Ambient Temperature Effects Upon the Flow in Gas Pipelines at Low Speeds

The flow field inside gas pipeline meter run is numerically simulated to determine the affects of upstream piping and temperature differences between the meter run pipe and the gas upon the flow. At bulk averaged velocities below 0.6 m/s (2 ft/s) significant changes in the velocity field are present which may alter the response of any flow meter mounted in the meter run. Examples for a bulk average velocity of 0.15 m/s (1/2 ft/s) and temperature differences with magnitudes of 27.7°C (50°F) are presented.