NORDTEST METHOD

NT VVS 131

Approved 2004-11

NT VVS 131

1(8)

UNCERTAINTY CALCULATIONS FOR CALIBRATION OF WATER AND HEAT FLOW METERS

Key words: Intercomparison, uncertainty, water and heat flow, test method

SCOPE

The aim of this method is to provide a basis for uncertainty calculations for testing/calibrating/verifying the flow measurement part of water and heat meters. The method is designed for being used as a guideline in combination with existing standards for flow measurement and uncertainty calculations.

European co-operation for Accreditation including Example S12 Calibration of a household water meter. ISO/CD 5168: Statistics Vocabulary and Symbols. Part I: Probability and General Statistical Terms, 1st edition, 1993, International Organisation for Standardisation. ISO 4185:1980/Cor 1:1993: Measurement of liquid flow in closed conduits Weighing method (with description of diverters and the determination of the uncertainty of the diverter), 1993, International Organisation for Standardisation. Various working documents from standardisation working groups.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The method is based on knowledge and experience from 4 national water flow laboratories covering flow measurements from 5 to 500.000 l/h and at temperatures ranging from 15 to 80 C. The recommended values of uncertainties are however based on experience and comparisons only at a flow range of 602000 l/h and at temperatures in the range 20 3 C.

DEFINITIONS

Terms in relation to general uncertainty distribution and calculation: EA-4/02. Standing start/stop calibration:

REFERENCES

GUM: Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, 1st edition, 1993/1995, International Organisation for Standardisation EA-4/02: Expression of the Uncertainty of Measurement in Calibration, December 1999,

A shut off valve is used to start and stop the calibration. The liquid is stationary in the pipe when the calibration is started and stopped. The meter reading is made before the valve is opened and after it is closed. The flowrate is not constant during the calibration due to the start up and shut down of the flow.

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NORDTEST METHOD

NT VVS 131

Flying start/stop calibration: The flowing liquid is shifted (diverted) from bypass to volume reference and visa versa by a diverter system or valve arrangement. This gives a constant flowrate during the entire calibration. The meter reading is controlled by the diverter system.

The volume tank principle is shown in Figure 2. It can be used both for the standing start/stop and the flying start/stop method with a diverter system.
Flow

T1

Test meter(s)

T2

Water temperature and volume difference

Um

Uwt

Uwvdiff

Diverter/ Valve

SAMPLING
Umisc

T3
Volume tank(s)

This method does not include specific sampling guidelines. The samples can be selected meters for test/calibration/ verification.
Pump

Urv Uvst

Reservoir

6 6.1

TEST METHOD Principle

Diverter/ Valve

This method for uncertainty calculation can be used when testing / calibrating / verifying flow meters using test rigs according to the following principles: static weighing volume tank comparing with reference flow meters.

Temperature sensor

Measuring pipe (scale)

Volume tank
Bottom valve

The static weighing principle is shown in Figure 1. The principle can be used both for the standing start/stop and the flying start/stop method with a diverter system.
T1
Flow Test meter(s)

Weihing tank details

T2
Water temperature and volume difference

Figure 2. Volume tank.

Diverter/ Valve

Udiverter T3
Weighing tank

Um

Uwt Uwvdiff

Umisc

Urw

The reference flow meter(s) principle is shown in Figure 3. The principle can be used both for the standing start/stop and the flying start/stop method with a diverter system.

Reservoir
Pump

Flow

T1

Test meter(s)

T2
Water temperature and volume difference U wt

T3
Reference meter

C Diverter/ Valve Timer

Um

Uwvdiff Umisc
Weighing tank
Weighing machine (Scale)

Reservoir
Pump

Bottom valve

Figure 3. Reference flow meters.

Weihing tank details

Figure 1. Static weighing.

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NT VVS 131

6.2

Equipment

6.7

Uncertainty

6.2.1 Volume determination

The volume can be determined by usingeither of following equipment: Weighing on a scale Using a volume tank Reference flow meter.

