ASTM D1071-17

Standard Test Methods for Volumetric Measurement of Gaseous Fuel Samples

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The knowledge of the volume of samples used in a test is necessary for meaningful results. Validity of the volume measurement equipment and procedures must be assured for accurate results.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the volumetric measuring of gaseous fuel samples, including liquefied petroleum gases, in the gaseous state at normal temperatures and pressures. The apparatus selected covers a sufficient variety of types so that one or more of the methods prescribed may be used for laboratory, control, reference, or in fact any purpose where it is desired to know the quantity of gaseous fuel or fuel samples under consideration. The various types of apparatus are listed in Table 1.  
1.2  This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2017
• ICS: 75.160.30 - Gaseous fuels
• Technical Committee: D03 - Gaseous Fuels
• Drafting Committee: D03.01 - Collection and Measurement of Gaseous Samples

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1071-83(2008) - Standard Test Methods for Volumetric Measurement of Gaseous Fuel Samples (Withdrawn 2017)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Referred By: ASTM G125-00(2023) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Liquid and Solid Material Fire Limits in Gaseous Oxidants
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D2863-19 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D1607-91(2018)e1 - Standard Test Method for Nitrogen Dioxide Content of the Atmosphere (Griess-Saltzman Reaction)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D3266-91(2018) - Standard Test Method for Automated Separation and Collection of Particulate and Acidic Gaseous Fluoride in the Atmosphere (Double Paper Tape Sampler Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D3195/D3195M-10(2015) - Standard Practice for Rotameter Calibration
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D3154-14(2023) - Standard Test Method for Average Velocity in a Duct (Pitot Tube Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D3685/D3685M-13(2021) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Determination of Particulate Matter in Stack Gases
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D3608-19 - Standard Test Method for Nitrogen Oxides (Combined) Content in the Atmosphere by the Griess-Saltzman Reaction
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D3267-20 - Standard Test Method for Separation and Collection of Particulate and Water-Soluble Gaseous Fluorides in the Atmosphere (Filter and Impinger Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D5011-17 - Standard Practices for Calibration of Ozone Monitors Using Transfer Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017

Overview

ASTM D1071-17: Standard Test Methods for Volumetric Measurement of Gaseous Fuel Samples is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This standard provides approved methods for measuring the volume of gaseous fuel samples, including liquefied petroleum gases, in the gaseous state at typical laboratory, control, and reference conditions. Accurate volumetric measurement is critical for consistent testing, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance in fuel analysis.

Key Topics

• Standard Conditions: Specifies measurements under standard temperatures and pressures (for inch-pound units: 60.0°F and 14.73 psia; for SI units: 15°C and 101.325 kPa).
• Volume Measurement: Methods for determining the volume of gas samples, crucial for obtaining meaningful and repeatable test results.
• Apparatus Variety: Details multiple types of equipment for volumetric measurement, including cubic-foot bottles, gas meters (displacement, rate-of-flow types), and gasometers.
• Calibration: Outlines procedures for the calibration of primary and secondary standards, emphasizing the need for calibration against known volumes for accuracy.
• Safety and Compliance: Advises users to consider safety, health practices, and regulatory limitations relevant to use.
• International Alignment: Developed following the WTO principles for international standards to ensure global relevance and acceptance.

Applications

The ASTM D1071-17 standard is widely applied in:

• Fuel Quality Control: Laboratories use the standard to accurately determine the volume of fuel gases, which is fundamental for compositional analysis and calorific value assessment.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that gaseous fuel measurements align with international regulatory requirements, supporting trade and safety.
• Calibration of Gas Meters: Provides methods and apparatus recommendations for calibrating gas metering devices used in utilities and industry.
• Research and Development: Enables researchers to perform standardized volumetric measurements in the development and testing of new gaseous fuels or fuel systems.
• Industrial Operations: Used in settings where monitoring the quantity of gaseous fuels is critical, such as process control in chemical plants and fuel distribution networks.

