COMPLETE REVISION

October 2015

Process Control

PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Design Criteria
 PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence
over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters
or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not
be made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names
from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather
recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications
are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines
are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA
requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or
other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed.
Consult an appropriate professional before applying or acting on any material
contained in or suggested by the Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time.

Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The University of

Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin, Texas 78759. PIP Member
Companies and Subscribers may copy this Practice for their internal use. Changes or
modifications of any kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express
written authorization of PIP. Authorized Users may attach addenda or overlays to clearly
indicate modifications or exceptions to specific sections of PIP Practices. Authorized
Users may provide their clients, suppliers and contractors with copies of the Practice
solely for Authorized Users purposes. These purposes include but are not limited to the
procurement process (e.g., as attachments to requests for quotation/ purchase orders or
requests for proposals/contracts) and preparation and issue of design engineering
deliverables for use on a specific project by Authorized Users client. PIPs copyright
notices must be clearly indicated and unequivocally incorporated in documents where an
Authorized User desires to provide any third party with copies of the Practice.

PUBLISHING HISTORY
June 1998 Issued
August 2006 Complete Revision
October 2015 Complete Revision

Not printed with State funds


PIP PCCFL001
Flow Measurement Design Criteria
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................2
1.1 Purpose ...........................................2
1.2 Scope ..............................................2
2. References ..................................2
2.1 Process Industry Practices .............2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards .......2
2.3 Other References............................3
3. Requirements ..............................3
3.1 General ...........................................3
3.2 Orifice Meter ...................................5
3.3 Flow Nozzle ....................................7
3.4 Venturi (Classical and Proprietary
Designs) ..........................................7
3.5 Averaging Pitot Element .................7
3.6 Integral Orifice .................................8
3.7 Turbine Meter ..................................8
3.8 Positive Displacement Meter ..........9
3.9 Magnetic Flow Meter.......................9
3.10 Mass Meter (Coriolis) ......................9
Process Industry Practices
COMPLETE REVISION
October 2015
Process Control
3.11 Mass Meter (Thermal) .................. 10
3.12 Ultrasonic Meter (Transit Time &
Doppler) ........................................ 10
3.13 Vortex Meter ................................. 10
3.14 Variable Area Meter ...................... 10
3.15 Wedge Type Meter ....................... 10
3.16 V-Cone Meter ............................... 11
Tables
Table 1 Minimum Straight Run Lengths for
Orifice Runs and Other Flow
Elements in Accordance with
ISO 5167-2 Column B ............... 12
Table 2 Minimum Straight Run Lengths for
Orifice Runs in Accordance with
ANSI/API (ISO 5167-2,
Column A) ................................. 14
Table 3 Minimum Straight Run Lengths for
Venturi Nozzles and Flow Nozzles
in Accordance with ANSI/API
(ISO 5167-3) ............................. 16
Page 1 of 16
PIP PCCFL001 COMPLETE REVISION
Flow Measurement Design Criteria October 2015

1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This Practice provides requirements for the design of flow measurement systems.
1.2 Scope
This Practice describes the design requirements for flow measurement systems that
include head (differential pressure), velocity, oscillatory, electromagnetic and mass flow
meters.
This Practice does not cover:
a. Restriction flow elements and flow switches
b. Process isolation (root) valves, secondary transmitters, or process piping
c. Custody transfer measurement requirements

2. References
Applicable parts of the following Practices, industry codes and standards, and references shall be
considered an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the date of contract award
shall be used, except as otherwise noted. Short titles are used herein where appropriate.

2.1 Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP PCCGN001 - General Instrument Design Checklist
PIP PCCGN002 - General Instrument Installation Criteria
PIP PCIDP000 - Differential Pressure Installation Details
PIP PNF00200 - Vent/Drain/Instrument Connection Details
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards
American Gas Association (AGA)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
ANSI-2530/API-14.3/AGA-3/GPA-8185 - Natural Gas Fluids Measurement -
Concentric, Square-Edged Orifice Meters
Part 1 General Equations and Uncertainty Guidelines
Part 2 Specification and Installation Requirements
Part 3 Natural Gas Applications
Part 4 Background, Development, Implementation Procedures and Subroutine
Documentation
American Petroleum Institute (API)
API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS):
Chapter 5 - Metering
5.2 Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Displacement Meters
5.3 Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Turbine Meters

