Appendix A.

Orifice Design by Mainframe Computer

Abstract
This appendix explains how to use the mainframe computer program named
ORIFICE for orifice plate design. The appendix also provides the fundamental and
working equations used and the limitations in calculations performed by the
program.
The remainder of this appendix is organized as follows.
• Section A1.0 describes what the program can do: the types of calculations it
can perform, the kinds of orifice plates and taps it can be used to design, and
the fluid flows and limits it can work with are discussed.
• Section A2.0 is a “user’s guide.” It explains logon procedure, input data files,
output reports, and error messages and provides examples of screen prints.
• Section A3.0 documents the fundamental equations, constants, and working
equations used in the program. It discusses orifice coefficients and their
sources and limitations in order to help engineers better understand the basis of
the calculations the program performs. Correction factors used in the calcula-
tions are also described in this section.
• Section A4.0 provides test cases for users who want to test their PC-based
orifice calculations against the mainframe ORIFICE.
• Section A5.0 provides a list of technical references.

Contents Page

A1.0 Background Information on Orifice A-2

A2.0 User’s Guide: Running the ORIFICE Program A-6
A3.0 Equations, Coefficients, and Correction Factors A-21
A4.0 Test Cases with Results by Orifice A-30
A5.0 References A-30

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A1.0 Background Information on Orifice

A1.1 Background
The orifice design calculations performed by ORIFICE are suitable for flow meters
in process plants and producing facilities where the orifice meters do not require
accuracy better than + 2% (e.g., plant applications).
Although it provides design and flow rate calculation for orifice meters in gas
service, ORIFICE is not suitable for natural gas custody transfer calculations. This
is because the program does not have the provision, at present, to perform flow rate
calculation using the current API MPMS, Chapter 14.3 (also published as AGA 3).
The orifice coefficients (which is probably the most important empirical factor in
orifice calculations) used in the program are taken from the following sources:
• The Stolz equation from ISO Standard 5167 for square edge orifice with
flange, radius and corner taps.
• An unpublished equation by Stolz for square edge orifice with pipe taps (Pipe
taps not endorsed by ISO-5167).
• Equations in “ASME Fluid Meter Applications” (6th Edition, Para II-III-15 to
19, Figure II-III-13) for small bore orifice meters.
• Royal Dutch Shell (Delft, The Netherlands) Report 1312M used by L. K.
Spink in his “Principles and Practice of Flow Meter Engineering” (9th Edition,
1972), Table 15.

A1.2 Calculations
ORIFICE performs three kinds of calculations:
1. Sizing of a new orifice by given standard differential pressure and full scale
flow-rate.
2. Re-ranging of an existing orifice by given orifice diameter and full-scale flow-
rate.
3. Calculation of flow-rate (full-scale) by given differential pressure and orifice
diameter.

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A1.3 Orifice Plates

The following three types of orifice plates, which are commonly used in the United
States, are included in the ORIFICE program.
1. Square-edge orifice plates are the most commonly used for clean liquids, gases
and low-velocity vapor (steam) flows in 2-inch or larger pipes.
2. ASME small-bore orifice plates can be used for liquid, vapor (steam) or gas,
usually with 1/2 to 1 1/2-inch (nominal) pipe size depending upon the type of
taps used.
3. Quadrant-edge orifice (or “quarter-circle”) plates are used for viscous liquids
only. They are often used where the pipe Reynold’s number is low (usually
below 10,000).
Conic-edge and integral orifice plates are not covered in the ORIFICE Program.
Conic-edge orifice plates may have lower limit on the minimum Reynold’s number.
They are more common in Europe, where they are used to replace quadrant-edge
orifice meters. Integral orifices are used for clean fluids where the pipe size is 1/2
inch or smaller. Usually the supplier provides the method for performing sizing
calculations.

A1.4 Orifice Taps

Depending on the location of upstream and downstream pressure taps, the flow
meter is referred to as a flange tap, a corner tap, a radius tap, a pipe tap, or a vena
contracta tap orifice meter.
Corner and radius taps are widely used in Europe; flange taps predominate in the
United States. Pipe taps are sometimes used as bypass pump restrictors for natural
gas, or where the other tapping arrangements require drilling too close to the plate.
Vena contracta taps have been replaced in many places by radius taps because
future changes in orifice bore will then require no tap relocation.
The ORIFICE Program covers four types of pressure taps, defined as follows.
1. Flange taps: 1 inch upstream and 1 inch downstream of the orifice plate.
2. Radius taps: 1 D (inside pipe diameter) upstream and 1/2 D downstream.
3. Corner taps: Front and rear face of orifice plate.
4. Pipe taps: 2 1/2 D upstream and 8 D downstream.

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A1.5 Fluid Flows

ORIFICE is an orifice design calculation program for single-phase flow. Three
kinds of fluid flows and their engineering units are as follows:
1. Liquid: Flow-rate units can be in barrels per day (BPD), barrels per hours
(BPH), gallons per minute (GPM), or gallons per hour (GPH), all corrected to
60°F.
2. Vapor (steam): Flow-rate unit should be in pounds per hour (PPH).
3. Gas: Flow-rate units should be in standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH), i.e., at
60°F and 14.73 psia, which are the base conditions used by AGA-3.

A1.6 Base Conditions

Note that the European base, which is 59°F and 14.696 psia, is used in R. W.
Miller’s book Flow Measurement Engineering Handbook (see Section A5.0, “Refer-
ences”).
The definitions of “base conditions” are discussed in the API MPMS, Chapter 14.3,
Part 1 (1990):
“Historically, the flow measurement of some fluids, such as custody transfer
and process control, have been stated in volume units at base (reference or stan-
dard) conditions of pressure and temperature.
The base conditions for the flow measurement of fluids, such as crude petro-
leum and its liquid products, whose vapor pressure is equal to or less than
atmospheric at base temperature are defined in the United States as pressure of
14.696 pounds per square inch absolute (101.325 kilopascals) at a temperature
of 60.0°F (15.56°C). According to the International Standards Organization,
base conditions are defined as a pressure of 14.696 pounds per square inch
absolute (101.325 kilopascals) at a temperature of 59.00°F (15.00°C)
For fluids, such as liquid hydrocarbons, whose vapor pressure is greater than
atmospheric pressure at base temperature, the base pressure is customarily
designated as the equilibrium vapor pressure at base temperature.
The base conditions for the flow measurement of natural gases are defined in
the United States as a pressure of 14.73 pounds per square inch absolute
(101.560 kilopascals) at a temperature of 60.0°F (15.56°C). According to the
International Standards Organization, base conditions are defined as a pressure
of 14.696 pounds per square inch absolute (101.325 kilopascals) at a tempera-
ture of 59.00°F (15.00°C).
For both liquid and gas applications, these base conditions can change from
one country to the next, one state to the next, or one industry to the next. There-
fore, it is necessary that the base conditions be identified for standard volu-
metric flow measurement.”