Related Standards

• ASTM D3244: Procedures for laboratory precision and bias evaluation, often used alongside D1071-17 to ensure reliable measurement practices.
• ASTM D1945: Standard for analysis of natural gas by gas chromatography, which commonly requires precise volume measurement as specified in D1071-17.
• ASTM D3588: Standard for calculating calorific value, relative density, and compressibility factor of gaseous fuels-applications that rely on accurate volumetric data.
• ISO 6976: International standard for natural gas calculation, placing similar emphasis on measurement conditions and reference standards.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D1071-17 in organizations dealing with gaseous fuels provides:

• Measurement Accuracy: Assures consistent, reproducible results essential for billing, quality analysis, and regulatory reporting.
• Versatile Equipment Guidance: Supports a broad range of apparatus, allowing laboratories and field operators to select appropriate methods for their specific needs.
• Global Consistency: Facilitates international comparability of test results due to adherence to WTO recognized principles.
• Operational Safety: Encourages the development of safe handling procedures and awareness of potential hazards associated with gaseous fuel sampling and measurement.

Keywords

ASTM D1071-17, volumetric measurement, gaseous fuel samples, standard gas conditions, gas meters, calibration of gas apparatus, laboratory fuel testing, fuel quality control, standards for gaseous fuels, gas sample analysis, regulatory compliance gaseous fuels, international measurement standards, gasometer calibration, fuel gas sampling methods.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D1071 − 17
Standard Test Methods for
Volumetric Measurement of Gaseous Fuel Samples
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1071; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope (1)A temperature of 288.15K (15°C).
(2)A pressure of 101.325 kPa (absolute).
1.1 These test methods cover the volumetric measuring of
(3)Free of water vapor or a condition of complete water-
gaseous fuel samples, including liquefied petroleum gases, in
vapor saturation as specified per individual contract between
the gaseous state at normal temperatures and pressures. The
interested parties.
apparatus selected covers a sufficient variety of types so that
one or more of the methods prescribed may be used for 2.3 Standard Volume:
laboratory,control,reference,orinfactanypurposewhereitis 2.3.1 Standard Cubic Foot of Gas is that quantity of gas
desired to know the quantity of gaseous fuel or fuel samples which will fill a space of 1.000 ft when under the standard
under consideration. The various types of apparatus are listed conditions (2.2.1).
in Table 1. 2.3.2 Standard Cubic Metre of Gas is that quantity of gas
which will fill a space of 1.000 m when under the standard
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
conditions (2.2.2).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 2.4 Temperature Term for Volume Reductions—For the pur-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
pose of referring a volume of gaseous fuel from one tempera-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. ture to another temperature (that is, in applying Charles’ law),
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
the temperature terms shall be obtained by adding 459.67 to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- each temperature in degrees Fahrenheit for the inch-pound
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
units or 273.15 to each temperature in degrees Celsius for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- SI units.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
2.5 At the present state of the art, metric gas provers and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
meters are not routinely available in the United States.
Throughout the remainder of this procedure, the inch-pound
2. Terminology and Units of Measurement
units are used. Those having access to metric metering equip-
2.1 Definitions: Units of Measurement—All measurements
ment are encouraged to apply the standard conditions ex-
shall be expressed in inch-pound units (that is: foot, pound
pressed in 2.2.2.
