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(Application Notes)
V 1.0

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Research Corporation 1 MFR-0902
 Mass Flow Rate - Table of Contents
Mass Flow Rate - Table of Contents

Topic Page Number

I. Symbols and Definitions 3

II. Necessary Specifications 4

III. Parameters 5

IV. Mass Flow Equation 5

V. Determination of Diameters/Diameter Ratio/Velocity of Approach 6

VI. Determination of Expansion Factor 6

VII. Determination of Isentropic Exponent 7

VIII. Determination of Fluid Density 8

IX. Determination of Viscosity 9

X. Determination of Coefficient of Discharge

AGA3 Orifice Plates 10
ISO Orifice Plates 11
ASME Orifice Plates 12
Nozzle, ISA 1932, ISO 12
Nozzle, Long Radius Wall Taps, ISO 12
Nozzle, Long Radius Wall Taps, ASME 12
Venturi Nozzle, ISO 13
Venturi, Rough Cast Inlet, ISO 13
Venturi, Rough Cast Inlet, ASME 13
Venturi, Machined Inlet, ISO 13
Venturi, Machined Inlet, ASME 13
Venturi, Welded Inlet, ISO 13
Small Bore Orifice Plate, Flange Taps, ASME 14

Appendix A: Sample of AIChE/DIPPR Database 15

Appendix B: Formulation of Isentropic Exponent of Steam Approximation 16

Appendix C: Formulation of Steam Viscosity Approximation 18

Appendix D: Custom Liquid Calculations 20

Custom Gas Calculations 21

Appendix E: Natural Gas Compressibility Equations 22

Appendix F: Iterative Process Used to Solve for Coefficient of Discharge 31

Appendix G: References 32

©Smar Research Corporation 2 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Symbols and Definitions
I. Symbols and Definitions

Symbol Definition
Cd Coefficient of discharge
Cp Specific heat at constant pressure
d Throat diameter at flowing temperature
davg Throat diameter at average temperature
dr Throat diameter at reference temperature
D Pipe diameter at flowing temperature
Davg Pipe diameter at average temperature
Dc Derivative of the correlation value of C d
Dr Pipe diameter at reference temperature
Ev Velocity of approach factor
Fc Correlation value of C d
Gi Ideal gas relative density
k Isentropic exponent
L1 Upstream tap position
L2 Downstream tap position
Mrair Molecular weight of air
Mw Molecular weight
Pc Critical pressure
Pf Flowing pressure
Qm Mass flow rate
R Universal gas constant
Re Reynolds number
Tavg Average temperature/Median value of specified temperature range
Tc Critical temperature
Tf Flowing temperature
Tr Reference temperature
v Specific volume
x Ratio of differential pressure to flowing pressure
Y Fluid expansion factor
Zf Compressibility at flowing conditions
α1 Linear coefficient of thermal expansion of primary element
α2 Linear coefficient of thermal expansion of pipe
β Ratio of throat diameter to pipe diameter
∆P Differential pressure
µf Absolute viscosity of flowing fluid
ρf Density of fluid at flowing temperature

©Smar Research Corporation 3 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Necessary Specifications
II. Necessary Specifications

Specify Fluid as:

a. Gas (from AIChE/DIPPR database)
b. Liquid (from AIChE/DIPPR database)
c. Steam
d. Natural Gas (3 options)
1. Gross Characterization Method
- Mole fraction of all components
2. Detail Characterization Method #1
- Real gas relative density
- Volumetric gross heating value
- Mole fraction of carbon dioxide
3. Detail Characterization Method #2
- Real gas relative density
- Mole fraction of carbon dioxide
- Mole fraction of nitrogen
e. Custom Fluid
- See Appendix D

Specify Primary Element as:

a. Orifice, Flange Taps (ISO, ASME, AGA3)
b. Orifice, Corner Taps (ISO, ASME)
c. Orifice, D & D/2 Taps (ISO, ASME)
d. Small Bore Orifice, Flange Taps, ASME
e. Nozzle, Long Radius Wall Taps (ISO, ASME)
f. Nozzle, ISA 1932, ISO
g. Venturi Nozzle, ISO
h. Venturi, Rough Cast Inlet (ISO, ASME)
i. Venturi, Machined Inlet (ISO,ASME)
j. Venturi, Welded Inlet, ISO

Specify Pipe/Throat:
- Diameters at reference temperature
- Materials

Specify Operating Range:

- Temperature (Tmin , Tmax)
- Pressure (P min , Pmax)

©Smar Research Corporation 4 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Parameters/Equation
III. Parameters

Gas/Liquid Temperature Range: Tf = 300 - 1500 F (-184.4 - 815.6 C)

Steam Temperature Range: Tf = Tsat - 1500 F (Tsat - 815.6 C)

Natural Gas Temperature Ranges:

Detail Method Tf = -200 - 400 F (-128.9 - 204.4 C)
Gross Methods Tf = 32 - 130 F (0- 54.4 C)