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American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

ASME B16.36 - Orifice Flanges
ASME MFC-3M - Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes Using Orifice, Nozzle,
and Venturi
ISA, The International Society for Measurement and Control (ISA)
ISA S20 - Specification Forms for Process Measurement and Control
Instruments, Primary Elements and Control Valves
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
ISO 5167-1 - Measurement of Fluid Flow by Means of Pressure Differential
Devices
ISO 5167-3 - Measurement of Fluid Flow in Circular Cross-Section Conduits
Running Full Using Pressure Differential Devices Part 3: Nozzles and Venturi
Nozzles
ISO 5167-4 - Measurement of Fluid Flow in Circular Cross-Section Conduits
Running Full Using Pressure Differential Devices Part 4: Venturi Tubes
2.3 Other References
Miller, R.W., Flow Measurement Engineering Handbook

3. Requirements
3.1 General
3.1.1 Data
3.1.1.1 A data set shall be provided for each flow meter.
3.1.1.2 The data set shall be provided in electronic and/or hardcopy format, as
specified by owner.
3.1.1.3 The minimum data set shall be in accordance with ISA S20, Specification
Forms for Primary Elements, Sections 20.21, 20.22, 20.23, 20.24, and
20.25.
3.1.1.4 For flange tap orifice meters, gasket thickness shall be specified.
3.1.2 Instruments Sizing
3.1.2.1 Calculation methods and tools used shall be subject to owners approval.
a. All calculation results shall be provided to the owner.
b. Unless otherwise specified by owner, calculations for sizing of
concentric, square-edged orifice meters shall be in accordance with
ANSI-2530/API-14.3/AGA-3/GPA-8185.
c. Nozzle, venturi, and other differential pressure device calculations
shall be in accordance with Flow Measurement Engineering
Handbook.
d. For any other proprietary meter, the manufacturers sizing and
calculation methods shall be used.

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3.1.2.2 Head meter bore shall be sized to provide non-fractional maximum

differential pressure calibration spans and give even scale flow display
units.
3.1.2.3 In general, head type flow instruments shall be sized such that normal
flow is between 65% to 80% of expected maximum.
3.1.2.4 The units of measurement for flow instruments shall be in accordance
with the owners specifications in PIP PCCGN001.
3.1.2.5 Owner shall identify default metering uncertainty (1, 2 or undesignated)
in the checklist PIP PCCGN001.
3.1.3 Installation
3.1.3.1 Unless otherwise specified by owner, the piping specifications
PIP PNF00200 shall be followed.
3.1.3.2 Manufacturers installation requirements shall be followed as a
minimum.
3.1.3.3 Meters in liquid service shall be installed so that meters are always full
of liquid and trapping of gases is avoided.
Comment: Pressure taps should preferably be horizontal on the side of
the line. This may require wider spacing of process piping at
the orifice section. Or it may be necessary to raise or lower
the orifice run with respect to other piping for sufficient side
clearance for the tap connections. Alternately, pressure taps
may be oriented 45 degrees down from horizontal
3.1.3.4 In gas service, liquid trapping shall be avoided.
3.1.3.5 The use of strainers and eliminators shall be considered and evaluated to
protect metering devices whose performance or integrity is compromised
without such protection.
3.1.3.6 Thermowells shall be located a minimum of five nominal pipe diameters
downstream of the meter outlet.
3.1.3.7 Use of flow profile conditioning devices of any type shall be approved
by owner.
Comment: The use of flow profile conditioning may not be permitted if
the meter is followed by rotating process equipment
(compressors, pumps, turbines, etc.) that can be damaged if a
part of the conditioning device breaks off and enters the
equipment.
3.1.3.8 Meters shall be installed in a manner that minimizes mechanical
vibration or stress on the meter.
3.1.3.9 The metering piping design shall consider the possibility of increased
flow resulting from debottlenecking or future process expansion.
3.1.3.10 Piping layout shall consider meter dimensions, tap orientation, and
access for maintenance service work. This is especially important where
close-coupled transmitter installations are used.

