KPL - Orifice Plates for Differential Pressure Flow Measurement

Differential Pressure Orifice Plates

KPL orifice plate assemblies are commonly used to provide a reliable and often cost-effective differential pressure reference for flow rate measurement in medium to large diameter industrial piping. Because the measurement principle does not have any moving parts, a long service life with minimal maintenance required is guaranteed. KPL orifice plates are available in a wide range of specific constriction methods to optimize compatibility with specific application requirements and challenges. Options include concentric orifice plates, bidirectional orifice plates, quarter circle nozzles, conical entrance orifices, segmental orifices, and excentric orifices.

Differential Pressure Measurement Principle

If a pipeline with flowing media is reduced at a particular point by a cross-sectional constriction, the flow speed of the measured media is increased at that point. According to Bernoulli’s energy equation and the law of continuity, the total flow head (dynamic velocity head and static pressure head) is constant. The increase in speed at the constriction causes a reduction in the static head. The resulting pressure drop is called the differential pressure head and may then be used to measure the flow rate (volume per unit of time or mass per unit of time). The flow rate is a function of the square root of the differential pressure across the orifice plate. This rate can then be determined by use of an appropriately scaled differential pressure transducer or gauge.

Total Differential Pressure Flow Measurement Assemblies Using Orifice Plates

Differential pressure measurement with orifice plates is achieved by the primary constriction element of the orifice plate paired with a differential pressure transmitter which converts the pressure difference before and after the point of constriction caused by the orifice plate and converts it into a standard output signal. Choosing a transmitter, like our PAD Heavy-Duty Industrial Differential Pressure Transmitter, that features an internal square root extraction assures a linear signal.

Integrated Differential Pressure Orifice Flow Meters

If an integral orifice flow meter is desired, KOBOLD offers the RCM Differential Pressure Orifice Flow Meter for liquids, gas, or steam. It offers high flow rate capabilities and is suitable for small to medium sized line sizes. Also available is the KEL Heavy-Duty Differential Pressure Flow Meter for liquids.

Application Guide Required for Product Specification

**This product requires completion of our Application Guide before specification and ordering.**

This product line offers multiple configuration options and technical specifications that must be precisely matched to/calibrated for your specific application requirements. Unlike standard configurable items, these products are engineered solutions that require detailed application information to ensure optimal performance.

The Process

• Complete the Application Guide - Provide detailed information about your specific application
• Technical Review - Our engineering team reviews your requirements
• Product Specification - We specify the exact configuration for your needs
• Quotation & Ordering - Receive your custom quote with precise part numbers

Important Notice

Unless this is a repeat order of a previously specified product with Kobold, we cannot accept orders or provide quotations without a completed Application Guide. Product numbers selected without proper application review may not meet your system requirements and could result in performance issues or compatibility problems.

Even if you believe you've identified the correct part number, the Application Guide process is required to verify compatibility and ensure a streamlined quote/order process.

Ready to get started?

The PDF Application Guide can be downloaded directly from this product page in the “Resource Tab” below and is also attached to the end of the product datasheet. Completed forms can be submitted to customerservice@koboldusa.com.

Need help filling it out? Contact our engineering team: call 412-788-2830 or schedule a free online engineering consultation at your convenience.