FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF GAS TURBINE METERS

Robert Bennett
American Meter Company
INTRODUCTION
Gas measurement in the U.S. and around the world
is dominated by diaphragm, rotary, turbine, and
orifice meters. Each serves a different segment of
the gas industry and each has its own set of
advantages and disadvantages.
These four main types of meters can be broken into
two distinct categories: positive displacement, and
inferential. Diaphragm and rotary meters fall into the
positive displacement group because they have
well-defined measurement compartments that
alternately fill and empty as the meter rotates. By
knowing the volume displaced in each meter
revolution and by applying the proper gear ratio, the
meter will read directly in cubic feet or cubic meters.
Turbine and orifice meters have no measurement
compartments to trap and then release the gas.
These meters are categorized as inferential meters
in that the volume passed through them is "inferred"
by something else observed or measured. In the
orifice meter the volumes are determined only by
knowing the inlet pressure, differential pressure,
plate size, and piping characteristics, all of which
"infer" the flow rates that in turn can be integrated
over time to provide the volume.
Turbine meters, also called velocity meters, "infer"
the volume of gas passing through them by
measuring the velocity of the gas stream. Gas
moving through the meter impinges on a bladed
rotor resulting in a rotational speed that is
proportional to the flow rate.
The volume is
determined by counting the number of meter
rotations. The purpose of this paper is to provide an
overview for the installation, maintenance, and
proving of axial flow type turbine meters.
THEORY OF OPERATION
As defined in A.G.A. Report #7, the turbine meter
consists of three basic components (See Figure 1
and 1A)
1. The body which houses all of the parts and
physically contains the gas pressure.
2. The measuring mechanism consisting of the
rotor, rotor shaft, bearings, and necessary
supporting structure.

3. The output and readout device which may be

either a mechanical drive to transmit the indicated
meter revolutions outside the body for
uncorrected volume registrations or for electrical
pulse meters, it would be the pulse detector
system and all electrical connections needed to
transmit the pulses outside.
Figure 1.

Figure 1A

Gas entering the meter increases in velocity as it

flows through the annular passage formed by the
nose cone or upstream stator and the interior of the
body. The movement of the gas over the angled
rotor blades exerts a force to the rotor causing it to
rotate. The ideal rotational speed of the rotor is
directly proportional to the flow rate of the gas. The
actual rotational speed is a function of the annular
passageway size and shape, and rotor design. It is
also dependent on the load that is imposed due to
internal mechanical friction, fluid drag, external
loading, and gas density.
INSTALLATION
A.G.A. Report #7 was written to provide
recommendations as to the correct method for
installing turbine meters, using their associated
corrective factors, and meeting the operating
requirements that pertain to axial flow type meters.
Since the turbine meter is a velocity-measuring
device, consideration should be given to both the

upstream and downstream piping to insure a uniform

velocity distribution of the gas through the meter and
the rotor by reducing jetting or swirl. Construction of
the turbine meter is such so as to minimize minor
flow distortions that could affect meter performance.
Straightening vanes are recommended to eliminate
swirls. These vanes or any type of integral flow
conditioner will not remove any jetting actions and
may actually enhance the jetting effect.
The
recommended installation (See Figure 2) for in-line
turbine meters calls for a straight length of 10 pipe
diameters upstream with a distance of 5 pipe
diameters between the end of the straightening
vanes and the meter inlet.
A length of 5 pipe diameters is recommended
downstream. Both inlet and outlet pipe should be the
same size as the meter. Upstream piping should be
clean with no obstructions from flange gaskets,
pressure taps, etc. The pressure tap should come
from the meter as specified by the manufacturer
while the temperature well, if required, should be 2.5
pipe diameters downstream from the meter.
Figure 2. AGA Recommended Installation

be at least 2 nominal pipe diameters. The meter run

is connected to the vertical risers with standard tees
or elbows.
Reducing fittings may be used at the tee or elbow
but only one pipe size reduction is recommended.
Valves, regulators, strainers, or filters should be
installed on the risers
Figure 3. Short Coupled Installation

Close-coupled installations are shown in Figure 4.

