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Upstream Pipe and Downstream Flow Straight Pipe Requirements refer to the length of straight pipe before and after the installation location of the flowmeter.

In order to ensure that the fluid flow state is uniform in the pipeline, the flow field of the fluid can generally be stabilized. It is required that the straight pipe section before and after the installation position of the flowmeter should be long enough. Otherwise, it will cause inaccurate measurement.

The general rule of thumb for straight piping is a five-diameter length of piping upstream and three diameters downstream from the meter (measured from the center of the tube).

Next, we will detail the various flow meters Upstream and Downstream Flow Straight Pipe Requirements.

Upstream and Downstream Flow Straight Pipe Requirements-for Flowmeter Installation
RFQ Flow Meters Table of Contents
  • what is upstream and downstream flow?
  • 10D Upstream and 5D Downstream
  • Different Flow Meters Installation Rule of Thumb
    • orifice plate upstream and downstream requirements
    • Differential-pressure flowmeter piping requirements
    • magnetic flow meter upstream downstream requirements
    • vortex flow meter upstream and downstream requirements
    • Ultrasonic flowmeter piping requirements
    • Turbine flowmeter piping requirements
    • Gear flow meter piping requirements
    • Coriolis flowmeter piping requirements
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What is the normal upstream and downstream straight length of orifice flow meter?
    • What is the typical upstream minimum straight upstream length when using ultrasonic flow meter?
    • WHAT IS 10D and 5D in flow meter?
  • Related Flowmeters
  • Related Blogs

what is upstream and downstream flow?

For pipelines where fluid flows, we must first understand the upstream and downstream fluids when installing the flowmeter.

The direction of fluid entry is upstream. The direction of fluid discharge is downstream.

The straight pipe section of the flowmeter refers to the specific-length straight pipe sections required at the flowmeter’s water inlet (corresponding to the Upstream pipe) and water outlet (corresponding to the Downstream pipe). That is, the Upstream pipe and Downstream pipe in this section must be straight—there shall be no elbows, valves, or similar fittings. Generally, the length requirement for the Upstream pipe will be longer than that for the Downstream pipe.

Extended reading: Fluid flow meter types

10D Upstream and 5D Downstream

When users use the orifice flowmeter, they generally require 10D Upstream pipe and 5D Downstream pipe for the straight pipe sections before and after the orifice flowmeter. So what does this D stand for? Today I will briefly talk about it.

The D represents the diameter of the pipe. For the orifice plate in the orifice plate flowmeter, the minimum requirements for the Upstream pipe and Downstream pipe sections are 10D Upstream and 5D Downstream. If there is a pump or regulating valve in front of the orifice plate, then the requirements for the straight pipe section are greater.

Read more about: How to Calculate Pressure Drop in a Pipe?

Different Flow Meters Installation Rule of Thumb

orifice plate upstream and downstream requirements

Due to the limitation of the structure of the orifice plate flowmeter itself, its measurement accuracy is not high. There are a number of system reasons that can cause errors during installation. And the magnitude of this error cannot be estimated.

But by analyzing the factors that cause the error, the error can be reduced.

When the orifice flow measurement system is installed and used, it must meet the following technical requirements:

  • When the orifice plate is installed, the center of its opening and the center axis of the pipe are concentric. And its end face is perpendicular to the axis of the pipe.
  • The axis of the pressure taking hole on the orifice plate and the downstream side meets the requirement that the distance from the orifice plate and the downstream end face is 25.4±0.8mm.
  • The axis of the pressure taking hole should be perpendicular to the axis of the inner cylinder of the 2D measuring tube length on the downstream side of the orifice plate. The included angle between the axis of the pressure taking hole and the outward inclination angle of the two ends of the orifice plate shall not be greater than 3 degrees. The diameter of the pressure hole should not be greater than 0.08D.
  • Orifice plate installation requires front and rear straight pipe sections. The length of the straight pipe section is related to the form and diameter ratio β of the local resistance member on the upstream side of the orifice plate. Its determination method is as follows:

Table. Required Straight Run Lengths Between Orifice Plate and Choke (No Flow Conditioner)(The value is expressed in multiples of the pipe diameter D)

