For flow meters used in commercial metering, is it best for the supplier and the user to use the same type of flow meter?
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As the title suggests, is it possible to use instruments of a uniform type in order to avoid measurement errors that can arise from using different types of instruments?
Generally not; the handover is carried out in accordance with the regulations, and if problems arise, retesting can be done! ! ! There are established procedures and methods for this, such as certification and allowable error ranges. :handshake :victory:
It is not necessary to use instruments of the same type; as long as they have been calibrated by the Technical Supervision Bureau and within the specified time frame, that is sufficient. If arbitration actually takes place, the Technical Supervision Bureau will step in.
I’m not quite sure what is meant by “if there are problems, re-measurement can be done”. How exactly is re-measurement carried out? And if there are discrepancies in the measurements taken by both parties, it’s not possible to re-measure the flow rates from before :)
Well, I work in the railway sector. The flow meters used in our factory are also of the mass flow meter type, and they indeed have very high accuracy. That’s why we rely on these flow meters for measurements when products leave our factory; only when there are errors in the weighing process do we resort to manual measurement
Our unit is connected to other units via pipelines, and mass flow meters are used for this purpose; they are calibrated at the provincial calibration center before being put into use, with calibration taking place once a year. Mass flow meter measurement is the most accurate among flow meters.
There is such a saying. Many city gas companies require that their station flow meters and the end/station stations of the upstream long-distance pipelines use the same configuration. It’s common in the industry*, but personally I don’t think it holds much significance.
Actually, it’s best if they are the same; different ones can also be used, but errors can cause a lot of trouble, especially when in a disadvantageous position – it’s even more problematic then. So it’s better to choose the same ones. There are only a few types of mass flowmeters available in the domestic market: Rosemount, E+H, and Coriolis; the first two are more commonly used. So there’s no shortage of money, and it saves some hassle
The key is that the flow meter being used for verification must be capable of online, actual fluid calibration. Only in this way can you know at any time whether your flow meter is accurate or not, and only then can you confidently request, in case of oil loss, that a flow meter for reverification be provided according to the agreement. (If you request a reverification without even knowing whether your own flow meter is accurate, and if the results of the reverification don’t match your expectations, it could be disastrous for you: lol) Only then can you identify the cause of the oil loss; otherwise, it’s just pointless arguing. The receiving party won’t listen to you just because your flow meter is better than theirs, as their flow meter doesn’t exist from the receiving party’s perspective! :lol