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Instrumentation and Control Manual Appendix A

A1.7 Limitations
The calculations in ORIFICE are based on the latest applicable industry standards
and technical reports, which contain certain limits. These limits have been general-
ized for incorporation into the program (see Section A3.0, “Equations, Coefficients,
and Correction Factors.”).
The limits on pipe size (D), beta ratio (β, i.e., the ratio of orifice bore to inside pipe
diameter) and pipe Reynold’s number (RD) are outlined below by type of orifice
meter and type of tap. The asterisk (*) denotes that an error message (Section A2.5,
“Error Messages”) will be displayed on the screen to inform the user that a limit
has been exceeded.
1. Square-Edge Orifice
Flange, Radius, and Corner Taps
D: 2-in. to 36-in. pipe size
D min. = 1.939 in. (2 in. Sched. 80 )*
D max. = 35.5 in. (36 in. Sched. XS)
β 0.2 - 0.6 will have a min. error of ±0.6 % on the value of orifice
discharge coefficient (C).
0.6 - 0.75 will have a min. error of ±β % on the value of orifice discharge
coefficient (C).
RD: Min.= 104*
Max.= 107

Note The actual limitation on beta ratio in the ISO Standard varies depending
upon the type of tap. The ISO Standard also limits the minimum orifice diameter to
12.5 mm (about 0.5 inches) and limits the maximum pipe Reynold’s number to 10 8.
Pipe Taps
No minimum or maximum limits are set on pipe size (D), beta ratio (β), and RD. In
general, except for Dmin, the criteria on limits described above apply to square-edge
orifice plates with pipe taps.
2. ASME Small-Bore Orifice
Corner taps
D: 0.5-in. to 1.5-in. pipe size
D min.= 0.50 in.*
D max.= 1.77 in. (1-1/2-in. 5S pipe size)*
β: 0.1 - 0.8
RD: >103*

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Flange Taps
D: 1-in. to 1.5-in. pipe size
D min.=1 in.*
D max.=1.77 in. (1-1/2-in. 5S pipe size)*
β: 0.15 - 0.7
RD: >103*

Radius taps and pipe taps are not allowed by the program when adopting ASME
small-bore calculations.
3. Quadrant-edge Orifice
Only flange taps are allowed by the program.
D: 1-in. minimum pipe size*
β: 0.2 - 0.6 *. Within this range, the expected minimum error is +2%.

RD at 1/3 maximum (full scale) flow-rate: has an allowable range vs. beta ratio*

RD @ 1/3 Maximum Flow-rate

Beta Ratio Minimum Maximum

0.2 670 17500

0.3 770 28000
0.4 630 45000
0.5 450 70000
0.6 320 85000

In any event, RD at 1/3 maximum (full-scale, or FS) flow-rate should not exceed
90,000*.

A2.0 User’s Guide: Running the ORIFICE Program

A2.1 Accessing the ORIFICE Program in VM

ORIFICE is a stand-alone engineering program in CRTC’s ENGR/MFG TECH-
NICAL LIBRARY. User can run ORIFICE directly from VM, or through the Plant
Equipment Information System (PEIS). PEIS’s ORIFICE program provides
different front-end (user-interface) from the VM ORIFICE program, but it shares
the same calculations as the VM ORIFICE program.

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Running ORIFICE on VM
User can run ORIFICE by the following steps:
1. Log on to one of the VM hosts, such as HOVMA.
2. When the ready/time prompt is shown on the screen, type:
ATT T9ENGR
This entry can be in either upper or lower case.
3. When the main menu of the ENGR/MFG TECHNICAL LIBRARY is
displayed on the screen (Figure A-1), type:
ORIFICE

Fig. A-1 Accessing ORIFICE via CRTC’s Technical Library

R; T=0.09/0.19 14:45:38
.attach t9engr
DMSACC7231 B (102) R/0
T9ENGR attached as B DISK
(XNOMAD2)
—-ENGR/MFG TECHNICAL LIBRARY

FOR VM PROGRAM LIST: Hit CARRIAGE RETURN KEY after next question
FOR BATCH PROGRAM LIST: Enter “BATCH” after next question
FOR SYSTEM INFORMATION: Enter “INFO” after next question
FOR ENGR/MFG ASSISTANCE: Enter “HELP” after next question
* Enter PROGRAM NAME or “QUIT” >

Running ORIFICE through PEIS

At the time of this revision, PEIS - developed by Chevron Information Technology
Company (CITC), is expected to be replaced by the Meridium system in AFIS
(1996). PEIS users should contact their PEIS contact in CITC about the log on
procedure of the ORIFICE subsection in PEIS.
Note that PEIS customized some displays and reports for certain locations. There-
fore, the screen displays and reports through PEIS/ORIFICE may be different from
those described in this manual, which is based on the generic version of ORIFICE
in VM.

A2.2 Running ORIFICE

Once you are in ORIFICE, the program will guide you throughout. No step-by-step
procedure is needed, but the following hints should be useful.
1. Always remember that you can “walk back” by “quitting.” Use Function Key
PF3 or F3 to quit. “Quit” takes you back to the beginning of the program, or

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takes you out of the program, or takes you out of the Technical Library,
depending upon where you are when you quit.
Function Key PF2 or F2 refreshes the screen and brings you back to the begin-
ning of the input data file.
2. When using a personal computer, find out how to use the key(s) to perform the
function of certain VM terminal function keys that are not available to you.
For example: combination of the CTRL and HOME keys on an IBM-PC
keyboard will refresh the screen. The carriage return key on an IBM-PC
provides the same function as the ENTER key on a VM terminal.
3. The METER NUMBER in the input data file is your file name for the orifice
meter. The file will be saved under this METER NUMBER if you press the
ENTER (or the carriage return) key at any time. This is because the default
automatically saves the file for your protection. Consider using the meter iden-
tification number, meter tag number, or instrument number assigned by the
plant as the METER NUMBER (File Name).
4. When you type in a file name, a routine in the ORIFICE program will check to
see if you already have an existing orifice meter with this file name (METER
NUMBER) under your VM user I.D. If this is the case, it will retrieve the
existing file and display the file on screen.

A2.3 Input Data

General
• You may move the cursor to work on a new meter, or call up an existing meter
number and modify it, or quit and leave the program. Just move the cursor to
your choice and press the ENTER (or the carriage return) key.
• If you chose to create a new file (new meter), you will first see the upper half
of the screen. Once you provide the necessary information (i.e., kind of fluid
flow and type of calculation desired), ORIFICE will display the lower half of
the screen tailored for your application.
• If you chose to modify an existing file, the design data for the meter will be
displayed.
• Use tab key or arrow keys to move the cursor. Sometimes you may wish to skip
an entry and go back to it later. You may move the cursor to do this. Once you
press the ENTER (or the carriage return) key, the information you have typed
in will be stored under the METER NUMBER (i.e., the file name for this input
data file), and ORIFICE will attempt to execute with its default values.
• Note that the default on “Saving Input data in File?” is YES, as you can see at
the bottom of the lower screen. When you press the ENTER (or the carriage
return) key during editing, ORIFICE will try to save the file. You will be asked
to press the key again to override the previous version of the file.

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Explanation of Input Data

Figures A-2 through A-4 are examples of input screens.

