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OF FLUID FLOW
VARIABLE AREA
MEASUREMENT
USING
METERS

ASME MFC-18M–2001
S T A N D A R D
N A T I O N A L
A M E R I C A N
A N
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Date of Issuance: October 22, 2001

The next edition of this Standard is scheduled for publication in 2006. There
will be no addenda issued to this edition.

ASME will issue written replies to inquiries concerning interpretation of

technical aspects of this Standard.

ASME is the registered trademark of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

This code or standard was developed under procedures accredited as meeting the criteria for
American National Standards. The Standards Committee that approved the code or standard
was balanced to assure that individuals from competent and concerned interests have had an
opportunity to participate. The proposed code or standard was made available for public review
and comment that provides an opportunity for additional public input from industry, academia,
regulatory agencies, and the public-at-large.
ASME does not “approve,” “rate,” or “endorse” any item, construction, proprietary device,
or activity.
ASME does not take any position with respect to the validity of any patent rights asserted in
connection with any items mentioned in this document, and does not undertake to insure anyone
utilizing a standard against liability for infringement of any applicable letters patent, nor assume
any such liability. Users of a code or standard are expressly advised that determination of the
validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, is entirely their
own responsibility.
Participation by federal agency representative(s) or person(s) affiliated with industry is not to
be interpreted as government or industry endorsement of this code or standard.
ASME accepts responsibility for only those interpretations of this document issued in
accordance with the established ASME procedures and policies, which precludes the issuance
of interpretations by individuals.

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form,

in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990

Copyright © 2001 by
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
All Rights Reserved
Printed in U.S.A.
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FOREWORD

This Standard is based on current industrial and research practices. It was prepared by
the ASME MFC Subcommittee 10 on Variable Area Meters and approved by the ASME
MFC Standards Committee on Measurement of Fluid Flow In Closed Conduits with an
emphasis of definitions and specifications of variable area meters.
This Standard was approved as an American National Standard on May 25, 2001.

iii
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ASME STANDARDS COMMITTEE MFC
Measurement of Fluid Flow In Closed Conduits
(The following is the roster of the Committee at the time of approval of this Standard.)

OFFICERS
Z. D. Husain, Chair
R. J. DeBoom, Vice Chair
R. L. Crane, Secretary

COMMITTEE PERSONNEL
N. A. Alston, Daniel Measurement & Control
C. J. Blechinger, Consultant
R. W. Caron, Ford Motor Co.
R.L. Crane, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
G. P. Corpron, Invensys Energy Metering
R.J. DeBoom, Micro Motion, Inc.
P. G. Espina, Controlotron Corp.
D. Faber, Badger Meter, Inc.
R. H. Fritz, Saudi Aramco
F. D. Goodson, Daniel Measurement & Control
Z. D. Husain, Texaco, Inc.
E. H. Jones, Jr., Chevron Petroleum Technology
T. M. Kegel, Colorado Engineering Experiment Station, Inc.
D. R. Keyser, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
C. G. Langford, Cullen G. Langford, Inc.
W. M. Mattar, Foxboro M&I
G. E. Mattingly, National Institute of Standards & Technology
M. P. McHale, McHale and Associates, Inc.
D. R. Mesnard, Direct Measurement Corp.
R. W. Miller, Consultant
J. W. Nelson, Consultant
W. F. Seidl, Colorado Engineering Experiment Station, Inc.
D. W. Spitzer, Cooperhill and Pointer, Inc.
D. H. Strobel, Consultant
S. H. Taha, Preso Meters Corp.
J. H. Vignos, Consultant
D. E. Wiklund, Rosemont, Inc.
I. Williamson, Nova Research & Tech Corp.
D. C. Wyatt, Wyatt Engineering and Design

SUBCOMMITTEE 10 — VARIABLE AREA METERS

C. G. Langford, Chair, Cullen G. Langford, Inc.

iv
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CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE MFC COMMITTEE

General. ASME Standards are developed and maintained with the intent to represent the
consensus of concerned interests. As such, users of this Standard may interact with the
Committee by requesting interpretations, proposing revisions, and attending committee
meetings. Correspondence should be addressed to:
Secretary, MFC Standards Committee
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Three Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016-5990

