Particle image velocimetry flowmeter for natural gas applications

• Published in: Flow measurement and instrumentation Vol. 82; p. 102072
• Main Authors: Wangxu, Li, Zhenggui, Li, Wanquan, Deng, Lei, Ji, Yilong, Qiu, Huiyu, Chen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2021
• Subjects: Cyclic integration; Flowmeter; Natural gas; Particle image velocimetry; Ultrasonic flowmeter; Particle image velocimetry; Flowmeter; Cyclic integration; Ultrasonic flowmeter; Natural gas
• ISSN: 0955-5986; 1873-6998
• DOI: 10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2021.102072

Ultrasonic flowmeters are currently used in the measurement of large natural gas flow. However, their high sensitivity to noise signals can cause measurement errors and direct economic losses. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement technology has several advantages, including convenient installation and maintenance, and strong anti-interference ability, thereby presenting an innovative idea for its application in the field of flow measurement. In this paper, a cyclic integration method is proposed for the application of PIV technology in flow measurement of natural gas. The results show that PIV flowmeter and ultrasonic flowmeter are basically consistent, and the maximum deviation is about 2%. confirming the feasibility of the PIV flowmeter. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical and technical reference for the development of a PIV flowmeter for natural gas. •Flow loop integration method was applied for the flow measurement using PIV.•The maximum influence range of confluence is 10 times the pipe diameter.•The transparent straight pipe was modified to avoid reflection during measurement.•The maximum error between the ultrasonic and PIV flow measurements was 2%.