Absolute Pressure Range: Pf = 0.5 – 3626 psia

Pf = 3.447 - 25000.4 kPa
Pf = 0.034 – 250 bar

Differential Pressure Range: ∆P = 0 – 830 inH2O (0 - 206 kPa)

Pressure Ratio (x = ∆P/P f) x < 0.25

Natural Gas Parameters

Ideal gas relative density Gi = 0.554 - 0.87
Vol gross heating value: HV = 477 - 1150 Btu/ft3 (18.7 - 45.1 MJ/m3)
Mole fraction CO2 xCO2 = 0 - 30 %
Mole fraction N2 xN2 = 0 - 50 %

Each primary element provides different parameters for the following:

Pipe diameter (D)
Throat diameter (d)
Diameter ratio (β)
Reynolds number (Re)

IV. Mass Flow Equation

π 2
Qm Ev Cd d Y 2ρ f ∆ P
4

Cd = coefficient of discharge
d = throat diameter at flowing temperature
Ev = velocity of approach factor
Qm = mass flow rate
Y = fluid expansion factor
∆P = differential pressure
ρ f = density of fluid at flowing temperature

©Smar Research Corporation 5 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Determination of Diameter/Expansion Factor
V. Determination of Diameters/Diameter Ratio/Velocity Approach

d dr 1 α 1 Tf Tr D Dr 1 α 2 Tf Tr

d = throat diameter at flowing temperature

dr = throat diameter at reference temperature
D = pipe diameter at flowing temperature
Dr = pipe diameter at reference temperature
Tf = flowing temperature
Tr = reference temperature
α 1 = linear coefficient of thermal expansion of primary element
α 2 = linear coefficient of thermal expansion of pipe

d avg
β
Davg

d avg dr 1 α 1 Tavg Tr Davg Dr 1 α 2 Tavg Tr

davg = throat diameter at average temperature

Davg = pipe diameter at average temperature
Tavg = average temperature/median value of specified temperature range

1
Ev
4
1 β

Ev = velocity of approach factor

VI. Determination of Expansion Factor

For Orifice Plates:
4
0.41 0.35 β ∆P
Y 1
k Pf

k = isentropic exponent
Pf = flowing pressure
∆P = differential pressure
Y = fluid expansion factor

For Nozzles or Venturi Tubes:

1
2
2 k 1

k.( 1
k 4 k
x) 1 β 1 (1 x)
Y
k 1 2 x
4 k
1 β (1 x)

x = ∆P/ P f

©Smar Research Corporation 6 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Determination of Isentropic Exponent
VII. Determination of Isentropic Exponent

For Gas:
Cp
k
Cp R

2 2
C E
Tavg Tavg
Cp A B D
C E
sinh cosh
Tavg Tavg
Cp = specific heat at constant pressure
R = universal gas constant
A, B, C, D, and E are constants provided by AIChE/DIPPR database

For Liquid:
Y = 1 therefore determination of k is not necessary

For Steam:
k is estimated using the following linear approximation:

k 1.33544 6.24543 . 10 5
Tavg

Data used to formulate this approximation is contained within Appendix B.

For Natural Gas:

k is estimated according to AGA Report 3 Part 4:
k = 1.3

©Smar Research Corporation 7 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Determination of Fluid Density
VIII. Determination of Fluid Density

For Gas:
Pf M w
ρf
Zf R Tf
Mw = molecular weight
Zf = compressibility at flowing conditions

Zf is calculated using the Redlich-Kwong equations of state:

v a
Zf
v b R . Tf
1.5
(v b)

2.5
2
Tc Tc
a .42748 R b .08664 R
Pc Pc

3
R . Tf 2 a 2
b . R . Tf a .b
v v b v =0
Pf Pf . Tf Pf Pf . Tf
.5 .5

Pc = critical pressure
Tc = critical temperature
v = specific volume

For Liquid:
A
ρf
D
T
f
1 1
C
B

A, B, C, and D are constants provided by AIChE/DIPPR database

For Steam:
ρf is calculated from Tables S-1 through S-5 from the ASME International Steam
Tables. Density is equal to the inverse of specific volume (v).

For Natural Gas:

Pf Mrair Gi
ρf
Zf R Tf

Gi = ideal gas relative density

Mrair = molecular weight of air

Zf is calculated using the natural gas compressibility equations from AGA Report 8.
These equations are contained in Appendix D.

©Smar Research Corporation 8 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Determination of Viscosity
IX. Determination of Viscosity

For Gas:
B
A Tf
µf
C D
1
Tf Tf
2

µ f = absolute viscosity of flowing fluid

A, B, C, and D are constants provided by AIChE/DIPPR database.

For Liquid:
B E
A Cln T D T
T f f
f
µf e

A, B, C, D, and E are constants provided by AIChE/DIPPR database.

For Steam:
µ f is estimated using the following linear approximation:
6
µ 7.51661 0.02249 Tf 10
f

Data used to formulate this approximation is contained within Appendix C.

