3.33.

Hydrocarbon Gas Vapor-Measuring Devices

Sec. 3.33. Hydrocarbon Gas Vapor-Measuring Devices1

A. Application S.1.1.3. Value of Smallest Unit. - Volume-
Measuring Devices: The value of the smallest unit of
A.1. - This code applies to devices used for the measure- indicated delivery, and recorded delivery if the device
ment of hydrocarbon gas in the vapor state, such as is equipped to record, shall not exceed:
propane, propylene, butanes, butylenes, ethane, methane,
natural gas and any other hydrocarbon gas/air mix. ( 1 m3 (1000 dm3) (100 ft 3) when the maximum
(Amended 1984, 1986, 1988, 1991) rated gas capacity is less than 100 m3/h
(10 000 ft3/h);
A.2. - This code does not apply to:
( 10 m3 (1000 ft 3) when the maximum rated gas
(a) Liquid-measuring devices used for dispensing capacity is 280 m3 /h (10 000 ft3 /h) up to but not
liquefied petroleum gases in liquid form (for which including 1700 m3/h (60 000 ft 3/h);
see Sec. 3.32; Code for Liquefied Petroleum Gas and
Anhydrous Ammonia Liquid-Measuring Devices). (c 100 m3 (10 000 ft 3) when the maximum rated
gas capacity is 1700 m3/h (60 000 ft 3/h) or more.
(b) Natural, liquefied petroleum, and manufactured-gas- (Amended 1972, 1988, 1991)
vapor meters when these are operated in a public
utility system. S.1.1.4. Advancement of Indicating and Recording
Elements. - Primary indicating and recording
(c) Mass flow meters (see Sec. 3.37. Code for Mass Flow elements shall advance digitally or continuously and
Meters) be susceptible to advancement only by the mechanical
(Added 1994) operation of the device.

A.3. - See also Sec. 1.10; General Code requirements. S.1.1.5. Proving Indicator. - Devices rated less than
280 m3/h (10 000 ft3/h) gas capacity shall be equipped
S. Specifications with a proving indicator measuring 0.025, 0.05, 0.1,
0.2, or 0.25 m3 per revolution, (1, 2, 5, or 10 ft 3 per
revolution) for testing the meter. Devices with larger
S.1. Design of Indicating and Recording Elements and
capacities shall be equipped as follows:
of Recorded Representations.

S.1.1. Primary Elements. (a) Devices rated 280 m3 (10 000 ft 3) up to but not
including 1700 m3/h (60 000 ft3/h) gas capacity
S.1.1.1. General. - A device shall be equipped with shall be equipped with a proving indicator
a primary indicating element and may also be measuring not greater than 1 m3 (100 ft 3) per
equipped with a primary recording element. revolution.

(b) Devices rated 1700 m3/h (60 000 ft 3/h) gas

S.1.1.2. Units. - A volume-measuring device shall
capacity or more shall be equipped with a
indicate, and record if equipped to record, its
proving indicator measuring not more than 10 m3
deliveries in terms of cubic meters or cubic feet, or
(1000 ft3) per revolution.
multiple or decimal subdivisions of cubic meters or
cubic feet.
The test circle of the proving indicator shall be
(Amended 1972, 1991)
divided into 10 equal parts. Additional subdivisions
of one or more of such equal parts may be made.
(Amended 1973 and 1988)


6KVNGEJCPIGF

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3.33. Hydrocarbon Gas Vapor-Measuring Devices

S.1.3.5. Parallax. - Parallax effects shall be reduced

S.1.2. Graduations. to the practicable minimum.

S.1.2.1. Length. - Graduations shall be so varied in S.2. Design of Measuring Elements.

length that they may be conveniently read.
S.2.1. Pressure Regulation. - Except when measured as
S.1.2.2. Width. - In any series of graduations, the a retail motor fuel, the vapor should be measured at a
width of a graduation shall in no case be greater than normal gauge pressure (psig) of:
the width of the minimum clear interval between (Amended 1991)
graduations, and in no case should it exceed 1.0 mm
(0.04 in) for indicating elements and 0.5 mm (0.02 in) (a) 2740 Pa ± 685 Pa (11 in of water column
for proving circles. (0.40 psig) ± 2.75 in of water column (0.10 psig))
for liquefied petroleum gas vapor; or
S.1.2.3. Clear Interval Between Graduations. - The
clear interval shall be not less than 1.0 mm (0.04 in). (b) 1744 Pa ± 436 Pa (7 in of water column (0.25 psig)
If the graduations are not parallel, the measurement ± 1.75 in of water column (0.06 psig)) for natural
shall be made: and manufactured gas.

