Calibrating Flowmeters: How, When, and Why

Insight VSL

Erik Smits, Manager Liquid Flow Metrology when VSL, the Netherlands National Metrology Institute, discusses the factors to consider when calibrating flow meters in systems in the September 2021 issue of World Pipelines, the leading international magazine the pipeline transport industry.

In various industries, flow in pipelines must be measured with varying degrees of accuracy. Accuracy is defined based on the importance of the volume of liquid, gas, or a combination of these, measured in processes focused on safety, quality control, or billing.

Flowmeters are initially calibrated to demonstrate the instrument’s accuracy, but flowmeters are also calibrated when standards, legislation, contracts, or other written documents require calibration to demonstrate changes in the flowmeter’s measurements. The interval between recalibrations is established to ensure that the flowmeters continue to perform within the accuracies and/or tolerances established by the operating procedures of the companies using them.

For on-site calibration of the installed flowmeter, special process connections must be available to connect the mobile equipment. If on-site calibration is not possible, the flowmeter can be sent to a calibration laboratory or even back to the manufacturer. Sometimes flowmeters cannot be calibrated on-site and cannot be removed from the installation during operation. In that case, calibration can only take place when the application is shut down for maintenance, for example. However, a delay in calibration can have consequences for a company’s safety, health, or financial results.

Read the World Pipelines article here to learn more about the need for flowmeter calibration, or contact VSL for more information.