For Natural Gas:

µ f is estimated according to AGA Report 3 Part 4:
µ f = 0.0000069 lbm/ft*sec or 0.010268 cP

©Smar Research Corporation 9 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Determination of Coefficient of Discharge
X. Determination of Coefficient of Discharge

***For these primary elements, C d is a function of Reynolds number, and Reynolds num-
ber is a function of the unknown mass flow. Therefore, C d can not be directly calculated
and it is necessary to guess values for C d and Reynolds number and use an iterative
process to find the exact values. A detailed description of this iterative process is con-
tained in Appendix D.

AGA3 Orifice Plates:

Flange taps Corner or D&D/2 taps
0.05m < D < 1m 0.05m < D < 1m
d > 0.0125m d > 0.0125m
0.1 < β < 0.75 0.1 < β < 0.75 D
Re > 4000(β<0.5) Re > 4000(β<0.5)
Re > 170,000Dβ 2(β>0.5) Re > 16,000β 2(β>0.5) d

Assume an initial value of 4000 for the Reynolds number to get the following equations:
4 1.3
8.5 L 6L β L2 L2
.0712 . e .1145 . e
2 8 1 1 1.1
Cd0 .5961 .0291 β .229 β .0433 .0232 .014853 β
1 β
4 1 β 1 β

For D < .0711m add following term to C d0:

D
.003 ( 1 β ) 2.8
.0254

0.7
Cd1 .0244 β

4
Cd2 .145 β

4.8
Cd3 .1177 β
4.8 1.3
8.5 L 6L β .0113 L2 L2
.057 . e .0916 . e 7.232 . 10
1 1 3 1.9
Cd4 .0346 β
1 β
4 1 β 1 β

Corner Pressure Taps:

L1 = L2 = 0
D and D/2 Pressure Taps:
L1 = 1 and L2 = 0.47
Flange Pressure Taps:
L1 = L2 = .0254/Davg

Calculate for X:

4000 Dµ
X
Cd0 . Ev Yd . 2 ρ f . ∆ P
2

©Smar Research Corporation 10 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Determination Coefficient of Discharge
Use Cd0-4 and X to solve the following equations:

0.35 0.8 0.35 0.8

Fc Cd0 Cd1 X Cd2 Cd3 X X Cd4 X

0.35 0.8 0.35 0.8

Dc 0.7 Cd1 X 0.35 Cd2 1.15 Cd3 X X 0.8 Cd4 X

Cd(1) = Cd0 - δCd

Cd0 Fc
δCd
Dc
1
Cd0

Recalculate X with new value of C d(1) in place of C d. Use this value of X to recal-
culate F c , D c, and δCd. Continue repeating this process until δCd < 5x10-6 .

ISO Orifice Plates***:

Corner taps Flange or D&D/2 taps

0.05m < D < 1m 0.05m < D < 1m
d > 0.0125m d > 0.0125m
0.2 < β < 0.75 0.2 < β < 0.75
D
Re > 5,000(β<0.45) Re > 1,260,000β 2D(β<0.45)
Re > 10,000(β>0.45) Re > 1,260,000β 2D(β>0.45) d

If L1 < 0.4333 then:

6 .75 4
2.1 8 2.5 10 β 3
Cd 0.5959 0.0312 β 0.184 β 0.0029 β 0.09 L1 0.0337 L2 β
Re 1 β
4

If L1 > 0.4333 then:

6 .75 4
2.1 8 2.5 10 β 3
Cd 0.5959 0.0312 β 0.184 β 0.0029 β 0.039 L1 0.0337 L2 β
Re 1 β
4

Corner Pressure Taps:

L1 = L2 = 0
D and D/2 Pressure Taps:
L1 = 1 and L2 = 0.47
Flange Pressure Taps:
L1 = L2 = .0254/Davg

©Smar Research Corporation 11 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Determination of Coefficient of Discharge
ASME Orifice Plates***:
Flange taps Corner or D&D/2 taps
0.0508m < D < 1m 0.05m < D < 1m
d > 0.0125m d > 0.0125m D
0.2 < β < 0.7 0.2 < β < 0.7
d
If L1 < 0.4333 then:
6 .75 4
2.1 8 2.5 10 β 3
Cd 0.5959 0.0312 β 0.184 β 0.0029 β 0.09 L1 0.0337 L2 β
Re 1 β
4

If L1 > 0.4333 then:

6 .75 4
2.1 8 2.5 10 β 3
Cd 0.5959 0.0312 β 0.184 β 0.0029 β 0.039 L1 0.0337 L2 β
Re 1 β
4

Corner Pressure Taps:

L1 = L2 = 0
D and D/2 Pressure Taps:
L1 = 1 and L2 = 0.47
Flange Pressure Taps:
L1 = L2 = .0254/Davg

Nozzle, ISA 1932, ISO***:

0.05m < D < 0.5m
0.3 < β < 0.8 D
7x104 < Re < 107(β < 0.44)
2x104 < Re < 107(β > 0.44) d