(a) along the line of relative movement between the When vapor is measured at a pressure other than what is
graduations at the end of the indicator, or specified above for the specific product, a volume
multiplier shall be applied within the meter or to the
(b) if the indicator is continuous, at the point of billing invoice based on the following equation:
widest separation of the graduations.
##2 % )2
82/ '
S.1.3. Indicators. ##2 % 0)2
Where
S.1.3.1. Symmetry. - The index of an indicator shall VPM = Volume pressure multiplier
be symmetrical with respect to the graduations, at least AAP = Assumed atmospheric pressure in psia
throughout that portion of its length associated with GP = Gauge pressure in pascal or psig
the graduations. NGP = Normal gauge pressure in pascal or psig

S.1.3.2. Length. - The index of an indicator shall The assumed atmospheric pressure is to be taken from
reach to the finest graduations with which it is used. Tables 2 and 2M.

S.1.3.3. Width. - The width of the index of an When liquefied petroleum gas vapor is measured at a
indicator in relation to the series of graduations with pressure of 6900 Pa (1 psig) or more, the delivery
which it is used shall be not greater than: pressure shall be maintained within ±1725 Pa
(±0.25 psig).
(a) the width of the widest graduation, and
Pressure variations due to regulator lock off shall not
(b) the width of the minimum clear interval between increase the operating pressure by more than 25 percent.
graduations. (Amended 1980, 1984, 1991)

When the index of an indicator extends along the S.2.2. Provision for Sealing. - Adequate provision shall
entire length of a graduation, that portion of the index be made for applying security seals in such a manner that
of the indicator that may be brought into coincidence no adjustment may be made of any measurement
with the graduation shall be of the same width element.
throughout the length of the index that coincides with
the graduation. S.2.3. Maintenance of Vapor State. - A device shall be
so designed and installed that the product being
S.1.3.4. Clearance. - The clearance between the measured will remain in a vapor state during passage
index of an indicator and the graduations shall in no through the meter.
case be more than 1.5 mm (0.06 in).

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 3.33. Hydrocarbon Gas Vapor-Measuring Devices

S.2.4. Automatic Temperature Compensation. - A that it was designed to meter as recommended by the
device may be equipped with an adjustable automatic manufacturer.
means for adjusting the indication and registration of the
measured volume of vapor product to the volume at N. Notes
15 EC (60 EF).
N.1. Test Medium. - The device shall be tested with air or
S.3. Design of Discharge Lines the product to be measured.
(Amended 1991)
S.3.1. Diversion of Measured Vapor. - No means shall
be provided by which any measured vapor can be N.2. Temperature and Volume Change. - Care should be
diverted from the measuring chamber of the meter or the exercised to reduce to a minimum any volume changes.
discharge line therefrom. The temperature of the air, bell-prover oil, and the meters
under test should be within 1 EC (2 EF) of one another. The
S.4. Marking Requirements. devices should remain in the proving room for at least 16
hours before starting any proving operations to allow the
S.4.1. Limitations of Use. - If a device is intended to device temperature to approximate the temperature of the
measure accurately only products having particular proving device.
properties, or to measure accurately only under specific
installation or operating conditions, or to measure N.3. Test Drafts. - Except for low-flame tests, test drafts
accurately only when used in conjunction with specific shall be at least equal to one complete revolution of the
accessory equipment, these limitations shall be clearly largest capacity proving indicator, and shall in no case be
and permanently stated on the device. less than 0.05 m3 or 2 ft3. All flow rates shall be controlled
by suitable outlet orifices.
S.4.2. Discharge Rates. - A volume-measuring device (Amended 1973 and 1991)
shall be marked to show its rated gas capacity in cubic
meters per hour or cubic feet per hour. N.4. Test Procedures. - If a device is equipped with an
S.4.3. Temperature Compensation. - If a device is automatic temperature compensator, the proving device
equipped with an automatic temperature compensator, reading shall be corrected to 15 EC (60 EF), using an
this shall be indicated on the badge or immediately approved table.
adjacent to the badge of the device and on the register. (Amended 1972)

S.4.4. Badge. - A badge affixed in a prominent position N.4.1. Normal Tests. - The normal test of a device shall
on the front of the device shall show the manufacturer’s be made at a rate not to exceed the capacity rate given on
name, serial number and model number of the device, the badge of the meter.
and capacity rate of the device for the particular products (Amended 1988)

Table 1.
Capacity of Low-Flow Test Rate Orifices
With Respect to Device Capacity

Metric Units Inch-Pound Units

Rated Capacity Low-Flow Test Rate Rated Capacity Low-Flow Test Rate
Up to and including 0.007 m3/h Up to and including 250 0.25 ft3/h
7 m3/h ft3/h
Over 7 m3/h up to and 0.014 m3/h Over 250 ft3/h up to and 0.50 ft3/h
including 14 m3/h including 500 ft3/h
Over 14 m3/h 0.1% of capacity rate Over 500 ft3/h 0.1% of capacity rate

