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Understanding Turndown Ratio in Flowmeters

Turndown ratio is a measure used to compare the range of flow that can be measured by different devices, calculated as the maximum measurable flow divided by the minimum. It represents the ratio of the highest to lowest flow rates that can be measured within a specified accuracy. For example, an orifice meter with a maximum flow of 12 kg/s and minimum of 3 kg/s would have a turndown ratio of 4:1. In general, orifice plates can achieve turndown ratios between 3:1 and 5:1. A high turndown ratio can squeeze the differential pressure measurement signal at low flow rates for meters that use this principle like orifice and venturi meters.

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44 views2 pages

Understanding Turndown Ratio in Flowmeters

Turndown ratio is a measure used to compare the range of flow that can be measured by different devices, calculated as the maximum measurable flow divided by the minimum. It represents the ratio of the highest to lowest flow rates that can be measured within a specified accuracy. For example, an orifice meter with a maximum flow of 12 kg/s and minimum of 3 kg/s would have a turndown ratio of 4:1. In general, orifice plates can achieve turndown ratios between 3:1 and 5:1. A high turndown ratio can squeeze the differential pressure measurement signal at low flow rates for meters that use this principle like orifice and venturi meters.

Uploaded by

Jose Ortiz
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
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Flowmeters and Turndown Ratio

An introduction to turndown ratio for flow measurement devices as orifices,


venturi meter etc.

Turndown ratio is often used to compare the span - the range - of flow measurement
devices.

Turndown Ratio

Turndown ratio can be expressed as:

TR = qmax / qmin (1)

where

TR = Turndown Ratio

qmax = maximum flow

qmin = minimum flow

Maximum and minimum flow is stated within a specified accuracy and repeatability
for the device.

Example - Turndown Ratio for an Orifice Meter

The turndown ratio - TR - for an orifice meter with maximum flow of 12 kg/s and a
minimum flow of 3 kg/s can be calculated as:

TR = (12 kg/s) / (3 kg/s) = 4 - normally expressed as turndown ratio of 4:1

This is a typical turndown ratio for a orifice plate. In general a orifice plates has
turndown ratio between 3:1 and 5:1.

Turndown Ratio and Measured Signal


In a flow meter based on the orifice or venturi principle, the differential pressure
upstream and downstream of an obstruction in the flow is used to indicate the flow.
According the Bernoulli Equation the differential pressure increases with the square
of flow velocity. A large turndown ratio will cramp the measurement signal at low
flow rate.

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