The meter design must incorporate integral flow
conditioners upstream of the rotor. The meter is
connected to the risers with a tee or elbow and the
maximum reduction recommended is one pipe size.
Any valves, regulators, strainers, or filters must be
installed on the risers.
Figure 4. Close Coupled Installation

Restricting and/or throttling devices, such as partially

opened valves or regulators, are not recommended
in close proximity to the meter since they tend to
increase jetting and swirl. When necessary, any
such throttling device should be installed an
additional 8 nominal pipe diameters upstream or 2
diameters downstream from the meter.
In addition to the recommended installation,
alternative types of installations are allowed where
there are space limitations with the understanding
that there may be some associated loss in meter
accuracy because of jetting and swirl.
Short coupled installations (See Figure 3) use a
minimum of 4 nominal pipe diameters upstream with
the straightening vanes located at the inlet of the
piping. The distance between the end of the
straightening vanes and the inlet of the meter should

Recommendations for angle body turbine meter

installations are shown in Figure 5. The meter run is
connected to the inlet riser with either a 90-degree
elbow or tee that may be reduced by one pipe size if
necessary. With straightening vanes, the length of
the upstream piping may be 5 pipe diameters with at
least 2 pipe diameters between the end of the
straightening vanes and the inlet to the meter.
Without straightening vanes, the upstream piping
should be at lease 10 pipe diameters long. Any
valves, regulators, strainers, or filters should be on
the risers

Figure 5. Angle Body Installation

downstream. Because regulators or any throttling

device may tend to cool the gas stream as it
expands, the temperature well should be installed
ahead of any valve or flow restrictor that may be
downstream of the meter.
Pressure taps provided by the manufacturer on the
meter body should be used as pressure taps for any
recording or integrating instruments and during
calibration. Use of any other tap locations may
change the meter's calibration curve.
In any area where liquid contaminants are
suspected a separator and/or drip tank should be
considered since a high velocity liquid slug can
cause damage to the rotor.

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
To protect the turbine meter from the dust, dirt, and
scale that may occur during certain system
operations, it is important that either a strainer or
filter be installed upstream of the meter to increase
its bearing life. Filters can trap small dust particles
down to 10 microns. A differential pressure gauge
should be installed across the filter or strainers to
indicate excessive pressure drops from a build up of
foreign matter in the strainer screen or filter element.
All foreign material in the upstream piping should be
removed before installing the measuring element
and placing the meter in service.
Special
consideration should be given to the pipe between
the strainer and/or filter since it may contain debris
that will not have been removed.
Since upstream disturbances should be kept to a
minimum, temperature wells should be installed
downstream of the meter at a recommended
distance of between 2 and 5 pipe diameters
Figure 6. Turbine Meter Installation

Over-range protection to prevent the meter from

overspeeding may be needed. Although it may be
operated up to 150% of the rated capacity for short
periods of time, it is a good practice to limit the meter
to approximately 120% of its maximum capacity.
Either a critical flow orifice or sonic venturi nozzle
may be used downstream of the meter provided that
adequate pressure is available to compensate for
the permanent pressure loss across the flow limitor.
There is about a 50% pressure drop across critical
flow orifices and between 10% to 20% drop with a
sonic flow nozzle.
Blow down valves should be installed downstream of
the meter and should be no bigger that 1/6 of the
meter size
Meter Size
Blow Down Valve
2"
1/4"
3", 4"
1/2"
6", 8", 12"
1"
A good design for a turbine meter installation
incorporating many of these recommendations
would look very similar to Figure 6.

INSTALLATION CHECK LIST

of the meter with an approved oil is a good, relatively

inexpensive form of preventive maintenance.

