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The accurate measurement of liquid, gas, and steam in the process industries has become more exacting over time. Users are faced with higher product quality standards, industrial process applications have become more complex, there is an increasing interdependence between measurement types within the more sophisticated process information networks, and the measured fluids themselves are more precious
Most flowmeter manufacturers maintain their own calibration facilities to calibrate the flowmeters they manufacture and deliver to customers. Some also recalibrate their own flowmeters and those of other companies. This study describes the calibration capabilities of selected flowmeter manufacturers of both gas and liquid flowmeters. The primary goal was to determine and to describe in detail the capabilities that these facilities offer, and how and why these facilities are of importance to flowmeter instrumentation users.
We created the set of studies, Worldwide Flowmeter Calibration Facilities and Markets, in 2016, but they are still pertinent. The set contains two studies:
- Core Study: The World Market for Gas Flow Calibration Facilities
- Module A: The World Market for Liquid Flow Calibration Facilities
The studies:
- Identify independent and manufacturer flow calibration facilities worldwide and by
region
- Accurately describe the capabilities of these facilities
- Identify market growth factors for calibration facilities, especially as these factors apply to gas and oil custody transfer applications
- Describe effective procedures for the recalibration of flowmeters by type
- Describe effective procedures for the recalibration of flowmeters by type
- Provide in-depth profiles of major calibration companies worldwide
Of course, all flowmeters are calibrated to a factory accuracy standard before they are shipped for their intended purpose in the field. But it is precisely at this point in time that calibration questions first arise for operators: Was the installation actually completed per manufacturer instructions in every detail? Will the new flowmeter perform to factory specification or will the process affect its accuracy? Will sensors become coated by the process fluid? Will the lining be subject to wear and affect performance? Does our flowmeter have us in full compliance with our custody transfer contract, and how will we know when we are not?
All of these questions – and many others – emphasize the importance of flowmeter calibration and recalibration. |