Proposing Revisions. Revisions are made periodically to the Standard to incorporate

changes that appear necessary or desirable, as demonstrated by the experience gained from
the application of the Standard. Approved revisions will be published periodically.
The Committee welcomes proposals for revisions to this Standard. Such proposals should
be as specific as possible, citing the paragraph number(s), the proposed wording, and a
detailed description of the reasons for the proposal, including any pertinent documentation.
Interpretations. Upon request, the MFC Standards Committee will render an interpretation
of any requirement of the Standard. Interpretations can only be rendered in response to
a written request sent to the Secretary of the MFC Standards Committee.
The request for interpretation should be clear and unambiguous. It is further recommended
that the inquirer submit his request in the following format:
Subject: Cite the applicable paragraph number(s) and the topic of the inquiry.
Edition: Cite the applicable edition of the Standard for which the interpretation
is being requested.
Question: Phrase the question as a request for an interpretation of a specific
requirement suitable for genral understanding and use, not as a request
for an approval of a proprietary design or situation. The inquirer may
also include plans or drawings which are necessary to explain the question;
however, they should not contain proprietary names or information.
Requests that are not in this format will be rewritten in this format by the Committee
prior to being answered, which may inadvertently change the intent of the original request.
ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of any interpretation when or if additional
information that might affect an interpretation is available. Further, persons aggrieved by
an interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME Committee or Subcommittee. ASME
does not “approve”, “certify”, “rate”, or “endorse” any item, construction, proprietary device,
or activity.
Attending Committee Meetings. The MFC Standards Committee regularly holds meetings,
which are open to the public. Persons wishing to attend any meeting should contact the
Secretary of the MFC Standards Committee.

v
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CONTENTS

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Committee Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Correspondence with the MFC Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 REFERENCES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

3 SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

4 FLOW RATE EQUATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

5 VISCOSITY EFFECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

6 FLOAT STABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

7 DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
7.1 Float . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
7.2 Metering Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
7.3 Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
7.4 Packing and Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
7.5 Upper Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
7.6 Lower Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
7.7 Process Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
7.8 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

8 UNCERTAINTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

9 CLASSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
9.1 Purge Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
9.2 Laboratory Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
9.3 Process Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

10 SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

11 VARIABLE AREA METER DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

11.1 Scale Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
11.2 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
11.3 Maximum Working Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
11.4 Maximum Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
11.5 Tube Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
11.6 Float Type and Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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11.7 Seal Type and Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
11.8 Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
11.9 Pressure Drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

12 CAVITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Figures
1 Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 Metal Tube Meter With Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 Purge Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Table
1 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Nonmandatory Appendix
A Example, Uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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ASME MFC-18M–2001

MEASUREMENT OF FLUID FLOW

USING VARIABLE AREA METERS

1 SCOPE off the vertical will cause errors or a failure to respond.

(See ASME Fluid Meters for more complete analysis
This Standard describes the common variable area
of the variable area meter).
flowmeter. This Standard does not attempt to standardize
dimensions because the commercial products differ too It is not practical to calculate meter capacity from
widely. physical principles for commercial variable area meters.
The variable area meter is manufactured in a variety The manufacturer’s catalogs do not list the tube cross
of designs. This Standard addresses only those meters section areas, or float volumes, or weights, or inlet
based on a vertical tapered tube of round or a modified and exit pressure drops; all of this information is
round cross section. Specifically not addressed are the proprietary. The manufacturer supplies all of the capac-
various vane type meters, meters with horizontal flow, ity data in the form of tables. This reduces the equation
or meters which use a spring deflection to oppose flow for each meter flow to:
forces.

Qv p Cr * % Scale ⁄ 100 (1)

2 REFERENCES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
ASME MFC-1M Glossary of Terms Used in the Mea- The full scale meter flow, Cr is defined and tabulated
surement of Fluid Flow in Pipes in the manufacturer’s catalogs for each specific metering
ASME MFC-2M Measurement Uncertainty for Fluid tube and float. Separate tables are used for liquids and
Flow in Closed Conduits compressible fluids. The industry often uses the term
ASME Fluid Meters, 6th Ed “normal” [typical 1.013 bar and 20°C (14.7 psia and
Publisher: The American Society of Mechanical Engi- 70°F)] conditions for compressible fluid sizing rather
neers (ASME), Three Park Avenue, New York, NY than “standard”. The user is cautioned to define the
10016; Order Department: 22 Law Drive, Box 2300, reference conditions used. (See the manufacturer’s litera-
Fairfield, NJ 07007-2300 ture for guidance on sizing and calibration.) Equation
2 shows how to correct for a float material density
differing from the basis density and for a flowing fluid
3 SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS density differing from the basis density:
For symbols and their definitions, see Table 1.

