June 1998

Process Industry Practices

Process Control

SAMPLE
PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE

PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence
over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters
or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not
be made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names
from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather
recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications
are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All practices or guidelines
are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA
requirements. To the extent these practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or
other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed.
Consult an appropriate professional before applying or acting on any material
contained in or suggested by the Practice.

Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The University

of Texas at Austin, 3208 Red River Street, Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78705. PIP
member companies may copy this practice for their internal use.

Not printed with state funds.

June 1998

Process Industry Practices

Process Control

SAMPLE
PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

Table of Contents

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE

1. Introduction .................................. 2

1.1 Purpose................................................ 2
1.2 Scope................................................... 2

2. References ................................... 2

2.1 Process Industry Practices (PIP) ......... 2

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards ............ 2
2.3 Other References ................................ 3

3. Data ............................................... 3
4. General Requirements................. 3
4.1 Basis for Sizing Flow Instruments ....... 3
4.2 Installation Requirements .................... 4
4.3 Weather Protection .............................. 4
4.4 Materials of Construction ..................... 4
4.5 Electrical Classification ........................ 4
4.6 Other General Requirements for Head
(Differential Pressure) Type Meters... 5

5.3 Venturi (Classical and Proprietary

Designs)............................................. 7
5.4 Averaging Pitot Element ...................... 7
5.5 Integral Orifice ..................................... 7
5.6 Turbine Meter ...................................... 8
5.7 Positive Displacement Meter ............... 8
5.8 Magnetic Flow Meter ........................... 8
5.9 Mass Meter (Coriolis)........................... 9
5.10 Mass Meter (Thermal) ....................... 9
5.11 Ultrasonic (Transit Time & Doppler) .. 9
5.12 Vortex Shedding Meter ...................... 9
5.13 Variable Area Meter (Rotameter) ...... 9

Tables
Table 1 Minimum Straight Run Lengths for
Orifice Runs and other Flow
Elements Per ISO
Table 2 Minimum Straight Run Lengths for
Orifice Runs Per ANSI/API

5. Specific Requirements ................ 5

5.1 Orifice Meter ........................................ 5
5.2 Flow Nozzle ......................................... 6

Process Industry Practices

Page 1 of 14

PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

1.

Introduction
1.1

Purpose
The purpose of this criteria is to provide the minimum requirements for the design of
flow meters.

1.2

Scope
General and specific design requirements are provided for commonly used flow
meters in the process industry. The type of flow meters addressed in this specification
are head meters (differential pressure), velocity, oscillatory, electromagnetic and
mass. Restriction flow elements and flow switches are excluded as these are not flow
indicating devices. This Practice does not cover any process isolation (root) valves,
secondary transmitters, or process piping. This Practice does not cover custody
transfer measurement requirements.

2.

SAMPLE

References

Applicable requirements in the latest edition (or the edition indicated) of the following
industry standards shall be considered an integral part of this Practice. Short titles will be
used herein when appropriate.
2.1

2.2

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE
Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP PCCGN001 - General Instrument Design Checklist

PIP PCCGN002 - General Instrument Installation Criteria

PIP PCEFL001 - Flow Measurement Guidelines

PIP PCIFL000 - Flow and Fabrication Installation Details

PIP PCIDP000 - Differential Pressure Installation Details

PIP PNF00200 - Vent/Drain/Instrument Connection Details

Industry Codes and Standards

American Gas Association (AGA)

AGA-7 - Measurement of Gas by Turbine Meters

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Process Industry Practices

ANSI-2530/API-14.3/AGA-3/GPA-8185 - Natural Gas Fluids Measurement

- Concentric, Square-Edged Orifice Meters
Part 1 General Equations and Uncertainty Guidelines
Part 2 Specification and Installation Requirements
Part 3 Natural Gas Applications
Part 4 Background, Development, Implementation Procedures and
Subroutine Documentation

Page 2 of 14

PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

American Petroleum Institute (API)

API Manual Of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS):

Chapter 5 - Metering
5.2 Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Displacement Meters
5.3 Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Turbine Meters

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

ASME B16.36 - Orifice Flanges

ISA, The International Society for Measurement and Control (ISA)

SAMPLE

Data
3.1
3.2

4.

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

Devices

Other References

3.

