FCI Offers Multiple Solutions to Limited Straight-Run Conditions
Straight-run is one of the most significant variables to consider in your flow meter installation to ensure accurate and repeatable flow measurement. Inadequate straight-run or the presence of flow disrupters are the most common real world constraints to proper flow meter installation.Figure 1 provides recommendations and engineering practices for commonly found conditions and line sizes to ensure an installation supports the meter’s published specifications. When possible, installing the flow meter within these recommendations will assure proper performance with the least installed cost. Figure 2 shows samples of the effects on flow meter accuracy of obstructions.Recognizing the straight-runs specified in Figure 1 are not always possible, FCI offers four solutions which can be applied by themselves or in combination to overcome installation constraints.
N Vortab
® Flow Conditioners to Develop Flow Profile and Negate Obstructions with up to 70% Reduction in Straight-Run Needed
N Customized Calibration Set-ups which Simulate the Actual Field Installation Conditions
N In-situ Field Calibration Service and Instrument Adjustment
N Figure 1: Straight Run Recommendations
Default Recommendation for Required Straight-runs with Undefined Obstructions
Pipe Size Upstream Downstream r 6 inches [150 mm] 15 x Pipe ID 7.5 x Pipe IDwith Vortab flow conditioner 6 x Pipe ID 2 x Pipe ID
Upstream Downstream < 6 inches [150 mm] 20 x Pipe ID 10 x Pipe ID
Recommendation for 45Ëš or 90Ëš Elbows in Plane
r 6 inches [150 mm] 10 x Pipe ID 5 x Pipe IDwith Vortab flow conditioner 6 x Pipe ID 1 x Pipe ID < 6 inches [150 mm] 15 x Pipe ID 7.5 x Pipe ID Pipe Size Upstream Downstream
Upstream Downstream
Upstream Downstream
Upstream Downstream
Upstream Downstream
Upstream Downstream Recommendation for 45Ëš or 90Ëš Elbows OUT of Plane (Swirl Effect)
r 6 inches [150 mm] 15 x Pipe ID 5 x Pipe IDwith Vortab flow conditioner 6 x Pipe ID 2 x Pipe ID < 6 inches [150 mm] 20 x Pipe ID 10 x Pipe ID Pipe Size Upstream Downstream
Recommendation for Flow Controlling Valves Upstream or Downstream
r 6 inches [150 mm] 15 x Pipe ID 5 x Pipe IDwith Vortab flow conditioner 9 x Pipe ID 2 x Pipe ID < 6 inches [150 mm] 20 x Pipe ID 10 x Pipe ID Pipe Size Upstream Downstream
Recommendation for Pipe Adaptor Upstream or Downstream
r 6 inches [150 mm] 15 x Pipe ID 5 x Pipe IDwith Vortab flow conditioner 9 x Pipe ID 2 x Pipe ID < 6 inches [150 mm] 20 x Pipe ID 10 x Pipe ID Pipe Size Upstream Downstream
Recommendation for Pipe Reducers Upstream or Downstream
r 6 inches [150 mm] 10 x Pipe ID 3 x Pipe IDwith Vortab flow conditioner 6 x Pipe ID 1 x Pipe ID < 6 inches [150 mm] 15 x Pipe ID 5 x Pipe ID Pipe Size Upstream Downstream
Recommendations shown are for general reference only as actual application conditions can vary and multiple effects are possible. FCI flow meter performance guarantees are only available following completed AVAL software-based application evaluations.
Contact your local FCI sales representative for a comprehensive evaluation. 2