冪(SG
(SGf − SGl) • SGlc
Qv p Cr • (% Scale ⁄ 100) • (2)
fc − SGlc) • SGl
4 FLOW RATE EQUATIONS
The variable area flowmeter is composed of a body
containing the fluid and a “float,” which is free to
move in the body to a position related to the flow NOTE: Use a consistent basis for SG. For compressible fluids, the
rate. The balance of forces positions the float. Gravity negative terms above become very small and are not significant.
pulls the float downward. The buoyancy of the float Calculate Mass flow as the product of volumetric flow and upstream
plus the velocity related dynamic fluid forces lift the mass density.
float. The float rises to increase the flow area until the
fluid forces lifting the float match the downward force.
The meter must be oriented with flow vertically up
for the analysis to be correct. Orientation substantially Qm p Q v • ␳l (3)

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MEASUREMENT OF FLUID FLOW
ASME MFC-18M–2001 USING VARIABLE AREA METERS

TABLE 1 SYMBOLS
Symbol Description Dimensions

%Scale Percent of flow full scale NA

Cr Specific meter full scale flow capacity L3 ⁄T
Qv Volumetric flow rate L3 ⁄T
Qm Mass flow rate M⁄T
SGfc Specific Gravity of float material at calibration conditions NA
SGI Specific Gravity of fluid, flowing conditions NA
SGIC Specific Gravity of fluid, at calibration conditions NA
SGf Specific Gravity of float material, at flowing conditions NA

GENERAL NOTE: SG is the ratio of the fluid density compared to water for liquid applications
and the ratio of the fluid to air at specified conditions for compressible fluids.

5 VISCOSITY EFFECTS 7.1 Float

For variable area meters, a fluid viscosity exceeding The float is the body in the flowing fluid that moves
the limit value or “viscosity ceiling”, or “viscosity in response to fluid flow. It is typically circular in
immunity ceiling” as listed in the catalog tables for cross section when viewed from the top. From the
that specific tube and float, will affect the meter calibra- side, the float geometry may be simply a sphere, or
tion. In general, float designs with a sharp edge on it may be much more complex.
the maximum diameter part of the float will be less
sensitive to viscosity (See the manufacturer’s literature
for guidance). In general, viscosity effects occur with 7.2 Metering Tube
fluids more viscous than water. The tube is that part of the body which surrounds
and contains the float. It increases in cross section area
from the bottom to the top. The simplest are circular,
6 FLOAT STABILITY but some have vertical guide ribs or a central guide rod.
The float may become unstable and “bob” up and
down even at a constant flow (See the manufacturer’s
7.3 Scale
catalogs for warnings and descriptions of this phenome-
non). It is normally experienced only in low pressure The scale is that part of the meter which shows the
gas service. Special floats are used to reduce this effect. relation between the float position and the flow rate.
Smaller flowmeters are more likely to be affected by Some have printed or engraved marks and numbers on
this problem. These instabilities may be a result of a a transparent metering tube. For metal tube meters, a
cyclic change between laminar and turbulent flow re- magnetically coupled indicator is commonly used. This
gimes or from fluid mechanical interactions. is coupled to the float, and an electronic or pneumatic
device may be attached to develop a signal to be
transmitted to another location (See Fig. 1 through
7 DESCRIPTION Fig. 4).

The variable area flowmeter (see Fig. 1 through Fig.

4) as described in this Standard is composed of: 7.4 Packing and Seals
(a) float
For all but the simplest one-piece purge meters (see
(b) metering tube
Fig. 4), some device is required to seal the metering
(c) scale
tube to the upper and lower bodies. O-Rings are used
(d) packing and seals in some meters, and packing is common in the larger
(e) upper body meters. The selection of packing materials depends on
(f) lower body the process fluid properties, including maximum and
(g) process connections minimum pressures; and normal, maximum, and mini-
(h) accessories mum temperatures.

