Flow Conditioners

The CPA 50E is the most tested flow conditioner in the industry, and is supported by more than 25 years of test data by independent flow laboratories. The CPA 50E is designed to produce a swirl-free, fully developed flow profile, improving reliability and reducing error, while also shortening the meter run.

Canada Pipeline Accessories is the only manufacturer of the CPA 50E flow conditioner and is the only company to have verified test and compliance data using many different fluids including natural gas, air, water, liquid petroleum, and heavy oil. This extensive body of test data is only applicable to the CPA 50E as manufactured by Canada Pipeline Accessories, and is inherently linked to CPA’s manufacturing, engineering, and quality programs.

Features

• Available inventory for fast delivery. Stocked in ANSI raised face Type A configuration, sizes 2 – 16 inch, schedule 40 and 80, 316 stainless steel material.
• Can be custom manufactured for pipe sizes from 3/8″ – 48″.
• Available in Carbon Steel, 316SS, 304SS, Aluminum, Hastelloy, Duplex, Monel, Inconel, Titanium, etc.
• Applicable to multiple types of flow measurement including orifice, ultrasonic, turbine, coriolis and more.
• Suitable for use in all types of fluid including natural gas, oil, water, steam, liquid petroleum and more.
• Compatible with CPA FloAlign and CPA Paddle Tabs to aid lifting, inspection, installation, and alignment.
• EN 10204 3.1b material quality reports are included with every order and are available in our online database.
• Can be used in AGA3, AGA7, AGA9, OIML R137 applications and many more!
• Comprehensive product and technical support from CPA’s engineers, including CFD recommendations, compliance letters, etc.
   
   
   

The CPA 55E and 65E use an innovative unique stepped design that has been optimized with fluid dynamic fundamentals in mind, giving greater capability over other flow conditioners.

CPA 55E and 65E flow conditioners provide lower turbulence and noise generation and create a swirl free flow with a fully developed flow profile.

These unique designs are a unique invention that is exclusive to Canada Pipeline Accessories. CPA is the only manufacturer of the 55E and 65E, and is the only company to have full test and compliance data.

CPA 65E Features

• Optimized for less severe measurement or liquid scenarios where pressure drop is a significant concern.
• Recommended for liquid applications such as; water, petroleum, crude oil, LNG and any other low velocity/low Reynolds number scenarios.
• Optimized for Gas/Liquid Ultrasonic, Turbine and Coriolis applications (not recommended for critical dP applications).
• Half the pressure drop of typical plate style flow conditioners!
• Increased swirl and cross flow elimination compared to other flow conditioners; swirl remaining after the CPA 50E is reduced by half!
• Lower amounts of turbulence are generated and noise levels are up to 30 dB lower than the CPA 50E.
• Meets OIMLR137/AGA9 requirements for3D/3D ultrasonic meter run configurations!
• Optimal recommendation is for 5D/5D meter run configurations for API 5.3, API 5.8, AGA7, AGA9 applications
• Recommended for less severe measurement scenarios where pressure drop is a significant concern.
• Available in a range of sizes, from NPS 2 to NPS 36, including custom sizes. Available in all installation styles, including Types A – D, and custom installations.
• Wide range of material options including Carbon Steel, 316 Stainless Steel, Duplex, Hastalloy, Inconel, Monel, etc.

CPA 55E Features

• Optimized for more severe measurement scenarios where meter performance and meter run length are critical.
• Recommended for gas applications such as; natural gas, air, oxygen, hydrogen, any other high velocity/high Reynolds number scenarios.
• Optimized for gas applications with all flow meters including orifice, turbine, and ultrasonic.
• Similar velocity profile and pressure drop performance to the CPA 50E.
• Increased swirl and cross flow elimination compared to other flow conditioners.
• Lower amounts of turbulence are generated and noise levels are up to 30 dB lower than the CPA 50E.
• Meets OIMLR137/AGA9 requirements at 3D/3D ultrasonic meter run configurations!
• Optimal recommendation is for 5D/5D meter run configurations for turbine and ultrasonic applications.
• Recommended for 13D orifice configurations (5D UL1, 8D UL2).
• Compared to the CPA 65E, the CPA 55E is recommended for more severe measurement scenarios where meter performance and meter run length are more critical than the flow conditioner pressure drop.
• Available in a range of sizes, from NPS 2 to NPS 36, including custom sizes. Available in all installation styles, including Types A – D, and custom installations.
• Wide range of material options including Carbon Steel, 316 Stainless Steel, Duplex, Hastalloy, Inconel, Monel, etc.