(mass), second, and degrees Fahrenheit); or metric units (that
NOTE 1—The SI conditions given here represent a “hard” metrication,
is: metre, kilogram, second, and degrees Celsius).
in that the reference temperature and the reference pressure have been
2.2 Standard Conditions, at which gaseous fuel samples
changed. Thus, amounts of gas given in metric units should always be
referredtotheSIstandardconditionsandtheamountsgivenininch-pound
shall be measured, or to which such measurements shall be
units should always be referred to the inch-pound standard conditions.
referred, are as follows:
2.2.1 Inch-pound Units:
3. Significance and Use
(1)A temperature of 60.0°F,
3.1 The knowledge of the volume of samples used in a test
(2)A pressure of 14.73 psia.
is necessary for meaningful results. Validity of the volume
(3)Free of water vapor or a condition of complete water-
measurement equipment and procedures must be assured for
vapor saturation as specified per individual contract between
accurate results.
interested parties.
2.2.2 SI Units: 4. Apparatus
4.1 The various types of apparatus used for the measure-
ment of gaseous fuel samples may be grouped in three classes,
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D03 on
Gaseous Fuels and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D03.01 on
as shown in Table 1. References to the portions of these
Collection and Measurement of Gaseous Samples.
methods covering the capacity and range of operating
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally
conditions, and the calibration, of each type are given in Table
approved in 1954. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D1071–83 (2003)
which was withdrawn January 2017. DOI: 10.1520/D1071-17. 1.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1071 − 17
TABLE 1 Apparatus for Measuring Gaseous Fuel Samples
Capacity and
Calibration
Range of Operating
Procedure
Apparatus Conditions Covered
Covered in
in
Section No.
Section No.
Containers
Cubic-foot bottle, immersion type of 512
moving-tank type
Portable cubic-foot standard 512
(Stillman-type)
Fractional cubic-foot bottle 512
Burets, flasks, and so forth, for chem- 612
ical and physical analysis
Calibrated gasometers (gas meter 7 13–16
provers)
Gas meters, displacement type:
Liquid-sealed relating-drum meters 8 17–22
Diaphragm- or bellows-type meters, 923
equipped with observation index
Rotary displacement meters 10 24
Gas meters, rate-of-flow type:
Porous plug and capillary flowmeters 11 25
Float (variable-area, constant-head) 11 25
flowmeters
Orifice, flow nozzle, and venturi-type 11 25
flowmeters
FIG. 2 One-Tenth Cubic Foot Bottle, Transfer Tank, and Bubble-
Type Saturator for Testing Laboratory Wet Gas Meters
CAPACITY OF APPARATUS AND RANGE OF
OPERATING CONDITIONS
pressures at which these types of apparatus are used must be
5. Cubic-Foot Bottles, Standards, and So Forth
very close to those existing in the room in which they are
located. Since these containers are generally used as standards
5.1 The capacities of cubic-foot bottles, standards, and so
forthetestingofothergas-measuringdevices,therateatwhich
forth, are indicated by their names. A portable cubic-foot
they may be operated is of little or no importance. It will
standardoftheStillmantypeisshowninFig.1andafractional
always be low, and probably nonuniform, and in any given
cubic-foot bottle is shown in Fig. 2. The temperatures and
instance will be affected by the test being made and the
connections used.
6. Burets, Flasks, and So Forth
6.1 Thecapacitiesofburets,flasks,andsoforth,willdepend
upon their function in the equipment and service in which they
are to be used. The range of temperatures and pressures under
which they may be used, which will be affected by their
function, will depend upon the material of construction and
may be relatively high (for example, 1000°F and 10 000 psi)
if suitable materials are used.
7. Calibrated Gasometers
7.1 Thestockcapacitiesofcalibratedgasometers(gasmeter
provers) are 2, 5, and 10 ft . The temperature and pressure at
which they can be operated must be close to the ambient
temperature and within a few inches of water column of
atmospheric pressure.The equivalent rates of flow that may be
attained, conveniently, are as follows:
3 3
Size, ft Equivalent Rate, ft of air/h
2 990
5 2250
10 5000
