Orifice Meter Expansion Factor Experiments

This paper presents new experimental data for orifice meter expansion factor and compares the results with previous data and accepted expansion factor correlations. The tests were performed in the Low Pressure Loop (LPL) of the Metering Research Facility (MRF) at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) flowing natural gas through 100 mm (4-inch) and 150 mm (6-inch) diameter orifice meter tubes for values of the orifice diameter ratio (β) between 0.25 and 0.60. The results for expansion factor, within the β range of the tests, are in good agreement with previous data reported by Murdock and Foltz (1953) flowing steam in a 100 mm meter tube and by Seidl (1995) flowing air in a 50 mm (2-inch) diameter meter tube.