6 1.15
4.1 2 4.15 10
Cd 0.9900 0.2262 β 0.00175 β 0.0033 β
Re

Nozzle, Long Radius Wall Taps, ISO***:

0.05m < D < 0.63m
0.2 < β < 0.8 D
104 < Re < 107
d
6 0.5
10
0.00653 . β
.5 .
Cd 0.9965
Re

Nozzle, Long Radius Wall Taps, ASME***:

0.1m < D < 0.75m
0.2 < β < 0.8
D
104 < Re < 6x106
d

6 0.5
.5 10
Cd 0.9975 0.00653 . β .
Re

©Smar Research Corporation 12 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Determination of Coefficient of Discharge
Venturi Nozzle, ISO:
0.065m < D < 0.5m d
d > 0.05m
0.316 < β < 0.775
D
1.5x105 < Re < 2x106
4.5
Cd 0.9858 0.196 β

Venturi, Rough Cast Inlet, ISO:

0.1m < D < 0.8m d
0.3 < β < 0.75
2x105 < Re < 2x106

Cd = 0.984 D

Venturi, Rough Cast Inlet, ASME:

0.1m < D < 1.2m d
0.3 < β < 0.75
2x105 < Re < 6x106

Cd = 0.984 D

Venturi, Machined Inlet, ISO:

0.05m < D < 0.25m
0.4 < β < 0.75 d
2x105 < Re < 1x106

Cd = 0.995
D

Venturi, Machined Inlet, ASME:

0.05m < D < 0.25m
0.3 < β < 0.75 d
2x105 < Re < 2x106

Cd = 0.995
D

Venturi, Welded Inlet, ISO:

0.2m < D < 1.2m d
0.4 < β < 0.7
2x105 < Re < 2x106

Cd = 0.985 D

©Smar Research Corporation 13 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Determination of Coefficient of Discharge
Small Bore Orifice Plate, Flange Taps, ASME***:
0.025 < D < 0.04m
d > 0.006m
D
0.15 < β < 0.7
Re > 1000 d

4
4 12 4 4 . 1 β
Cd 0.598 0.468 β 10 β 1 β 0.87 8.1 β
Re

©Smar Research Corporation 14 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix A
Appendix A

Sample of AIChE/DIPPR Database

Gas Database

Fluid Mw Pc Tc Cp Viscosity

A B C D E A B C D

Acetic Acid

Acetone

Acetonitrile

Acetylene

Acrylonitrile

Liquid Database

Fluid Density Viscosity

A B C D A B C D E

Acetic Acid

Acetone

Acetonitrile

Acetylene

Acrylonitrile

©Smar Research Corporation 15 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix B
Appendix B

Formulation of Isentropic Exponent of Steam Approximation

According to the ASME Steam Tables, isentropic exponent is a function of both

temperature and pressure. Its value can be found by plotting temperature and pres-
sure on Figure 7 of the ASME Steam Tables and estimating the corresponding isen-
tropic exponent. The complexity of the graph makes it impossible to create a direct
formula for the calculation of isentropic exponent. Therefore, assumptions must be
made in order to simplify the process. Various software was then analyzed to deter-
mine what assumptions could be made.

It can be assumed that the isentropic exponent does not vary with changing
pressure, therefore it is only a function of temperature. To determine an equation for
isentropic exponent as a function of temperature, various values of temperature were
inputted into the software. The corresponding values of isentropic exponent were then
graphed and a trend line was formulated. The equation of this trend line would provide
values of isentropic exponent for all possible values of temperature.

The following table is the values of isentropic exponent provided by the software
at various temperatures:

Temp k Temp k Temp k Temp k

79.5855 1.32873 450 1.30801 825 1.28301 1200 1.26007

100 1.32806 475 1.30631 850 1.28141 1225 1.25863

125 1.32713 500 1.30461 875 1.27982 1250 1.25721

150 1.32608 525 1.30291 900 1.27824 1275 1.2558

175 1.32493 550 1.30121 925 1.27666 1300 1.25441

200 1.32368 575 1.29951 950 1.2751 1325 1.25304

225 1.32235 600 1.29783 975 1.27355 1350 1.25167

250 1.32093 625 1.29615 1000 1.272 1375 1.25033

275 1.31945 650 1.29447 1025 1.27047 1400 1.249

300 1.31792 675 1.29281 1050 1.26895 1425 1.24769

325 1.31633 700 1.29116 1075 1.26744 1450 1.24639

350 1.31471 725 1.28951 1100 1.26594 1475 1.24511

375 1.31306 750 1.28787 1125 1.26445 1500 1.24385

400 1.31139 775 1.28624 1150 1.26298

425 1.30971 800 1.28462 1175 1.26151

©Smar Research Corporation 16 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix B
The following graph plots isentropic exponent of steam versus temperature. A linear
trend line has been added to provide an equation for the value of k at any T. A linear
function was chosen based on its simplicity and its accuracy to Figure 7 of the ASME
Steam Tables.