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3.1.4 Weather Protection

3.1.4.1 Winterproofing and weather protection shall be in accordance with PIP
PCCGN002.
3.1.4.2 The impulse legs of differential pressure transmitters to head type flow
meters shall require appropriate freeze protection.
3.1.5 Materials of Construction
3.1.5.1 All wetted component materials shall be compatible with the process
fluid.
3.1.5.2 Meters shall be suitable for the environmental exposure including
ambient temperature extremes and external corrosion conditions.
3.1.5.3 Piping and connections shall be in accordance with applicable piping
specifications.
3.1.6 Electrical Classification
Meter installations shall be in accordance with the specified electrical area
classification.
3.1.7 Special Equipment
3.1.7.1 Some types of meters may require specialized testing and calibration
connections and/or equipment to operate, calibrate, and maintain.
3.1.7.2 Installation, calibration, and operation of the special equipment (i.e.,
meter provers) should be considered as part of the engineering design.
3.1.8 Head (Differential Pressure) Type Meters
3.1.8.1 Square root operation shall be performed once in calculating flows from
head type meters. Loop configuration for calculating the square root
function in the device or devices receiving the signal (i.e., flow
computer, control system, etc.) shall be considered.
3.1.8.2 For liquid, steam and heat transfer media services, pressure taps shall be
located on the horizontal side of the piping or 45 degrees down from
horizontal. The pressure tap sensing lines (impulse lines) shall be sloped
down to the transmitter (minimum of 1 per foot).
3.1.8.3 For gas and vapor services, pressure taps shall be located on the vertical
from the top of the piping, horizontal, or 45 degrees from vertical. The
pressure tap sensing lines (impulse lines) shall be sloped up to the
transmitter (minimum of 1 per foot).
3.2 Orifice Meter
3.2.1 Paddle type orifice plates shall be used.
3.2.2 The following minimum information shall be stamped or etched on the upstream
side of the handle:
a. Orifice plate tag number
b. Material type
c. Vent or drain hole size

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d. Inlet flow side

e. Bore
f. Flange size in inches and ASME pressure rating
3.2.3 If an orifice meter is the selected flow element, and the orifice plate sizing
dictates a meter run size less than a nominal 2 inch (50 mm), use either:
a. A honed fabricated meter tube with corner taps
b. An Integral Orifice (See Section 3.6 for requirements.)
3.2.4 Unless otherwise required by process service, orifice plate material shall be
stainless steel minimum. Material type shall be specified in accordance with PIP
PCCGN001.
3.2.5 Orifice plates shall be fabricated in accordance with ANSI 2530/API 14.3 Part 2.
3.2.6 Vent or drain holes in orifice plates shall be used only if approved by owner.
3.2.7 Flange type and material shall be in accordance with piping specifications.
Orifice flanges shall be rated at a minimum of ASME Class 300 and shall be in
accordance with ASME B16.36 and ANSI 2530/API 14.3/AGA-3/GPA-8185.
3.2.8 Unless otherwise approved by owner, orifice flange taps shall be used for line
sizes 2 inches (50 mm) and larger.
3.2.9 Unless otherwise required by piping specifications, orifice flange tap connections
shall be 1/2 inch (12 mm) if used in ASME Class 600 service and below.
3.2.10 Unless otherwise required by piping specifications, orifice flange tap connections
shall be 3/4 inch if used in ASME Class 900 service.
3.2.11 Connection type (threaded or socketweld) shall be in accordance with the piping
specifications.
3.2.12 If used, other tap shall be in accordance with piping specifications.
3.2.13 Piping design for orifice runs shall be in accordance with the following:
a. Orifice meters shall be installed in horizontal runs to minimize measurement
inaccuracies. Vertical orifice runs shall be used only with owners approval.
b. Straight run piping lengths before and after an orifice plate flow element
shall be no less than those specified in Table 1 for applications that require
1/2% uncertainty (flow control and monitoring) or Table 2 for applications
that require no uncertainty and increased accuracy (custody transfer).
c. Orifice meter tap locations shall be as follows:
1) For flange tap designated orifice meters, the taps shall be located at 1
inch (25 mm) upstream and 1 inch (25 mm) downstream from the orifice
plate face including gasket thickness.
2) For pipe tap designated orifice meters, the taps shall be located 2-1/2
internal pipe diameters upstream and 8 internal pipe diameters
downstream of the orifice plate face.
d. Primary orifice taps shall have a separate isolation (root) valve in addition to
any manifolds.

