Methods of Calibrating Flowmeters with Liquids—A Comparative Survey

The various methods of calibrating flowmeters with liquids are classified, and the more important methods are discussed in detail. The advantages and disadvantages of all these methods are summarised in a comprehensive table, which is based upon both a study of the literature and the author's own experience at the National Engineering Laboratory, where a very wide variety of flowmeter calibration methods is in use. A number of problems encountered in all methods of calibrating flowmeters are discussed; these include the need to correct for variations in temperature and pressure, the importance of eliminating air entrainment and the release of air from solution, and the elimination of flow disturbances such as swirl, asymmetry and pulsations.