Metering research facility design. Topical report, July 1987-December 1990

The Gas Research Institute (GRI) Metering Research Facility (MRF) has been designed to provide two independent natural gas recirculation flow loops: a Low Pressure Loop (LPL) and High Pressure Loop (HPL). Initially, these loops can accommodate meter sizes of 1 to 6 inches and 6 to 16 inches respectively. Requirements were established for the MRF complex which consists of both loops and a building with a control room, calibration labs, and work areas. All major mechanical and electrical components were specified and engineering designs completed in sufficient detail to provide for construction and fabrication drawings. Construction of the MRF has been proposed in a staged process where each succeeding stage provides new or expanded capabilities. The report primarily concentrates on the design of Stage I of the MRF. Operating ranges for the Stage I LPL are pressures up to 200 psia, temperatures from 40 F to 120 F, flow rates to 6MMSCFD, and Reynolds number to 1.1 million. Corresponding operating ranges for the Stage I HPL are pressures to 1440 psig, temperatures from 20 F to 120 F, flow rates to 165MMSCFD, and Reynolds number in excess of 14 million. In the LPL, a state-of-the-art gyroscopic balance and computer-controlled fastmore » acting flow diversion system provide primary mass flow measurement within an accuracy of better than 0.25%. A similar primary calibration system is planned for Stage II of the HPL.« less