MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS

NUFLO

Orifice Plates
for Flow Measurement & Flow Restriction

Orifice plates are one of the most popular devices for the
measurement and control of fluid flow. The shape and
manufacturing tolerances of plates used in measurement
applications are defined in the international standardization
publications of ISO, AGA, ASME and others. From the formulas
and data within these publications, the relationships and values
of flow, differential pressure, and plate bore are determined.
In flow control applications, orifice plates are used as restriction
devices to regulate fluid flow or reduce the flowing pressure
downstream of the orifice plate. The use of a fixed restriction
orifice can be beneficial and economic by reducing the
demands on other flow system components.
Unlike measurement orifices, the sizing and design of restriction
orifices are not defined by standardization organizations.
Additionally, restriction orifices are often exposed to severe flow
conditions associated with large pressure reductions and the
related fluid conditions caused by liquids flashing to a gas,
cavitation, and sonic (choked) flow. In torturous applications,
mimicking the design of measurement orifices is not sufficient.
Rather, Cameron offers a variety of solutions involving alternate
designs for the leading edge of the bore, increased plate
thickness, alternate materials of construction, and multi-stage
assemblies embedded with specifically sized orifices.
Cameron has decades of experience designing, sizing, and
manufacturing orifice equipment using Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFS) techniques and other design tools. Cameron has
manufactured measurement orifice plates and restriction orifice

plates under North Star and NuFlo brands, and through the
collaboration of its Measurement Systems and Flow Control
divisions, Cameron's restriction design capabilities include the
design of multi-orifice/multi-chamber chokes for regulating
flow from high-pressure oil and gas wellheads.
Cameron also offers multiple holders for orifice plates.
These include holders that fit in or between ring joint flanges,
orifice holding blocks, and single and dual orifice fittings.
See pages 6 to 8 for detailed descriptions.

Plate Styles
Camerons plate styles include
Type 500 a universal plate for use in orifice fittings and
Type 580 and 590 ring-joint flange plate holders. See
Universal Orifice Plates, page 2.
Type 520 a paddle-type plate for use with raised-face
orifice flange unions for measurement applications or for
installation between standard ANSI flanges in restriction
applications. Special options for flat-face flanges with
full-face contact are also available. See Paddle Type
Orifice Plates, page 3.
Gas Prover Style a 2-in. diameter plate for use with a
NuFlo gas prover system for measuring the mass or volume
of a flowing gas being released to atmospheric pressure.
The plate is similar to the Type 500 orifice plate but has a
2-in. diameter to fit in the prover body. See Gas Prover
Orifice Plates, page 4.

Bore Designs

Design Specifications

The bore in the orifice plate can be shaped or positioned to

create advantages for specific measurement applications.
Likewise, the bore design can be customized to enhance the
performance of flow restriction plates. See Special Profile
Orifice Bores, page 4, for illustrations and detailed descriptions
of each bore design.

NuFlo Orifice Plates feature the following features, options,

and capabilities:
Edges square and sharp, will not reflect a beam of light
when viewed without magnification. Non-counter-bored plates
are available on request for bi-directional flow measurement
or for restriction applications at no additional charge.
Finish 20 micro-inch roughness, directionally polished.
Other finishes are optional.
Flatness Flat within 0.010 of an inch per inch of dam
height (dam height = pipe diameter minus orifice diameter,
divided by 2)
Material Grade 316 stainless steel. Other alloys are optional.
CRN All plates and the ring joint flange plate holder have
a Canadian Registration Number confirming compliance
with ASME B16.48 and other piping codes. All NuFlo orifice
plates are traceable to a mill test report.
Markings All plates are marked with the line size, material
of construction, bore size, reference temperature, and heat
lot number. As an option, the customers tag information
can also be included.
Plate Size and Thickness Orifice plates are available in
line sizes from 1/2-in. to 60 in. Standard line sizes, 2-inch to
12-inch, are commonly available in both 1/8-in. and 1/4-in.
thicknesses. Restriction plates are offered in various thicknesses according to calculation results based on line size,
bore size, pressure drop, material, and flowing temperature.
Vent or Drain Holes Vent or drain holes are an option.
Customers must specify diameter and location or pipe
schedule.

Restriction plates can be challenging to engineer due to the

extreme conditions to which they are subjected. In applications
where a measurement style plate is inadequate, a thick
restriction plate or a multi-stage plate may be the answer.
A thick plate is as thick as the diameter of the bore. In large
diameter applications, the appearance is similar to a wafer
meter. Where extreme velocities exist, a thick plate better
resists supersonic velocity and erosion. In installations where
high sound levels or reduced durability should be avoided, a
series of orifices can be used. Each orifice is specifically sized
and factory installed in a pipe section which is supplied as a
spool assembly.