Fig. A-2 Main Menu

ORIFICE DESIGN CALCULATIONS
Enter new meter data
Modify existing meter data
Quit
F1=HELP F2=RESTART F3=QUIT

Fig. A-3 Second (lower) Half of Screen Tailored for Calculation Defined in First (upper)
Half of Screen
ORIFICE DESIGN CALCULATIONS
Orifice Meter No.: FIGURE9 Date: 08/20/87
Plant/Location:
Orifice Type: Q Fluid Type: L
Tap Type: F Material Type: 316SS
Calculation Type: Pipe Inside Diameter (INCHES): 10.20
Service:
Full Scale Flow Rate: 2000.00 Units: BPH
Normal Flow Rate:
Flow Temperature (DEGF): 335.
Sp. Grav. (flow): 0.8107 Sp. Grav. (60F): 0.9088
Kinematic Viscosity: 3.00000
Save input date in file: Y Make calculations? Y
F1=HELP F2-RESTART F3=QUIT

Fig. A-4 Example of a Help Screen: Use PF1 (or F1) Key to See Choices for Certain
Parameters
*****Help Table for TAP TYPE*****
C - CORNER
F - FLANGE
P - PIPE
R - RADIUS

Table Search:
Current Value: F

F3=Quit F7=Bwd F8=Fwd F9=Top F10=Bot

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The input data are explained below. For those items with an asterisk (*), the infor-
mation is required; no default value is available.
*Meter Number Up to 8 characters (alphabetics or numbers, or both). As
mentioned earlier, this is the permanent file name for the
meter data.
Date Any date can be entered. Default is today.
Plant Name and Up to 40 characters. Any alphabetic description of the plant in
Location which the meter is located. This entry is optional.
*Fluid Type L = Liquid - uses volume rate of 60°F liquid.
V = Vapor (steam) - uses pounds per hours of vapor
(steam).
G = Gas - uses standard cubic feet rate of gas at 60°F
and 14.73 psia.
*Calculation Code OD = Given pressure differential, find orifice diameter.
PD = Given orifice diameter, find pressure differential.
FR = Given orifice diameter and pressure differential,
find full-scale flow-rate.
*Orifice Type S = Square-edge - for RD at 1/3 F.S. flow < 10,000.
Q = Quadrant-edge - for RD at 1/3 F.S. flow < 90,000.
Quadrant-edge orifice should not be used for either
vapor (steam) or gas.
P = Program Choice - based on program calculation of
RD at 1/3 full-scale flow. Program Choice is only
available for re-ranging pressure differential or flow-
rate calculation.
*Tap Type F = Flange taps
C = Corner taps
R = Radius taps
P = Pipe taps
*Correction Correction for liquid flow is not required.
Desired
Choose N (= No correction), or default.
Correction for vapor or gas:
N = No correction
Y1 = Upstream tap correction
Y2 = Downstream tap correction
Note that the correction factor (Y) is for gas expansion at mid-
scale flow-rate.
*Material Type 316SS = 316 stainless steel
304SS = 304 stainless steel

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Instrumentation and Control Manual Appendix A

OTHER = Other materials - user must provide Fa (Thermal

expansion correction factor for steel) later.
Service Up to 16 characters to describe what service the orifice meter
Information is for. This entry is optional.
*Pipe Inside Inches to 3 decimal places. For limits on pipe size for various
Diameter types of orifices and taps, see Section A1.7, “Limitations.”
*Orifice Diameter Inches to 3 decimal places.
Mandatory information for PD or FR calculation for square-
edge orifice.
*Pressure Inches of water pressure differential across orifice taps.
Differential Mandatory information for OD or FR calculation for square-
edge orifice.
*Full Scale Up to 9 numbers for maximum flow-rate.
Flow-rate
Mandatory information for PD or OD calculation.
Normal Up to 9 numbers for normal flow-rate.
Flow-rate
Default value is 0.707 of full-scale flow-rate.
*Flow-rate Units Liquid: BPH = barrels per hour
BPD = barrels per day
GPM = gallons per minute
GPH = gallons per hour
Vapor (Steam): PPH = pounds per hour
Gas:SCFH = standard cubic feet per hour
*Liquid Specific Dimensionless numerical value for liquid flow only.
Gravity at Flow
Temperature
Liquid Specific Dimensionless numerical value for liquid flow only.
Gravity at 60°F
Viscosity For use in RD calculation.
Liquid - Kinematic viscosity in centistokes (Cs).
Default value = 1.0 Cs (20°C water).
Vapor (Steam) - Absolute viscosity in centipoise (Cp).
Default value = 0.014 Cp (50 psig saturated steam).
Gas - Absolute viscosity in centipoise (Cp).
Default value = 0.011 Cp (low pressure natural gas @ 60°F).
Vapor (Steam) Cubic feet/pound for vapor (steam) flow only. Default valve is
Specific Volume calculated by the program based on ASME Steam Tables
(1987) for saturated and superheated steam.
*Gas Specific Ideal specific gravity (G).
Gravity Dimensionless, numerical value for gas flow only. Note that:

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G = MWgas /MWair = MWgas /28.963

or
G = GR x Z b
where:
GR = real specific gravity and ratio of density of gas to air
Zb = compressibility of gas at 60°F.
*Pressure Absolute pressure in psia for vapor (steam) or gas only.
*Temperature Temperature of flow in degrees F.
Ratio of Specific For vapor (steam) or gas only. The ratio (k) is defined as
Heats follows:
k = Cp /Cv
where:
Cp and Cv = specific heats. k is used in Y-correction factor
calculation. Default value is 1.3.
Thermal Expan- This dimensionless factor assumes that orifice was made in
sion Correction shop at 68°F and operated at flow temperature specified in the
(Fa) input data. No input is required for 316SS or 304SS because
ORIFICE calculates the Fa for them.
You must enter a numerical value when selecting OTHER
material.
Correction for Numerical value required only for gas flow. Note that:
Supercompress-
ibility (Fpv)
Fpv = (1/Zf)1/2
where:
Zf = Compressibility of gas at flow conditions.
Default value = 1.0
Correction Factor You must specify if the correction is for upstream (Y1) or
for Gas Expansion downstream (Y2).
(Y)
Note:
ISO/Miller uses differential pressure to calculate Y. ORIFICE
uses mid-scale flow rate to calculate Y.
Gas Base Numerical value required only for gas flow at base conditions
Compressibility (i.e., 60°F and 14.73 psia). Default value is 1.0.
Factor (Zb)

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Input During Program Execution

Input during program execution is required in two situations:
1. For quadrant-edge orifice calculation
For the PD or OD calculations, the program displays a chart with several lines of
calculation results. Each line is for a different value of quadrant-edge orifice thick-
ness (Figure A-3).
The user is instructed to “Select an orifice thickness and type in value.” The user
may enter a value for orifice thickness or press the ENTER (or the carriage return)
key for the alternate option: “Select meter differential and type in value.” User may
enter a value for meter differential, or again press the ENTER (or the carriage
return) key to repeat the original choice.
For the FR calculation, the user is required to enter pressure differential and plate
thickness or to enter orifice diameter and plate thickness. ORIFICE will then calcu-
late directly the full-scale flow-rate.
2. For ASME small-bore orifice calculation
If the pipe size falls below the ASME/Miller limit for square-edge orifices, the
program will ask if you want to use the ASME small-bore calculation.

Fig. A-5 Screen Print of Chart for Quadrant-Edge Orifice Calculation

Orifice Orifice Meter Reynolds At 1/3 Flow
Thickness Diameter Beta Press Diff Min Reyn Max Reyn
0.2500 2.4758 0.247084 2738.099 755 21738
0.3125 3.0050 0.299897 1248.376 770 27988
0.3750 3.4802 0.347323 685.493 723 35098
0.5000 4.2474 0.423890 296.650 582 50734
0.7500 5.2249 0.521448 117.051 420 73861
1.0000 5.7415 0.573001 73.089 352 81760
1.2500 6.0099 0.599792 57.583 320 84975
1.5000 6.1518 0.613955 50.869 309 85837
1.7500 6.2505 0.623804 46.594 301 86428
Calculation options:
D - Calculate Orifice Thickness and Orifice Diameter given Meter Differential
T - Calculate Meter Differential and Orifice Diameter given Orifice Thickness
Please enter the calculation type (D or T):
VM READ HOVMA

A2.4 Output Reports

Once the program completes its calculations, you may store the output under your
VM personal ID permanently, and/or display it on the terminal. Figure A-4 is an
example of the screen showing your options at this point.

