A new calibration method for differential pressure meters is getting industry partnership interest

A research commercialisation project into an ‘innovative’ calibration method has delivered key end-user insights and generated enquiries from a number of leading meter manufacturers, according to NEL, a provider of independent consultancy, on-site measurement, and testing and calibration to the global oil and gas industry.

The new calibration method aims to improve the accuracy of differential pressure meters. The development of the calibration methodology was supported by NEL’s Flow Programme, and was performed as part of an engineering doctorate NEL flow measurement consultant Craig Marshall is doing at Coventry University.

“Eight major companies have expressed an interest in being a partner on the project,” said Marshall in a statement from NEL. “My next step will be to go back to each of them to find out exactly how they would like to be involved.”

To optimise the commercialisation of the new approach, Marshall visited and talked to a wide range of businesses and other potential stakeholders.

“Over the last few months, I have spoken individually to well over 100 people,” Craig explains. “They included manufacturers, end-users and representatives from calibration labs. Another hundred-plus people, from a wide range of sectors and countries, have heard my presentation or taken part in my webinar on the new methodology.”

“End users are looking for a reduction in costs and are trying to find solutions that will allow them to do the same amount of work for less money,” he adds. “They are also looking for ‘plug-and-play’ and ‘fit-and-forget’ solutions that minimise installation times and maintenance. The new calibration approach will deliver against these requirements.”

A patent application has already been made for the new calibration method, which is specific for meters in single phase flow conditions and characterised by low Reynolds numbers. According to NEL, a working prototype has been developed, successfully proving that the concept works.