Inaccurate flow rate measurements of an engine diesel fuel due to change of its temperature 1

[AEW]

I am measuring the volumetric flow rate of a diesel fuel using "Turbines" flow meter, both in the supply and return fuel lines of an industrial diesel engine (Caterpillar 3512B – coupled with a generator for power production), in an attempt to measure the total fuel consumption by the engine. However, the fuel temperature in the return line is higher than the fuel temperature in the supply line, thus, the viscosity and density of the return fuel is lower than that of the supply fuel. Due to this change in fuel viscosity/density, I obtain erroneous flow rate measurements.

Therefore, I was wondering if there is a way to compensate for the temperature/viscosity/density change of the diesel fuel in order to obtain accurate flow rate measurements.

Thank you for any idea you could provide.

 

[LittleInch]

There should be a correction for viscosity from the meter supplier. This will give you corrected volume for in and out.

Then convert your volume flow to mass using any diesel density chart for density vs temperature. Subtract one from the other and then convert back to volume at some standard temp (15c?)

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[3DDave]

If one spends enough Coriolis meters measure mass flow. Or you could put a cooler on the return line to match the supply temperature.

Other than that Littleinch has it right - math and corrections will have to do.

 

[AEW]

Thanks!

 

[LittleInch]

Otherwise you need to buy a decent meter which does this all for you.

What are you using to convert the turbine pulses to volume? The data sheet is rather silent on the signal output and processing.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[Jacc]

I would use an oval gear flow meter for that application, not a turbine one.
You would still need to compensate for the increased volume because of temperature though.

 

[AEW]

LittleInch: I am using some calibration tables provided by the sensor manufacturer to convert the turbine pulses into volumetric flow rate through a transducer that use 4-20 mA current signal.