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Fig. A-6 Output Menu Displayed on Screen When Calculation Complete

Report Options
Enter the report option
I. Save input data
P. Print output report
S. Save output report
V. View outut report
X. Exit
F1=Help F3=Exit F12=Cancel Enter=Proceed

Figures A-7 through A-13 are examples of output reports.

Fig. A-7 Sizing Square-Edge Orifice in Liquid Service

ORIFICE DESIGN CALCULATIONS 07/07/95
METER NUMBER : FE-001
PLANT/LOCATION : SAMPLE-LIQUID
SERVICE :
ORIFICE MATERIAL : SS
GIVEN PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL, FIND ORIFICE DIAMETER
TAP TYPE: FLANGE
FLUID TYPE: LIQUID
ORIFICE TYPE: SQUARE EDGE

FULL SCALE FLOWRATE: 2000 BPH

NORMAL FLOWRATE: 1414 BPH
PIPE INSIDE DIAMETER: 10.0200 INCHES
PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL: 100.00 INCHES OF WATER
SG AT FLOW TEMP: 0.8107
SG AT 60 DEG F: 0.9088
KINEMATIC VISCOSITY: 1.0000 CENTISTOKES
TEMPERATURE: 335 DEG F
THERMAL EXPANSION (FA): 1.0049
CALCULATED VALUES ----
PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT NORMAL FLOW: 350241
PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 MAX FLOW: 165130
ORIFICE DIAMETER 6.1577 INCHES
ORIFICE COEFFICIENT 0.2472
BETA: 0.6145

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Fig. A-8 Re-Ranging Existing Orifice Meter

ORIFICE DESIGN CALCULATIONS 07/07/95

METER NUMBER : FE-002

PLANT/LOCATION : SAMPLE-LIQUID
SERVICE :
ORIFICE MATERIAL : SS
GIVEN ORIFICE DIAMETER, FIND PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL
TAP TYPE: FLANGE
FLUID TYPE: LIQUID
ORIFICE TYPE: SQUARE EDGE

FULL SCALE FLOWRATE: 2000 BPH

NORMAL FLOWRATE: 1414 BPH
PIPE INSIDE DIAMETER: 10.0200 INCHES
ORIFICE DIAMETER: 6.1570 INCHES
SG AT FLOW TEMP: 0.8107
SG AT 60 DEG F: 0.9088
KINEMATIC VISCOSITY: 1.0000 CENTISTOKES
TEMPERATURE: 335 DEG F
THERMAL EXPANSION (FA): 1.0049

CALCULATED VALUES ----

PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT NORMAL FLOW: 350241

PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 MAX FLOW: 165130

PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL 100.05 INCHES OF WATER

ORIFICE COEFFICIENT 0.2471
BETA: 0.6145

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Fig. A-9 Calculating Orifice Diameter and Pressure Differential for Quadrant-Edge Orifice
ORIFICE DESIGN CALCULATIONS 07/07/95

METER NUMBER : FE-003

PLANT/LOCATION, QUADRANT EDGE : SAMPLE-LIQUID
SERVICE :
ORIFICE MATERIAL : SS
GIVEN ORIFICE THICKNESS, CALCULATE METER DIFFEREN-
TIAL AND ORIFICE DIAMETER
TAP TYPE: FLANGE
FLUID TYPE: LIQUID
ORIFICE TYPE: QUADRANT EDGE - FLUID TYPE MUST BE
LIQUID

FULL SCALE FLOWRATE: 2000 BPH

NORMAL FLOWRATE: 1414 BPH
PIPE INSIDE DIAMETER: 10.0200 INCHES
SG AT FLOW TEMP: 0.8107
SG AT 60 DEG F: 0.90887
KINEMATIC VISCOSITY: 3.0000 CENTISTOKES
TEMPERATURE: 335 DEG F
THERMAL EXPANSION (FA): 1.0049

CALCULATED VALUES ----

PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT NORMAL FLOW: 116747

PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 MAX FLOW: 55043

THICKNESS: 0.7500
ORIFICE DIAMETER: 5.2249
BETA: 0.5214
METER DIFFERENTIAL: 117.05 INCHES OF WATER
MIN. REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 RATE:
MAX REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 RATE: 420
73861

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Instrumentation and Control Manual Appendix A

Fig. A-10 Re-Ranging Pressure Differential for Orifice Meter in Vapor (Steam) Service
ORIFICE DESIGN CALCULATIONS 07/07/95

METER NUMBER : FE-005

PLANT/LOCATION : SAMPLE-
SERVICE : VAPOR/STEAM
ORIFICE MATERIAL :
GIVEN ORIFICE DIAMETER, FIND PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SS
TAP TYPE: FLANGE
FLUID TYPE: STEAM
ORIFICE TYPE: SQUARE EDGE

FULL SCALE FLOWRATE: 3000 PPH

NORMAL FLOWRATE: 2121 PPG
PIPE INSIDE DIAMETER: 3.0680 INCHES
SPECIFIC VOLUME: 3.4979 CU. FT./LB.
ORIFICE DIAMETER: 1.5780 INCHES
PRESSURE: 135 PSIA
TEMPERATURE: 380 DEG F
THERMAL EXPANSION (FA): 1.0058
VISCOSITY: 0.0140 CENTIPOISE

CALCULATED VALUES ----

PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT NORMAL FLOW: 311889

PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 MAX FLOW: 147048

PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL: 99.08 INCHES OF WATER

ORIFICE COEFFICIENT: 0.1659
BETA: 0.5143
GAS EXPANSION FACTOR, Y: 1.0000

GAS EXPANSION FACTOR, Y1 = 0.9956 (K = 1.30000)

PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL: 99.97 INCHES OF WATER

ORIFICE COEFFICIENT: 0.1659
BETA: 0.5143
GAS EXPANSION FACTOR, Y: 0.9956

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Appendix A Instrumentation and Control Manual

Fig. A-11 Sizing Square-Edge Orifice in Gas Service

ORIFICE DESIGN CALCULATIONS 07/10/95
METER NUMBER : FE-006
PLANT/LOCATION : SAMPLE-GAS
SERVICE :
ORIFICE MATERIAL : SS
GIVEN PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL, FIND ORIFICE DIAMETER
TAP TYPE: FLANGE
FLUID TYPE: GAS
ORIFICE TYPE: SQUARE EDGE

FULL SCALE FLOWRATE: 400000 SCFH

NORMAL FLOWRATE: 282843 SCFH
PIPE INSIDE DIAMETER: 10.2500 INCHES
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 0.6000
PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL: 100.00 INCHES OF WATER
PRESSURE: 60 PSIA
TEMPERATURE: 60 DEG F
THERMAL EXPANSION (FA): 0.9999
FPV: 1.0000
ZB: 1.0000
VISCOSITY: 0.0110 CENTIPOISE

CALCULATED VALUES ----

PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT NORMAL FLOW: 727289
PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 MAX FLOW: 342847

GAS EXPANSION FACTOR, Y: 1.0000

ORIFICE DIAMETER: 4.3972 INCHES
ORIFICE COEFFICIENT: 0.1126
BETA: 0.4290

GAS EXPANSION FACTOR, Y = Y1 = 0.9902 (K = 1.30000)

ORIFICE DIAMETER: 4.4179 INCHES
ORIFICE COEFFICIENT: 0.1137
BETA: 0.4310

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Instrumentation and Control Manual Appendix A

Fig. A-12 Calculating Flow-rate for Square-Edge Orifice Meter in Liquid Service
ORIFICE DESIGN CALCULATIONS 07/07/95
METER NUMBER : FE-007
PLANT/LOCATION : SAMPLE-LIQUID
SERVICE :
ORIFICE MATERIAL : SS
GIVEN PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL AND ORIFICE DIAMETER,
FIND FLOW RATES
TAP TYPE: FLANGE
FLUID TYPE: LIQUID
ORIFICE TYPE: SQUARE EDGE