ISA S20 - Specification Forms for Process Measurement and Control

Instruments, Primary Elements and Control Valves

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

2.3

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

Nozzle, and Venturi

Miller, R.W., Flow Measurement Engineering Handbook

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE

A data set shall be provided for each flow meter. The data set can be in electronic or
hardcopy format.
ISA S20, Specification Forms for Primary Elements, 20.21, 20.22, 20.23., 20.24, and
20.25 defines the minimum data set. For flange tap orifice meters, gasket thickness
shall be specified.

General Requirements
4.1

Basis for Sizing Flow Instruments

4.1.1

Calculation methods and tools used shall be subject to owners approval.

a. All calculation results shall be supplied to the owner.
b. Calculations for sizing of concentric, square-edged orifice meters
shall conform to ANSI-2530/API-14.3/AGA-3/GPA-8185, unless
otherwise specified by owner.
c. Nozzle, venturi, and other differential pressure device calculations
shall conform to Flow Measurement Engineering Handbook.
d. For any other proprietary meter, the manufacturers sizing and
calculation methods shall be used.

4.1.2

Process Industry Practices

Head meter bore shall be sized to provide non-fractional maximum

differential pressure calibration spans and give even scale flow display units.

Page 3 of 14

PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

4.2

4.1.3

In general head type flow instruments shall be sized such that normal flow is
between 65% to 80% of expected maximum.

4.1.4

The units of measurement for flow instruments shall be as specified by

owner in PIP PCCGN001.

4.1.5

Owner will identify default metering uncertainty (1, 2 or undesignated) in the

checklist PIP PCCGN001.

Installation Requirements
4.2.1

Piping specifications PIP PNF00200 shall be followed unless otherwise

specified by owner.

4.2.2

Manufacturers installation requirements shall be followed as a minimum.

4.2.3

SAMPLE

Meters in liquid service shall be installed so that meters are always full of
liquid and shall be installed to avoid trapping gases. In gas service, liquid
trapping shall be avoided.
Comment: The use of strainers and eliminators shall be considered and
evaluated to protect metering devices whose performance or integrity is
compromised without such protection.

4.2.4

Thermowells shall be located a minimum of 5 nominal pipe diameters

downstream of the meter.

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE
4.2.5

Use of flow profile conditioning devices of any type shall be used only with
Owners approval.
Comment: The use of flow profile conditioning may be prohibited if the
meter is followed by rotating process equipment (compressors, pumps,
turbines, etc.) that may be damaged if a part of the conditioning device
breaks off and enters the equipment.

4.2.6
4.3

Meters shall be installed to minimize mechanical vibration or stress on the

meter.

Weather Protection
Winterproofing and weather protection shall conform to PIP PCCGN002. The
impulse legs of differential pressure transmitters to head type flow meters will freeze
before a pipe full of moving liquid and may require more freeze protection than the
rest of the piping.

4.4

4.5

Materials of Construction
4.4.1

All wetted component materials shall be compatible with the process fluid.

4.4.2

The meter shall be suitable for the environmental exposure including ambient
temperature extremes and external corrosion problems.

4.4.3

Piping and connections shall be in accordance with applicable piping

specifications.

Electrical Classification
The flow meter installation shall meet the electrical area classification.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

4.6

Other General Requirements for Head (Differential Pressure) Type

Meters
4.6.1

Square root operation in calculating flows from head type meters shall be
performed in the Control System when using analog output of transmitters.
Square root operation shall be performed in the smart transmitter when using
the digital mode.

4.6.2

Pressure tap sensing lines for head type meters shall be installed as follows:
a. Liquid, steam and heat transfer media service pressure taps on the
horizontal side or 45 degrees down from horizontal with impulse lines
sloped down to the transmitter
b. Gas and Vapor service pressure taps on the vertical from the top,
horizontal, or 45 degrees from vertical with impulse lines sloped up to
the transmitter

5.

SAMPLE

Specific Requirements
5.1

Orifice Meter
5.1.1

Paddle type orifice plates shall be used. The following minimum

information shall be stamped or etched on the upstream side of the handle:
a. orifice plate tag number

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE
b. material type

c. vent or drain hole size

d. inlet flow side
e. bore
f.

5.1.2

flange size in inches and ASME pressure rating

When an orifice meter is the selected flow element, and the orifice plate
sizing dictates a meter run size less than a nominal 2 inch, use either:
a. A honed fabricated meter tube with corner taps
b. An Integral Orifice (See Section 5.5 for requirements)

5.1.3

Orifice plate material shall be stainless steel minimum unless otherwise

required by process service. Material type shall be specified in
PIP PCCGN001.

