Bulk flowmeters

​In 2015 APLMF agreed to summarise the test procedures used in each APLMF training course and then to survey its members to validate the test procedures and to provide some quality control. The validated test procedures will be later used to develop eLearning modules. 

The summary test procedures are provided to guide economies wishing to follow OIML recommendations. They contain abbreviated terms and formulae which are defined in the relevant OIML recommendation.

Information relating to bulk flowmeters:
SUMMARY OF TEST PROCEDURES USED TO VERIFY BULK FLOWMETERS
​Test Name
​Procedures Description
VISUAL INSPECTION


​
  • Visually inspect the characteristics of the bulk flowmetering system for compliance with its certificate(s) of approval 
  • Inspect the bulk flowmetering system for compliance with any relevant safety requirements /regulations /environmental factors/mode of use. 
 INDICATING DEVICE



Mechanical Indicator








​

Electronic Indicators​
  • For mechanical indicator, if the device comprises several elements, it shall be arranged in such a way that the reading of the measured volume can be made by simple juxtaposition of the indications of the different elements. The decimal sign shall appear distinctly.
  1. Start a delivery.
  2. Circulate or dispense product through the flowmetering system for at least 1 minute at maximum attainable flow rate.
  3. Stop the delivery.
  4. Check that the volume indicating device is operating and provides an easy, unambiguous indication.
  5. Determine whether the indicator has passed or failed.
  • For electronic indicator, the checking facility for an electronic indicating device shall provide visual checking of the entire display, which shall meet the requirements of NMI R 117-1, clause 4.3.4.2 or as described in the certificate of approval.
  1. Check that the display segments are not faulty. This may be achieved by powering down and then powering up the indicator.
  2. Determine whether the indicator has passed or failed.
ZERO SETTING 

Mechanical Indicator





​



Electronic Indicator
​








​
  • Determine whether the indicator is mechanical or electronic and conduct the appropriate test: 
  • For mechanical indicating devices, the volume indication after returning to zero shall not be more than 0.2 of a scale interval: 
  1. Start a delivery. 
  2. Circulate or dispense product through the flowmetering system for at least 1 minute at maximum attainable flow rate. 
  3. Stop the delivery. 
  4. Reset the volume indicating device to zero by operating the zero setting function once. 
  5. Determine if the zero setting function has passed or failed. 
  • For electronic indicating devices, the volume indication after returning to zero shall be zero without any ambiguity: 
  1. Start a delivery. 
  2. Circulate or dispense product through the flowmetering system for at least 1 minute at maximum attainable flow rate. 
  3. Stop the delivery. 
  4. Reset the volume indicating device to zero by operating the zero setting function once. 
  5. Check that the volume indicating device is indicating zero. 
  6. Determine whether the zero setting function has passed or failed.
NON-RETURN VALVE (Reverse Flow)






​
  • This test is only required for vehicle-mounted flowmetering systems to ensure liquid does not flow in the opposite direction to that of normal flow when the pump is stopped:
  1. Prime the flowmetering system. 
  2. Stop the delivery by closing the delivery nozzle or a valve downstream of the meter. 
  3. Stop the pump. 
  4. After 2 minutes reset the indicator to zero. 
  5. Start the pump and check the volume indication remains on zero. 
  6. Determine whether the non-return valve has passed or failed.
INTERLOCK TEST


















​
  • This test is only required where a common pumping system is used for two or more flowmetering systems to ensure it is not possible for product to be delivered from any of these flowmetering systems unless the product is measured and indicated on the indicating device.
  • For Systems Sharing a Common Indicator:
  1. Select and initiate a delivery from any other flowmetering system that shares the indicator with the flowmetering system under test. 
  2. Check that it is not possible to make a delivery from the flowmetering system under test unless the product is measured and indicated on the indicating device. 
  3. Determine whether the flowmetering system has passed or failed.
  • For Systems Sharing a Common Pumping Unit:
  1. Select and initiate a delivery from any other flowmetering system that shares the common pumping unit. 
  2. While the pumping unit is operating, attempt to make a delivery from the flowmetering system under test by opening the transfer device without a delivery being authorised from the system. 
  3. Ensure it is not possible to make a delivery from the flowmetering system under test unless the delivery is indicated by the indicating device. 
  4. Determine whether the flowmetering system has passed or failed. 
​MAXIMUM FLOW RATE





​
  • The maximum achievable flow rate shall be within the approved range marked on the data plate.
  1. Commence a delivery and allow the flow rate to stabilise at the maximum achievable flow rate. 
  2. Time a 30 second delivery noting the initial and final volume indications. 
  3. Use these volume indications to calculate the maximum achievable flow rate. 
  4. Determine whether the flowmetering system has passed or failed.
​ACCURACY











