Mass Flow Metering

Mass flow measurement has many real advantages over volumetric measurement, particularly for gas flows. True and inferential methods of measuring mass flow are compared and true methods found to be significantly better. Of the different methods of measuring true mass flow, the axial flow transverse momentum method is shown to be particularly well suited to industrial application.

A short outline of the history of the Black, Sivalls and Bryson Mass Flowmeter, which uses this principle, is given and it is shown that a very considerable amount of development and industrial trials were required before the meter achieved its present position where many large users of it are very satisfied with it. The results of extensive trials with the meter and of the subsequent use of 28 meters in ICI's Petrochemicals Division are presented and it is shown that the meters have given reliable service and shown good repeatability resulting in much improved material balances. The availability of suitable calibration facilities is reviewed and an indication given of likely further developments in this field.