ISO 2715:2017

Overview

ISO 2715:2017 - Liquid hydrocarbons: Volumetric measurement by turbine flowmeter - provides guidance on the selection, installation, operation and maintenance of turbine flowmeters for volumetric liquid measurement. Although historically focused on hydrocarbons and fiscal/custody transfer, the 2017 edition broadens scope to cover a wide range of liquids and two‑component liquid mixtures (e.g., water/oil). The standard does not apply to two‑phase flow (gas or solids present), cryogenic liquids (e.g., LNG) or potable water applications.

Key topics

The standard discusses the full lifecycle and performance considerations of turbine metering systems, including:

• Design and operation: basic meter characteristics, mode of operation and output signal behavior.
• Performance aspects: factors affecting accuracy (viscosity, flow profile, temperature, pressure, lubricity, cleanliness) and expected performance for fiscal/custody transfer.
• Liquid property effects: universal viscosity considerations, temperature and pressure impacts, and limits for two‑component operation.
• System design & ancillary equipment: meter selection, mechanical accessories, secondary electronic instrumentation and flow algorithms.
• Installation: pipework layout, effects of bends/valves/reducers, minimizing installation errors and pulse security.
• Calibration & proving: recommendations on proving methods, proving frequency and verification for accurate volumetric measurement.
• Operation & maintenance: start‑up, diagnostics, maintenance procedures and control chart usage.
• Environmental and safety considerations: electrical interference, humidity, and safe installation practices.

Practical applications

ISO 2715:2017 is intended for organizations and professionals who need reliable volumetric metering of liquids using turbine meters:

• Oil & gas operators for custody and fiscal transfer of liquid hydrocarbons.
• Refineries and terminals for product blending and inventory control.
• Pipeline and loading facilities ensuring accurate transfer and custody measurement.
• Process and chemical plants measuring non‑hydrocarbon liquids where turbine meters are suitable.
• Meter manufacturers, integrators and calibration laboratories designing, specifying and proving turbine metering systems.

Who should use this standard

• Flow measurement engineers and metering system designers
• Procurement and specification writers for custody/fiscal metering
• Calibration/proving service providers and metrology labs
• Operations, maintenance and quality assurance teams responsible for volumetric accuracy

Related standards

For implementation, consult the normative references listed in ISO 2715:2017 and other ISO/IEC documents on flow measurement and metrology for complementary technical and conformity requirements.

Keywords: ISO 2715:2017, turbine flowmeter, volumetric measurement, liquid hydrocarbons, custody transfer, flow metering, meter proving, calibration, installation, viscosity.