NOTE 2—Gasometers having volumetric capacities up to several thou-
sand cubic feet have been made for special purposes. Their use is limited
to temperatures close to the ambient temperature, although some may be
operated as pressures slightly higher than mentioned above. These large
FIG. 1 Stillman-Type Portable Cubic-Foot Standard gasometers can hardly be classed as equipment for measuring gaseous
D1071 − 17
samples, and are mentioned only for the sake of completeness.
pressures, the meter case must be proportionally heavier or the
meter enclosed in a suitable pressure chamber. For pressures
8. Liquid-Sealed Rotating-Drum Meters
more than 1-in. Hg (13 in. of water) below atmospheric
8.1 The drum capacities of commercial stock sizes of
pressure,notonlymustaheaviercaseorapressurechamberbe
liquid-sealed rotating-drum meters range from ⁄20 (or litre) to used,butasealingfluidhavingaverylowvaporpressuremust
3 3
7.0 ft per revolution. A 0.1-ft per revolution meter is shown
be used in place of water.
inFig.3.Theoperatingcapacities,definedasthevolumeofgas
9. Diaphragm-Type Test Meters
having a specific gravity of 0.64 that will pass through the
meter in 1 h with a pressure drop of 0.3-in. water column
9.1 The displacement capacities of commercial stock sizes
across the meter, range from 5 to 1200 ft /h. Liquid-sealed
of diaphragm-type test meters range from about 0.05 to 2.5 ft
rotating-drum meters may be calibrated for use at any rate for
per revolution (of the tangent arm or operating cycle). The
which the pressure drop across the meter does not blow the
operating capacities, defined as the volume of gas having a
meter seal. However, if the meter is to be used for metering
specific gravity of 0.64 that a meter will pass with a pressure
differing rates of flow, a calibration curve should be obtained,
drop of 0.5 in. of water column across the meter, range from
as described in Section 20, or the meter should be fitted with a
about 20 to 1800 ft /h. Usually these meters can be operated at
rate compensating chamber (see Appendix X1).
rates in excess of their rated capacities, at least for short
periods. A meter having a capacity of 1 ft per revolution is
8.2 The temperature at which these meters may be operated
shown in Fig. 4.
will depend almost entirely upon the character of the sealing
liquid. If water is the sealing liquid, the temperature must be
9.2 Thetemperaturerangeunderwhichthesemetersmaybe
above the freezing point and below that at which evaporation
operated will depend largely upon the diaphragm material. For
will affect the accuracy of the meter indications (about 120°F).
leather diaphragms, 0 to 130°F is probably a safe operating
Outside of these limits some other liquid will be required.
range. At very low temperatures, the diaphragms are likely to
become very stiff and cause an excessive pressure drop across
8.3 While the cases of most meters of this type may
the meter.At higher temperatures, the diaphragms may dry out
withstand pressures of about 2-in. Hg column above or below
rapidly or even become scorched causing embrittlement and
atmospheric pressure, it is recommended that the maximum
leaks.
operating pressure to which they are subjected should not
exceed 1-in. Hg or 13 in. of water column. For higher
9.3 Thepressurerange(linepressure)towhichthesemeters
maybesubjectedsafelywilldependuponthecasematerialand
design. For the lighter sheet metal (tin case) meters, the line
pressure should not be more than 3- or 4-in. Hg column above
or below atmospheric pressure. For use under higher or lower
line pressures, other types of meter cases are available, such as
cast aluminum alloy, cast iron, or pressed steel.
NOTE 3—The diaphragm-type test meter and the diaphragm-type
consumers meter are similar in most respects. The principal difference is
the type of index or counter. The test meter index has a main hand
FIG. 3 Liquid-Sealed Rotating-Drum Gas Meter of 0.1 ft per FIG. 4 Iron-Case Diaphragm-Type Gas Meter with Large Observa-
Revolution Size tion Index
D1071 − 17
indicating 1 ft per revolution over a 3-in. or larger dial, with additional this quantity of water, adjusted to a temperature of 60°F, should be 1.000
smaller dials giving readings to 999 before repeating. On the index of 6 0.05%.
consumersmeters,asidefromthetesthand,thefirstdialindicates1000ft
