ISO TR 3313-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Measurement of fluid flow in closed conduits — Guidelines on the effects of flow pulsations on flow-measurement instruments. This technical report defines pulsating flow, compares it with steady flow, explains how pulsations can be detected and describes their effects on common flow-measurement primary elements and meters (orifice plates, nozzles and Venturi tubes, turbine and vortex flowmeters), together with guidance on correction measures and mitigation (e.g. damping devices or alternative meter selection).

Abstract

ISO/TR 3313:2018 reviews the phenomenon of flow pulsation in pipes and its impact on the accuracy and behaviour of several widely used flowmeter types. The report: defines pulsating versus steady flow; outlines detection and measurement implications; summarises how pulsations affect differential-pressure elements (orifice plates, nozzles, Venturi tubes) and velocity-type meters (turbine and vortex meters); describes correction methods where feasible; and recommends mitigation measures where correction is not possible. The guidance covers liquids and gases (with caveats for compressible/gas density changes) and is focused on pulsations originating from a single upstream or downstream source, in conditions without flow reversal.

General information

• Status: Published / current (technical report in force; confirmed at review).
• Publication date: 15 March 2018 (ISO technical report edition published 2018-03).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 17.120.10 — Flow in closed conduits.
• Edition / version: Edition 4 (2018).
• Number of pages: 45 pages (typical published length reported by standards distributors).

Scope

ISO/TR 3313:2018 applies to flow situations where pulsations are generated at a single source located either upstream or downstream of the primary measuring element, and where the flow in the measuring section does not reverse direction. The report addresses both liquid and gas flows (noting restrictions for gases when density changes in the measuring section are significant) and concentrates on those flowmeter types that are most sensitive to pulsations: orifice plates, nozzles and Venturi tubes (pressure-differential devices), and turbine and vortex flowmeters. It provides guidance on detection, quantification and on ways to correct or mitigate pulsation-induced measurement errors.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and classification of pulsating flow vs steady flow, including relevant parameters for characterization (frequency, amplitude, waveform).
• Methods to detect and measure flow pulsation and to assess its influence on meter signals.
• Effects of pulsation on differential-pressure devices (orifice plates, nozzles, Venturi tubes) and on velocity-type meters (turbine, vortex): error mechanisms, dynamic response and typical symptom patterns.
• Guidance on correction algorithms or signal-processing approaches for meter output where correction is feasible.
• Mitigation measures when correction is not practical: pulsation dampers, piping/layout changes, or selection of a less-sensitive meter type.
• Applicability limits: single-source pulsations, no flow reversal in the measuring section, and cautions for compressible flows where density change is non-negligible.

Typical use and users

Primary users include flow instrumentation engineers, plant and process engineers, meter manufacturers, calibration and test laboratories, metrology specialists, and anyone responsible for selection, installation and verification of flowmeters in industrial piping systems where pulsation sources exist (pumps, compressors, pulsating control valves, reciprocating equipment). The report is used to support meter selection, on-site troubleshooting, correction/alignment of meter outputs and specification of piping or damping solutions.

Related standards

ISO/TR 3313:2018 is closely related to other ISO standards for flow measurement and specific meter types, including the ISO 5167 series (measurement by orifice plates, nozzles and Venturi devices), ISO 12764 (vortex shedding flowmeters) and ISO 9951 (turbine meters). These related documents define geometry, installation, calibration and uncertainty practices for the primary devices and meter types discussed in ISO/TR 3313. Users should consult the relevant ISO product standards when applying the pulsation guidance to a particular meter type.

Keywords

flow pulsation, pulsating flow, flow measurement, closed conduits, orifice plate, Venturi, nozzle, turbine flowmeter, vortex flowmeter, pulsation damping, meter correction, ISO/TR 3313, flow metering.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/TR 3313:2018 is a technical report providing guidelines on the effects of flow pulsations on flow-measurement instruments used in closed conduits (pipes). It explains how pulsations affect common meter types and offers detection, correction and mitigation guidance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definition and detection of pulsating flow, the impact of pulsation on orifice plates, nozzles, Venturi tubes, turbine and vortex flowmeters, correction methods where available, and measures to reduce pulsation-induced errors (e.g. damping, alternative meter choice). The report applies where pulsations originate from a single source and the flow in the measuring section does not reverse.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Flow/instrumentation engineers, meter manufacturers, calibration labs, process engineers, and metrology specialists use this report for meter selection, on-site troubleshooting and to specify corrective or damping measures in systems subject to pulsation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO/TR 3313:2018 is the current technical report edition published 15 March 2018; the ISO record indicates the publication was reviewed/confirmed during a subsequent systematic review (confirmation noted in 2022), so this edition remains in force.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO/TR 3313 sits within the broader ISO family of flow-measurement standards (for example the ISO 5167 series for pressure-differential devices, ISO 12764 for vortex meters and ISO 9951 for turbine meters). It is a technical report (guidance) complementing the normative product standards for specific meter types.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Pulsating flow, flow pulsation, closed conduits, orifice, nozzle, Venturi, turbine meter, vortex meter, damping, meter correction, flow measurement.