6.7.1 Uncertainty contributions

Contributions to the overall uncertainty are shown in Tables 16, where number definition 0,0 (comma) has been used as decimal divider: Table 1. Uncertainty from the meter (Um).
Contribution incl. alternatives Contributions/ Assumptions from laboratories 1 pulse out of 100.000 pulses 3 0,01 dm out of 3 100 dm 1 pulse out of 10.000 pulses 0,04% 0,05% 0,01% 0,08% Uncertainty distribution Standard uncertainty from laboratories 0,001% 0,0006% 0,01% 0,023% 0,029% 0,006% 0,04% Standard deviation and Student t; or Value from experience; or Stipulated value. 0,05% 0,03% (summation) Standard uncertainty recommended 0,001% 0,001% 0,01%

6.2.2 Other equipment

Depending on the actual test rig and flow meter to be tested the following equipment can be necessary: Temperature sensor Pressure sensor Timer Environmental parameters in laboratory (temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity) Equipment for reading the meter under test e.g. counter, multimeter.

Meter resolution

Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3

Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular Normal

Influences from water Vibration and flow pulsation Compressibility Meter repeatability

6.3

Testing environment

The environment for the test has to be within the limits stated in the laboratorys quality system. If the uncertainty requires special limits environmental parameters it has to be fulfilled. for the

Um: The contribution to the uncertainty from meter under test consists of: Resolution of the meter in the range 0,0006% to 0,01%, depending on the volume collected under test Repeatability of the meter in the range 0,0% to 0,04%. This can be calculated or stipulated Influence from the flowing medium, stipulated values in the range 0,006% to 0,029%.

6.4

Pre-conditioning of test samples

The stated pre-conditions from the manufacture of the meters have to be fulfilled. If it is not possible to fulfil these requirements the reason(s) why must be documented.

6.5

Test procedure and data processing

The procedures for performing the calibration/verification of the meters are not a part of this method. This should be done according the normal procedure for the laboratory.

Overall the standard uncertainty from these types of meters is in the range 0,0006% to 0,041%. The figure can vary considerably for other types of meters, e.g. mechanical meters with low resolution, and meters with poor repeatability. For determining the reference value of the volume two different methods are used:

6.6

Applicability

The method has been developed on the assumption that measurements will be taken at a water temperature of 20 3C and validated in an intercomparison between 4 different water flow laboratories.

Volume standard, with calibration uncertainty, reading error and Standard Deviation for filling the standard Weighing system, uncertainty of the scale including calibration, reading, repeatability and drift, buoyancy correction, water density calculation.

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NT VVS 131

Table 2A. Uncertainty of reference volume using the weighing standard (Urw).
Contribution incl. alternatives Contributions/ Assumptions from laboratories 0,004 kg 0,001 kg 1,5 kPa 2,5E-05 2,5E-06 0,0E+00 1,67E-05 1,7E-06 Uncertainty distribution Standard uncertainty from laboratories 0,002% 0,001% 0,000005% 0,0012% 0,0001% 0,0% 0,001% 0,0001% 0,02% (summation) Standard uncertainty recommended

Reading of the volume standard in the range 0,002% to 0,062% Repeatability of the volume standard in the range 0,0% to 0,07%.

Water mass 100 kg Scale resolution Water pressure Mass of weights Drift of weights Density of weights Reading of scale Internal resolution of scale Repeatability of scale Drift of scale Buoyancy correction Correction factor for buoyancy Density of water

Normal Rectangular Rectangular Normal Rectangular Normal Rectangular Rectangular

Overall the standard uncertainty when using volume standard reference is in the range 0,01% to 0,09%.

Table 2B-2. Uncertainty of volume standard temperature (Uvst).

Contribution incl. alternatives Contributions/ Assumptions from laboratories 0,14C Uncertainty distribution Standard uncertainty from laboratories 0,0004% Standard uncertainty recommended 0,002% (summation)

6,6E-05 3,3E-04 Alt. 1 Alt. 2 0,00055% 0,00015

Normal Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular

0,003% 0,02% 0,00032% 0,01% 0,01% (summation)

Calibration of temperature sensor Uncertainty in wall temperature

k=2

0,5C

Rectangular

0,0016%

Uvst: The contribution to the uncertainty from the determination of the volume standard temperature is due to: Calibration of the temperature sensor and in measuring the actual wall temperature.

