A system for identifying an anomaly in flow meter proving equipment includes four detectors D1, D2, D3, and D4. A data acquisition and monitoring system is configured to signals from D1, D2, D3, and D4 to measure flow volumes between D1 and D3 as a measured volume Va, between D2 and D4 as a measured volume Vb, between D2 and D3 as a measured volume Vc, and between D1 and D4 as a measured volume Vd. The data acquisition and monitoring system calculates Va+Vb−Vc−Vd plus a max uncertainty as an upper range value and Va+Vb−Vc−Vd minus the max uncertainty as a lower range value. The data acquisition and monitoring system identifies an anomaly in response to the upper range value being less than zero or the lower range value being greater than zero and initiates recalibration of the prover in response to the identifying of the anomaly.

An example device includes a microfluidic channel and a movable element retained in the microfluidic channel to move from a first position to a second position by fluid flow through the microfluidic channel. The device includes a sensor to take a sensor reading to determine fluid flow through the microfluidic channel. The device includes a microfluidic pump to return the movable element from the second position to the first position. The device includes a controller to actuate the microfluidic pump and to determine a flow rate of the fluid flow through the microfluidic channel based on the sensor reading.

Disclosed are systems and methods for measuring flowrates. The systems and methods may include passing a fluid from a unit under test into a cavity. The pressure of the fluid within the cavity may be measure and a slidable element located within the cavity may be repositioned to maintain a desired pressure within the cavity. The distance traveled by the slidable element in order to maintain the desired pressure may be determined along with a time for the slidable element to travel the distance. Using the distance traveled by the slidable element, a crosssectional area of the slidable element in contact with the fluid, and the time for the slidable element to travel the distance the volumetric flowrate for the fluid may be determined.

The invention provides generally methods and systems in a bi-directional sphere prover for generating diagnostic information by calculating and using multiple meter factors (MF) from four detector switches. A Data Acquisition and Monitoring System gathers the signals of the four detector switches and calculates the base prover volume (BPV) for each section of the prover based on these readings. Then, the different base prover volumes are used to create multiple meter factors for each section of the prover to derive the diagnostic information. The Data Acquisition and Monitoring System displays, archives, and trends the meter factors. Depending upon what particular meter factor ratios are within the acceptable limit, the correct detector switch can be diagnosed and fixed without a substantial amount of down time for the prover. Trend lines for meter factors can also be analyzed for different process fluids that are sent through the prover.

During a water draw test, horizontal type bidirectional sphere provers with a straight calibrated section of pipe between the detector switches sometimes suffer from sphere launch failure which typically results in a failed water draw test. These types of provers, especially in larger pipe diameters will benefit from an elongate concentric fabricated reducer attached to the outlet of each launch tube. These elongate concentric fabricated reducers result in a successful sphere launch on the first attempt. Assuming all the other components of the prover are properly designed and assembled, a successful sphere launch will result in a successful water draw test on the first attempt saving time, money and reputation.

The invention relates to inspection and measuring technology for use in the calibration, verification and routine monitoring of the metrological characteristics of volume flow and mass flow meters and calibration rigs, primarily for petroleum and petroleum products. The special feature of the present method for monitoring the metrological characteristics of a flowmeter using a bidirectional prover is that the portion of the prover situated at the end of the path of travel of a ball and acting as an accelerator during the opposite movement of the ball is used on said path as an addition to the calibrated portion. The special feature of a bidirectional prover for implementing the present method is the installation of one or more detectors in a closed cross-section of the portion of the prover situated at the end of the travel path. The technical result is an increase in the accuracy and reliability of the measuring results, a reduction in the dimensions, mass and material intensity of the structure, a decrease in the duration of verification operations, and the mobility of the structure.

A system for identifying an anomaly in flow meter proving equipment includes four detectors D1, D2, D3, and D4. A data acquisition and monitoring system is configured to signals from D1, D2, D3, and D4 to measure flow volumes between D1 and D3 as a measured volume Va, between D2 and D4 as a measured volume Vb, between D2 and D3 as a measured volume Vc, and between D1 and D4 as a measured volume Vd. The data acquisition and monitoring system calculates Va+Vb−Vc−Vd plus a max uncertainty as an upper range value and Va+Vb−Vc−Vd minus the max uncertainty as a lower range value. The data acquisition and monitoring system identifies an anomaly in response to the upper range value being less than zero or the lower range value being greater than zero and initiates recalibration of the prover in response to the identifying of the anomaly.

A piston test instrument for calibration and/or gauging of a flow meter and/or for determining a flow rate, wherein the piston test instrument has a tubular housing having an inlet, via which a measured medium is introducible into the housing, and having an outlet, via which the measured medium is dischargeable from the housing, wherein the piston test instrument has a piston arranged in the housing, wherein the piston test instrument has a drive device, which is designed for moving the piston by way of contactless, magnetic force transmission by a drive device.

A prover includes a piston supporting rod extending longitudinally through a cylinder, which cylinder receives and discharges a fluid to measure the volume and flow rate of the fluid by translation of the piston from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end. Prover valve includes improved poppet valve disk shape that provides for smoother fluid flow, additional volume, and better sealing. Disk also includes angled wings and complimentary poppet seating to provide for better and more resilient seal. Retention ring may be fitted over poppet seal, and includes bolts that provide for removing retention ring to allow servicing of poppet seals (and replacement thereof) while tension remains on prover valve and rod.

A flow meter prover with a piston assembly that is movable from a start position to a finish position and an actuator assembly with a carriage that moves between a first position and a second position. Preferably, the carriage is operable to releasably couple to the piston assembly, and the carriage is operable to move the piston assembly from the finish position to the start position as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. The actuator assembly preferably includes a linear actuator that moves the carriage, and the carriage preferably includes an electromagnet that releasably couples to the piston assembly. The piston assembly preferably slides on a flag rod having first and second flags mounted thereon and two guide rods. A photoelectric sensor senses the flags as the piston assembly slides on the flag rod and generates signals when it senses the flags.