Let us help you select the flow condition that is right for your particular situation. Our team is ready to take your call. 403-236-4480 or 1-888-FIX-FLOW.

The CPA Type A is designed for typical ANSI raised face configurations, which is the most common type of flow conditioner installation used in the industry.

In this configuration, installation of the CPA (50E, 55E, 65E) involves installing the flow conditioner between two standard ANSI/ASME raised face flanges and gaskets. One end of the flow conditioner is designed to be inserted into the downstream pipe bore. (See below for Installation Information.)

Features

• Available in a range of sizes, from Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) 1/2 inch to NPS 48 inch.
• Wide range of material options: 304 Stainless Steel, 316 Stainless Steel, Inconel, Monel, Duplex, Hastalloy.
• Available inventory for immediate delivery. Inventoried sizes are 316 stainless steel, 1 inch through 20 inch, and schedules 40 and 80.
• In 1/2 inch to 20 inch sizes, ASME/ANSI configurations are compatible with all ANSI ratings of 150# through to 2500#. The same flow conditioner can be used for all ANSI ratings.
• Custom designed sizes and flange standards available including API and JIS. Please contact CPA for more information.

INSTALLATION INFORMATION

Plate Installation

The CPA Type A, the flow conditioner should always be installed  into the downstream piping to ensure that the flow conditioner is properly centred relative to the flow meter. This allows the upstream meter run spool to be more easily moved without needing to spread the pipe flanges.

The CPA 50E geometry is non-directional and can be installed in any direction, without any change in flow meter performance. The CPA 55E and 65E are directional. They are designed to be installed with the flat side facing the flow meter for optimal performance. For bidirectional applications, there are no issues with the downstream flow conditioner being reversed to the flow direction.

FOEL VS. FOE

For NPS 2-inch and 3-inch inch applications, CPA offers the CPA 50E Type A in two distinct raised face flange styles: the FOE and the FOEL.

The FOE design is the standard ANSI raised face style for 4-inch pipe sizes and larger.

The FOEL design is unique to 2-inch and 3-inch sizes.

Due to the small insertion depth on a 2-inch and 3-inch FOE, it can be difficult to center the CPA 50E within the pipe bore with the gasket installed. The FOEL has an offset center bore to give a greater insertion depth allowing the gasket to be installed on the flow conditioner. This leaves enough insertion depth to properly center the  2-inch and 3-inch CPA 50E within the pipe bore. To assist with easily specifying the FOE or the FOEL flow conditioners, CPA’s dimensional recommendations and meter run lengths are measured to the exterior faces of the flow conditioner (upstream flange face and downstream flow conditioner face)

Plate Orientation

For installation convenience, the CPA Type A flow conditioner has a FloAlign notch on the outer circumference of the flange at the top dead center marker. This engraved notch is aligned with the 90-degree axis of the flow conditioner and will help with flow conditioner orientation when using Ultrasonic flow meters.

CPA flow conditioner orientation does not affect measurement performance when using other flow meter types.

For further information, give us a call. Our team is ready to assist you. 403-236-4480 or 1-888-FIX-FLOW.

The CPA 50E, 55E, and 65E flow conditioners are available in a Full Width Wafer Option (FWO) for ANSI raised face applications.

The Type B or FWO uses a flange lip that is the same thickness as the actual flow conditioner, and does not insert into the pipe when installed. This allows the flow conditioner to easily slide in and out of the pipe without having to spread the flanges apart. (See below for Installation Information.)

Please note that Type B flow conditioners are not an inventory/stock item.  They are custom made per each request.

Features

• Compatible with all standard raised face flanges including ANSI ratings of 150# to 2500#.
• Available in a range of sizes, from Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) 1/2 inch to NPS 48 inch.
• Wide range of material options: Nickel Surfaced Carbon Steel, 304 Stainless Steel, 316 Stainless Steel, Inconel, Monel, Duplex, Hastalloy.
• Custom designed for every application. Special sizes and flange standards available including API and JIS.

