What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Orifice Plate used in oil and gas industries.
Advantages of Orifice Plate
Flow can be accurately determined without the need for actual fluid flow calibration. Well established procedures convert the differential pressure into flow rate, using empirically derived coefficients. These coefficients are based on accurately measurable dimensions of the orifice plate and pipe diameters.
As defined in standards, combined with easily measurable characteristics of the fluid, rather than on fluid flow calibrations. With the exception of the orifice meter, almost all flow meters require a fluid flow calibration at flow and temperature conditions closely approximating service operation in order to establish accuracy.
In addition to not requiring direct fluid flow calibration, orifice meters are simple, rugged,
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Simple in construction, the standards for construction and calibration are readily available.
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They are cheap; their price does not increase dramatically with size.
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Easy to install and remove.
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They are efficient and reliable for many years.
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Available in many materials.
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Easy to measure flow rate, because it produces the considerable pressure drop across the orifice.
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They can be used in a wide range of sizes.
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Their characteristics are well known and predictable.
Disadvantages of Orifice Plate
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Relatively high permanent pressure drop.
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Their characteristic may change due to erosion and corrosion.
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It may cause clogs in slurries. Not good with fluid having high viscosity.
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The fluid must be in single phase and homogeneous.
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Square root characteristics.