Diameter ratio β Upstream side of orifice plate (inlet)
Single 90° Elbow Two 90° elbows In any plane (S＞30D) Two 90° elbows in the same plane, S shape (30D≥S＞10D) Two 90° elbows in the vertical plane, (30D≥S≥5D) Two 90° elbows on the same plane, (30D≥S≥5D) Two 9° elbows in the vertical plane, (5D>S) Single 90° Tee Two 45° elbows on the same plane with a single 45° elbow, S shape (S>22D)
A B A B A B A B A B A B A B
0.2 6 3 10 10 10 10 19 18 34 17 9 3 5 5
0.4 16 3 10 10 10 10 44 18 50 25 9 3 30 9
0.5 22 9 18 10 22 10 44 18 75 34 19 9 30 9
0.6 42 13 30 18 42 18 44 18 65 25 29 18 30 18
0.67 44 20 44 18 44 20 44 20 60 10 36 18 44 18
0.75 44 20 44 18 44 22 44 20 75 18 44 18 44 18
Diameter ratio β Upstream side of orifice plate (inlet) Downstream side of orifice (outlet)
Reducers change from 2D to D over a length of 1.5D to 3D The expanding tube changes from 0.5D to D within the length of D to 2D Full bore ball valve or gate valve fully open Symmetric shrink tube Thermometer sleeve or socket diameter less than 0.03D All Front Choke Types and Density Meter Sleeves
A B A B A B A B A B A B
0.2 5 5 16 8 12 6 30 15 5 3 4 2
0.4 5 5 16 8 12 6 30 15 5 3 6 3
0.5 6 5 18 9 12 6 30 15 5 3 6 3
0.6 9 5 22 11 14 7 30 15 5 3 7 3.5
0.67 12 6 27 14 18 9 30 15 5 3 7 3.5
0.75 22 11 38 19 24 12 30 15 5 3 8 4

Orifice flowmeters use flow regulators if possible in harsh installation conditions. The installation of the thermowell does not change the length of the small straight section on its upstream side.

The length of the small straight pipe section refers to the length between the upstream and downstream baffles of the orifice plate and the orifice plate. The length is measured from the downstream end of the curved portion of the adjacent elbow or tee or the downstream end of the tapered portion of the reducer and expander.

Extended reading: Liquid Bitumen/Asphalt Flow Meter

Differential-pressure flowmeter piping requirements

The length of the straight pipe section required by the differential pressure type is 10-62D. So the difference is big. This is because the required length of the straight pipe section depends on the opening ratio of the orifice plate (ratio d/D of the inner diameter D of the pipe to the inner diameter d of the orifice plate).

The opening ratio (ratio d/D of the inner diameter D of the pipe to the inner diameter d of the orifice plate) is larger. The longer the straight pipe section is required.Conversely, the smaller the opening ratio, the shorter the straight pipe section required.

  • Difficult to give a general range
  • Helpful to use impulse lines on either side
  • Actual value depends on the type of upstream elements and the beta ratio
  • Beta ratio is defined as the diameter of the pipe orifice divided by the pipe diameter

Discover more about: Differential Pressure Flow Meters

magnetic flow meter upstream downstream requirements

The correct selection of the installation point of the electromagnetic flowmeter and the correct installation of the sensor are both very important links.

If there are minor mistakes in the installation process, the measurement accuracy will be affected. Heavy ones will affect the service life of the sensor. Even damage the sensor.

To improve the effects of eddy currents and current field deformities. There are certain requirements for the length of the straight pipes before and after the flowmeter. Otherwise, the measurement accuracy will be affected. A power converter can be installed. But installation must be avoided. Near or after regulating valves and half-open valves.

Extended Reading: Special Magnetic Flowmeter Installation situation

Pipe Installation Types Installation Instruction Diagram Standard-pipe Type
Front straight pipe L Back straight pipe S
Bent pipe Picture a 10D 5D
Horizontal pipe Picture b 5D 3D
Backward position of valve Picture C 10D 5D
Flaring pipe Picture d 10D 5D
Backward position of mercury Picture e 15D 2D
Shrinkage pipe Picture f 5D 2D
Mixed liquid Picture g 30D 3D
magnetic flow meter upstream downstream requirements

Extended reading: What Is Difference Between Rotameter And Flow Meter?

vortex flow meter upstream and downstream requirements

Vortex flow meter has certain requirements on the upstream and downstream straight pipe section of the installation point. otherwise it will affect the flow field of medium in the pipeline and affect the measuring accuracy of the meter. The length of the upstream and downstream straight pipe section of the instrument is required as shown in FIG. DN is the nominal diameter unit of the instrument:mm.

vortex flow meter upstream and downstream requirements

Read more about: Vortex flow meter installation

Ultrasonic flowmeter piping requirements

Since the ultrasonic flowmeter is a velocity flowmeter, it has strict requirements on the flow characteristics of the medium. It must be ensured that the medium is in a laminar flow state during the detection of the transducer.

Therefore, whether it is a split ultrasonic flowmeter with a large pipe diameter or an integrated ultrasonic flowmeter with a small pipe diameter, it is necessary to ensure that there are enough straight pipe sections before and after the instrument before installation.

Although most of the velocity-type instruments have such regulations for the requirements of the straight pipe section, in order to ensure the good use of the ultrasonic flowmeter, the straight pipe section is most likely to be larger than the first 10D and the latter 5D standard, the bigger the better.

Extended Reading: Mechanical flow meter for diesel

Steady flow is helpful for ensuring measurement accuracy.

Standard requests for steady flow are:

1. The pipe should be far away from pump outlet and half-open valve. 10D to upstream and 5D to downstream. (D means outer diameter)

2. 30D to pump outlet and half-open valve.