3 12.2 A Stillman-type portable cubic-foot standard is cali-
per revolution of its hand so that the smallest volume read is 100 ft . The
brated by comparison with an immersion-type cubic-foot
maximumreadingforaconsumersmeterindexmaybe99900or999900.
Anotherminordifferenceisthatthemaximumratedcapacityforthelarger bottle. The calibration involves adjusting the stroke of the bell
consumers meters may be 17000 ft /h.
so that as 1 ft of air is transferred from the bottle, or the
reverse, the pressure within the system does not change,
10. Rotary Displacement Meters
provided the temperature of the entire system is maintained
10.1 Rotary displacement gas meters are mentioned here constant. This requires that the test should be made in a room
only to have a complete coverage of meters for gas, since in which the temperature can be maintained constant and
meters of this type are of relatively large capacity, beyond that uniform within less than 0.5°F. Moreover, to diminish the
of sample measurement (Note 4).The rated capacities of stock cooling effects of evaporation from the surfaces of the bottle
sizes range from about 4000 to about 1000000 ft /h. They andbell,thesealingfluidshouldbealight,low-vaporpressure
may be used at somewhat higher temperatures than other oil. Other observations forming a part of this calibration are
displacement meters, probably 400 to 500°F and are available
those of the time intervals required for raising the bottle and
for use under line pressures up to about 125 psi. bell from their respective tanks and the intervals they are held
up for drainage to take place before pressure readings are
NOTE 4—It is of course possible to use a very small meter of this type
made. From these times, corrections are determined for the
as a test or “sample” meter. See Bean, H. S., Benesh, M. E., andWhiting,
volumes of undrained liquid.
F. C., “Testing Large-Capacity Rotary Gas Meters,” Journal of Research,
Nat. Bureau Standards, JRNBA, Vol 37, No. 3, Sept. 1946, p. 183.
12.3 Burets,flasks,andsoforth,areconsideredapartofthe
(Research Paper RP1741).
analytical apparatus in which they are used, and methods of
calibrating them therefore are not covered here.
11. Rate-of-Flow Meters
11.1 Rate-of-flowmeters,asthenameimplies,indicaterates NOTE 6—An outline of such methods is given in National Bureau of
Standards Circular C434 NBSCA, “Testing of Glass Volumetric
of flow, and volumes are obtained only for a definite time
Apparatus,” by E. L. Peffer and Grace C. Mulligan.
interval. They are especially useful in those situations where
theflowissteady,butarenotsuitedforuseinthemeasurement
13. Calibration of Secondary or Working Standards
of specified quantities nor on flows that are subject to wide or
(Provers), General Considerations
more or less rapid variations of either rate or pressure. In the
smaller sizes, they may be particularly useful for both regulat- 13.1 Gas meter provers of 2-, 5-, and 10-ft capacity
ing and measuring continuous samples of a gaseous fuel. customarily are calibrated by comparison with a cubic-foot
bottle or standard as described in Sections 14 and 15. The
11.2 Nodefinitelimitscanbesettotherangeofrateofflow
procedureconsistsofmeasuringairoutoforintotheproverby
to which these meters may be applied, nor to the range of
means of the standard, 1 ft at a time, noting the reading of the
temperatures and pressures under which they may be operated.
prover scale at the start and finish of each transfer. Some
Where meters of this type are desired, it will usually be
general considerations to be observed are given in 13.2 and
possible to design one to meet the particular service require-
13.3.
ments. Of particular interest for continuous sampling and
sample measurement are flowmeters of the capillary tube and
13.2 Provers should be located in a well-lighted room
porous plug (for example, sintered glass filter) type. The rates
provided with some degree of temperature regulation. It is
of flow that they can meter satisfactorily range upward from
desirable that this regulation should be adequate to maintain
about 0.03 ft /min. The pressure drop across the metering
the temperature within 62°F of the desired average tempera-
element is not only low (a few inches of water column), but its
ture.Theprovertankshouldberaisedfromthefloorbylegsor
relationship to the rate of flow is very nearly linear.
