasive fluids, the fluid stream velocity
should be limited to about 3 m/sec.

3.7.5 Coriolis Mass Flowmeter shall be Dual Tube type.

3.8 THERMAL MASS FLOW METERS

Thermal mass flow meters may be considered as a special application device:


- for high reliability flow switching, no-flow detection, reverse-flow detection.
- For measuring very low flow rates.
- For measuring flow rates of highly corrosive fluids or difficult-to-meter fluids.
- For measuring air flow to furnace.
- Flue gas measurement.

3.9 MAGNETIC FLOW METER

3.9.1 Magnetic type flow meters shall be used for electrically conductive slurry, cooling water
or corrosive services and shall be installed with line size bypass, with block and clean
out valves, at the lowest point in piping to ensure that meter run is always liquid filled.
Grounded rings shall be used whenever required. If the electrical conductivity is equal
to or more than 20 microsiemens/cm most of the conventional magnetic flowmeter can
be used. Special types, which will measure the flow of liquids with threshold conductivity
as low as 0.1 microsiemens/cm may also be used. While selecting meter, effect of fluid
temperature on conductivity shall be considered.

3.9.2 Magnetic flowmeter shall be used with a full pipe so that the measurement is accurate.

3.9.3 Magnetic flow meters shall be installed with required straight lengths.

3.10 TARGET METERS

Target meters shall be considered for highly viscous hydrocarbon streams such as
asphalt, tar, polymers, etc.

3.11 VORTEX FLOW METER

3.11.1 Vortex flow meters shall be considered for following applications:


- Where higher rangeability is required
- Where high accuracy is required
- Where no maintenance spare is expected
- Where process is a clean service
- Where mechanical vibrations are not existent in pipe and sufficient straight lengths
can be provided.
- For steam flow measurement.

3.11.2 Vortex flowmeter shall not be used for the following services:
- High viscous and slurry service.
JACOBS ENGINEERING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

DOCUMENT NO :44-LK-5102-00/J.02/0006-A4 Date : 12.08.08


STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR FLOW INSTRUMENTS Page 8 of 9
Revision No.: A

- Liquids having large concentration of solids and two phase flow or pulsating flow
service.

3.11.3 Meter shall be selected such that cavitation does not occur for given line pressure.

3.12 ULTRASONIC FLOW METER

Ultrasonic flow measurement shall be considered where non-intrusive flow measuring is


required. This type of flow meter shall normally be used for flare gas flow
measurement.

3.13 FIELD BUS DEVICES GUIDELINES

3.13.1 The Field bus transmitter shall be 2 wire system and shall have minimum facility as
- Foundation fieldbus output compliant to ITK 4.6 or above.
- Shall employ device description to facilitate interoperability.

3.13..2 It shall not be sensitive to the polarity of the wiring connection.

3.13.3 It shall operate on 9 to 32 V dc, with current draw capacity of 17mA maximum. This low
power consumption shall allow more devices to be connected to a segment.

3.13.4 The digital integral LCD display shall be capable of displaying any other variable from any
device on same segment.

3.13.5 Vendor to specify Response time (including dead time, time constant and min damping)

3.13.6 The foundation fieldbus transmitter must have the following essential facilities to facilitate
complete FF functionality including control in the field as and when required.

- Shall have multiple FF compliant analog input (AI) blocks (2 Nos with execution rate
of 30 ms or below) and VCRs (at least 12 Nos or above) to allow control in the field
Multiple AI blocks shall provide flexibility in using transmitter data for calculations
and alarming, while VCRs used for communication between function block both
within a device as well as amongst different devices shall be sufficient to execute all
inter block data transfers.
- Shall have a characterizer block for strapping tables.
- Shall have a integrator block for totalisation.
- Shall have a arithmetic block for functions such as level or density calculation.
- Shall have a input selector block for voting or averaging applications.
- Shall have a PID function block with PID.
- Shall provide a back up link active scheduler ( LAS) so as to improve the reliability
and security of the FF network.
- Shall have software download capability for upgrades or product enhancement via
fieldbus segment with the segment in operation.
- Shall have guided routine (methods) for calibration and restoration of sensor
defaults.
- Shall have block execution times less than 45ms.

3.13.7 Diagnostics
The transmitter shall perform continuous self diagnostics, be capable of self test
functions and be able to provide specific diagnostic information locally on the LCD meter
and remotely via digital FF communications protocol. The diagnostic capabilities shall
include the following features-
JACOBS ENGINEERING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
_________________________________________________________________________

DOCUMENT NO : 44-LK-5102-00/J.02/0006-A4 Date : 12.08.08


STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR FLOW INSTRUMENTS Page 9 of 9
Revision No. :A

- Shall detect and alert or alarm during process abnormal situations using statistical
methods.
- Shall provide a variety of standard statistical monitoring configuration defaults for
detection such as plugged impulse line detection and flame instability.
- Shall have an easy system for alert and understanding of faults, failures and
anomalies either in the sensor, electronic circuits or process.

4.0 RELATED DOCUMENTATION

Nil

5.0 ATTACHMENTS

Nil

You might also like