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e. Piping from taps to and through first isolation (root) valve shall be in
accordance with applicable piping specifications.
f. Unused orifice taps shall be plugged in accordance with piping
specifications.
g. Meter tube pipe and orifice flanges internal dimensional tolerances shall be
in accordance with ANSI 2530/API 14.3/AGA-3/GPA-8185.
h. If there is a need to frequently inspect or change orifice plates (e.g., custody
transfer applications), retractable orifice holder assemblies shall be used for
concentric orifices.
3.3 Flow Nozzle
3.3.1 Unless otherwise required by service application and piping specifications, flow
nozzles shall be designed to bolt between flanges.
3.3.2 In high pressure (1000 psig or higher) applications, the flow nozzle shall be
welded directly into the pipe.
3.3.3 Tap connections shall be installed 1 inside pipe diameter upstream and 1/2 inside
pipe diameter downstream in accordance with ASME-MFC-3M.
3.3.4 Minimum straight run pipe length requirements shall be in accordance with
Table 3.
Comment: Where owner approves additional metering uncertainty, minimum
piping run lengths may be in accordance with ASME-MFC-3M.
3.3.5 Unless otherwise required by process service or piping specifications, flow
nozzles shall be type 316 SS.
3.4 Venturi (Classical and Proprietary Designs)
3.4.1 Classical venturis shall be fabricated in accordance with ASME MFC-3M.
3.4.2 Venturi meter materials and construction shall be compatible with the process
fluid and applicable piping codes.
3.4.3 Flow calculations for proprietary venturi meters shall be provided by
manufacturer.
3.4.4 Minimum straight run pipe length requirements shall be in accordance with
ANSI/API (ISO 5167-3) for Venturi Nozzles. See Table 3. Minimum straight run
pipe length requirements shall be in accordance with ANSI/API (ISO 5167-4) for
Venturi Tubes.
3.4.5 For high accuracy applications, the venturi shall be flow calibrated.
Comment: Where owner approves additional metering uncertainty, minimum
piping run lengths may be in accordance with ASME-MFC-3M.
3.5 Averaging Pitot Element
3.5.1 Unless they are bi-directional, averaging pitot tube elements shall be permanently
marked to indicate proper installation position and flow direction.
3.5.2 Unless otherwise required by process services, averaging pitot tubes shall be type
316 SS.

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3.5.3 Minimum straight run pipe length requirements shall be in accordance with pitot
element manufacturers recommended lengths.
3.5.4 For a removable element, the process valve shall have the proper inside diameter
to allow passage of the element. The valve shall meet applicable piping
specifications.
3.5.5 Removable elements shall have blow out prevention.
3.5.6 Extra heavy flow elements and/or double ended support shall be used in large
diameter pipes or ducts or if high flow velocity can cause the element to deflect
or vibrate. Manufacturers installation recommendations shall be followed.
3.5.7 Averaging pitot elements are subject to plugging and shall be limited to clean
process services.
3.5.8 Wake frequency calculations shall be performed in accordance with
manufacturer recommendations.
3.6 Integral Orifice
3.6.1 Process line block and bypass valves or transmitter isolation valves (root valves
or manifold) shall be installed for applications that require servicing while on-
line.
3.6.2 Integral orifices shall be sized and installed in accordance with manufacturers
recommendations. Manufacturer shall provide meter sizing and flow calculations.
3.6.3 Minimum straight run pipe length requirements shall be in accordance with
manufacturers recommended lengths.
3.6.4 Unless otherwise required by process services, wetted metal parts shall be type
316 SS. Other wetted components shall be compatible with the process.
3.6.5 A strainer shall be specified if needed to avoid plugging of the orifice.
Comment: If a small bore orifice is dictated, the fluid shall be of low viscosity
and contain no solids.
3.7 Turbine Meter
3.7.1 Turbine meters shall be installed so that the meters are always:
a. In single phase flow
b. Liquid full in liquid applications
3.7.2 The installation setup shall be designed to avoid creating a pressure drop
condition for the fluid to flash in the meter.
Comment: Flashing will damage the meter and severely impact measurement.
3.7.3 Turbine meters shall be marked to indicate proper flow direction.
3.7.4 In-line type turbine meters 1 inch (25 mm) and above shall be flanged.
3.7.5 A strainer shall be installed upstream of the turbine meter system. Dual strainers
shall be provided if the process flow cannot be interrupted for maintenance.
3.7.6 Strainers shall be installed far enough upstream to prevent the distortion of flow
profile at the turbine meter.

