Hydrocarbon Liquid Flow Calibrations
18030C


Calibrations of hydrocarbon liquid flow meters are performed using a surrogate liquid for JP-4 and JP-5 jet fuels.  In a dynamic gravimetric flow standard, the start and stop events, are produced when the mass of the liquid in a collection tank reaches selected tare and gross values.  Two dynamic gravimetric flow standards are used to cover flows from  0.1 L/min to 0.74 L/min and from 0.37 L/min to 73.9 L/min  (0.014 gal/min to 2.8 gal/min and 1.4 gal/min to 280 gal/min).  An analysis of this system gives an expanded uncertainty of 0.12% at 95% confidence level.  Preferred piping connections are A/N fittings, ASA 150 lb flanges, and National Pipe Threads up to 5.5 cm (2 in.) in diameter.

Meters can be tested if the flow range and piping connections are suitable, and if the system to be tested has precision appropriate for calibration with the NIST flow measurement uncertainty.  We charge $4,671 per flow meter for our normal calibration.  A normal flow calibration includes five different flows, with five averages of the meter readings and the standard flow made at each set point, with this entire test sequence repeated on a second day to assess reproducibility.  It is helpful if the customer specifies the flow set points and the instrumentation requirements of the meter (pressure, temperature, full scales required, etc.).  We deliver a calibration report that includes an uncertainty analysis for the flow meter calibration factor.  The uncertainty of these flow meter calibration coefficients will also depend on the reproducibility of the meter under test and the uncertainty of any instrumentation associated with measuring the flow meter output.  To read more about our uncertainties see our  Technical Notes and Publications .

Turnaround time for a single flow meter is approximately 4 weeks:

  1. Allow 2 weeks for shipping;
  2. 1 week for set-up and data collection; and
  3. 1 week for report writing and review.

However, please contact Sherry Sheckels to schedule the calibration of your instrument(s).

To have your flow meters calibrated:

  1. Contact Sherry Sheckels to schedule your calibration dates;
  2. Fax or mail a purchase order to Sherry Sheckels following purchase order guidelines and choosing a Service ID Number ,
  3. ship your flow meters to Sherry Sheckels following shipping procedures outlined in the NIST Calibrations User's Guide SP 250.

Sherry D. Sheckels
 National Institute of Standards and Technology
 Fluid Flow Group
 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8361
 Gaithersburg, MD  20899-8361
 Phone:  301-975-5940
 Fax:  301-258-9201
 Email: sherry.sheckels@nist.gov

Gina M. Kline
National Institute of Standards and Technology 
Fluid Flow Group 
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8361 
Gaithersburg, MD  20899-8361 
Phone:  301-975-4813
Fax:  301-258-9201 
Email: gina.kline@nist.gov

†Closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements of the same measurand carried out under changed conditions of measurement. Defined in the ISO, "International Vocabulary of Basic and General Terms in Metrology, 2nd Ed.," International Organization of Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland, 1993. (This document is abbreviated VIM.)