5.1.4

Orifice plates shall be fabricated to meet ANSI 2530/API 14.3 Part 2.

5.1.5

Vent or drain holes in orifice plates shall only be used if approved by owner.

5.1.6

Flange type and material shall conform to piping specifications. Orifice

flanges shall be rated at a minimum of ASME Class 300 and conform to
ASME B16.36 and ANSI 2530/API 14.3/AGA-3/GPA-8185.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

5.1.7

Orifice flange taps shall be used for line sizes 2 inches and larger unless
otherwise approved by owner. Corner taps shall be used for line sizes less
than 2 inches.

5.1.8

Orifice flange tap connections shall be inch when used in ASME Class
600 service and below unless otherwise required by piping specifications.

5.1.9

Orifice flange tap connections shall be inch when used in ASME Class
900 service unless otherwise required by piping specifications.

5.1.10 Connection type (threaded or socketweld) shall be as per piping

specifications.
5.1.11 Other taps, when used, shall be per piping specifications.

SAMPLE

5.1.12 Piping design for orifice runs shall conform to the following:

a. Orifice meters shall be installed in horizontal runs to minimize

measurement inaccuracies. Vertical orifice runs shall be used only
with Owners approval.
b. Orifice meter tap locations shall be as follows:

1. For flange tap designated orifice meters, the taps shall be

located at 1 inch upstream and 1 inch downstream from the
orifice plate face including gasket thickness.
2. For pipe tap designated orifice meters, the taps shall be located
2-1/2 internal pipe diameters upstream and 8 internal pipe
diameters downstream of the orifice plate face.

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE
5.1.13 Process Piping Connection:

a. Primary orifice taps shall have a separate isolation (root) valve in

addition to any manifolds.
b. Piping from taps to and through first isolation valve (root valve) shall
conform to applicable piping specifications.

c. Unused orifice taps shall be plugged per piping specifications.

5.1.14 Meter tube pipe and orifice flanges internal dimensional tolerances shall be
in accordance with ANSI 2530/API 14.3/AGA-3/GPA-8185.
5.1.15 Straight run piping before and after an orifice plate flow element shall be no
less than those specified in Table 1 or Table 2.
5.2

Flow Nozzle
5.2.1

Flow nozzles shall be designed to bolt between flanges unless otherwise

required by service application and piping specifications. In high pressure
(1000 psig or higher) applications, the flow nozzle shall be welded directly
into the pipe.

5.2.2

Tap connections shall be installed 1 inside pipe diameter upstream and 1/2
inside pipe diameter downstream in accordance with ASME-MFC-3M.

Process Industry Practices

Page 6 of 14

PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

5.2.3

Minimum straight run pipe length requirements shall conform to Table 1.

Comment: With owners approval, minimum piping run lengths shall be
per ASME-MFC-3M and subject to additional metering uncertainty.

5.2.4
5.3

Flow nozzles shall be 316 SS unless otherwise required by process service or

piping specifications.

Venturi (Classical and Proprietary Designs)

5.3.1

Classical venturis shall be fabricated according to ASME MFC-3M

specifications.

5.3.2

Venturi meter materials and construction shall be compatible with the

process fluid and applicable piping codes.

5.3.3
5.3.4

SAMPLE

Flow calculations for proprietary venturi meters shall be supplied by

manufacturer.
Minimum straight run pipe length requirements shall conform to Table 1.
Comment: With owners approval minimum piping run lengths shall be per
ASME-MFC-3M and subject to additional metering uncertainty.

5.4

Averaging Pitot Element

5.4.1

Unless they are bi-directional, averaging Pitot tube elements shall be

permanently marked to indicate proper installation position and flow
direction.

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE

5.5

5.4.2

Averaging Pitot tubes shall be 316 SS unless otherwise required by process

services.

5.4.3

Minimum straight run pipe length requirements shall conform to vendor's

recommended lengths as a minimum; however, longer lengths are preferred.

5.4.4

In using a removable element, the process valve shall have the proper inside
diameter to allow passage of the element. This valve shall meet applicable
piping specifications.

5.4.5

Blow out prevention is required for removable elements. The manufacturers

recommendations shall be followed and shall meet owners piping
specifications.

5.4.6

Extra heavy flow elements and/or double ended support shall be used in large
diameter pipes or ducts or where high flow velocity may cause the element to
deflect or vibrate. Manufacturers installation recommendations shall be
followed.