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MEASUREMENT OF FLUID FLOW
USING VARIABLE AREA METERS ASME MFC-18M–2001

100 Exit connection, flanged

90 Upper body
80
Side member
70

60 Scale

50 Tube

40 Float
30
Lower body
20
Inlet connection
10

FIG. 1 NOMENCLATURE

7.5 Upper Body 7.8 Accessories

The upper body supports the top or outlet of the Accessories include switches controlled by the float
metering tube. It usually includes a packing or sealing position; signal-transmitting devices, check valves to
device. It also provides the support for the flow outlet prevent reverse flow, needle valves to control flow,
process connection. In the simplest meters, these func- and constant differential relays to stabilize flow.
tions are all a part of the top of the meter body.
8 UNCERTAINTY
7.6 Lower Body
In most catalog and technical literature, the uncer-
The lower body is at the bottom or inlet of the tainty is given as a percent of full scale flow and is
flow tube. It is similar in function and design to the defined only between 10% and 100% of scale. The
upper body. variable area meter is not sensitive to the pipe arrange-
ment or the flow profile entering the meter. Uncertainties
can be minimized with careful application and knowl-
7.7 Process Connection
edgeable use. If the sizing is based on poorly defined
The process connections are used to install the meter or varying fluid properties and operating conditions,
to the associated piping system. Standard connections then the accuracy will be compromised. Poor installa-
include standard inch and millimeter piping threads and tions with high vibration or excessively non-vertical
flanges. alignment will reduce accuracy. Calibration can reduce

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MEASUREMENT OF FLUID FLOW
ASME MFC-18M–2001 USING VARIABLE AREA METERS

Flange type, size and Top or Back connected

100
90
80 Face to face
70
60 Scale
Face to face
50 length
40
30
20
10

FIG. 2 DIMENSIONS

the uncertainty depending on the quality of the calibra- 9.2 Laboratory Meters
tion and care in meter transport, installation, and use.
The laboratory meters are usually longer [300 mm
Effective accuracy is also a function of the instrument
to 600 mm (12 in. to 24 in.)], have longer scales, and
scale and indicator design. An unstable float position
include more graduations than other meters of the same
will interfere with accurate readings.
connection size and capacity. Repeatability is advertised
as 1⁄2% and a standard accuracy of 1% is promised,
9 CLASSES which may be improved to 1⁄2% with calibration.
Variable area flowmeters are of three general classes:
purge or miniature meters, laboratory meters, and pro- 9.3 Process Meter
cess flowmeters. This grouping scheme is only very Process meters with 1⁄2 in. (13 mm), or smaller
general in nature. connections typically have standard calibration uncer-
tainties of 2%. Meters larger than 1⁄2 in. can often have
9.1 Purge meter certified uncertainty of 1% at the specified conditions
Purge meters (see Fig. 4) are small and typically if they are calibrated. Tubes are typically between 150
have 1⁄4 NPT (6 mm) or smaller connections. Because mm and 250 mm long.
the applications do not justify it, calibration is unlikely.
Catalog claims of 2% repeatability and an uncertainty
10 SAFETY
of 5% of flow rate may not always be realized in
practice. Tubes vary considerably in design but are Many users limit or prohibit the use of glass tubes
often between 50 mm and 100 mm (2 in. and 4 in.) in hazardous fluids in industrial service. Shields can
in length. be purchased with most glass tube meters. The user

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MEASUREMENT OF FLUID FLOW
USING VARIABLE AREA METERS ASME MFC-18M–2001

