Gas Turbine Meters
Gas Turbine Meters
Gas Turbine Meters
Wayland Sligh
Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.
Houston Texas
Table 1
Meter Capacity
The maximum capacity is determined by
such factors as rotor speed, pressure The pressure drop across the rotor also
drop, and gas velocity. The limitation of influences the maximum capacity of the
the meter capacity due to rotor speed is a turbine meter. In some applications
relative matter. The bearings used in the where line pressures running from 7 to 10
turbine meter have a give life under a inches of water above atmospheric, the
given load and at a specific speed. As pressure loss caused by measurement
the speed of the rotor is varied, the life of equipment must be at a minimum.
the bearings varies. Although the turbine
meter is capable of turning at three to The gas velocity becomes a controlling
four times its maximum speed without factor due to the aerodynamic
immediate damage, its life can be characteristics of the rotor blades and
substantially reduced if this speed is also the need to avoid the possibility of
maintained for prolonged periods. obtaining sonic velocity within the meter.
meter manufacturer, based on the
bearings that were selected for the meter.
Density
Installation
Pressure, temperature, specific gravity
and compressibility of the gas all effect Where space permits, a turbine meter
the gas density. So as these parameters installation should include ten diameters
change to cause an increase in density, of straight piping ahead of the meter with
the minimum flow rate that is achievable straightening vanes and five diameters of
by a gas turbine meter is decreased, straight piping downstream. An
increasing the rangeability. alternative to this is the short-coupled
installation.
The density of the gas does not affect the
maximum rated capacity of a meter. The See figures 1 and 2.
maximum flow rate is determined by the
Figure 1.