StandardDetails

This International Standard specifies methods for the measurement of liquid flow in closed conduits by determining the volume of liquid collected in a volumetric tank in a known time interval. It deals in particular with the measuring apparatus, the procedure, the method for calculating the flow-rate and the assessment of uncertainties associated with the measurements. The method described may be applied to any liquid provided that a) its vapour pressure is sufficiently low to ensure that any escape of liquid by vaporization from the volumetric tank does not affect the required measurement accuracy; b) its viscosity is sufficiently low so as not to alter or delay unduly the measurement of the level in the volumetric tank; c) it is non-toxic and non-corrosive. Theoretically, there is no limit to the application of this method, but, for practical reasons, this method of measurement is normally used for flow-rates less than approximately 1,5 m3/s and is used on the whole in fixed laboratory installations only. However, there is a variation of this method which uses a natural or artificial storage pond as a volumetric tank, but this application is not dealt with in this International Standard. Owing to its high potential accuracy, this method is often used as a primary method for calibrating other methods or devices for volume flow-rate measurement or for mass flow-rate measurement; for the latter method or device, it is necessary to know the density of the liquid accurately. If the installation for flow-rate measurement by the volumetric method is used for purposes of legal metrology, it shall be certified and registered by the national metrology service. Such installations are then subject to periodic inspection at stated intervals. If a national metrology service does not exist, a certified record of the basic measurement standards (length, time and temperature), and error analysis in accordance with this International Standard and ISO 5168, shall also constitute certification for legal metrology purposes. Annex A forms an integral part of this International Standard. Annexes B to E, however, are given for information only.