Ultrasonic flowmeter error caused by distortion of flow structure has been investigated in this paper. Minimum number of acoustic chordal paths of multi-channel ultrasonic flowmeter was determined that ensures the error caused by distortion of flow structure less than the specified limits 0.3 %. The authors used Salami velocity function as a model of distortion of flow structure. Acoustic path configurations of ultrasonic flowmeter were determined using classical numerical methods of integration of Gauss-Jacobi. The authors improved the flow rate equation of ultrasonic flowmeter by introduction of calibration coefficient that was determined using symmetric component of Salami function.
[1] J. Halttunen, “Installation effects on ultrasonic and electromagnetic flowmeters: a model-based approach”, Flow Meas. Instrum., vol. 1, pp. 287292, 1990.
[2] M. B. Wilson, “Installation effects on multi-path ultrasonic flow meters”, Research & Engineering Centre BP International Ltd., Sunbury, UK, Tech. Rep. EUR 16175 EN, 1995.
[3] Field acceptance tests to determine the hydraulic performance of hydraulic turbines, storage, pumps and pump turbines, CEI/IEC 41, 1991.
[4] L. A. Salami, “Application of a computer to asymmetric flow measurement in circular pipes,” Trans. Inst. Meas. Control., vol. 6, pp. 197-206, 1984.
[5] Measurement of fluid flow in closed conduits – Ultrasonic meters for gas. Part 1: Meters for custody transfer and allocation measurement, ISO 17089-1, 2010.