A Self-Correcting and Self-Checking Gas Turbine Meter

Abstract

A new metering concept of a self-correcting and self-checking turbine meter is described in which a sensor rotor downstream from the main rotor senses and responds to changes in the exit angle of the fluid leaving the main rotor. The output from the sensor rotor is then electronically combined with the output from the main rotor to produce an adjusted output which automatically and continuously corrects to original meter calibration accuracy. This takes place despite changes in retarding torques, bearing wear and/or upstream conditions occurring in field operations over those which were experienced during calibration. The ratio of the sensor rotor output to the main rotor output at operating conditions is also automatically and continuously compared with that at calibration conditions. This provides an indication of the amount of accuracy deviation from initial calibration that is being corrected by the sensor rotor. This concept is studied theoretically and experimentally. Both the theory and test results (laboratory and field) confirm the concept’s validity and practicability.