PIPE INSIDE DIAMETER: 10.0200 INCHES

PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL: 100.00 INCHES OF WATER
ORIFICE DIAMETER: 6.1569 INCHES
SG AT FLOW TEMP: 0.8107
SG AT 60 DEG F: 0.9088
KINEMATIC VISCOSITY: 1.0000 CENTISTOKES
TEMPERATURE: 335 DEG F
THERMAL EXPANSION (FA): 1.0049

CALCULATED VALUES ----

PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT NORMAL FLOW: 350187
PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 MAX FLOW: 165080

FULL SCALE FLOWRATE: 1999 BPH

NORMAL FLOWRATE: 1414 BPH
ORIFICE COEFFICIENT: 0.2471
BETA: 0.6145

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Appendix A Instrumentation and Control Manual

Fig. A-13 Calculating Flow-rate for Quadrant-Edge Orifice Meter

ORIFICE DESIGN CALCULATIONS 07/07/95
METER NUMBER : FE-004
PLANT/LOCATION : SAMPLE-LIQUID,
SERVICE : QUADRANT EDGE
ORIFICE MATERIAL :
GIVEN ORIFICE DIAMETER, CALCULATE FLOWRATES AND SS
ORIFICE THICKNESS
TAP TYPE: FLANGE
FLUID TYPE: LIQUID
ORIFICE TYPE: QUADRANT EDGE - FLUID TYPE MUST BE
LIQUID

PIPE INSIDE DIAMETER: 10.0200 INCHES

PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL: 100.00 INCHES OF WATER
SG AT FLOW TEMP: 0.8107
SG AT 60 DEG F: 0.9088
KINEMATIC VISCOSITY: 3.0000 CENTISTOKES
TEMPERATURE: 335 DEG F
THERMAL EXPANSION (FA): 1.0049

CALCULATED VALUES ----

PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT NORMAL FLOW: 107925
PIPE REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 MAX FLOW: 50876

THICKNESS: 0.7500 INCHES

ORIFICE DIAMETER: 5.2249 INCHES
BETA: 0.5214 BPH
FULL SCALE FLOWRATE: 1849 BPH
NORMAL FLOWRATE: 1307

MIN. REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 RATE: 420

MAX REYNOLDS NO. AT 1/3 RATE: 73861

A2.5 Error Messages

Three types of error messages are provided by ORIFICE:
1. Fatal Error - Calculation will be aborted when the program detects a fatal error.
Fatal errors include:
a. Quadrant-edge and program choice orifices not used for flange taps.
b. Quadrant-edge orifice not used for vapor or gas.
c. Radius or pipe taps not used on ASME small bore orifice.
d. Pipe diameter outside allowable range for ASME small bore orifice.
e. Illegal entry used in input data.
f. Orifice diameter calculation not specified with program choice.
g. Unable to calculate beta - Check your input data.
h. S = 0 - Check for input data error.
i. Program Choice option used for calculation other than liquid calculation.

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Instrumentation and Control Manual Appendix A

j. Error found during default calculation or specific volume: Temperature is

below calculated saturation value. There is less than 100% vaporization.
The program cannot calculate two phase flow.
k. Error found during default calculation or specific volume. Pressure is
outside ASME steam table range (0.17811 PSIA to 3206.16 PSIA).
l. Invalid units specified for type of liquid.
2. Non-Fatal Error - Calculation permitted to continue. User is warned that
certain limits have been exceeded.
a. Pipe diameter below ASME/Miller limits (2" Sched. 80 pipe) for square-
edge orifice.
b. RD (1/3 max. flow) below ASME/Miller limits for square-edge orifice.
c. RD (1/3 max. flow) above limits (90000) for quadrant-edge orifice. Calcu-
lation performed for square-edge orifice instead.
d. RD (1/3 max. flow) beyond limits for quadrant-edge orifice.
e. Beta ratio beyond limits (0.2/0.63) for quadrant-edge orifice. Calculation
performed for square-edge orifice instead.
3. Missing or Inappropriate Data
ORIFICE checks for missing data that are essential for calculation. An error
message will be displayed to inform the user that data are missing.
When performing the quadrant-edge calculations, the user may need to choose
the orifice thickness (t) or pressure differential (h). If the selection is not in the
Quadrant-edge Orifice Sizing Data File, a message will be displayed to inform
the user of the inappropriate selection made. The program will then ask the
user to make another selection.
The Quadrant-Edge Orifice Sizing Data File is a look-up table from which the
program takes the orifice coefficient for a given plate thickness (t) and pipe
size (D) or for a given beta ratio.

A3.0 Equations, Coefficients, and Correction Factors

A3.1 Definition of Symbols

C = Orifice coefficient of discharge
K = C(1-β4)-1/2, orifice flow coefficient based on orifice diameter
S = Kβ2, orifice flow coefficient based on pipe diameter
Q = Volume flow-rate, full-scale
BPD, BPH, GPM, GPH corrected to 60°F for liquid flow
SCFH corrected to 60°F, 1 Atm for gas flow

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Appendix A Instrumentation and Control Manual

V = Velocity of flow in ft/second

W = Mass flow-rate, full-scale, in lbs./hour
N = Conversion factor used in liquid orifice sizing equation for
different units of flow-rate:
BPD BPH GPM GPH
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
194.3 8.095 5.666 340.0
D = Pipe inside diameter in inches
d = Orifice diameter in inches
β = d/D, the diameter ratio
h = Pressure difference at orifice taps in inches of water
G = Ideal specific gravity of gas = MWgas /MWair = GR x Zb; MWair
= 28.963
GR = Real specific gravity of gas = ρgas /ρdry air = G/Zb
Temperature and pressure of gas and air are at standard condi-
tions.
Note that ORIFICE equations use Ideal Specific Gravity.
Gb = Specific gravity of liquid at a base temperature of 60°F
Gf = Specific gravity of liquid at the flow temperature
P = Absolute pressure of flowing gas in psia
T = Absolute temperature of flowing gas in °R
°R = °F + 459.67
v = Specific volume of steam or vapor at flow conditions in cubic
ft/lb
υ = Kinematic viscosity at flow conditions in centistokes
µ = Absolute viscosity at flow conditions in centipoise
g = Gravitational conversion constant = 32.17405
ρ = Density of flowing fluid - pounds/cubic foot
Rd = Reynold’s Number based on orifice diameter
RD = Reynold’s Number based on pipe diameter
RD = β Rd
B = Conversion factor used in liquid Reynold’s Number equation for
different units of flow-rate:
BPD BPH GPM GPH
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
92.24 2214. 3163. 52.71
k = Ratio of specific heats = Cp /Cv

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Instrumentation and Control Manual Appendix A

Correction Factors
Fa = Correction for thermal expansion of orifice meter at operating
temperature. Base temperature = 68°F.
Y = Gas expansion correction factor for midscale flow
Y1 = correction factor based on upstream static pressure
Y2 = correction factor based on downstream static pressure
Fpν = Supercompressibility correction factor
Fpν = (1/Zf)1/2
Zf = Compressibility factor at flow temperature and pressure
Zb = Compressibility factor at 60°F, 14.73 psia
Fc = Reynold’s number correction factor; not used by ORIFICE.
RD is built into the orifice flow coefficients used by ORIFICE.

