Flow Conditioners What can be done if I cannot meet the mass flow meters recommended installation requirements?
Use a flow conditioner. Flow meter manufacturers usually provide “recommended installation” instructions with their products. These instructions specify the minimum amount of straight, unobstructed pipe that should be located upstream and downstream of the flow meter. It’s often not possible to provide this required straight pipe due to space constraints and economic demands. Consequently, flow meter accuracy suffers as a direct result of an inadequate amount of straight pipe. If high flow meter accuracy is demanded, even with inadequate straight pipe, a flow conditioner should be used. There are many types of flow conditioners available (vanes, tube bundles, perforated plates); however, the new Vortab flow conditioner offers several advantages. The Vortab’s unique tab design (see sketch) provides excellent isolation from disturbances, little pressure loss, and immunity to fouling.