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3.7.7 For high-accuracy applications, liquid turbine meters shall be installed in

accordance with API MPMS, Chapters 5 and 6.
3.7.8 Bearing types and materials of construction shall be evaluated for fluid and
process stream compatibility.
3.7.9 Strainers, filters, air or vapor eliminators, or other protective devices shall be
provided upstream of turbine meters when needed to remove solids or
contaminants that will cause wear and measurement errors.
3.8 Positive Displacement Meter
3.8.1 Manufacturers recommended installation requirements shall be applied as a
minimum.
3.8.2 For high-accuracy applications, liquid positive displacement meters shall be
installed in accordance with requirements of API MPMS, Chapters 5 and 6.
3.8.3 The meter shall be installed so that the fluid passing through the meter is in a
single phase and the meter is liquid full.
3.8.4 Inlet and/or outlet ports shall be plainly marked to indicate proper flow direction.
3.8.5 A strainer shall be considered upstream of the meter.
3.8.6 Meters in line sizes 1-1/2 inches (37 mm) and above shall be flanged body style.
3.9 Magnetic Flow Meter
3.9.1 Magnetic flow meters shall be installed with piping designed in accordance with
manufacturers recommendations.
3.9.2 Magnetic flow meters shall be installed so that the meter is always liquid full.
Comment: The preferred installation is vertical with flow up.
3.9.3 Materials of construction shall be compatible with the process fluid.
3.9.4 Magnetic flow meters shall be grounded in accordance with manufacturers
recommendations.
3.9.5 The meter factor data shall be provided by the manufacturer.
3.10 Mass Meter (Coriolis)
3.10.1 Mass flow meters shall be installed with piping designed in accordance with
manufacturers recommendations.
3.10.2 Mass flow meters shall be installed so that the meter is always liquid full in
liquid applications.
3.10.3 Mass flow meters shall be installed so that the meter is self-draining in gas
applications.
3.10.4 Materials of construction shall be compatible with the process fluid.
3.10.5 The meter factor data shall be provided by the manufacturer.
3.10.6 The meter shall be sized so the maximum full scale flow rate is in the upper one-
third of the meter range, unless pressure drop considerations require a larger
meter.

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3.11 Mass Meter (Thermal)

Use of mass (thermal) meters shall be approved by owner and installed in accordance
with manufacturers recommendations.
3.12 Ultrasonic Meter (Transit Time & Doppler)
Use of ultrasonic meters shall be approved by owner and installed in accordance with
manufacturers recommendations.
3.13 Vortex Meter
3.13.1 Meters shall be installed with piping designed in accordance with manufacturers
recommendations.
3.13.2 Meters shall be installed so that the meter is always liquid full in liquid
applications.
3.13.3 Meters shall be installed so that the meter is self-draining in gas applications.
3.13.4 Materials of construction shall be compatible with the process fluid.
3.13.5 The meter factor data shall be provided by the manufacturer and be based on the
actual piping schedule.
3.13.6 Welds on mounting flanges shall be ground smooth.
3.13.7 Proper gasket sizing shall be followed to avoid protrusion into the process piping.
3.14 Variable Area Meter
3.14.1 Meters shall be installed in a vertical position and piped in accordance with
manufacturers recommendations. In instances where the process piping
arrangement cannot accommodate a vertical installation, a meter that is designed
specifically for horizontal installation shall be used.
3.14.2 Meters shall be accessible for easy reading, maintenance, or repair.
3.14.3 The capacity of the selected meter shall be such that normal flow rate falls in
middle one-third of chart or scale range.
3.14.4 For process flows, scales shall be graduated in percent units. Meter factor for
maximum flow at 100% shall be engraved on scale.
3.14.5 Scales for purge meters shall read directly in Standard Cubic Feet per Hour
(SCFH) of air for gas service or Gallons per Hour (GPH) of water for liquid
service.
3.14.6 Glass tube meters shall only be used on air, inert gas and water at temperatures of
140 F (60 C) or less and pressures of 100 psig 7 bar(g) or less. Owners
approval shall be required for use of glass tube meters in other services.
3.14.7 For purge meter applications, a check valve shall be installed on the outlet of the
meter to prevent back flow.
3.15 Wedge Type Meter
3.15.1 Wedge type meters shall be considered for slurry applications, for corrosive,
erosive, or highly viscous fluids or for fluids with suspended abrasive solids.
3.15.2 Materials of construction shall be compatible with the process fluid.
3.15.3 Use of wedge type meters requires owner approval.