INSTALLATION INFORMATION

Plate Installation

The Type B flow conditioners are engraved with a flow direction arrow on the flange that helps indicate the correct orientation. The CPA 50E geometry is non-directional and can be installed in any direction, without any change in flow meter performance.

The CPA 55E and 65E are directional. They are designed to be installed with the flat side facing the flow meter for optimal performance. For bidirectional applications, there are no issues with the downstream flow conditioner being reversed to the flow direction.

Plate Orientation

For installation convenience, the CPA Type B flow conditioner has a FloAlign notch on at the top dead center marker, on the outer circumference of the flange. This engraved notch is aligned with the 90‐degree axis of the flow conditioner, and helps with the orientation of the flow conditioner when using Ultrasonic flow meters.

Note: CPA flow conditioner orientation does not affect measurement performance on other flow meter types.

For further information, contact our experienced sales team. They will help you choose the correct product for your specific needs. 403-236-4480 or 1-888-FIX-FLOW.

The CPA Type C is for small diameter (2 inch to 4 inch) applications that do not have a flange available for flow conditioner installation.

The Type C is designed to be inserted into the pipe and held in place by a set screw. Since the Type C is fully enclosed by the pipe wall, it is not considered pressure containing, and does not have any specific pressure rating. (See Installation Information.)

Features:

• The CPA TBR/TBRL is applicable for all gas volumetric metering applications: Orifice, Ultrasonic, Venturi, Vortex, Turbine, Cone, etc.
• Installs by pinning into the pipe with a set screw. Flanges are not required.
• Available in classic (TBR) and extra long (TBRL) designs.
• Available in 2” ‐ 4” sizes, 316SS NACE MR0175.
• Eliminates swirl and provides a fully developed velocity flow profile.
• Detailed pressure drop calculations are available.
• CPA TBR/TBRL is not recommended for liquid applications due to the application pressure drop overwhelming the set screw strength.
• CPA recommends a minimum 13D meter run length (5D upstream, 8D downstream).

Installation Information

CPA TBR/TBRL Installation

Both the TBR and TBRL have a recess machined into the side of the flow conditioner to receive a 3/8 inch set screw.

The TBR does not have a preferred direction and is geometrically non-directional. Either face can be upstream or downstream without a loss in performance.

The TBRL was designed to have the offset sleeve installed on the upstream side of the flow conditioner. The flush face of the flow conditioner should face downstream towards the flow meter.

Installation Guide

A CPA TBR or TBRL can easily be installed into an existing pipe by following these steps.

1. Drill a 3/8“ hole into the pipe wall and tap a thread straight through the hole for a 3/8“ set screw.
2. Overtop of the hole, install a weldolet or a threadolet; ½“ or ¾“ is suggested.
3. Install the flow conditioner so that the set screw countersink aligns with the 3/8” hole in the pipe wall.
4. Thread the 3/8“ set screw into the pipe wall so that it rests in the flow conditioner countersink. Tighten until the flow conditioner cannot move side to side or rock axially in the pipe.
5. Make sure not to over tighten the set screw as this will damage the flow conditioner and cause unpredictable measurement deviations. The set screw is only for holding the flow conditioner in place and is not for containing pipe pressure.
6. Install a plug or bolt to seal the pipe.

Recess Alignment

CPA 13D Meter Run

The CPA TBR/TBRL can be used in meter run minimum lengths of 13D (5 internal pipe diameters upstream of the flow conditioner, and 8 internal pipe diameters downstream). At 13D the CPA generates a fully developed flow profile that falls within the ISO 5167 definition of fully developed pipe flow with minimal swirl.

Please contact CPA for more information about using CPA flow conditioner in a 13D configuration. 403-236-4480 or 1-888-FIX-FLOW.

The CPA Type D is designed for applications using ring type joint gaskets. The Type D flow conditioner is manufactured to match the pressure rating for the flanges and gaskets.

Please note that Type D flow conditioners are not an inventory/stock item.  They are custom made per each request.

There are two additional subtypes of the Type D flow conditioner: the RTJ female (RTJF) and RTJ male (RTJM).

In an RTJF configuration, installation of the flow conditioner involves placing the flow conditioner between two ring type joint flanges and matching ring gaskets.