A3.2 Fundamental Equations

Consider an orifice with diameter d in a pipe with inside diameter D
P1 = upstream absolute pressure (in pipe)
P2 = downstream absolute pressure (at orifice)
Assume incompressible flow, constant density ρ
Valid for vapor (steam) and gas when (P1 - P2) < P1
P = static pressure (lbs/ft2)
ρ = density (lbs/ft3)
Energy Balance Equation

2 2
V1 P1 V2 P2
------- + ------ = ------- + ------
2g ρ 2g ρ
(Eq. A-1)
V1 = velocity (ft/sec.) in pipe
V2 = velocity (ft/sec.) at orifice
g = gravitational constant = 32.2 ft/sec2
Continuity Equation

A1 V1 = A2 V2
(Eq. A-2)

A1 = area of pipe cross section = πd2/4

A2 = area of orifice = πd2/4

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Appendix A Instrumentation and Control Manual

Combining and Simplifying

1 2g ( P 1 – P 2 ) 1 ⁄ 2
V2 = ---------------------------
- ----------------------------
-
4 1⁄2 ρ
(1 – β )
(Eq. A-3)
β = d/D
The Ideal Orifice Equation
A2 × V2 = CFS (Cubic Feet per Second)

πd
2 2g ( P 1 – P 2 ) 1 ⁄ 2
CFS = ------------------------------
- -----------------------------
4 1⁄2 ρ
4(1 – β )

1
---------------------------
- = velocity of approach factor
4 1⁄2
(1 – β )
(Eq. A-4)
The effects of non-ideal flow through the orifice are summarized into a single coef-
ficient that is obtained experimentally. C is the coefficient of discharge.
The Real Orifice Equation

πCd
2 2g ( P 1 – P 2 ) 1 ⁄ 2
CFS = ------------------------------
- -----------------------------
4 1⁄2 ρ
4(1 – β )
(Eq. A-5)

There are two definitions for orifice meter coefficients:

C
K = ---------------------------
-
4 1⁄2
(1 – β )

Cβ 2
S = ---------------------------
-
4 1⁄2
(1 – β )

Note that S = Kβ 2

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Instrumentation and Control Manual Appendix A

The Real Orifice Equation Becomes:

π 2g ( P 1 – P 2 ) 1 ⁄ 2
CFS = Kd 2 --- -----------------------------
4 ρ
(Eq. A-6)

or

2 π 2g ( P 1 – P 2 )
1⁄2
CFS = SD --- -----------------------------
4 ρ
(Eq. A-7)
Chevron has adopted this form as a standard. All of the “working equations” for
sharp-edge orifices and quadrant-edge orifices are developed from this equation.

A3.3 Working Equations

1. Liquid Flow

COMPARE:

NSD 2 Fa ( hG f ) 1 / 2
Q = --------------------------------------------
Gb
(Eq. A-8)
Miller Table 9.23 eq. f.

BQG b
R D = ----------------
DµGf
(Eq. A-9)
Miller Table 9.20 eq. f
2. Vapor (Steam) Flow

h 1/2
W = 358.9 SD 2 FaY  --- 
v
(Eq. A-10)
Miller Table 9.23 eq. a

6.316W
R D = -------------------
Dµ
(Eq. A-11)
Miller Table 9.20 eq. g

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Appendix A Instrumentation and Control Manual

3. Gas Flow

hP 1 / 2
Q = 7708 SD 2 F a YF pv Z b  -------- 
 TG 
(Eq. A-12)
Miller Table 9.23 eq. 1

.4832 QG
R D = -------------------------
D µ Zb
(Eq. A-13)
Miller Table 9.20 eq. 1

A3.4 ORIFICE Coefficients

1. Square-edge orifice: D ≥ 2", close-up taps
Stolz equation ISO-5167-1980(E), 7.3.2.1
Flange taps: L1 = L2 = 1/D
Radius taps (D, D/2 taps): L1 = 1, L2 = .47
Corner taps: L1 = L2 = 0

·
B = .09L 1 if L 1 < .4333

·
B = .039 if L 1 ≥ .4333

– .75
C = .5959 + .0312β 2.1 – .184β 8 + 91.7061β 2.5 R D

+Bβ 4 ( 1 – β 4 ) -1 – .0337L 2 β 3
(Eq. A-14)

Cβ 2
S = --------------------------
-
( 1 – β4)1 / 2
(Eq. A-15)

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Instrumentation and Control Manual Appendix A

2. Square-edge orifice: D = 1" or 1-1/2", close-up taps

From “ASME Fluid Meters: Their Theory and Application” (6th Ed. 1971).
Sections II-III, 15 to 19.
Corner taps:

S = β 2 .5991 + ------------- +  .3155 + ------------- ( β 4 + 2β 16 )

.0044 .0175
D  D 

+  ---------------- – .000192 +  .01648 – ---------------- ( β 4 + 4β 16 ) -------------------

.00052 .00116 1000
-
 D  D   ( RD )1 / 2
(Eq. A-16)
Flange taps:

2 1000
S = β .5980 + .458 ( β 4 + 10β 12 ) + ( .00087 + 0081β 4 ) -------------------
-
( RD )1 / 2
(Eq. A-17)
Note The ORIFICE program permits users to use the Stolz equation in ISO-5167
to calculate orifice flow coefficient(s). An error message will be displayed and
printed to remind users of limit violation (D < 2").
3. Square-edge orifice: Pipe taps

.039β 4 91.7061β 2.5

C = .5959 + .461β 2.1 + .48β 8 + ----------------
- + ----------------------------
· -
1 – β4 R D .75
(Eq. A-18)

Cβ 2
S = --------------------------
-
( 1 – β4 )1 / 2
(Eq. A-19)
4. Quadrant-edge orifice: Flange taps

r
---- = f ( β )
D
(Eq. A-20)

S = f(β)
(Eq. A-21)
Tabulated in file DQUADDATA

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Appendix A Instrumentation and Control Manual

A3.5 Correction Factors

(1) Fa = Correction factor for thermal expansion of orifice meter.

2
F a = 1 + --------------4- ( α Pe – β 4 α P ) ( T – 68 )
1–β
(Eq. A-22)
(Miller eq. 9.51)
The following values were used:
β = .5
αPe = expansion coef. for 3166SS orifice place = .0000096.

αP = expansion coef. for carbon steel pipe = .0000067.

(Miller Table B.4)

yielding:
Fa = 1 + .0000196 (T - 68)
Notes:
Base temperature is 68°F.
Equation valid for 304 or 316 orifice plate/carbon steel pipe.
The simplification that β = 0.5 produces a negligible error (i.e., less
than the dimensional tolerance of the orifice diameter).
(2)
Y = Correction factor for gas expansion at midscale flow-rate.
Note The fundamental orifice equation assumes the flowing fluid to be incom-
pressible; that is, it assumes that the fluid density remains constant while flowing
through the orifice. This is normally true for non-flashing liquids and approxi-
mately true for gases and vapors (steam) when ∆P/P is small. The Y correction
factor is used for vapor (steam) or gas when ∆P/P gets too large.
(a.) Y1 - Based on pressure, P measured upstream of orifice.