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3.16 V-Cone Meter

3.16.1 V-cone meters shall be considered for applications where the piping arrangement
restricts the available straight run for the meter.
3.16.2 Materials of construction shall be compatible with the process fluid.
3.16.3 Use of V-cone meters requires owner approval.

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Table 1
Minimum Straight Run Lengths for Orifice Runs and Other Flow Elements
in Accordance with ISO 5167-2 Column B
Beta Ratio
Upstream disturbance Dimension 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.67 0.75

3 3 9 13 20 20
Single elbow

Note 4 Note 4 10 18 18 18
Two elbows in same plane 30D>S>10D

Note 4 Note 4 10 18 20 22
Two elbows in same plane 10D>S

18 18 18 18 20 20
Two elbows in different planes 30D>S>5D
A

Note 4 Note 4 5 5 6 8
Reducer
A

Note 4 8 9 11 14 18
Expander
A

6 6 6 7 9 12
Full Bore Ball or Gate valve, fully open
Downstream Length for all B 2 3 3 3.5 3.5 4
pictured disturbances

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NOTES for Table 1 - PCCFL001:

(1) Meter run lengths shown are for % additional uncertainty as shown in ISO-5167-2, Column B. For additional information
refer to ISO-5167-2 for Orifice Plates and ISO-5167-3 & 4 for Venturis.
(2) Any flow conditioner shall be installed in the straight length between the primary element and the upstream disturbance,
or the fitting closest to the element. The installation location shall be per applicable standard.
(3) Interpolate pipe diameters for intermediate beta ratios.
(4) Data are not available for straight run lengths for % uncertainty (see ISO 5167-2).

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Table 2
Minimum Straight Run Lengths for Orifice Runs in Accordance with
ANSI/API (ISO 5167-2, Column A)
Beta Ratio
Upstream disturbance Dimension 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.67 0.75

6 16 22 42 44 44
Single elbow
A

10 10 18 30 44 44
Two elbows in same plane 30D>S>10D
A

10 10 22 42 44 44
Two elbows in same plane 10D>S
A

19 44 44 44 44 44
Two elbows in different planes 30D>S>5D
A

5 5 8 9 12 13.5
Reducer
A

6 12 20 26 28 36.5
Expander
A

12 12 12 14 18 24
Full bore Ball or Gate Valve Fully Open
Downstream Length for all
B 4 6 6 7 7 8
pictured disturbances

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NOTES for Table 2 - PCCFL001:

(1) Meter run lengths shown are for 0% additional uncertainty as shown in ISO-5167-2, Column A. For additional information
refer to ISO-5167-2 for Orifice Plates and ISO-5167-3 & 4 for Venturis.
(2) Any flow conditioner shall be installed in the straight length between the primary element and the upstream disturbance,
or the fitting closest to the element. The installation location shall be per applicable standard.
(3) Interpolate pipe diameters for intermediate beta ratios.

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Table 3
Minimum Straight Run Lengths for Venturi Nozzles and Flow Nozzles in
Accordance with ANSI/API (ISO 5167-3)

Upstream Straight Run Required

Piping Configuration Beta Ratio
Additional
Uncertainty 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7

Single 900 bend upstream 0.5% 6 7 7 9 14

0% 10 14 14 18 28

Two 900 Bends in the Same Plane 0.5% 7 9 10 13 18

0% 14 18 20 26 36

Two 900 Bends in Different Planes 0.5% 17 18 20 24 31

0% 34 36 40 48 62

Reducer 2D to D over a Length of 1.5D to 3D 0.5% Note 1 Note 1 5 5 7

0% 5 5 6 9 14

Expander 0.5D to D over a Length of 1.5D to 3D 0.5% 8 8 9 11 15

0% 16 16 18 22 30

Globe Valve Fully Open 0.5% 9 10 11 13 16

0% 18 20 22 26 32

Full Bore Ball or Gate Valve Fully Open 0.5% 6 6 6 7 10

0% 12 12 12 14 20

Downstream Run Required 0.5% 2 3 3 3.5 3.5

0% 4 6 6 7 7

NOTES for Table 3 - PCCFL001:

(1) For additional information on Orifice Plates refer to ISO-5167-2.

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