Flowmeter calibration techniques

Abstract

Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zeroing techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, if not properly calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. By determining a magnitude of such erroneous measurements, calibration values may be determined, which may later be used to adjust a measurement that is output by the flowmeter and thereby improve an accuracy of the flowmeter. Such calibration values may be determined for a plurality of operational conditions associated with the flowmeter, such as densities of materials being measured, and/or configurations of flow elements associated with transporting material to the flowmeter. Then, the calibration values may be correlated with the relevant operational conditions, and stored for later use. In this way, during an actual operation of the flowmeter, a number of calibration values may be made available, and an optimal calibration value may be selected for an existing operational condition of the flowmeter.

1 . A method of calibrating a flowmeter having a vibratable flowtube and at least one sensor associated with the vibratable flowtube, the method comprising:
 vibrating the flowtube while a first operational parameter of the flowtube is present;   receiving a first sensor signal from the sensor, the sensor signal representative of the vibration of the flowtube while the first operational parameter of the flowtube is present;   determining a first calibration value based on the first sensor signal, wherein the first calibration value is a first zero-flow calibration value;   storing the first calibration value in association with the first operational parameter;   vibrating the flowtube while a second operational parameter of the flowtube is present;   receiving a second sensor signal from the sensor, the second sensor signal representative of the vibration of the flowtube while the second operational parameter of the flowtube is present;   determining a second calibration value based on the second sensor signal, wherein the second calibration value is a second zero-flow calibration value; and   storing the second calibration value in association with the second operational parameter.   
     
     
         2 - 38 . (canceled)