Orifice Plate

An orifice plate measures the flow of a liquid or gas by the difference in pressure from the upstream to the downstream. This plate creates a restriction in a pipe that causes a difference in pressure between the two sides. A meter then measures the difference in pressure across the orifice plate. The plates should be installed in a straight run of pipe in order to avoid turbulance at the plate. The upstream side is longer than the downstream in order to straighten the flow before the plate. It is calculated at so many diameters of pipe, 10D, 12D, ect. for the length. Orifice plates are used between Orifice Flanges and are part of an Orifice Meters.

The orifice plate is described as a thin plate and with sharp edge, because the thickness of the plate material is small compared with the internal diameter of the measuring aperture (bore) and because the upstream edge of the measuring aperture is sharp and square.

Plates should not be bent or have any nicks in the internal bore, this will create an error in the data.

Information about the plate should be stamped where it can be easily identified after installation. Orifice plates have data stamped on upstream face. Following installation, care should be taken to ensure the gasket does not protrude into the flow area.

Pressure Taps should be on the top or side of a pipe to prevent sediment/partials from settling in them.

Beta Ratio

The ratio of the measuring device diameter to the meter run diameter (orifice bore divided by inlet pipe bore). The smaller the Beta ratio the higher the pressure drop across the plate. The beta ratio affects the amount of unobstructed straight run before the plate.

Bore & Bevel

Eccentric

Bore & Counterbore

Quadrant Bore

Segmental

Bore & Bevel

This is the most common plate method used. The bevel is at a 45° angle and can be machined to a specified plate thickness.

Bevel and bore close upl

Eccentric

This plate is for measuring solids or slurries. This is used in steel, water treatment, sewer treatment, oil, and paper.

Bore & Counterbore

This plate can be counter bored to make the desired plate thickness.

Quadrant Bore

This plate has an orifice with the inlet edge rounded. The thickness of the throat is equal to the radius. This design is for fluids of high velocity, such as heavy crudes, slurries and syrups.

Segmental

This plate is for measurements where solids are mixed in a gas or liquid flow stream. You can place the opening either at the top or bottom of the pipe. This is used in steel, water treatment, sewer treatment, oil, and paper.