Overview
ISO 16911-2:2013 defines requirements for automated measuring systems (AMS) used to determine the velocity and volume flow rate of ducted gaseous streams from stationary sources. Part 2 of ISO 16911 is focused on AMS flow monitoring and is intended to be used alongside the manual reference methods in ISO 16911-1 and the general AMS quality-assurance framework in EN 14181. The standard is primarily developed for emissions monitoring from waste incinerators and large combustion plants, but is technically applicable to any ducted process where flow measurement with a defined, minimized uncertainty is required.
Key Topics and Technical Requirements
- Quality assurance framework: Requirements and procedures mapped to QA levels (type testing / QA level 1, calibration/validation / QA level 2, and on-going surveillance / QA level 3).
- Type testing and performance criteria: Definitions of performance tests, flow reference materials and procedures to demonstrate AMS capability.
- Selection and mounting: Criteria for choosing AMS location in ducts, porting, working platforms and requirements to obtain a predictable flow profile.
- Pre‑investigation: Guidance for pre-investigation of flow profiles using in-situ measurements or computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
- Calibration and validation: Calibration methods and procedures, including parallel measurements with the manual reference method (ISO 16911-1), tracer/transit-time techniques, functional tests, and treatment of wall effects.
- Data evaluation and calibration function: Calculation and validation of the AMS calibration function, variability and reproducibility tests, and reporting requirements for QA level 2 and annual surveillance.
- Uncertainty assessment: Principles for assessing uncertainty in volume flow measurements to meet regulatory and decision-making needs.
- Informative and normative annexes provide worked examples, flow profile characteristics, CFD issues, time-of-flight laser use, and relationship to EU directives.
Applications and Who Uses This Standard
ISO 16911-2 is used by:
- Environmental and process engineers implementing continuous flow monitoring systems
- Plant operators and emissions compliance officers aiming to meet regulatory monitoring requirements
- Instrument manufacturers and system integrators designing and certifying AMS installations
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies performing type testing and QA procedures
- Regulators and auditors assessing measurement uncertainty and compliance for emissions reporting
Practical applications include regulatory emissions monitoring, permit compliance for combustion and incineration plants, long-term greenhouse gas reporting, and any industrial process requiring continuous, traceable duct flow measurement with controlled uncertainty.
Related Standards
- ISO 16911-1: Manual reference method for velocity and volume flow rate
- EN 14181: Quality assurance of automated measuring systems
- EN 15267-3: Performance criteria and test procedures for AMS
- EN 15259: Requirements for measurement sections and sites
- ISO 14956: Evaluation of measurement procedures by comparison with required uncertainty
Keywords: ISO 16911-2, automated measuring system, AMS, flow monitoring, volume flow rate, ducted gaseous streams, emissions monitoring, calibration, quality assurance, waste incinerators, large combustion plants.