In an RTJM configuration, the gaskets are integrated into the flow conditioner, so no additional gaskets are required and the space between flanges is reduced.

Since the integral gaskets on the RTJM are designed to deform during installation, the flow conditioner should not be reused if the flanges are opened.

Features

• Customized design for every application with a wide range of size and material options.
• Available for ANSI ratings 150# to 2500#, API 2000 to 20000, and Norsok Compact Flange.
• Can be designed to accommodate ASME 18.15 Forged Eyebolts.
• Fully compliant with RTJ blank thickness minimums specified in ASME B16.48‐2005 and ASME B31.3‐2004.

Installation Information

Plate Installation

On an RTJF, we recommend that the flush face be positioned against the downstream flange of the meter tube.

For an RTJM, the flow conditioner should be inserted into the downstream meter tube. This positioning ensures that the flow conditioner is centered relative to the flow meter and properly isolates the upstream meter tube.

On a CPA 50E, the geometry is non-directional and the flow conditioner can be installed backwards if necessary without any change in flow meter performance.

The CPA 55E and 65E do have a preferred direction. They are designed to be installed with the stepped side facing upstream for proper performance.

Female Ring Type Joint (RTJF) Design Thickness

All Female Ring Joint Type (RTJF) flow conditioners manufactured by Canada Pipeline Accessories are designed to comply with ASME B31.3 and ASME B16.48. These standards provide the required dimensions for safe installation of RTJ blanks, spacers, and line blinds.

The required dimensions for an RTJF flow conditioner are based on the stress the part is subjected to when it is clamped and bolted together. The flanges on either side of the RTJF must be torqued together, enough so that the ring gaskets slightly deform and seat themselves in the grooves. This is the dominant design condition that the RTJF must be designed for – it must be strong enough not to fail when torqued.

The thickness of the RTJF is a large factor in determining how strong the part is. As the RTJF is compressed together by the bolting of the flange, they force the groove surfaces apart and heavily stress the material between the grooves. In an RTJF with proper thickness, there is enough material to resist the forces splitting the flange apart. If the RTJF flange is too thin, there will be insufficient material and strength to prevent the piece from failing.

Figure 1 below shows the result of a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on an RTJF flange that meets the ASME minimum thickness. The dark purple areas indicate regions that are stressed beyond the yield strength of the material, and are close to failure. The yielding in the immediate area around the RTJF grooves are expected since the parts must be clamped together tightly enough to deform the ring gaskets. However, note that the majority of the RTJF flange area is well below the yield stress of the material, and easily has the strength needed to hold together.

In figure 2 below, the RTJF flange thickness has been reduced to the thickness of a common bleed ring. As before, the dark purple areas indicate material that is stressed beyond the maximum allowable range, and is nearing failure. Because the flange in figure 2 is thinner, there is not enough material to resist the force holding the flanges together. The dark purple area extends through the entire thickness of the mater, and at this thickness, the RTJF flange is at risk of failing catastrophically.

CPA flow conditioners are designed to account for the stress that the RTJF flanges are subjected to when they are installed. For proper engineering compliance, the dimensions specified within ASME B31.3 and ASME B16.48 are very critical to adhere to. Thinner designs will be at risk of severe failure.

Plate Orientation

For installation convenience, the CPA Type D flow conditioner has a top dead center marker engraved on the outer circumference of the flange. This engraved arrow is aligned with the 90-degree axis of the flow conditioner and is provided to help with flow conditioner orientation when using Ultrasonic flow meters.

CPA flow conditioner orientation is not applicable to measurement performance when using other flow meter types.

Contact us directly if you need help selecting the right product for your flow conditioning needs. 403-236-4480 or 1-888-FIX-FLOW.

The CPA FloCheck is an option that CPA makes available on all flanged CPA 50E, 55E and 65E flow conditioners.  The FloCheck flange design includes three pressure taps: One pressure tap for the upstream pressure, one for the downstream pressure and an additional pressure throat tap on the outer holes.

These pressure taps lead to NPT connections on the flange, enabling separate pressure readings to be taken. This gives precise measurement of the pressure drop across the flow conditioner, allowing it to act as a secondary check to a primary measurement device. Adding a secondary meter directly improves the measurement certainty of a metering system.