.5h
x = --------------
27.7P

x
Y 1 = 1 – ( .41 + .35β 4 ) --- (for flange, radius, corner taps)
k
(Eq. A-23)

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Instrumentation and Control Manual Appendix A

x
Y 1 = 1 – ( .333 + 1.145 ( β 2 + 7β 5 + 12β 13 ) ) --- (for pipe taps)
k
(Eq. A-24)

A3.6 Method for Quadrant-edge Orifice Design - Liquid Flow

The method is based on a table of S and r/D versus β. (See Figure A-6)
Also see Table 15 in Spink and File DQUAD in the ORIFICE program.
The ORIFICE calculation uses standard plate thicknesses in inches:
.0625, .109 (USS 12 ga.), .125, .141 (USS 10 ga.), .1875, .250, .3125, .375,
.500, .750, 1.000, 1.250, 1.500, 1.750, 2.000
Normal calculation - Given t, Calculate h & d
1. Select orifice plate thickness, t. (Use standard thicknesses)
2. Compute r/D
Quadrant radius r = t, by definition
3. Look up β and S in File DQUAD DATA
4. Calculate orifice diameter:

d = βD
(Eq. A-25)
5. Calculate differential pressure across taps:

2
 QG b 
h =  ----------------------------------------
- 
 SND 2 Fa ( G f ) 1 / 2 
(Eq. A-26)

6. If h does not have a desirable value (e.g., 20-200 in. H2O) then change thick-
ness and repeat steps 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Note Thicker orifice plates result in lower values of h.
Alternate Calculation - Given h, Calculate t & d
1. Select differential pressure across taps, h.
(Use standard value: 200., 100., 50., 25., 10., etc.)
2. Calculate S:

QG b
S = ---------------------------------------
-
ND 2 Fa ( hG f ) 1 / 2
(Eq. A-27)

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Appendix A Instrumentation and Control Manual

3. Look up β and r/D in File DQUAD DATA

4. Calculate orifice diameter:

d=βD
(Eq. A-28)
5. Calculate orifice plate thickness:

t = r = (r/D) D
(Eq. A-29)

A4.0 Test Cases with Results by Orifice

Figures A-15 through A-17 provide calculations for various test cases for liquid,
vapor (steam) and gas. Users who want to test their PC-based programs can
compare the accuracy of their calculations.

A5.0 References
Miller, R. W. Flow Measurement Engineering Handbook (1st edition, 1983).
International Standard (ISO) 5167. Measurement of Fluid Flow by Means of
Orifice Plates, Nozzles and Venturi Tubes Inserted in Circular Cross-Section
Conduits Running Full (1st edition, 1980).
ASME MFC-3M-1984. Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes Using Orifice,
Nozzle, and Venturi.
API. Measurement of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 14, “Natural
Gas Fluids Measurement,” Section 3, “Concentric, Square-Edged Orifice Meters
(Third Edition, Sept. 1990); GPA designation: GPA 8185-90, Part 1; AGA designa-
tion AGA Report No. 3.
ASME. Fluid Meters; Their Theory and Application (6th edition, 1971).
Spink, L. K. Principles and Practice of Flow Meter Engineering (9th edition,
1967).

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Instrumentation and Control Manual Appendix A

Fig. A-14 Quadrant-Edge Orifice(s) and Thickness Ratio (t/D) versus Beta
BETA S t/D BETA S t/D
0.200 0.0305 0.0198 0.420 0.1407 0.0492
0.205 0.0321 0.0203 0.425 0.1443 0.0501
0.210 0.0338 0.0209 0.430 0.1480 0.0511
0.215 0.0355 0.0214 0.435 0.1518 0.0520
0.220 0.0372 0.0220 0.440 0.1556 0.0530
0.225 0.0390 0.0225 0.445 0.1595 0.0540
0.230 0.0408 0.0231 0.450 0.1635 0.0550
0.235 0.0426 0.0236 0.455 0.1675 0.0561
0.240 0.0445 0.0242 0.460 0.1716 0.0572
0.245 0.0464 0.0247 0.465 0.1758 0.0583
0.250 0.0484 0.0253 0.470 0.1801 0.0595
0.255 0.0504 0.0259 0.475 0.1844 0.0607
0.260 0.0524 0.0264 0.480 0.1888 0.0619
0.265 0.0545 0.0270 0.485 0.1933 0.0632
0.270 0.0566 0.0276 0.490 0.1978 0.0646
0.275 0.0587 0.0282 0.495 0.2024 0.0660
0.280 0.0609 0.0288 0.500 0.2070 0.0675
0.285 0.0631 0.0294 0.505 0.2120 0.0691
0.290 0.0654 0.0300 0.510 0.2170 0.0708
0.295 0.0677 0.0306 0.515 0.2220 0.0725
0.300 0.700 0.0312 0.520 0.2270 0.0743
0.305 0.0724 0.0318 0.525 0.2320 0.0762
0.310 0.0748 0.0325 0.530 0.2370 0.0781
0.315 0.0773 0.0331 0.535 0.2430 0.0801
0.320 0.0798 0.0338 0.540 0.2480 0.0822
0.325 0.0824 0.0344 0.545 0.2540 0.0845
0.330 0.0850 0.0351 0.550 0.2600 0.0869
0.335 0.0877 0.0358 0.555 0.2660 0.0895
0.340 0.0904 0.0364 0.550 0.2720 0.0922
0.345 0.0931 0.0371 0.565 0.2790 0.0950
0.350 0.0959 0.0378 0.570 0.2850 0.0980
0.355 0.0987 0.0385 0.575 0.2920 0.1010
0.360 0.1016 0.0392 0.580 0.2980 0.1040
0.365 0.1045 0.0400 0.585 0.3050 0.1080
0.370 0.1075 0.0407 0.590 0.3120 0.1130
0.375 0.1106 0.0415 0.595 0.3190 0.1190
0.380 0.1137 0.0423 0.600 0.3260 0.1250
0.385 0.1169 0.0431 0.605 0.3330 0.1320
0.390 0.1201 0.0439 0.610 0.3410 0.1410
0.395 0.1234 0.0448 0.615 0.3480 0.1520
0.400 0.1267 0.0456 0.620 0.3560 0.1640
0.405 0.1301 0.0465 0.625 0.3640 0.1780
0.410 0.1336 0.0474 0.630 0.3720 0.1920
0.415 0.1371 0.0483 0.635 0.3800 0.2050

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 Appendix A Orifice Design by Mainframe Computer

Pipe I. D. Orifice Diameter Pipe Reynolds No. Full Scale Flow Rate Normal Flow Rate Orifice Flow Coefficient Orifice Coefficient Beta Ratio Notes
at Normal Flow based on pipe diameter of Discharge
D d RD Q 0.707*Q S C ß
inches inches BPD BPD
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 30578 1739 1229 0.1947 0.6135 0.5500
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 30571 1738 1229 0.1947 0.6135 0.5500
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 30505 1735 1227 0.1943 0.6122 0.5500
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 37020 2105 1488 0.2358 0.7430 0.5500
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 19.4568 474699 425338 300760 0.1918 0.6043 0.5500
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 19.4568 475637 426178 301354 0.1922 0.6056 0.5500
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 19.4568 474623 425270 300711 0.1918 0.6043 0.5500
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 19.4568 578125 518010 366288 0.2336 0.7361 0.5500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 26227 10410 7361 0.0239 0.5970 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 26225 10409 7360 0.0239 0.5970 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 26228 10410 7361 0.0239 0.5970 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 26872 10665 7542 0.0245 0.6120 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 11.7525 446564 177239 125327 0.4074 0.5988 0.7500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 11.7525 453714 180077 127334 0.4140 0.6085 0.7500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 11.7525 445263 176723 124962 0.4062 0.5971 0.7500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 10.4440 447117 177459 125482 0.4079 0.8227 0.6665
3.334 (3" -Sch 5S) 1.2860 21223 1792 1267 0.0910 0.6049 0.3857 1
3.334 (3" -Sch 5S) 1.2860 21221 1792 1267 0.0910 0.6049 0.3857 1
3.334 (3" -Sch 5S) 1.2860 21222 1792 1267 0.0910 0.6049 0.3857 1
3.334 (3" -Sch 5S) 1.2336 21217 1792 1267 0.0910 0.6585 0.3700 1
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 26.5320 1004521 900067 636444 0.4060 0.5968 0.7500
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 26.5320 1022323 916019 647723 0.4132 0.6073 0.7500
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 26.5320 1003218 898899 635618 0.4054 0.5959 0.7500
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 23.5500 1004454 900008 636401 0.4059 0.8211 0.6657