Alt. 1 Alt. 2

7,0E-09 0,0009 kg/dm

3

Rectangular Rectangular

0,00004% 0,05% 0,05% (summation)

Urw: The contribution to the uncertainty when using a weighing system consists of: Scale: (calibration, resolution, repeatability, drift) in the range 0,002% to 0,02% Buoyancy corrections in the range 0,00032% to 0,01% Water density determination in the range 0,00004% to 0,05%.

With the uncertainty of the determination of the wall temperature of 0,5C and a calibration uncertainty of 0,14C, there will be an overall standard uncertainty from wall temperature of 0,0017%.

Table 3. Uncertainty of water temperature (Uwt).

Contribution incl. alternatives Contributions/ Assumptions from laboratories 0,05C Uncertainty distribution Standard uncertainty from laboratories 0,0009% Standard uncertainty recommended

Overall the standard uncertainty when using weighing standard reference is in the range 0,021% to 0,051%.

Table 2B-1. Uncertainty of reference volume using the volume standard (Urv).
C ontribution incl. alternatives C ontributions/ A ssum ptions from laboratories 0,02%
3

U ncertainty distribution

C alibration of volum e standard

Alt. 1

k=2

Standard uncertainty from laboratories 0,01%

Standard uncertainty recom m ended 0,01%

Temperature difference sensor to water in standard Representative of sensor position in standard Calibration of temperature sensor Resolution of sensor Temperature of water

Triangular

0,8C

Rectangular

0,014%

Using volume standard 0,02% (summation)

0,14C

k=2

0,0021%

0,1C Alt. 1 Alt. 2 0,3C 0,5C

Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular

0,0009% 0,0009% 0,019% Using scale 0,02%

Alt. 2 R eading of w ater level STD V for filling the volum e Alt. 1 Alt. 2

0,022 dm out of 500 l volum e 0,005% 0,124% 3 0,357 dm

N orm al R ectangular N orm al k=1

0,002% 0,002% 0,062% 0,07% 0,05%

Uwt: The contribution to the uncertainty from determination of the water temperature is due to:

the

0,05%

Calibration of the temperature sensor and in measuring the actual water temperature The formula chosen to calculate the water density.

Urv: The contribution to the uncertainty when using a volume standard consists of: Calibration of the volume standard in the range 0,002% to 0,01%

With the uncertainty of the determination of the water temperature in the range from 0,3C to 0,8C, there will be an overall standard uncertainty from water temperature in the range from 0,0009% to 0,019%.

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NT VVS 131

Table 4. Uncertainty in water volume between meter and standard (Uwvdiff).

Contribution incl. alternatives Contributions/ Assumptions from laboratories 0,01 litre Uncertainty distribution Standard uncertainty from laboratories 0,008% Standard uncertainty recommended 0,01%

Table 6. Uncertainty from test rig, environment and operator (Umisc).

Contribution incl. alternatives Contributions/ Assumptions from laboratories Uncertainty distribution Standard uncertainty from laboratories 0,005% Standard uncertainty recommended

Leakage between meter and volume standard Undetected air Change in buffer volume due to temperature Temperature drop in test line Correction for water evaporation and splashing Evaporation Alt. 1 Alt. 2

Triangular

k=1 0,5C Rectangular

0,0018% 0,009%

0,002% 0,01% (summation)

Flow due to layers of different temperature Grounding, voltage differences, transients Reading error

0,05%

Rectangular

0,029%

0,05% (summarised)

0,03%

Rectangular

0,017%

0,005%
3

k=1

0,005%

0,01 dm

Rectangular

0,006% 0,01% (summation)

Umisc: The contribution to the uncertainty from the test rig, environment and operator are due to: Flow due to layers of different temperature, grounding, voltage differences, transients, reading errors.