Ultrasonic flowmeter piping requirements

Turbine flowmeter piping requirements

The requirement of straight pipe section for turbine flowmeter installation is very important. Its detailed requirements are as follows:

  • The flowmeter has certain requirements on the upstream and downstream straight pipe sections at the installation point. Otherwise, the measurement accuracy will be affected.
  • If there is a reducer upstream of the installation point of the flowmeter, the upstream of the flowmeter should have an equal-diameter straight pipe section of not less than 15D (D is the diameter of the pipe). The downstream should have an equal-diameter straight pipe section of not less than 5D.
  • If there is a gradually expanding pipe upstream of the installation point of the flowmeter, there should be a straight pipe section of equal diameter not less than 18D (D is the diameter of the pipe) upstream of the flowmeter. There should be a straight pipe section of equal diameter no less than 5D downstream
  • If there is a 90° elbow or downlink joint upstream of the installation point of the flowmeter, there should be an equal diameter straight pipe section not less than 20D upstream of the flowmeter, and an equal diameter straight pipe section not less than 5D downstream.
  • If there is a 90° elbow on the same plane upstream of the installation point of the flowmeter, there should be an equal-diameter straight pipe section of not less than 25D upstream of the flowmeter, and an equal-diameter straight pipe section of not less than 5D downstream.

Gear flow meter piping requirements

The oval gear flowmeter is a kind of instrument specially for measuring the flow of high-viscosity medium. The instrument plays a very important role in the industry, and the measurement accuracy is relatively high.

Oval gear flowmeter, this kind of flowmeter does not need to use straight pipe sections in the process of use.

This kind of measuring instrument can be easily installed at the valve outlet or turning point of the pipeline. Do not use the original straight pipe section at all. It is also a disguised way to save production costs during use.

The oval gear flowmeter should be cleaned before installation. If the liquid contains solid particles, a filter must be installed upstream of the pipeline; if it contains gas, an exhaust device should be installed.

The oval gear flowmeter does not have certain requirements for the front and rear straight pipe sections. It can be installed horizontally or vertically. During installation, the rotation axis of the oval gear of the flowmeter should be parallel to the ground.

Read more about: Various Types of Mass Flow and Volumetric Flow Meters

Coriolis flowmeter piping requirements

Coriolis flow meters directly measure mass flow and density. Their measurements are insensitive to fluid profiles and have virtually no installation restrictions. Therefore, no upstream and downstream straight runs are required.

The main guideline for a Coriolis sensor is to ensure that the sensor tube remains full. If installing in a vertical pipe. Make sure that fluids (liquids and slurries) flow up and gas flows down. And do not use the meter to align misaligned pipes.

Read more about: Mass Flow Meter Types

Read more about: Different Types of Flowmeters – Technical and Application Analysis

There are many professional organizations that provide guidance and standards for most flow techniques used. Some of them are ISA, ISO, API, AGA, ASME and ANSI.

When in doubt, it is recommended that you refer to these guides. As they have been tested and provide a good starting point for ensuring that the flowmeter is performing properly.

Some very common guidelines/standards are listed below:

Coriolis – ISO10790Critical Nozzle – ISO9300Differential Pressure – ISO5167Electromagnetic – ISO6817Positive Displacement – ISO2714Thermal Mass – ISO14511Turbine – ISO2715Ultrasonic – ISO17089Variable Area – ISO11605Vortex – ISO/TR12764ASME MFC-3M-2004ASME MFC-6-2013ASME MFC-11-2006ASME MFC-5.1-2011ASME MFC-16-2014

These are some general guidelines to consider when determining the right flowmeter placement for your application. By asking the right questions and having a good understanding of existing guidelines and standards, you should be able to take advantage of a very large investment in flow meters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help Center

What is the normal upstream and downstream straight length of orifice flow meter?

For orifice plates, the linear travel required depends on the beta ratio of the entire installation and the type of upstream components in the pipe.

If you use a “standard monolithic” orifice plate with a beta of .4 on the upstream inlet side. The very large straight pipe diameter range required for the straight run is 20 and the downstream range for the straight is 10.

However, if you are using a .4beta conditioning orifice plate, the required range for straight pipe is 2-6 straight pipe diameters.

What is the typical upstream minimum straight upstream length when using ultrasonic flow meter?

Ultrasonic flowmeter, the upstream is not less than 10 to 50 times the pipe diameter, and the downstream is not less than 5 times the pipe diameter

Extended reading: Flow meter totalizer calculation

WHAT IS 10D and 5D in flow meter?

The D represents the diameter of the pipe. For the orifice plate in the orifice plate flowmeter, the minimum requirements for the front and rear straight pipe sections are 10D Upstream and 5D Downstream. If there is a pump or regulating valve in front of the orifice plate, then the requirements for the straight pipe section are greater.

Read more about: Shop 101: Key Factors In Selecting A Pipe Flow Meter

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