The FloCheck is available as an option on all CPA flanged flow conditioner models, from 2 inch to 36 inch in size. As with all CPA products, the FloCheck can be customized for any application, and can be custom manufactured using a wide range of material options.

Features

• Can be used in a primary flow meter with very high repeatability, especially when combined with a calibration at a certified flow lab.
• When combined with a primary flow meter, the CPA FloCheck allows for a significant reduction in measurement uncertainty.
• Allows for diagnostics of the flow conditioner performance, blockages, hole damage, contamination, and build up.
• Trend flow conditioner pressure differential overtime to provide indication of uncertainty and measurement changes.
• When combined with a turbine meter, can be used to provide flowing Reynolds number and fluid viscosity, ultimately eliminating need for liquid proofs when the product changes.

If you’d like more information, give one of our sales team members a call. 403-236-4480 or 1-888-FIX-FLOW.

CPA flow conditioners are an effective solution for liquid measurement applications including ultrasonic, turbine, orifice, or venturi flow meters.

CPA 50E/65E vs. AGA 3 19-Tube Bundles

In liquid applications, the CPA 50E and 65E can actually have a lower pressure drop than typical tube bundles or straightening vanes. The design of the tube bundle is detrimental in applications with high viscosity fluids due to the significant increase in pipe wall friction in the tube bundle or straightening vane passages due to the large surface area.

Perforated plate flow conditioners such as the CPA 50E & 65E will outperform typical straightening vanes and AGA 3 tube bundles in certain liquid measurement applications. The CPA 50E and 65E can restore fully developed, swirl free flow in fluids with Reynolds numbers ranging from 300 to 30000000.

Liquid vs. Gas & Reynolds Number

Many applications are sensitive to the differences between liquid and gas phases. The phases can behave differently and must therefore be treated differently. This is important in many industrial applications, since fluid phase can have a significant effect on the fluid behavior, process design, and equipment.

However, flow measurement is concerned specifically with fluid dynamics, or the way fluid moves through a pipeline. In this type of application, gases and liquids behave similarly.

Pipeline fluid dynamics and flow measurement are not affected when the fluid is in a gaseous or liquid phase. Instead, flow measurement is primarily affected by a property known as the Reynold’s Number. It is a dimensionless number that allows for instant comparison between the behavior of any fluid, regardless of whether it is a gas or liquid.

Whether the fluid is natural gas, air, water, fuel oil, LNG, or crude oil, the flow behavior can be described using the Reynold’s Number.

• ρ = Bulk fluid density, kg/m3.
• V = Bulk fluid velocity, m/s.
• L = Cross sectional diameter of fluid flow, m.
• μ = Bulk fluid dynamic viscosity, Pa * s.

Laminar vs. Turbulent Flow

The Reynold’s Number helps to distinguish between laminar and turbulent fluids. Laminar flows are applications where the flow viscosity and pipe wall friction overwhelms other flow behaviors. They are typically found in very slow, thick fluids, such as crude oil applications.

Turbulent flow is created when the random turbulent movement of the flow overwhelms the viscosity and wall friction. It is found in fast flowing situations with fluids, such as water, and light petroleum liquids, air or natural gas.

Laminar flow is typically for a Reynolds number range of 100 – 2500, while turbulent fluids have Reynolds numbers above 5000.

From a flow measurement standpoint, the Reynold’s Number changes the shape of the velocity flow profile being measured. Turbulent flows have a flat flow profile due to higher inertial mixing forces, and a lower wall friction. Laminar flows have more peaky flow profiles due to a lack of inertial mixing and high wall friction. The CPA 50E is able to restore flow profiles in both scenarios.

If you’d like more information, give one of our sales team members a call. 403-236-4480 or 1-888-FIX-FLOW.

Calculation of the pressure drop across a flow conditioner uses basic fluid dynamic principles and experimental data from different fluid scenarios. There is no typical pressure drop value, because the pressure drop behavior is always fluid and application dependent. Changes in flow velocity, viscosity and density can all cause large changes in the resulting values.

The pressure loss coefficient (K) is also dependent on the process conditions of the application, but cannot be theoretically calculated using textbook equation. It must be experimentally determined through testing for each unique element geometry.

