Turbine Flowmeter Performance Model

A theoretical model of a turbine meter operating in the high Reynolds number regime has been formulated to study the effects of retarding torques, inlet velocity profile, blade interference effects, meter geometry, and other factors. A computer program predicts actual rotor speed by numerical integration of the lift and drag forces on the rotor blade. Numerical sample calculations indicated substantial effects due to velocity profile and blade interference. Retarding torques were relatively unimportant in the high Reynolds number range.