0,001%

Rectangular k=1

0,0007% 0,0001%

Uwvdiff: The contribution to the uncertainty from the determination of the difference in water volume between meter and volume standard is due to: Leakage, undetected air, change in buffer volume, evaporation and splashing.

All these contributions can be calculated or stipulated, and there will be an overall standard uncertainty from these parts in the range from 0,005% to 0,029%.

6.7.2 Uncertainty calculation

The calculation of the overall uncertainties are made according to the formulas (1) and (2) given here: Overall Standard uncertainty
Ustandard = (Um )2 + (Urv )2 + (Uvst )2 + (Urw )2 + (Uwt )2 + (Uwvdiff )2 + (Udiverter ) + (Umisc )2

All these contributions can be stipulated, and there will be an overall standard uncertainty from difference in water volume between meter and volume standard in the range 0,005% to 0,012%. Table 5. Uncertainty from diverter and time measurement (Udiverter).
Contribution incl. alternatives Contributions/ Assumptions from laboratories 3 0,11 dm Uncertainty distribution Standard uncertainty from laboratories 0,063% Standard uncertainty recommended 0,1%

(1) Overall Expanded uncertainty Uexpanded = 2 Ustandard for k = 2 (2)

Valve: Instability in operation Diverter: Time measurement (timer) Diverter error

Rectangular

2,0E-05 s

Rectangular

0,00001%

0,01% (summarised)

6.7.3 Examples of uncertainty calculations

In the following values of uncertainty are calculated according to Formulas (1) and (2) for the values given in Tables 16. This has been done for both the recommended values and the laboratory examples.

7,0E-03 s

Rectangular

0,006%

Udiverter: The contribution to the uncertainty from the diverter operation and time measurement. All these contributions can be calculated or stipulated, and there will be an overall standard uncertainty from these parts in the range 0,006% to 0,063%.

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NT VVS 131

Recommended values:
When using a volume standard with a good diverter system:
Ustandard = (0,06 )2 + (0,05 )2 + (0,002 )2 + (0,0 )2 + (0,02 )2 + (0,02 )2 + (0,01)2 + (0,05 )2 = 0,1%

When using a weighing machine with a good diverter system and poor resolution or repeatability from the meter under test:
Ustandard = (0,25 )2 + (0,0 )2 + (0,0)2 + (0,06 )2 + (0,02)2 + (0,02 )2 + (0,01)2 + (0,05 )2 = 0,26%

Uexpanded = 2 0,1% = 0,2% for k = 2 The main contributions are from the meter itself (0,06%), the volume standard (0,05%) and from the miscellaneous contributions (0,05%). When using a volume standard with a not so good diverter or valve system:
Ustandard = (0,06 )2 + (0,05 )2 + (0,002 )2 + (0,0 )2 + (0,02)2 + (0,02)2 + (0,1)2 + (0,05 )2 = 0,15%

Uexpanded = 2 0,26% = 0,52% for k = 2 The main contribution is from the meter itself (0,25%).
Overall: Recommended: When using a volume standard or weighing machine with a good diverter system: Recommended: When using a volume standard or weighing machine with a not so good diverter or valve system: Recommended: When using a weighing machine with a good diverter system and poor resolution or repeatability from the meter under test: Standard uncertainty Expanded uncertainty

k=1

0,1%

K=2

0,2%

k=1

0,15%

K=2

0,3%

Uexpanded = 2 0,15% = 0,3% for k = 2 The main contributions are from the meter itself (0,06%) and the valve/diverter system (0,1%). When using a weighing machine with a good diverter system:
Ustandard = (0,06 )2 + (0,0 )2 + (0,0 )2 + (0,06 )2 + (0,02 )2 + (0,02 )2 + (0,01)2 + (0,05 )2 = 0,1%

k=1

0,26%

K=2

0,52%

6.8

Test report

Uexpanded = 2 0,1% = 0,2% for k = 2 The main contributions are from the meter itself (0,06%), the weighing system (0,06%), and the miscellaneous contributions (0,05%).

When stating uncertainty in reports and certificates it has to fulfil the accreditation requirements given in EA L-R2.

6.9

Acceptance or rejection of the results

Not relevant for this method.

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