• K = Pressure loss coefficient.
• ΔP = Pressure drop across a section of pipe or fitting, Pa.
• ρ = Bulk fluid density, kg/m3
• V = Bulk fluid velocity, m/s

Sample Flow Conditioner K Factors vs Pipe Reynolds Number.

CPA can perform a custom pressure drop calculation for any flow conditioner upon request. Because these calculations are dependent on the fluid properties of the metering scenario, the process conditions will be required to carry out the calculation. Please click here to fill out your pressure pressure drop request form.

Sample Pressure Drop Values, Methane & Water

Sample Pressure Drop Values, Light Oil & Heavy Oil

For further information, feel free to contact our experienced sales representatives, who will help you choose the correct product for your specific needs. 403-236-4480 or 1-888-FIX-FLOW.

For a CPA pressure drop calculation, please include any specification sheets that describe the application process conditions.

Please note that the pressure drops calculations assume fully developed flow. Installation effects, swirl or any other type of flow disturbance can change the flow conditioner behavior, K factor and pressure drop calculation results.

CPA recommended lengths are suggested minimums for custody transfer measurement; any combination of UL1 & UL2 longer than listed is acceptable. Shorter lengths can be used for non-custody transfer applications.  CPA recommended lengths will allow a flow meter to have significantly increased performance versus the same straight pipe recommendation without any flow conditioning. CPA recommends a flow meter calibration at a recognized flow calibration facility to maximize performance of all types of flow meters.

CPA recommended meter run lengths do not replace flow measurement guidelines or standards.  There are other requirements for a compliant meter run and the applicable standard must be carefully considered.  It is essential that your customers or users approve your chosen meter run dimensions prior to construction based on the meter type, desired standard compliance and target uncertainty.  Canada Pipeline Accessories Co. LTD will not be held responsible for disapproval of meter run dimensions as CPA recommended lengths are minimum meter run distances based on fluid dynamic performance and may not comply with customers’ requirements.

Please note that there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to ideal flow measurement!  Every application is different; layouts that work in some scenarios with a specific meter type may not perform the same in others.

CPA 55E/65E Ultrasonic Flow Meter Installations, Gas or Liquid

• Canada Pipeline Accessories’ minimum recommended meter run length is 6D internal pipe diameters (ID) of uninterrupted straight pipe when using the CPA 55E and 65E in gas ultrasonic applications:
  • A minimum of 3 ID upstream of the flow conditioner (UL1).
  • A minimum of 3 ID between the flow conditioner and ultrasonic meter (UL2).

• Canada Pipeline Accessories’ optimal recommended meter run length is 10D internal pipe diameters (ID) of uninterrupted straight pipe when using the CPA 55E and 65E in gas or liquid ultrasonic applications:
  • A minimum of 5 ID upstream of the flow conditioner (UL1).
  • A minimum of 5 ID between the flow conditioner and ultrasonic meter (UL2).

CPA 50E Ultrasonic Flow Meter Installations, Gas Applications

• Canada Pipeline Accessories’ minimum recommended meter run length is 10D internal pipe diameters (ID) of uninterrupted straight pipe when using the CPA 50E in gas ultrasonic applications:
  • A minimum of 5 ID upstream of the flow conditioner (UL1).
  • A minimum of 5 ID between the flow conditioner and ultrasonic meter (UL2).

CPA TBR/50E/55E Orifice Flow Meter Installations, Gas or Liquid

• For all AGA3‐2016/ISO‐5167 orifice measurement applications, CPA recommends a minimum meter run length of 13D or 17D.
• For TBR/50E/55E 13D installations, a minimum UL1 upstream length of 5 internal diameters and a minimum UL2 downstream length of 8 internal diameters is required.
• For TBR/50E 17D installations, any combination of UL1 and UL2 is acceptable as long as UL2 is a minimum of 8 internal pipe diameters, UL1 is a minimum of 4 internal pipe diameters, and the total overall meter run length is at least 17 internal diameters.
• UL1 is measured from the last disturbance to the upstream face of the flow conditioner.
• UL2 is measured from the outlet of the flow conditioner to the upstream face of the orifice plate.
• This is independent of fluid type and is recommended for all gas or liquid applications.