0.71 (0.5" -Sch 5S) 0.3905 9849 177 125 0.1983 0.6248 0.5500
1.185 (1" -Sch 5S) 0.65175 16475 494 350 0.1988 0.6264 0.5500
1.77 (1.5" -Sch 5S) 0.9735 24022 1077 762 0.1940 0.6113 0.5500
1.77 (1.5" -Sch 5S) 0.9735 24519 1099 777 0.1980 0.6239 0.5500
 Appendix A Orifice Design by Mainframe Computer

Pipe I. D. Orifice Diameter Pipe Reynolds No. Full Scale Flow Rate Normal Flow Rate Orifice Flow Coefficient Orifice Coefficient Gas Expansion Factor for midscale flow Beta Ratio Notes
at Normal Flow based on pipe diameter of Discharge based on upstream static pressure
D d RD Q 0.707*Q S C Y1 ß
inches inches SCFH SCFH
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 198359 47060 33277 0.1926 0.6069 0.9950 0.5500
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 198315 47050 33269 0.1926 0.6069 0.9950 0.5500
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 197893 46950 33198 0.1922 0.6056 0.9950 0.5500
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 240162 56978 40290 0.2340 0.7373 0.9919 0.5500
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 17.6880 2525798 9442655 6676965 0.1556 0.6026 0.9952 0.5000
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 17.6880 2528184 9451577 6683274 0.1588 0.6150 0.9952 0.5000
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 17.6880 2525586 9441863 6676405 0.1556 0.6026 0.9952 0.5000
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 15.9192 2294218 8576896 6064781 0.1416 0.6848 0.9935 0.4500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 171890 284647 201276 0.0239 0.5970 0.9954 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 171874 284620 201257 0.0239 0.5970 0.9954 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 171892 284650 201278 0.0239 0.5970 0.9954 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 176185 291760 206305 0.0245 0.6120 0.9958 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 11.7525 2916470 4829623 3415059 0.4061 0.5969 0.9942 0.7500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 11.7525 2963427 4907382 3470043 0.4126 0.6065 0.9942 0.7500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 11.7525 2907921 4815466 3405049 0.4049 0.5951 0.9942 0.7500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 10.4440 2908084 4815735 3405239 0.4072 0.8212 0.9886 0.6665
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 0.4715 27195 6452 4562 0.0264 0.5981 0.9954 0.2100 1
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 0.4715 27194 6452 4562 0.0264 0.5981 0.9954 0.2100 1
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 0.4715 27197 6453 4563 0.0264 0.5981 0.9954 0.2100 1
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 0.4715 27946 6630 4688 0.0271 0.6139 0.9957 0.2100 1
12.438 (12" -Sch 5S) 9.3285 2317164 3045748 2153669 0.4065 0.5975 0.9942 0.7500
12.438 (12" -Sch 5S) 9.3285 2352668 3092415 2186668 0.4127 0.6066 0.9942 0.7500
12.438 (12" -Sch 5S) 9.3285 2308617 3034513 2145725 0.4050 0.5953 0.9942 0.7500
12.438 (12" -Sch 5S) 8.0847 2133182 2803917 1982669 0.3761 0.8068 0.9892 0.6500

0.71 (0.5" -Sch 5S) 0.3905 63449 4761 3366 0.1948 0.6138 0.9950 0.5500
1.185 (1" -Sch 5S) 0.6518 106705 13371 9454 0.1962 0.6182 0.9950 0.5500
1.77 (1.5" -Sch 5S) 0.9735 156043 29188 20639 0.1922 0.6056 0.9950 0.5500
1.77 (1.5" -Sch 5S) 0.9735 159262 29790 21065 0.1962 0.6182 0.9950 0.5500
1.77 (1.5" -Sch 5S) 0.1770 4898 916 648 0.0060 0.6000 0.9954 0.1000
 Appendix A Orifice Design by Mainframe Computer

Pipe I. D. Orifice Diameter Pipe Reynolds No. Full Scale Flow Rate Normal Flow Rate Orifice Flow Coefficient Orifice Coefficient Gas Expansion Factor for midscale flow Beta Ratio Notes
at Normal Flow based on pipe diameter of Discharge based on upstream static pressure
D d RD Q 0.707*Q S C Y1 ß
inches inches SCFH SCFH
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 264851 1864 1318 0.1925 0.6065 0.9955 0.5500
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 264791 1863 1318 0.1924 0.6062 0.9955 0.5500
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 264227 1859 1315 0.1920 0.6050 0.9955 0.5500
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 1.2348 320815 2258 1595 0.2338 0.7367 0.9925 0.5500
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 17.6880 3374519 374215 264610 0.1556 0.6026 0.9956 0.5000
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 17.6880 3377707 374569 264860 0.1558 0.6034 0.9956 0.5000
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 17.6880 3374237 374184 264588 0.1556 0.6026 0.9956 0.5000
35.376 (36" - Sch 10) 15.9192 3065618 339960 240388 0.1416 0.6848 0.9940 0.4500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 229648 11281 7977 0.0239 0.5970 0.9958 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 229627 11280 7976 0.0239 0.5970 0.9958 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 229651 11281 7977 0.0239 0.5970 0.9958 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 3.1340 235381 11562 8176 0.0245 0.6120 0.9961 0.2000
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 11.7525 3896306 191392 135334 0.4060 0.5968 0.9946 0.7500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 11.7525 3959061 194474 137514 0.4126 0.6065 0.9946 0.7500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 11.7525 3884880 190830 134937 0.4048 0.5950 0.9946 0.7500
15.67 (16" -Sch 5S) 10.4440 3887287 190949 135021 0.4072 0.8212 0.9895 0.6665
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 0.4715 36324 256 181 0.0264 0.5981 0.9958 0.2100 1
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 0.4715 36324 256 181 0.0264 0.5981 0.9958 0.2100 1
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 0.4715 36238 256 181 0.0264 0.5981 0.9958 0.2100 1
2.245 (2" -Sch 5S) 0.4715 37328 263 186 0.0271 0.6139 0.9961 0.2100 1
35.376 (36" -Sch 10) 26.5320 8778346 973470 688347 0.4052 0.5956 0.9946 0.7500
35.376 (36" -Sch 10) 26.5320 8934434 990779 700586 0.4124 0.6062 0.9946 0.7500
35.376 (36" -Sch 10) 26.5320 8766918 972202 687451 0.4047 0.5949 0.9946 0.7500
35.376 (36" -Sch 10) 23.3480 8504294 943079 666857 0.3945 0.8152 0.9898 0.6600

0.71 (0.5" -Sch 5S) 0.3905 84644 188 133 0.1945 0.6129 0.9955 0.5500
1.185 (1" -Sch 5S) 0.6518 142542 529 374 0.1963 0.6185 0.9955 0.5500
1.77 (1.5" -Sch 5S) 0.9735 208322 1156 817 0.1920 0.6050 0.9955 0.5500
1.77 (1.5" -Sch 5S) 0.9735 212618 1180 834 0.1960 0.6176 0.9955 0.5500
1.77 (1.5" -Sch 5S) 0.1770 6543 36 26 0.0060 0.6000 0.9958 0.1000