Integral Orifice
5.5.1

Process line block and bypass valves or transmitter isolation valves (root
valves or manifold) shall be installed for applications that require servicing
while on-line.

5.5.2

Integral orifices shall be sized and installed in accordance with

manufacturer's recommendations. Manufacturer shall supply meter sizing
and flow calculations.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

5.6

5.5.3

Minimum straight run pipe length requirements shall conform to vendor's

recommended lengths as a minimum; however, longer lengths are preferred.

5.5.4

Wetted metal parts shall be 316 SS unless otherwise required by process

services. Other wetted components shall be compatible with the process.

5.5.5

A strainer shall be considered to avoid plugging of the orifice.

Turbine Meter
5.6.1

Turbine meters shall be installed so they are always in single phase flow,
liquid full in liquid applications, and liquid free in gas applications.
Comment: The installation setup shall avoid creating a pressure drop
condition for the fluid to flash in meter. Flashing can damage the meter and
severely impact measurement.

5.6.2
5.6.3
5.6.4

SAMPLE

5.6.5

5.8

In-line type turbine meters 1.0 inches and above shall be flanged.

A strainer shall be installed upstream of turbine meter system. Dual strainers

shall be provided if the process flow cannot be interrupted for maintenance.
Strainers shall be installed far enough upstream to prevent the distortion of
flow profile at the turbine meter.

Liquid turbine meters shall be installed in accordance with API MPMS,

Chapters 5 and 6, for high accuracy applications.

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE
5.6.6

5.7

Turbine meters shall be marked to indicate proper flow direction

In-line gas turbine meters shall have rotor module removable from top of
meter through a special flange or through bore of meter for meters larger than
3 inches.

Positive Displacement Meter

5.7.1

Inlet and/or outlet ports shall be plainly marked to indicate proper flow
direction.

5.7.2

Liquid positive displacement meters shall be installed in accordance with

requirements of API MPMS, Chapters 5 and 6, for high accuracy
applications. Manufacturers recommended installation shall be minimum.

5.7.3

The meter shall be installed so that the fluid passing through the meter is in a
single phase and the meter is liquid full.

5.7.4

A strainer shall be installed upstream of the meter.

5.7.5

Meters in line sizes 1-1/2 inches and above shall be flanged body style.

Magnetic Flow Meter

5.8.1

Magnetic flow meters shall be installed with piping designed in accordance

with manufacturers recommendations.

5.8.2

Materials of construction shall be compatible with the process fluid.

5.8.3

Magnetic flow meters shall be grounded in accordance with manufacturer's

recommendations.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

5.8.4

Magnetic flow meters shall be installed so that the meter is always liquid full.
Comment: The preferred installation is vertical with flow up.

5.8.5
5.9

The meter factor data shall be supplied by the manufacturer.

Mass Meter (Coriolis)

The meter shall be sized so the maximum full scale flow rate is in the upper one-third
of the meter range unless pressure drop considerations require a larger size meter.

5.10

Mass Meter (Thermal)

Use of thermal meters shall have owners approval.

5.11

SAMPLE

Ultrasonic (Transit Time & Doppler)

Use of ultrasonic meters shall have owners approval.

5.12

Vortex Shedding Meter

5.12.1 Flow direction shall be permanently marked on the meter body.

5.12.2 The vortex shedding meter internal inside diameter shall be matched as
closely as possible to the adjoining process pipe inside diameter. Proper
gasket sizing shall be followed to avoid protrusion into line.
5.13

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE
Variable Area Meter (Rotameter)

5.13.1 Rotameters shall be installed in a vertical position and piped per vendors
recommendations.
5.13.2 Rotameters shall be accessible for easy reading and for maintenance or
repair.
5.13.3 The capacity of the rotameter selected shall be such that normal flow rate
falls in middle one-third of chart or scale range.
5.13.4 For process flows, scales shall be graduated in percent units. Meter factor for
maximum flow at 100% shall be engraved on scale.
5.13.5 Scales for purge meters shall read directly in Standard Cubic Feet per Hour
(SCFH) of air for gas service or Gallons per Hour (GPH) of water for liquid
service.

Process Industry Practices

Page 9 of 14

PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

5.13.6 Glass tube meters shall only be used on air, inert gas and water at
temperatures of 140 F (60 C) or less and pressures 100 psig or less.
Owners approval is required for use of glass tube rotameter in other
services.
5.13.7 For purge meter applications, a check valve shall be installed on the outlet of
the meter to prevent back flow.