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3.33. Hydrocarbon Gas Vapor-Measuring Devices

T. Tolerances
N.4.1.1. Automatic Temperature Compensation. -
If a device is equipped with an automatic temperature T.1. Tolerance Values on Normal Tests and on Special
compensator, the quantity of the test draft indication Tests Other Than Low-Flame Tests. - Maintenance and
of the standard shall be corrected to 15 EC (60 EF). acceptance tolerances for hydrocarbon gas vapor-measuring
devices shall be 3 percent (1.03 proof) of the test draft on
N.4.2. Special Tests. - "Special" tests, to develop the underregistration and 1.5 percent (0.985 proof) of the test
operating characteristics of a device, and any special draft on overregistration.
elements and accessories attached to or associated with (Amended 1981)
the device, shall be made as circumstances require. Any
test except as set forth in N.4.1. is a special test. UR. User Requirements
N.4.2.1. Slow Test. - The device shall be tested at a UR.1. Installation Requirements.
rate not less than 20 percent of the marked capacity
rate, or (at the check rate) not less than the minimum UR.1.1. Capacity Rate. - A device shall be so installed
flow rate if marked on the device, whichever is less. that the actual maximum flow rate will not exceed the
(Amended 1988) capacity rate except for short durations. If necessary,
means for flow regulation shall be incorporated in the
N.4.2.2. Low-Flame Test. - The device shall be installation, in which case this shall be fully effective and
tested at an extremely low-flow rate as given in Table automatic in operation.
1. The test shall consist of passing air at a pressure of
375 Pa (1.5 in water column) through the meter for UR.1.2. Leakage. - The metering system shall be
not less than 60 minutes. The meter shall continue to installed and maintained as a pressure-tight and leak-free
advance at the conclusion of the test period. system.
(Amended 1990, 1991)
UR.2. Use Requirements.
N.4.2.3. Pressure Regulation Test. - On devices
operating at a pressure of 6900 Pa (1 psig) or more, a UR.2.1. Automatic Temperature Compensation. - A
pressure regulation test shall be made at both the compensated device may not be replaced with an
minimum and maximum use load to determine the uncompensated device without the written approval of
proper operation of the regulator and the proper sizing the weights and measures authority having jurisdiction
of the piping and dispensing equipment. These tests over the device.
may include a test of 24 hours during which the
pressure is recorded. UR.2.2. Invoices. - A customer purchasing hydrocarbon
(Added 1984) gas measured by a vapor meter for other than motor fuel
shall receive from the seller an invoice for each billing
N.5. Temperature Correction. - Corrections shall be period. The invoice shall clearly and separately show the
made for any changes in volume resulting from the following:
difference in air temperatures between time of passage
through the device and time of volumetric determination in (a) The opening and closing meter readings and the
the proving device. dates of those readings.
N.6. Frequency of Test. - A hydrocarbon gas vapor- (b) The altitude correction factor.
measuring device shall be tested before installation and
allowed to remain in service for 10 years from the time last (c) The total cubic meters (cubic feet) billed, corrected
tested without being retested, unless a test is requested by: for elevation.
(a) the purchaser of the product being metered, (d) The charge per cubic meter (cubic foot) after
(b) the seller of the product being metered, or correction for elevation.
(c) the weights and measures official.
(e) All periodic charges independent of the measured
gas, such as meter charges, meter reading fees,

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 3.33. Hydrocarbon Gas Vapor-Measuring Devices

service charges or a minimum charge for a (appropriately protected against freezing) shall be
minimum number of cubic meters (cubic feet). installed immediately up-stream of the meter.
(Added 1990)
(f) The total charge for the billing period.

If the vapor meter is equipped with an automatic

temperature compensator, or any other means are used to
compensate for temperature, the invoice shall show that
the volume has been adjusted to the volume at 15 EC
(60 EF).
(Amended 1988, 1991)

UR.2.3. Correction for Elevation. - The metered

volume of gas shall be corrected for changes in the
atmospheric pressure with respect to elevation to the
standard pressure of 101.56 kPa (14.73 psia). The
appropriate altitude correction factor from Table 2M or
2 shall be used. (The table is modified from NIST Hand-
book 117.)
(Amended 1988)

Elevation correction factors (ACF) were obtained by

using the following equation:
)2 QH ICU % ##2
#%( '
DCUG RTGUUWTG
where
GP = gauge pressure
AAP = assumed atmospheric pressure
base pressure = 101.560 kPa = 14.73 psia

2740 Pa = 11 in of water column = 0.397 psig

1744 Pa = 7 in of water column = 0.253 psig

(Added 1988)