100

90
80
50 60 70
40 70
80
30
60

90
20

50

100
Face to face
10

40
30
20
10

FIG. 4 PURGE METER

FIG. 3 METAL TUBE METER WITH INDICATOR

11.3 Maximum Working Pressure

must determine if the level of protection provided by
these shields is adequate for the application. The shield The maximum flowmeter working pressure is the
typically can deflect broken glass and flowing fluid, maximum pressure specified by the manufacturer for
but is not designed to contain the fluid at the maximum continuous operation of the flowmeter. The purchase
pressure rating of the tube. Glass is brittle and damage specification should list the maximum and minimum
to the tube can seriously weaken the tube. Ratings pressures expected in service.
listed in the manufacturer’s catalog are for new and
undamaged meters. 11.4 Maximum Temperature
Metal tube meters are available for services where The maximum flowmeter working temperature is the
the brittle nature of glass is a cause for concern. maximum temperature specified by the manufacturer
for continuous operation of the flowmeter. The purchase
specification should list the maximum and minimum
11 VARIABLE AREA METER DEFINITIONS
temperatures expected in service.
11.1 Scale Length
11.5 Tube Material
The length of the indicating scale (see Fig. 1) is one of
Selection of the proper tube material is critical.
the factors used to classify a variable area meter.
Choices include:
(a) Corrosion resistant plastics. Limitations are: tem-
11.2 Connections
perature and pressure ratings, and they may be harmed
The size, type, and orientation of the process connec- by certain solvents.
tions (e.g., 2 in. NPT, or 2 in. Class 150 flanges) (see (b) Glass. Is corrosion resistant; limitations are brit-
Fig. 2) and top or back connected are other design tleness, and possible damage by some low pH fluids.
features used to classify variable area meters. (c) Metals (see Fig. 3), which may be corrosion

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MEASUREMENT OF FLUID FLOW
ASME MFC-18M–2001 USING VARIABLE AREA METERS

resistant. Usable over a wide range of pressures and to the meter body. Some meters can be purchased with
temperatures, but require an additional display device. direct reading scales. Some have a separate range plate
The limitation is that the float cannot be seen. on the support body. The fluid, pressure, and temperature
should be indicated. Correction factors may be used
11.6 Float Type and Material to compensate for other operating conditions.

For all but the smallest sizes, there may be a choice 11.9 Pressure Drop
of float type or style. Most purge type meters use
spherical floats. The centerline of the sphere is the The pressure drop of the meter is the permanent
reference point for reading the flow. Larger meters unrecoverable pressure loss between the inlet and the
may have floats which look like a carpenter’s plumb outlet of the meter. The pressure drop can differ signifi-
bob with various parts added to improve the stability cantly depending on the meter design and sizing deci-
of the float. Most commonly, the point on the float sions. For the same flow, the pressure drop is a function
used to read the flow rate is at the point of maximum of tube flow area and the float. The properties of the
diameter. Consult the literature to be sure. Sharp edges fluid being metered and the pressure and temperature
at the point of maximum diameter reduce the effects will affect the pressure drop. The catalog listing shows
of viscosity, but may limit the material selection options. pressure drop for full-scale flow. Pressure drop is
The density of the float affects the meter calibration. approximately constant over the rated flow range, except
at the flow rate extremes.
11.7 Seal Type and Material
12 CAVITATION
The seal type and design (O-Ring or gasket) is
usually fixed by the design. A variety of seal materials Cavitation is the violent collapse of vapor bubbles
may be available. formed after flashing when the line pressure first de-
creases to be less than the vapor pressure of the liquid
and then rises to be above the vapor pressure of the
11.8 Scale
vapor (see ASME MFC-1M).
There may be a variety of scale options. Some tubes Cavitation in the VA meter is possible but rare, and
are etched at intervals marked to indicate the percent may damage the meter. The user should consider the
of full-scale flow. The flow rate scale range is typically possibility of cavitation if the pressure downstream of
from 0% to 100% of the maximum with a multiplier the meter is near the vapor pressure of the liquid at
tag. Depending on the design, some scales are attached any operating or limit conditions.

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ASME MFC-18M–2001

NONMANDATORY APPENDIX A
EXAMPLE, UNCERTAINTY

This is only a guide to estimating metering uncer- (b) Uncertainty due to manual reading precision:
tainty. divide by the percent reading because the uncertainty
is defined as percent of full scale: 0.20/0.30.
(c) Uncertainty due to catalog coefficient: divide by
Data:
the reading because the uncertainty is defined as percent
Catalog accuracy is stated to be 5% at full scale. of full scale: 0.05/0.30.
Density uncertainty is 10%. Precision of manual reading Combining the uncertainties using the usual square
is 2%. root of the sum of the squares:
The estimated uncertainty u:
Required:
u p 冪(0.10/2)2 + (0.02/0.3)2 + (0.05/0.3)2 p 0.1863 ,
Estimate the volumetric uncertainty at 30% of scale
reading. or about 19%
(a) Uncertainty due to density: divide by 2 because Of this, 16.67% is due to the catalog full scale
the square root of density applies: 0.10/2 capacity uncertainty.

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