Isentropic Exponent of Steam

1.34

1.33

1.32

1.31
Isentropic Exponent (k)

1.3

1.29

1.28

1.27

1.26
k = -6.24543E-05T + 1.33544
1.25

1.24

1.23
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Temperature (F)

©Smar Research Corporation 17 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix C
Appendix C
Formulation of Steam Viscosity Approximation

According to the ASME Steam Tables, steam viscosity is a function of both tem-
perature and pressure. Its value can be found by applying temperature and pressure
to Table 8 of the ASME Steam Tables. Various software was also analyzed to deter-
mine what assumptions could be made.

After studying Table 8, it can be assumed that viscosity does not vary with
changing pressure. To determine an equation for viscosity as strictly a function of tem-
perature, various values of temperature were inputted into the software, while main-
taining a constant pressure. The corresponding values for viscosity were then graphed
and a trend line was formulated. The equation of this trend line would provide values
for viscosity for all possible values of temperature.

The following table is the values of steam viscosity provided by the software at
various temperatures and constant pressure:

Temp Vis(10-6 lb/ Temp Vis(10-6 lb/ Temp Vis(10-6 lb/

ft-s) ft-s)13.7 ft-s)
125 7.2 550 13.3 975 19.9
150 7.5 575 13.7 1000 20.2
175 7.8 600 14.1 1025 20.6
200 8.1 625 14.4 1050 21
225 8.5 650 14.8 1075 21.4
250 8.8 675 15.2 1100 21.7
275 9.2 700 15.6 1125 22.1
300 9.5 725 16 1150 22.5
325 9.9 750 16.4 1175 22.9
350 10.2 775 16.8 1200 23.2
375 10.6 800 17.2 1250 24
400 11 825 17.6 1300 24.7
425 11.4 850 17.9 1350 25.4
450 11.7 875 18.3 1400 26.1
475 12.1 900 18.7 1450 26.8
500 12.5 925 19.1 1500 27.5
525 12.9 950 19.5

©Smar Research Corporation 18 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix C
The following graph plots steam viscosity versus temperature. A linear trend line has
been added to provide an equation for the value of m at any T. A linear function was
chosen based on its simplicity and its accuracy to Table 8 of the ASME Steam Tables.

Steam Viscosity

30

25

20
Viscosity (10^-6 lb/ft-s)

-6
Viscosity = (0.01511T + 5.05093)*10

15

10

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Temperature (F)

©Smar Research Corporation 19 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix D
Appendix D
Custom Liquid Calculations

If a liquid is used that is not listed in the database, then the following information
must be provided in order to complete the necessary calculations:

Critical Temperature (Tc)

Viscosity (µ1) at Temperature (T1)
Density (ρb) at 20 °C (68 °F)

Use the following equation to solve for liquid density:

1.5
Tf T1 0.9 Tc
µf µ1
T1 Tf 0.9 Tc

The following method for solving liquid viscosity is derived from Figure 2.19 of the
Flow Measurement Engineering Handbook:

Solve for Y:

Y log µ 1 1

Solve for T:

15 6 12 5 11 4 7 3 4 2 2
4.4 x10 T 3.84 x10 T 3.37 x10 T 9.23 x10 T 3.66 x10 T 6.46 x10 T 6 Y 0

Calculate T1:

T1 = T + Tf - T1

Solve for Y1 :

1 15 1 6 12 1 5 11 1 4 7 1 3 4 1 2 2 1
Y 4.4 x10 T 3.84 x10 T 3.37 x10 T 9.23 x10 T 3.66 x10 T 6.46 x10 T 6

Solve for µf:

1 1
µf log Y 1

©Smar Research Corporation 20 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix D
Appendix D
Custom Gas Calculations

If a gas is used that is not listed in the database, then the following information
must be provided in order to complete the necessary calculations:

Critical Temperature (Tc)

Isentropic Exponent (k)
Molecular Weight (Mw )
Viscosity (µ1) at Temperature (T1)
Compressibility (Z)

Use the provided isentropic exponent along with the equations from Section VI
to solve for the expansion factor. Use provided molecular weight and compressibility
along with the gas equation from Section VIII to solve for the gas density. Use the fol-
lowing equation to solve for the gas viscosity:

1.5
Tf T1 0.9 Tc
µf µ1
T1 Tf 0.9 Tc

©Smar Research Corporation 21 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix E
Appendix E
Natural Gas Compressibility Equations

There are three methods that can be used to solve for the compressibility factor
of natural gas. The detail characterization method requires that the mole fraction of all
elements of the natural gas be known. The gross characterization method has two op-
tions. One option requires that the real gas relative density, volumetric gross heating
value, and the mole fraction of carbon dioxide must be known; while the other option
requires that the real gas relative density, mole fraction of carbon dioxide, and mole
fraction of nitrogen must be known. Once a method is chosen use the corresponding
equations to solve for the compressibility of natural gas:

Detail Characterization Method

18 58
D.B u u k b k
D . C'n T
n n n n n
Z 1 C'n T bn cn kn D D exp cn D
3
K n = 13 n = 13
Z = compressibility factor
B = second virial coefficient
C`n = coefficients which are functions of composition
D = reduced density
K = mixture size parameter
T = absolute temperature
bn, cn, kn, un = constants given in Table 4 (AGA Report 8)

2
N 5 N 1 N 5
5 2 5 2
K = xi Ki 2 xi xj Kij 1 Ki Kj
i= 1 i= 1 j= i 1

xi = mole fraction of ith component

Ki = size parameter of ith component (Table 5)
Kij = binary interaction parameter for size (Table 6)
N = number of components in the gas mixture

18 N N 3
u u
n. n 2
B an T xi xj Eij Ki Kj B'nij
n=1 i= 1 j= 1
an = constant given in Table 4
Eij = second virial coefficient binary energy parameter
B`nij = binary characterization coefficient

1
2
Eij E'ij Ei Ej
Ei = characteristic energy parameter for ith component (Table 5)
E`ij = second virial coefficient energy binary interaction parameter (Table 6)

©Smar Research Corporation 22 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix E
f
n
1 1
g q s w
n n 2 2 n n
B'nij Gij 1 gn Qi Qj 1 qn Fi Fj 1 fn Si Sj 1 sn Wi Wj 1 wn

Gij = binary orientation parameter

Qi = quadrupole parameter for ith component (Table 5)
Fi = high temperature parameter for ith component (Table 5)
Si = dipole parameter for ith component (Table 5)
Wi = association parameter for ith component (Table 5)
gn, qn, fn, sn, wn = constants given in Table 4
G'ij Gi Gj
Gij
2
Gi = orientation parameter for ith component (Table 5)
G`ij = binary interaction parameter for orientation (Table 6)
q
g n f u
n 2 n n
C'n an G 1 gn Q 1 qn F 1 fn U
G = orientation parameter
Q = quadrupole parameter
F = mixture high temperature parameter
U = mixture energy parameter

N N 1 N
G xi Gi xi xj G'ij 1 Gi Gj
i= 1 i= 1 j= i 1

N
Q xi Qi
i= 1
N
2
F xi Fi
i= 1
2
N 5 N 1 N 5
2 5 2
U xi Ei 2 xi xj Uij 1 Ei Ej
i= 1 i= 1 j= i 1
Uij = binary interaction parameter for conformal energy (Table 6)

3
D K d
d = molar density (moles per unit volume)
Solve for d using following equation:

18 58 k
n
u u k c D
n n n b n
P dRT 1 Bd D C'n T C'n T bn cn kn D D e
n = 13 n = 13

©Smar Research Corporation 23 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix E
Gross Characterization Method
2
Z 1 Bmix d Cmix d

Z = compressibility factor
Bmix = second virial coefficient for the mixture
Cmix = third virial coefficient for the mixture
d = molar density (moles per unit volume)
N N
Bmix Bij xi xj
i= 1 j= 1
Bij = individual component interaction second virial coefficient
N = number of components in gas mixture
xi , xj , xk = mole fractions of gas components

N N N
Cmix Cijk xi xj xk
i= 1 j= 1 k= 1
Cijk = individual component interaction third virial coefficient

Expansions of B mix and C mix are provided on page 30 of AGA Report 8.

2
Bij b0 b1 T b2 T
b0, b1, b2 = constants given in Table 7
T = temperature

2
Cijk c0 ci T c2 T
c 0, c1, c2 = constants given in Table 7

2
BCH CH
B0 B1 HCH B2 HCH

2
CCH CH CH
C0 C1 HCH C2 HCH

HCH = molar gross heating value of the equivalent hydrocarbon

2
Bi b i0 b i1 T b i2 T

2
Ci ci0 ci1 T ci2 T

i = 0, 1, 2
bi0 , bi1 , bi2 , ci0 , c i1 , ci2 = constants given in Table 8

©Smar Research Corporation 24 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix E
5 2
BN2 N2
BCH CH
BN2 CH
0.72 1.875 x10 ( 320 T)
2

1
2
BCO2 CH
0.865 BCO2 CO2
BCH CH

1
3
2
CN2 CH CH
( 0.92 0.0013 ( T 270 ) ) CCH CH CH
CN2 N2 N2

1
3
2
CN2 N2 CH
( 0.92 0.0013 ( T 270 ) ) CN2 N2 N2
CCH CH CH

1
3
2
CCO2 CH CH
0.92 CCH CH CH
CCO2 CO2 CO2

1
3
2
CCO2 CO2 CH
0.92 CCO2 CO2 CO2
CCH CH CH

1
3
CCO2 N2 CH
1.10 CC02 CO2 CO2
CN2 N2 N2
CCH CH CH

After Bmix and Cmix are calculated, use following equation to solve for d:

2
P dRT 1 Bmix d Cmix d
P = absolute pressure
R = gas constant

Use one of the following methods to solve for H CH

©Smar Research Corporation 25 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix E
Method #1 (for determination of H CH)

Necessary input:
HV = volumetric gross heating value at reference conditions Th , Td, Pd
Gr = relative density (specific gravity) of mixture
xCO2 = mole fraction of carbon dioxide

HV. Z . R. Td 1
0 4
0
1.027 x10 Th 298.15
HN
Pd
HN0 = molar ideal gross heating value at 298.15K and 0.101325 MPa
Pd = reference pressure for molar density
R = gas constant, 8.31451 J/mol-K
Td = reference temperature for molar density
Th = reference temperature for heating value
Z0 = compressibility factor at reference conditions (set Z0=1 for initial iteration)

Gr Z R. Tgr ρ
0 0
air
Mr
Pgr
Mr = molar mass (molecular weight) of the mixture
Gr = relative density at reference conditions Tgr, Pgr
Pgr = reference pressure for relative density
Tgr = reference temperature for relative density
(ρ0)air = mass density of air at reference conditions Tgr, Pgr

0 M r ( air )
ρ Tgr , Pgr
air
R. Tgr
Bair Tgr
Pgr
Mr(air) = molar mass of air, 28.96256 g/mol

4 7 2
Bair Tgr .012527 5.91 x10 Tgr 6.62 x10 Tgr

0
Mr G2 HN M rN2 xCO2 M rN2 xCO2 M rCO2
xCH
G1 M rN2
xCH = mole fraction of equivalent hydrocarbon
G1 = -2.709328
G2 = 0.021062199
MrN2 = molar mass of nitrogen
MrCO2 = molar mass of carbon dioxide

xN2 1 xCH xCO2

xN2 = mole fraction of nitrogen

©Smar Research Corporation 26 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix E
0
HN
HCH
xCH

HCH = molar gross heating value of the equivalent hydrocarbon

0
Bmix Pgr
Z 1
new
R. Tgr

(Z0) new = compressibility factor for next iteration

Bmix = second virial coefficient of mixture (calculated from previous equations)

Repeat process, continuously replacing Z0 with (Z0) new, until (Z0/Z0new-1) is less than
the convergence criteria (5x10-11 in double precision or 5x10 -7 in single precision)

©Smar Research Corporation 27 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix E
Method #2 (for determination of H CH)

Necessary input:
Gr = relative density (specific gravity) of mixture
xCO2 = mole fraction of carbon dioxide
xN2 = mole fraction of nitrogen

xCH 1 xN2 xCO2

xCH = mole fraction of equivalent hydrocarbon

Gr Z R. Tgr ρ
0 0
air
Mr
Pgr

Mr = molar mass (molecular weight) of the mixture

Gr = relative density at reference conditions Tgr, Pgr
Pgr = reference pressure for relative density
R = gas constant, 8.31451 J/mol-K
Tgr = reference temperature for relative density
Z0 = compressibility factor at reference conditions (set Z0=1 for initial iteration)
(ρ0)air = mass density of air at reference conditions Tgr, Pgr

0 M r ( air )
ρ Tgr , Pgr
air
R. Tgr
Bair Tgr
Pgr

Mr(air) = molar mass of air, 28.96256 g/mol

4 7 2
Bair Tgr .012527 5.91 x10 Tgr 6.62 x10 Tgr

Mr xCO2 M rCO2 xN2 M rN2

M rCH
xCH

MrCH = molar mass of equivalent hydrocarbon

MrN2 = molar mass of nitrogen
MrCO2 = molar mass of carbon dioxide
Mr = molar mass of mixture

©Smar Research Corporation 28 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix E
M rCH G1
HCH
G2

HCH = molar gross heating value of the equivalent hydrocarbon

G1 = -2.709328
G2 = 0.021062199

0
Bmix Pgr
Z 1
new
R. Tgr

(Z0) new = compressibility factor for next iteration

Bmix = second virial coefficient of mixture (calculated from previous equations)

Repeat process, continuously replacing Z0 with (Z0) new, until (Z0/Z0new-1) is less than
the convergence criteria (5x10-11 in double precision or 5x10 -7 in single precision)

©Smar Research Corporation 29 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix E
Compressibility Symbols and Definitions