-Meter is sized properly for line pressure and load

-Installation is in accordance with A.G.A. #7

recommendation and/or company standards

Periodic internal inspection of the meter should be

performed to ensure that components are in good
working condition. The frequency of inspection is
dependent on the severity of the service but should
be done annually.

-Inlet and outlet meter connections are concentric

to the pipe flanges and gaskets do not protrude
into the flow pattern

Follow recommended procedures for taking the

meter out of service and remove any readout
devices.

-Filters, strainers, and associated equipment are

provided where required

After bypassing if necessary, and isolating the

meter, relieve the internal pressure using the blowdown valve. Once the internal mechanism is
removed, visually inspect the interior of the meter
body checking the internal flow guides or vanes for
damage and removing any liquids or debris. Check
the inside of the inlet and outlet flanges along with
the gaskets to make sure they are in proper
alignment and not interfering with smooth gas flow.
Also inspect any seal tape within the body for any
cuts or tears. This seal tape prevents gas from
bypassing the annular passage through the rotor.
Check the internal mechanism flow passages and
rotor for damage. The rotor should be checked
thoroughly for accumulation of dirt, wear, missing
blades, or other damage. Since it is the essential
measuring element, any rotor with more than
superficial damage should be replaced and the
meter proved.
After completing the visual
inspection, the mechanism should be spin tested to
determine its condition.

-Meter has been lubricated

-Meter can be isolated and by-passed if needed

-Pressure blow down is sized properly and
located downstream
-Provisions are made for in-line testing
-Pressure and/or temperature taps are provided if
required
-No welding should be done with the internal
mechanism in the meter
-If hydrostatic testing is done, a spool piece is
recommended
MAINTENANCE/FIELD TESTS
Normal maintenance and field tests consist of
lubrication, internal inspection, and spin testing.
Prior to putting the meter in service, make sure it is
lubricated and perform an initial spin test that will
provide a reference time to future test results.
Most turbine meters have provisions for a
pressurized lubrication system. This consists of an
external alemite fitting and lever-type oil gun which
permits lubrication without taking the meter out of
service. This is a simple procedure and in addition
to replenishing the oil supply, it also flushes the
bearing with fresh oil. Older style gravity lubrication
systems can be converted to pressure systems,
check with the manufacturer for correct parts.
The frequency of lubrication is a function of the
operating conditions. Obviously, a meter subject to
gas containing dust and/or liquid contaminants or
running at elevated capacities and/or extended
periods should be serviced more frequently.
Manufacturers suggest monthly lubrication with the
period extended as experience permits. Lubrication

This test determines the relative condition of the

meter and is not an accuracy test. With the cartridge
place in a draft-free area and in its normal operating
position, place suitable material against the side
away from the rotor and with a finger or air jet; spin
the rotor briskly, time how long it takes the rotor to
come to a complete stop, and record this time.
Repeat this procedure three times to come up with
an average spin time. Compare this average time
with the tables provided by the manufacturer for
each size meter. This average spin time should also
be compared with the initial spin test done when the
meter was first installed.
If the spin time has not changed significantly, the
meter is clean, and the internal parts show no
damage; then the meter should not display any
change in its accuracy. If the mechanical friction
has increased, the resultant slower spin times
indicate that the accuracy of the meter at low flow
rates has degraded. If decreased spin time is
encountered, the meter should be lubricated and the

rotor spun-in to throw off any excess oil which can

also contribute to slow spin times. The spin test
should be redone to determine if acceptable times
can now be achieved.

proving, and transfer proving, the last two are the

most prevalent in the gas industry.