​
  • Use one of the following test methods to test accuracy: 
  1. Volumetric method using a reference volume measure as the traceable reference standard; 
  2. Volumetric method using a master meter as the traceable reference standard; and 
  3. Gravimetric method using masses in conjunction with a weighing instrument as the traceable reference standard 
  • Make three deliveries at the maximum achievable flow rate and one delivery at the minimum flow rate. The test quantity should be equal to or greater than 5 times the MMQ
  • Analyse the results to determine whether the flowmetering system is operating within the relevant maximum permissible error (MPE): When Qmin is not specified in the certificate of approval, Qmin is deemed to be 20% of Qmax.
REPEATABILITY









​
  • This test is not required for vehicle mounted flowmetering systems and is only required for flowmetering systems approved to operate at a nominal flow rate:
  1. Calculate the repeatability error by subtracting the minimum relative error from the maximum relative error determined in the accuracy tests at the maximum achievable flow rate.
  2. Determine whether the result is within the relevant maximum permissible difference (MPD).
  • The MPD is defined as:
Accuracy Class           MPD
        0.3                        0.12%
        0.5                        0.2%     
METER CREEP
Only required when the transfer device is a nozzle.
  • Where the pump continues to operate after a delivery for 2 minutes without any flow of product, the delivery shall not exceed the relevant MPE.
CONVERSION DEVICE
Only required for systems fitted with a conversion device. 


​
  • Where applicable the MPD between the percentage error for the unconverted volume and the volume converted to 15°C shall not exceed the relevant MPD for the applicable accuracy class.
  • The MPD is defined as:
Accuracy Class           MPD
        0.3                        0.1%
        0.5                        0.2%     
GAS ELIMINATION DEVICE
Only required where a gas elimination device is fitted.












​
  • The MPD between tests without air/gas and with introduced air/gas shall not exceed the allowable error (0.5% for petrol & 1.0% for diesel and kerosene):
  1. Check that the vent from the gas elimination device is not blocked. Some systems may require a valve to be fitted for safety reasons. This valve must be sealed in the open position. 
  2. Calculate and record the average error of the three deliveries at maximum achievable flow rate recorded during the accuracy test.
  3. Conduct an additional accuracy delivery at maximum flow rate.
  4. Approximately half way through the delivery introduce air into the flowmetering system upstream of the pumping system until the flow decreases noticeably or stops. Stop the introduction of air and complete the delivery. 
  5. Calculate and record the relative error. 
  6. Determine the error for the gas elimination device. 
  7. Determine whether the flowmetering system has passed or failed by ensuring the MPD is within the allowable limit.
LOW LEVEL CUT OFF
Only required at: 
  • Initial verification;
  • when any system changes affecting low level cut-off occur; or
  • at the discretion of the regulatory authority. 
  • This test must be carried out either volumetrically using a reference volume measure or gravimetrically. This test may be simulated:
  1. Ensure the quantity of product in the tank is above the low level cut-off device is less than the capacity of the reference volume measure. 
  2. Conduct an additional accuracy delivery at maximum flow rate 
  3. Allow the low level cut off to automatically stop the delivery.
  4. Determine whether this result is within the allowable MPE 
​
PRE-SET
Not required if the pre-set device is not used for trade.








​
  • Pre-set Indications
  1. Check that all pre-set buttons are operational. 
  2. Enter a suitable pre-set value using the pre-set facility. 
  3. Commence a delivery and check the volume indication on the display corresponds exactly to the pre-set amount. 
  4. Determine whether the flowmetering system has passed or failed.
  • Accuracy of Pre-set
  1. Enter and record a suitable pre-set amount. 
  2. Conduct an additional accuracy delivery at maximum flow rate 
  3. Allow the flow control valve to stop the delivery. 
  4. Determine whether the results are within the allowable MPE 
​ANTI-DRAIN / HOSE DILATION
Only required for flowmetering systems which use a nozzle as the transfer device