Symbol Definition
B Second virial coefficient
Bij Individual component interaction second virial coefficient
Bmix Second virial coefficient for the mixture
B`nij Binary characterization coefficient
Cijk Individual component interaction third virial coefficient
Cmix Third virial coefficient for the mixture
C`n Coefficient as a function of composition
d Molar density (moles per unit volume)
D Reduced density
Ei Characteristic energy parameter for ith component (Table 5)
Eij Second virial coefficient binary energy parameter
E`ij Second virial coefficient binary interaction parameter (Table 6)
F Mixture high temperature parameter
Fi High temperature parameter for ith component (Table 5)
G Orientation parameter
Gi Orientation parameter for ith component (Table 5)
Gij Binary orientation parameter
G`ij Binary interaction parameter for orientation (Table 6)
Gr Relative density (specific value) of mixture
HCH Molar gross heating value of the equivalent hydrocarbon
HN0 Molar ideal gross heating value at 298.15K and 0.101325 MPa
HV Volumetric gross heating value at reference conditions Th, Td, Pd
K Mixture size parameter
Ki Size parameter of ith component (Table 5)
Kij Binary interaction parameter for size (Table 6)
Mr Molar mass (molecular weight) of the mixture
Mr(air) Molar mass of air, 28.96256 g/mol
Mri Molar mass of ith component
N Number of components in the gas mixture
P Absolute pressure
Pd Reference pressure for molar density
Pgr Reference pressure for relative density
Q Quadrupole parameter
Qi Quadrupole parameter for ith component (Table 5)
R Gas constant, 8.31451 J/mol-K
r0air Mass density of air at reference conditions Tgr, Pgr
Si Dipole parameter for ith component (Table 5)
T Absolute temperature
Td Reference temperature for molar density
Tgr Reference temperature for relative density
Th Reference temperature for heating value
U Mixture energy parameter
Uij Binary interaction parameter for conformal energy (Table 6)
Wi Association parameter for ith component (Table 5)
xi Mole fraction of ith component
Z Compressibility factor
Z0 Compressibility factor at reference conditions
Z0new Compressibility factor for next iteration
an, bn, c n, fn, gn, k n, qn, sn, un, wn Constants given in Table 4
b0, b1, b2, c0, c1, c 2 Constants given in Table 7
bi0, bi1, bi2, c i0, c i1, ci2 Constants given in Table 8

©Smar Research Corporation 30 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix F
Appendix F
Iterative Process Used to Solve for Coefficient of Discharge

1) Set Re equal to ∞ and solve for C d

2) Multiply this value for C d by the invariant A 1 to obtain new value of Re:
Ev Yd . 2 ρ f . ∆ P
2

A1
µf D

3) Use new value of Re to solve for new value of C d

4) Repeat process until:

Re
A1
Cd
1 . 10
4
A1

For example:

If a long radius nozzle (ISO) had values:

A1 = 100,000
β = 0.5
6 0.5
.5 10
Cd 0.9965 0.00653 . β .
Re

1) at Re = ∞:
Cd = 0.9965

2) C d * A 1 = 99,650 2) C d(1) * A 1 = 98,190

Re(1) = 99,650 Re(2) = 98,190

3) at Re (1) = 99,650 3) at Re (2) = 98,190

Cd(1) = .9819 Cd(2) = .9818

4) (A 1 – (Re/C d))/A 1 > 1* 10 -4 4) (A 1 – (Re/C d))/A 1 = 1 * 10-4

Repeat from step 2 Therefore, C d = .9818

©Smar Research Corporation 31 MFR-0902

 Mass Flow Rate - Appendix G
Appendix G
References

AGA 3, Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocarbons, Part 1:
General Equations and Uncertainty Guidelines, 3rd ed., American Gas
Association, AGA Catalog No. XQ9210, Arlington, VA., 1990.

AGA 3, Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocarbons, Part 2:
Specification and Installation Requirements, 4th ed., American Gas Association,
AGA Catalog No. XQ0002, Arlington, VA., 2000.

AGA 3, Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocarbons, Part 3:
Natural Gas Applications, 3rd ed., American Gas Association,
AGA Catalog No. XQ9210, Arlington, VA., 1992.

AGA 3, Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocarbons, Part :
Background, Development, Implementation Procedure, and Subroutine
Documentation for Empirical Flange-Tapped Discharge Coefficient Equation,
3rd ed., American Gas Association, AGA Catalog No. XQ9211, Arlington, VA.,
1992.

AGA 8, Compressibility Factors of Natural Gas and Other Related Hydrocarbon

Gases, Transmission Measurement Committee Report No. 8, AGA Catalog No.
XQ 9212, Arlington, VA., 1992.

ASME: ASME International Steam Tables for Industrial Use, American Society of
Mechanical Engineers, New York, 2000.

ASME Standard MFC-14M-2001, Measurement of Fluid Flow Using Small Bore

Precision Orifice Meters, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York,
2001.

ASME Standard MFC-3M-1989, Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes Using Orifice,

Nozzle, and Venturi, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York,
1989.

GPA Standard 2145-00, Table of Physical Constants for Hydrocarbons and Other
Compounds of Interest to the Natural Gas Industry, Gas Producers Association,
Tulsa, OK., 2000.

ISO Standard 5167-1, Measurement of Fluid Flow by Means of Pressure Differential

Devices, International Standards Organization, Geneva, 1991.

Miller, R. W.: Flow Measurement Engineering Handbook, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill, New
York, 1996.

©Smar Research Corporation 32 MFR-0902

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©Smar Research Corporation 33 MFR-0902