UR.2.4. Valves and Test Tee. - All gas meter

installations shall be provided with a shut-off valve
located adjacent to and on the inlet side of the meter. In
the case of a single meter installation utilizing a
liquefied petroleum gas tank, the tank service valve may
be used in lieu of the shut-off valve. All gas meter
installations shall be provided with a test tee located
adjacent to and on the outlet side of the meter.
[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1990.]
(Added 1989)

UR.2.5. Use of Auxiliary Heated Vaporizer Systems.-

Automatic temperature compensation shall be used on
hydrocarbon gas vapor meters equipped with an auxiliary
heated vaporizer system unless there is sufficient length
of underground piping to provide gas at a uniform
temperature to the meter inlet. When required by
weights and measures officials, a thermometer well

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3.33. Hydrocarbon Gas Vapor-Measuring Devices

Table 2M. Corrections for Altitude, Metric Units

Altitude Assumed Assumed Atmospheric

Correction Atmospheric Pressure Plus
Elevation Factor Pressure Gauge Pressure
(meters) 2.74 kPa 1.74 kPa 2.74 kPa 1.74 kPa
Gauge Gauge (kPa) Gauge Gauge
Pressure Pressure Pressure Pressure
-50 to 120 1.02 1.01 100.85 103.59 102.58
above 120 to 300 1.00 0.99 98.82 101.56 100.54
above 300 to 470 0.98 0.97 96.79 99.53 98.51
above 470 to 650 0.96 0.95 94.76 97.50 96.48
above 650 to 830 0.94 0.93 92.73 95.47 94.45
above 830 to 1020 0.92 0.91 90.70 93.44 92.42
above 1020 to 1210 0.90 0.89 88.66 91.40 90.39
above 1210 to 1400 0.88 0.87 86.63 89.37 88.36
above 1400 to 1590 0.86 0.85 84.60 87.34 86.33
above 1590 to 1790 0.84 0.83 82.57 85.31 84.29
above 1790 to 2000 0.82 0.81 80.54 83.28 82.26
above 2000 to 2210 0.80 0.79 78.51 81.25 80.23
above 2210 to 2420 0.78 0.77 76.48 79.22 78.20
above 2420 to 2640 0.76 0.75 74.45 77.19 76.17
above 2640 to 2860 0.74 0.73 72.41 75.15 74.15
above 2860 to 3080 0.72 0.71 70.38 73.12 72.12
above 3080 to 3320 0.70 0.69 68.35 71.09 70.08
above 3320 to 3560 0.68 0.67 66.32 69.06 68.05
above 3560 to 3800 0.66 0.65 64.29 67.03 66.01
above 3800 to 4050 0.64 0.63 62.26 65.00 63.98
above 4050 to 4310 0.62 0.61 60.23 62.97 61.95
above 4310 to 4580 0.60 0.59 58.20 60.94 59.92

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 3.33. Hydrocarbon Gas Vapor-Measuring Devices

Table 2. Corrections for Altitude, Inch-Pound Units

Altitude Assumed Assumed Atmospheric

Correction Atmospheric Pressure Plus Gauge
Elevation Factor Pressure Pressure
(feet)
11 inch 7 inch (psia) 11 inch WC 7 inch WC
WC WC (psia) (psia)
-150 to 400 1.02 1.01 14.64 15.04 14.89
above 400 to 950 1.00 0.99 14.35 14.74 14.60
above 950 to 1550 0.98 0.97 14.05 14.45 14.30
above 1550 to 2100 0.96 0.95 13.76 14.15 14.01
above 2100 to 2700 0.94 0.93 13.46 13.86 13.71
above 2700 to 3300 0.92 0.91 13.17 13.56 13.42
above 3300 to 3950 0.90 0.89 12.87 13.27 13.12
above 3950 to 4550 0.88 0.87 12.58 12.97 12.83
above 4550 to 5200 0.86 0.85 12.28 12.68 12.53
above 5200 to 5850 0.84 0.83 11.99 12.38 12.24
above 5850 to 6500 0.82 0.81 11.69 12.09 11.94
above 6500 to 7200 0.80 0.79 11.40 11.79 11.65
above 7200 to 7900 0.78 0.77 11.10 11.50 11.35
above 7900 to 8600 0.76 0.75 10.81 11.20 11.06
above 8600 to 9350 0.74 0.73 10.51 10.91 10.76
above 9350 to 10 100 0.72 0.71 10.22 10.61 10.47
above 10 100 to 10 850 0.70 0.69 9.92 10.32 10.17
above 10 850 to 11 650 0.68 0.67 9.63 10.03 9.88
above 11 650 to 12 450 0.66 0.65 9.33 9.73 9.58
above 12 450 to 13 250 0.64 0.63 9.04 9.44 9.29
above 13 250 to 14 100 0.62 0.61 8.75 9.14 9.00
above 14 100 to 14 950 0.60 0.59 8.45 8.85 8.70

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