blocks as this not only reduces the lag between the prover and
room temperatures but decreases the accumulation of moisture
CALIBRATION OF APPARATUS
ontheundersideofthetank.Ifwaterisusedasthesealingfluid
in the provers, the relative humidity within the room should be
12. Calibration of Primary Standards
maintained as high as possible. However, it is recommended
12.1 Cubic-foot bottles and fractional cubic-foot bottles are
that the sealing fluid used in provers (and in cubic-foot bottles
calibrated by weighing the quantity of distilled water that will
and standards also) should be a light oil with a low vapor
be delivered between the gage marks (Note 5), correcting for
pressure of about 0.25-in. Hg at 70°F (Note 7). The use of oil
the buoyancy of the air.At the standard conditions specified in
as a sealing fluid will decrease the cooling effect caused by
2.2, the weight of water contained between the gage marks of
evaporation, when the prover bell is raised from the tank, and
a correctly adjusted cubic-foot bottle should be 62.299 lb.
will also retard any tendency of the bell to corrode.
NOTE 5—It is now the practice at the National Bureau of Standards to
NOTE 7—This requirement for vapor pressure will probably be met if
calibrate or adjust these standards “to deliver” the specified quantity of
the open cup flash point is above 330°F, since the vapor pressure at the
water from a wet condition. To do this, the standard is filled with water,
flash point is usually about 0.3- to 0.5-in. Hg.
then emptied slowly over a period of 3 min and allowed to drain for an
13.3 Before starting a calibration, the bell should be exam-
additional 3 min. Next, the quantity (weight) of distilled water contained
between the two gage marks is determined.The corresponding volume of ined to see that it is clean and free of dents. It should move
D1071 − 17
freely throughout its entire travel with neither binding nor and record the prover scale reading. Discharge the air in the
excessive play within its guides at any position. To facilitate standard from the system and repeat the cycle.
reading the prover scale to one decimal place beyond that
15.3 If so desired, several transfers each may be made for
normally used when testing meters, the regular scale pointer 3
the same 1-ft interval of the prover scale before going on to
may be replaced with a short auxiliary scale covering a 0.2-ft
the next interval. In doing this, the prover scale reading should
interval of the main scale.This scale should be divided into 10
be readjusted to the even foot mark before a transfer in either
or 20 divisions, and mounted so that its mid-point will be at
direction is started being careful to have the connection
about the same elevation as the regular pointer.
between prover and standard open so that both are under the
full prover pressure.
14. Calibration of Provers by Means of an Immersion-
NOTE 8—Example—The observations and calculations involved in the
Type Bottle
calibration of a 5-ft gas meter prover with a Stillman-type standard are
14.1 While it is possible to measure air out of a prover into
shown in Table 2.The average delivery capacities of the 0- to 1- and 1- to
2-ft intervals,fromthefivedeterminationsoneachinterval,are1.008and
an immersion bottle under the usual prover pressure, it is
1.004, respectively. This means that if a correctly adjusted gas meter is
difficult not to lose some air as the lower neck of the bottle is
tested against the 0- to 2-ft interval, the final prover scale reading would
raised close to the surface of the sealing fluid in its tank.
be 1.99.
Therefore, it is advisable to make the test at atmospheric
pressure.Thisrequiresincreasingthecounterweightsuntilthey
16. Calibration of Large Provers
justbalancethebell.Thisadjustmentisnecessaryifairistobe
16.1 The method to be used in calibrating gasometers of
measured into a prover from an immersion bottle.
over10-ft capacitywilldependuponthecapacity,design,and
14.2 Starting with the prover bell raised and the connection
mode of operation of the gasometer. If it is not too large (100
between prover and bottle open, adjust the position of the 3
ft or less), it may be most convenient to use a cubic-foot
prover bell to zero scale reading. Raise the bottle, thereby
standard or a 5- or 10-ft prover that has been calibrated. For