Whether the spin time is acceptable or not, it is a

good practice to also check the intermediate gear
train for binds. If possible, another spin test should
be run with the readout device in place to also check
it for binds that can affect low flow accuracy.
Another factor that can contribute to low spin time is
low ambient temperatures. Even though the oil is a
light viscosity, low temperatures affect it.
MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
-Meter should be lubricated on a scheduled time
period with recommended oil
-Filters or strainers should be checked for
differential and/or pressure drop
-Before disassembly, make sure the meter is
depressurized and the readout device is
removed.
-Check the interior of the meter including seal
tape, guides, and/or vanes for damage and
remove any liquids and/or debris
-Check the cartridge flow passages and rotor for
damage
-Conduct the spin test in a draft-free area.
Perform three repetitions and average the spin
times.
-If low spin time is encountered, lubricate the
bearings, and spin the rotor several times to work
the new oil in, and repeat the test
-Check the intermediate gear and readout device
for binds
-Spin test with the readout device in place
PROVING
As stated earlier, the spin test is not an accuracy
test but rather a means to determine the relative
condition of the meter.
In order to determine the accuracy of any meter, it
must be compared to a recognized standard. While
there are several standards available such as low
pressure flow proving, sonic nozzle proving, bell

Figure 7 Transfer Proving

Because of the high flow rates associated with
turbine meters, bell provers are not generally used
for shop proving. However, manufacturers use large
bell provers, 350 cf or 500 cf for special test and
establishment of master meters by a process known
as cascading. In this process, an engineering curve
(15 points) is established for a 4" meter. Using the
4" meter as the master meter, an engineering curve
is established for a 6" meter, 8" meter, and 12"
meter. All of these tests are traceable to the
National Bureau of Standards.
These master
meters are then used to transfer prove production
meters and determine the normal six (6) point curve
furnished with each meter.
Field or shop transfer provers are also calibrated
using an accepted standard and a thoroughly
defined accuracy curve which is traceable to
National Bureau of Standards that has been derived
and furnished with each prover.
Normally a transfer prover system consists of the
master meter, control console, flow rate control
valve, pulse transmitter of gate switch for both
master and field meters, blower with muffler, and
associated pressure and temperature sensors
(Figure 7). The connection between the master
meter and the field prover is either fixed piping or
flexible hose with quick disconnect couplings.
Vacuum testing with air drawn through both master
and field meters is the common method used. In this
procedure, the same volume of air is passed through
both meters.
By comparing this volume and
applying master meter presets, along with
corrections
for
pressure
and
temperature
differences, the accuracy of the field meter can be
calculated.
One method of proving turbine meter cartridges is to
start an exchange program. A cartridge is tested in
the shop, then taken to the field where it is

exchanged with the field meter cartridge. The field

meter cartridge is returned to the shop, where an intest (as found) is done, any necessary repairs made,
cartridge retested, and a new accuracy curve is
generated. This cartridge is then used for field
exchange on another meter.
This method offers the advantage of only having the
meter out of service long enough to exchange
cartridges. Meter manufacturers state maximum error
for this exchange method is +/- .25% (American) and
+/- .6% (Equimeter).
PROVING CHECKLIST
-Purge meter observing safety rules and proper
procedures
-Install pulse transmitter on field meter, place
temperature sensor as close to field meter outlet
as possible
-Connect pressure tubing to tap provided for this
purpose on the meter
-Leak test piping; if in-line proving, make sure
valves are not leaking through
-Observe prover manufacturer's instructions for
initiating prover, self-test, and actual test sequence
-Record results and calculate corrected proof
-Perform periodic maintenance and re-certification
of the transfer prover
REFERENCES
-Measurement of Gas by Turbine Meters,
Transmission Measurement Committee Report
No. 7, American Gas Association, 1985
-Gas Measurement Manual, Part 4 Gas Turbine
Metering, American Gas Association, 1985
-Gas Measurement Manual, Part 12, Meter
Proving, American Gas Association, 1978
-Mm-1070, Rev 2, Equimeter MK-II and AAT
Turbo-Meter
Installation
and
Maintenance
Instructions
-AIM 4700, Maintenance of American Gas Turbine
Meters, American Meter Company
-AIM 4701/AIM 330.2C, Gas Turbine Lubrication
Instructions, American Meter Company