CPA 65E Gas/Liquid Flow Meter General Installations

• Canada Pipeline Accessories’ minimum recommended meter run length is 10 internal pipe diameters.
• This is applicable to all flow meters (turbine, ultrasonic, vortex, annubar, venturi) as these distances were determined independently of any specific meter type.
• For UL1, CPA recommends a minimum of 5 internal diameters of uninterrupted straight pipe as measured to the flow conditioner flange.
• For UL2, CPA recommends a minimum of 5 internal diameters of uninterrupted straight pipe from the flow conditioner flange to the flow meter in question.
• For turbine, ultrasonic or any other flanged meters, UL2 is measured to the flange connection at the flow meter inlet.
• For venturi meters, UL2 is measured to venturi inlet or upstream tap (a venturi calibration is recommended to maximize performance of the flow meter).
• The 65E is not recommended for AGA3 orifice applications.

CPA 55E Gas/Liquid Flow Meter General Installations

• Canada Pipeline Accessories’ minimum recommended meter run length is 10 internal pipe diameters.
• This is applicable to all flow meters (turbine, vortex, annubar, venturi, non‐custody transfer orifice) as these distances were determined independently of any specific meter type.
• For UL1, CPA recommends a minimum of 5 internal diameters of uninterrupted straight pipe as measured to the flow conditioner flange.
• For UL2, CPA recommends a minimum of 5 internal diameters of uninterrupted straight pipe from the flow conditioner flange to the flow meter in question.
• For orifice meters, UL2 is measured to the upstream face of the orifice plate.
• For turbine, ultrasonic or any other flanged meters, UL2 is measured to the flange connection at the flow meter inlet.
• For venturi meters, UL2 is measured to venturi inlet or upstream tap (a venturi calibration is recommended to maximize performance of the flow meter).

CPA 50E Gas/Liquid Flow Meter General Installation

• Canada Pipeline Accessories’ minimum recommended meter run length is 10 internal pipe diameters.
• This is applicable to all flow meters (turbine, vortex, annubar, venturi, non‐custody transfer orifice) as these distances were determined independently of any specific meter type.
• For UL1, CPA recommends a minimum of 5 internal diameters of uninterrupted straight pipe as measured to the flow conditioner flange.
• For UL2, CPA recommends a minimum of 5 internal diameters of uninterrupted straight pipe from the flow conditioner flange to the flow meter in question.
• For orifice meters, UL2 is measured to the upstream face of the orifice plate.
• For turbine, ultrasonic or any other flanged meters, UL2 is measured to the flange connection at the flow meter inlet.
• For venturi meters, UL2 is measured to venturi inlet or upstream tap (a venturi calibration is recommended to maximize performance of the flow meter).

Dual CPA Usage

While a single flow conditioner is more than effective for most measurement applications, dual CPA’s can be used for more demanding and severe situations to ensure that swirl is eliminated, and flow profile recovery is maximized.  Dual CPA’s can also be used in less severe applications as extra insurance and to help ensure that a lab calibration can be more effectively transferred to the field.  CPA recommends any combination of a CPA 50E, CPA 55E or a CPA 65E to utilize this layout.

Installation Recommendations

For optimal performance, CPA has different minimum recommendations for the dual flow conditioner implementations:

• Dual CPA 50E – UL1: 5D Minimum, UL2: 5D Minimum
• Dual CPA 55E/65E – UL1: 3D Minimum, UL2: 3D Minimum
• CPA 50E and then CPA 55E/65E – UL1: 3D Minimum, UL2: 3D Minimum
• CPA 55E/65E and then CPA 50E – UL1: 3D Minimum, UL2: 5D Minimum

Pressure Drop

While the increased pressure drop can be a concern, typically this is a minimal amount and is vastly outweighed by the improved measurement performance.  In cases where pressure losses have to be minimized, dual CPA 65E’s would be the recommended installation.  A single CPA 65E has half the pressure drop of a CPA 50E, so dual usage will allow for increased swirl removal and flow profile recovery while resulting in the pressure drop equivalent to a single CPA 50E.

• CPA 50E K Factor – 2.0
• CPA 55E K Factor – 2.0
• CPA 65E K Factor – 1.0

For more information or to discuss meter run lengths, please contact CPA. 403-236-4480 or 1-888-FIX-FLOW.