Year 2006
Ville Laukkanen

Flow measurement quality assurance

With accredited flow meter field calibrations it is possible to confirm an accuracy level of a meter without disturbing the process, however this is often not enough to quarantee continuous measurement quality. The purpose of this work is to find out the different methods for quality assurance of flow measurements and build a logical model to achieve continuous flow measurement quality.

In the literature survey part of this study, the methods for quality assurance for flow measurements were introduced. Also the effects of flow measurement quality defections were discussed. The main focus was in different methods for field calibrations and data reconciliation.

The experimental part of the study began with interviewing experts and users around the field of flow measurement and with their help gaining an overview of the issues affecting the measurement quality. The result from the interviews was that systematic errors were the main quality issue concerning flow measurements. Combining these views and methods a logical step-by-step model for efficient quality assurance for flow measurements was constructed that bases on systematic evaluation of measurement system, field calibration of the most important measurements and use of balance equations as well as data reconciliation to achieve wide and continuous measurement quality.

The constructed model was put to the test in two on-site locations. Results of these tests were promising and cooperation of quality assurance according to the model was decided to carry on in both factories. Also the model was decided to take as a vital part of Indmeas calibration laboratory flow measurement quality assurance program. Mathematical methods used for stability controls and data reconciliation still require studies to determine the requirements for their use.

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