Design, measurements and calculation model validation of the orifice-type flowmeter for FAIR SIS100 Local Cryogenic System

Abstract

Proper operation of the FAIR SIS100 Local Cryogenic System requires the use of 33 flow meters that must operate in various thermodynamic conditions and helium mass flow ranges. Due to space limitations and needs to operate in radiation environment, the only option is to use orifice flow meters that are characterised by relatively simple in production and compact geometry. Commercially available orifice flowmeters cannot be used due to their incompatibility with cryogenic temperatures and high vacuum conditions. Therefore, for the purposes of the project, based on the ASME MFC-14M-2003 standard, four orifice flow meters of different sizes were developed, of which one prototype was made and tested on a dedicated test stand. The paper presents the methodology for selecting the prototype flowmeter’s orifice size, its key component geometry and computational model. A description of the test stand and experiment methodology is also provided. The measurement results of the pressure drop generated by helium flow through the prototype orifice flowmeter were compared with values determined using the computational model. The comparison indicated very good agreement between both data sets, what leads to conclusion that the design, production and installation of an orifice flow meter in accordance with the corresponding standards allows no need of orifice flowmeter to be calibrated before its use.