SAMPLE
NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE

Process Industry Practices

Page 10 of 14

PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

Table 1
Minimum Straight Run Lengths for Orifice Runs and Other Flow Elements Per ISO 5167
Straight Lengths for Orifice, Nozzle, ISA Venturi Nozzle, and Venturi in Multiples of Pipe Diameter D

Upstream disturbance

Dimension
A

Single elbow

Device

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.75

Orifices
&
Nozzles
Venturis

14

16

18

20

26

28

36

0.5

0.5

1.5

4.5

SAMPLE
Orifices
&
Nozzles
Venturis

Two elbows in same plane (Note 6)

14

16

18

20

26

36

42

1.5

1.5

2.5

3.5

4.5

4.5

34

36

40

48

62

70

0.5

0.5

8.5

17.5

27.5

29.5

Orifices
&
34
Nozzles
Venturis(Note 4)

Two elbows in different planes (Note 7)

A

Reducer (Note 8)

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE
Orifices
&
Nozzles
Venturis

Orifices
&
Nozzles
Venturis

16

Orifices
&
Nozzles
Venturis

18

14

22

0.5

2.5

5.5

8.5

10.5

11.5

16

16

18

22

30

38

1.5

1.5

2.5

3.5

5.5

6.5

18

20

22

26

32

36

Expander (Note 8)
A

Globe valve, fully open

No Data

Gate valve, fully open

Downstream Length for all
pictured disturbances

Process Industry Practices

Orifices
&
12
Nozzles
Venturis
Orifices
4
& Nozzles
Venturis(Note 5)

12

12

12

14

20

24

1.5
5

2.5
6

3.5
6

4.5
7

5.5
7

5.5
8

4d

4d

4d

4d

4d

4d

Page 11 of 14

PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

NOTES for Table 1 - PCCFL001:

(1) Any flow conditioner shall be installed in the straight length between the primary element and the upstream disturbance, or the
fitting closest to the element. The installation location shall be per applicable standard.
(2) Interpolate pipe diameters for intermediate beta ratios.
(3) This information is based on ISO standard 5167.
(4) For venturi add an additional 0.5% uncertainty on discharge coefficient.
(5) For venturi downstream length to downstream disturbance should be no closer than four throat diameters downstream of the throat
pressure tapping plane.
(6) With two elbow separation greater than 10 diameters use single elbow lengths.
(7) With two elbow separation greater than 10 diameters use two elbows in same plane lengths.
(8) For orifice, nozzle, venturi nozzles - Reducer 2D to D over a length of 1.5D to 3D, where D is pipe inside diameter.
For venturi - Reducer 3D to D over a length of 3.5 D.
(9) For orifice, nozzle, venturi nozzles - Expander 0.5 D to D over a length of D to 2D, where D is pipe inside diameter.
For venturi - Expander 0.75 D to D over a length of D.

SAMPLE
NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE

Process Industry Practices

Page 12 of 14

PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

Table 2
Minimum Straight Run Lengths for Orifice Runs Per ANSI/API
Straight Lengths in Multiples of Pipe Diameter D

Upstream disturbance

Dimension

Device

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.7
5

14

17

A
Orifices
Single elbow
A

SAMPLE
Orifices

10

14

19

22

15

16

18

21

25

31

35

Two elbows in same plane (Note 4)

Orifices
Two elbows in different planes (Note 5)
A

NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE
Orifices

Reducer

7.5

9.5

12

13.
5

7.5

9.5

12

13.
5

17

19

21

25

30

37

44

3.5

Orifices

Expander
A
Orifices
Regulator or Partially closed valve
Downstream Length for all
pictured disturbances

Process Industry Practices

Orifices

Page 13 of 14

PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Criteria

June 1998

NOTES for Table 2 - PCCFL001:

(1) Any flow conditioner shall be installed in the straight length between the primary element and the upstream disturbance, or the fitting
closest to the element. The installation location shall be per applicable standard.
(2) Interpolate pipe diameters for intermediate beta ratios.
(3) This information is based on ANSI 2530 / API 14.3
(4) With two elbow separation greater than 10 diameters use single elbow lengths.
(5) With two elbow separation greater than 10 diameters use two elbows in same plane lengths.

SAMPLE
NOT FOR
COMMERCIAL USE

Process Industry Practices

Page 14 of 14