drawing air into it from the prover. As the lower neck of the
other gasometers, it will probably be necessary to determine
bottlereachesthesurfaceofthesealingfluid,proceedcarefully
the capacity from a measurement of the dimensions. The
so as to stop just short of breaking the seal and close the valve
procedure usually followed is to measure the outside circum-
between prover and bottle. Observe and record the scale
ference of the prover bell at several sections. From these
reading.Vent the airinthebottleasitisagainloweredintothe
measurements and the metal thickness, the average inside
tank. Open the valve between prover and bottle, adjust the
cross-sectional area and capacity per unit height are computed.
proverbelltoascalereadingof1.00,andrepeattheprocessof
In making this calculation, it may be necessary to take account
removing another cubic foot of air from the prover.
of changes of the sealing fluid height produced by raising and
14.3 In measuring air into the prover, reverse the procedure lowering of the bell.
just described. In this case, adjust the prover bell to a scale
reading at one of the even foot marks, and hold it there while 17. Calibration of Small Water-Sealed Rotating Drum
lowering the bottle until the bottom of the lower neck just
Meters, Especially for Use with Water-Flow
meets the surface of the sealing fluid. Release the prover bell Calorimeters (General Considerations)
and measure a cubic foot of air into it by lowering the bottle.
17.1 The objective of the calibration of a rotating-drum gas
meter may be:
15. Calibration of Provers by Means of a Moving-Tank
17.1.1 To establish that relative elevation of the sealing
Type of Bottle or a Stillman-Type Portable Cubic-
water (that is, the amount of sealing water) with which the
Foot Standard
meter will indicate correctly (for example, within 0.2%) the
15.1 With either a moving-tank type of bottle or a Stillman- volume of gas, at the outlet conditions, that passes through it,
typeportablecubic-footstandardthecalibrationmaybecarried or
out under the usual prover pressure. This requires, when using 17.1.2 With a given quantity of sealing water, to determine
amoving-tanktypeofbottle,thatthevalvesintheconnections the factor (calibration factor) by which the indications of the
betweenthebottleandprovershallbeopenwhileadjustingthe meter are to be multiplied to give the correct volumes of gas,
quantity of water in the tank and the positions of the stops so at outlet conditions, that have passed through the meter.
that the water will come to rest in the planes of the gage marks
17.2 The two procedures described in Section 19 are in-
about the upper and lower necks of the bottle. Also, since the 3
tendedfortheroutinecalibrationofa0.1-ft wettestmeterthat
transfer of air to or from the prover takes place within a
is to be used in conjunction with a water-flow calorimeter in
completely closed system, there is no possibility of losing a
the determination of the heating valve of a fuel gas.
small amount of air at one end of the transfer, as with an
Furthermore, it is recommended that these calibrations be
immersion-type bottle.
made with the meter in the position in which it will be used in
15.2 The procedure followed with either type of standard is the calorimetric determinations. When the conditions under
very simple. After the connections have been checked for which the meter will be used are such that the rate of flow
leaks, and with the valves between prover and standard open, through the meter will be less than 8 ft /h, the procedure
bring an even foot mark on the prover scale in line with the described in 19.1 – 19.3, using a 0.1-ft bottle, may be
indexzero.Transferacubicfootofairtothestandard,andnote followed. If the rate of flow through the meter, when in use,
D1071 − 17
A
TABLE 2 Sample Data Sheet from Calibration of Bell Prover
Prover Serial #272 Calibration Standard Date: 4/30/47
S R R ∆V ∆V ∆S K Temperatures, °F
i b s s c c
Major Scale Prover Scale Readings, ft Scale Standard Calculated Algebraic
Interval Indicated Vol, Transferred Transferred Correction of Room Air Standard Oil Prover Oil
3 3 3
Begin Stop
Calibrated ft (∆R) Vol, ft Vol, ft (for Si) Proof N,%
s
0 to 1 0.000 0.991 0.991 1.000 1.009 . 81.9 82.0 82.7
1 to 0 1.000 0.008 0.992 1.000 1.008 . . . .