​
  •  Conduct the appropriate test below
  • Without a hose-reel
  1. Once a delivery has been started, stop a delivery by suddenly releasing the nozzle trigger valve. 
  2. Stop the flowmetering system pump. 
  3. Whilst holding the nozzle down, drain for 5 seconds. 
  4. Open the nozzle trigger valve and allow the pressure in the hose to reduce whilst draining the nozzle 
  5. Close the nozzle trigger valve when the flow stops, or after 30 seconds. If product continues to leak from the nozzle after 30 seconds, the nozzle trigger valve should be repaired. 
  6. Reset the indicator to zero. 
  7. Start the pump and note the increase in indication. 
  8. Determine whether the instrument has passed or failed by ensuring the increase in indication is within the allowable MPE.
  • With a hose-reel
  1. Fully uncoil the hose from its reel.
  2. Once a delivery has been started, stop a delivery by suddenly releasing the nozzle trigger valve. 
  3. Stop the flowmetering system pump. 
  4. Fully coil the hose back on its reel. 
  5. Whilst holding the nozzle down, drain for 5 seconds.
  6. Open the nozzle trigger valve and allow the pressure in the hose to reduce whilst draining the nozzle into receiving vessel. 
  7. Close the nozzle trigger valve when the flow stops, or after 30 seconds. If product continues to leak from the nozzle after 30 seconds, the nozzle should be repaired. 
  8. Fully uncoil hose from its reel. 
  9. Reset the indicator to zero. 
  10. Start the pump and note the increase in indication. 
  11. Determine whether the instrument has passed or failed by ensuring the increase in indication is within the allowable MPE. 
PRINTING DEVICES
  • Examine a printed transaction to ensure that: 
    • the digits in the printing are correctly aligned; 
    • all printings are clear, indelible and unambiguous and include the units of measurement; 
    • the scale interval of the printer is the same as the scale interval of the indicator; 
    • the volume indicated on the transaction detail agrees exactly with the meter reading.
FOR ALL TESTS
  • Record the results on a test report
SUMMARY OF ECONOMY REPORTS
​MEDEA Project APLMF #1: Course on Train the Trainer Course on Verification of Bulk Fuel Systems Using Master Meter
Held in Pattaya City, Thailand the course took place 24-27 July 2017
​Economy
​Legislation
SI
​MPE used
Inspector or 3rd party
​Verification periods
Bhutan
​Bulk flowmetering systems are not controlled
Yes
N/A
N/A
N/A
Cambodia
Legislation, but bulk flowmeters are not currently regulated
Yes
N/A
​N/A
​N/A
China
​Legislation
​Yes
​±0.15% for master meters. 0.5% for flowmeters
​Inspectors
Annual
Fiji
​Legislation
Yes
±0.3%
​Inspectors
Annual
Indonesia
​Legislation
Yes
±0.2% for master meters. ±0.5% for flowmeters
​Inspectors
Annual
Malaysia
Legislation
Yes
±0.1%
​Inspector / Verifier
​Annual
Mongolia
Legislation
Yes
±0.3%A
Verification officers
​Annual
Nepal
Yes
Yes
±0.1%
Inspectors
​Annual where applicable
Papua New Guinea
No
Yes
±0.15%
​No inspection
Annual
​Philippines
​No legislation
Yes
Maintained by oil companies. Some oil companies apply international standards
N/A
​N/A
Singapore
​Legislation
Yes
±0.2%
Authorised verifiers (AVs) conduct verifications. Meters are sealed by SPRING or AVs
​Recommend annual verification depending on the application
Thailand
​Legislation
Yes
±0.5% for accuracy class 0.5. Repeatability 0.2%. (Practical operation 0.05%).
Inspectors
​regulation is 2 years but in practice is done every 6 months
Vietnam
Legislation
Yes
±0.3%
Verification officers
​Depends on the instrument ‘Group’. Group 2 instruments must be verified annually
Economy
​OIML compliant
​Type approval
Issues
Bhutan
N/A
N/A
Lack of resources, testing facilities and suitably qualified and trained staff.
N/A
Cambodia
​N/A
N/A
​Need law and technical experts. Financial support to buy equipment
N/A
China
Yes
​AQSIQ is responsible for type approval
N/A
​N/A
Fiji
Yes. Master meter is traceable certified annually in Australia.
Rely on Australia’s pattern approval system
Lack of specialised staff and training. Economic constraints. Lack of infrastructure.
Looking to implement Quality Management System. Need to review legislation.​
Indoensia
Yes. OIML requirement adopted for initial and subsequent verification 
Completed by Directorate of Metrology
​Lack of human resources and suitable test facilities
N/A
Malaysia
Yes
Yes. Certificates of Approval are valid for 10 years.
MDTCC lacks awareness re legal metrology system, so requirements are not fully enforced as some meters are not pattern approved. 
​NMIM is under different ministry which can cause misunderstandings.
Mongolia
Yes
Yes. Valid 3-10 years
​Lack of qualified human resources. No suitable calibration facilities. Low funding. Lack of technical infrastructure.
​N/A
Nepal
​Not OIML. Further development is required
​No
​Low demand. Lack of specialised staff and resources. No procedures for verification using master meters
N/A
Papua New Guinea
Yes. Australian test procedures have been adopted
​No
Conflicting legal responsibilities with ICCC. Lack of specialised staff and resources.
ICCC and NISIT need to work cooperatively​
Philippines
N/A
N/A
​Need to make government aware of the importance of regulating bulk flowmeters
N/A
Singapore
Yes. However, AVs use API as reference for the verification of meters rather than OIML
Yes. Manufacturer’s responsibility.
​Yes. Manufacturer’s responsibility.
N/A
​Thailand
​Yes, with some limitations
Yes
Insufficient number of trained inspectors to enforce regulations. Some regulation requires amendment to reflect current technology
​More training required to ensure staff have specialised expertise.
Vietnam
Depends on the instrument ‘Group’. Bulk flowmeters are compatible with OIML requirements
‘Group 2’ instruments (60 types of instruments) have a mandatory requirement for type approval/pattern compliance and verification. type approval valid 10 years.
​‘Group 2’ instruments (60 types of instruments) have a mandatory requirement for type approval/pattern compliance and verification. type approval valid 10 years.
N/A
SURVEY RESULTS ON ADOPTING THE BULK FLOWMETERS TEST PROCEDURES