Logo of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt

Realisation of Liquid Flow Measurements

Working Group 1.52

Profile

The working group "Realisation of Liquid Flow Measurements" is responsible for the traceability of the unit flow rate of liquids to SI units. For this purpose the Hydrodynamic Test Facility (HDP) for water (300 l/h - 2100 m³/h) and a test rig for white spirit (300 l/h - 250 m³/h) are available. Additional test rigs traced back to the standards enable the testing of flow devices down to 1 l/h.

To ensure traceability of industrial test rigs a representative of the working group is active in the DKD. Furthermore, members represent PTB in national and international bodies and cimittees (DIN, EURAMET TC-F, WGFF).

To top

Research/Development

Main fields of work of the working group are:

  • Further development and quality assurance of the standard flow facilities of the department
  • Conducting and participating in national and international comparisons to ensure consistency in liquid flow metrology
  • Provision of transfer standards and investigations about their measurement stability

 

Recent research projects:

  • Characterization of flow meters
  • Determination of the measurement uncertainty of test rigs
  • Influence of flow disturbances on transfer standards
  • Realization and measurement of dynamic flow changes

 

Recent comparisons:

  • Development of a set of transfer standards for flowmeter calibrations
  • Preparation of an international key comparison for large flow rates up to 2500 m³/h

To top

Services

Technical characteristics and calibration capabilities of the Hydrodynamic Test Facility (HDP):

Measurands:

Volumetric flow
Mass flow
Volume
Mass

Assessment and calibration of flow sensors and volume resp. mass meters

Test liquid:

Water

 

Measurement modes:

Flying START / STOPP
Standing START / STOPP

 

Operation modes:

Operation with elevated tank


 Pump direct operation

Constant pressure in the measurement section
(ca. 0,35 MPa)
Variable pressure in the measurement section
(ca. 0,6 MPa)

Nominal diameters:

Measurement section A
Measurement section B

DN 150 ... DN 400
DN 25 ... DN 150

Flow rate ranges:

Measurement section A
Measurement section B

3 m³/h ... 2100 m³/h
0,3 m³/h ... 320 m³/h

Pressure range:

0,2 MPa ... 0,6 MPa 

(pump direct operation)

Temperature range:

10 °C ... 35 °C


Expanded measurement uncertainty

± 0,02 % (for k=2)


Technical characteristics and calibration capabilities of the test rig for white spirit (MÖZ):

Measurands:

Volume flow
Mass flow
Volume
Mass

Test and calibration of flow sensors and volume resp. mass meters

Test liquid:

White spirit

 

Measurement modi:

Flying START / STOPP
Standing START / STOPP

 

Operation modi:

Pump direct operation


 

Variable pressure in the measurement section
(up to ca. 0,6 MPa)

Nominal diameters:

DN 25 ... DN 150

Flow rate range:


0,3 m³/h ... 250 m³/h

Pressure range:

0,2 MPa ... 0,6 MPa 

(pump direct operation)

Temperature range:

20 °C ... 23 °C


Expanded measurement uncertainty:

± 0,05 % (for k=2)


To top