0 to 1 0.000 0.992 0.992 1.000 1.008 . . . .
1 to 0 1.000 0.008 0.992 1.000 1.008 . . . .
1 to 2 1.000 1.999 0.999 1.000 1.001 . . . .
2 to 1 2.000 1.006 0.994 1.000 1.006 . . . .
1 to 2 1.000 1.998 0.998 1.000 1.002 . . . .
2 to 1 2.000 1.005 0.995 1.000 1.005 . . . .
2 to 3 2.000 3.003 1.003 1.000 0.997 . . . .
3 to 2 3.000 2.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 . . . .
2 to 3 2.000 3.005 1.005 1.000 0.995 . . . .
3 to 2 3.000 1.999 1.001 1.000 0.999 . . . .
3 to 4 3.000 3.998 0.998 1.000 1.002 . . . .
4 to 3 4.000 3.008 0.992 1.000 1.008 . . . .
3 to 4 3.000 3.996 0.996 1.000 1.004 . . . .
4 to 3 4.000 3.007 0.993 1.000 1.007 . . . .
4 to 5 4.000 4.999 0.999 1.000 1.001 . 81.9 82.7 83.0
5 to 4 5.000 4.003 0.997 1.000 1.003 . . . .
4 to 5 4.000 4.999 0.999 1.000 1.001 . . . .
5 to 4 5.000 4.002 0.998 1.000 1.002 . . . .
0 to 1 . . 0.992 1.000 1.008 + 0.8 . . .
1 to 2 . . 0.996 1.000 1.004 + 0.4 . . .
2 to 3 . . 1.002 1.000 0.998 −0.2 . . .
3 to 4 . . 0.995 1.000 1.005 + 0.5 . . .
4 to 5 . . 0.998 1.000 1.002 + 0.2 . . .
0 to 2 0.000 1.988 1.988 2.000 2.012 + 0.6 . . .
2 to 4 2.000 1.997 1.997 2.000 2.003 + 0.2 . . .
0 to 5 0.000 4.983 4.983 5.000 5.017 + 0.3 . . .
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The meanings and use of the identified columns in Table 2 are:
S This is the major scale interval calibrated or the “normal operating” scale interval used in a normal proving cycle. Ordinarily, a normal operating scale interval has
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appropriate scale subdivisions above and below the “upper” major graduation mark. Also, a normal operating scale interval may consist of one or more adjacent major
scale intervals. Scale subdivisions normally are not directly calibrated. The suitability or “accuracy” of subdivisions are usually determined by visual inspection and
measurement. Subdivisions must be proper and uniform proportions of the intended normal operating scale interval. (Note—S is a designation of a specific portion of the
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scale and is not a numerical volume quantity. )
R The scale reading at which the calibration began.
b
R The carefully estimated or measured scale reading after the bottle or Stillman standard has transferred 1 ft or as many multiple cubic feet as is represented by the
s
normal operating scale interval calibrated.
∆V This is the scale indicated transferred volume and is the absolute difference between R and R such as ∆V =R − R .
s s b s s b
∆V This is the “correct” transferred volume per the bottle or Stillman corresponding to the ∆V .
c s
∆S This is the “correct” or calculated delivery or displaced volume of the bell corresponding to bell movement over S. This is calculated thus:
c i
∆V
s d
c
∆S 5
c
∆V
s
K Correction to apply algebraically to the observed scale proof, N , to obtain the “correct” or calculated proof, N , thus:
s c
N =N +K
c s
will exceed 8 ft /h, the aspirator method of calibration de- used, the meter water must be resaturated with gas before its
scribed in Section 20 should be followed. use in subsequent calorific value tests.
17.3 The average rate of flow at which the calibration is
17.5 Whenthepurposeofthetestistodeterminethecorrect
performed should be adjusted and maintained as nearly as
amount of sealing water for the meter (17.1.1), and this has
possible the same as that at which the meter will operate when
been done by one of the test procedures described in Section
in use. In no event should the difference between the test rate
19, bring the metering drum to a position about midway
andtheuserateexceed30%oftheuserate.Thisisbecausethe
between two of the seal-off positions, preferably with the long
volume of gas delivered per revolution of a liquid-sealed
index hand nearly over the large dial zero and open both the
rotating-drum meter increases slightly with increasing rate of
inletandoutletofthemetertoatmosphere.Withoutalteringthe
flow. In this connection, note that, by proper adjustment of the
levelingadjustmentofthemeter,setthewaterlevelgagetothe
rate during calibration, the aspirator procedure may be fol-
heightofthebottomofthewatermeniscusinthegageglass.If
lowed when the meter is to be used at rates below 8 ft /h.
the gage is the yoke type, the plane of the yoke top should
17.4 The calibration
...