Orifice Sizing
Customers also rely on Cameron for expert sizing of orifice
applications. Cameron offers free quotations for measurement
and restriction orifice plates and provides bore dimensions or
calculation results for a nominal charge. The screen image
below shows calculations for a multi-stage orifice assembly.
All calculations are provided for advisement purposes only.

Universal Orifice Plates

Type 500

The Type 500 Orifice Plate is a standard design used in most

brands of single and dual chamber orifice fittings. Non-NuFlo
brand dual chamber fittings may require a nitrile seal ring. This
seal ring is available as an optional accessory from Cameron.
Type 500 plates also fit Type 580 and Type 590 ring joint orifice
plate holders (see page 6) for line sizes 10 inches and smaller.
For line sizes larger than 10 inches, the customer must specify the
plate outside diameter (OD) dimension (see table on page 6).

When sizing a restriction orifice plate, it is important to

remember that the orifice plate is a fixed opening that is
selected based on only one set of conditions. Therefore, when
a range of conditions are provided, a determination must be
made as to which single set of conditions should be used for
the sizing. Upon request, a what-if analysis for testing the
effectiveness of the plate with other flow conditions can be
performed once sizing is completed.

When ordering, please specify:

1. Type number
2. Line size
3. Plate OD (Dimension A) if not as listed on page 3
4. Material
5. Plate thickness (Dimension B) if not as listed on page 3
6. Orifice bore type
7. Nitrile seal ring (optional; required for use with some
non-NuFlo brand dual chamber fittings)

MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS

Type 500 Dimensions

Diameter of bore to be
specified by purchaser

Line
Size

Plate
O.D.
A

Plate
Thickness2
B

Blank
Weight3
(lbs)

3/4

1.125

1/8

0.06

1.312

1/8

0.06

1-1/2

2.000

1/8

0.11

2.437

1/8

0.17

2-1/2

2.812

1/8

0.25

3.437

1/8

0.34

4.406

1/8

0.55

6.437

1/8

1.18

8.437

1/4

4.06

10

10.687

1/4

6.41

12

13.079

1/4

9.61

16

16.563

3/8

23.20

20

20.563

3/8

39.16

A Dia.

1. All dimensions in inches.

2. Other thicknesses available.
3. Weight for thickness shown.

FLOW

Type 500 Orifice Plate

Paddle Type Orifice Plates

D

Type 520

NuFlo Type 520 Orifice Plates are used with raised-face orifice
flange unions for measurement applications and installed
between standard ANSI flanges for restriction applications.
Cameron also supplies special versions for installation between
flat-face flanges with full-face contact.

The plate and handle are a one-piece seamless design on

1/8-in. thick orifice plates for line sizes 2-inch though 6 inch
and ANSI classes less than 900. On all other plates, the handle
is welded to the plate as standard; one-piece construction
is available as an option. The flange ANSI class and other
standard information is stamped on the handle. Each handle
includes a hole as indicated in the table below.
When ordering, please specify:
1. Type number
2. Line size and ANSI class
3. Plate OD (Dimension A) if not as listed
4. Material
5. Plate thickness (Dimension B) if not as listed
6. Orifice bore type
7. Nitrile seal ring (optional; required for use with some
non-NuFlo brand dual chamber fittings)

A Dia.

Diameter of bore to be
specified by purchaser

B
FLOW

Line Size

Handle Hole Diameter

1/2 thru 2
2-1/2 thru 12
14 thru 24
26 and larger

1/4
3/8
1/2
3/4

All dimensions in inches.

Type 520 Dimensions

Line
Size

125 lbs.
& 150 lbs.
ANSI

250 lbs.
& 300 lbs.
ANSI

1/2

1-7/8

2-1/8

2-1/8

2-1/8

2-1/2

2-1/2

2-3/4

1/8

3/4

2-1/4

2-5/8

2-5/8

2-5/8

2-3/4

2-3/4

1/8

2-5/8

2-7/8

2-7/8

2-7/8

3-1/8

3-1/8

3-3/8

1/8

1-1/4

3-1/4

3-1/4

3-1/4

3-1/2

3-1/2

4-1/8

1/8

1-1/2

3-3/8

3-3/4

3-3/4

3-3/4

3-7/8

3-7/8

4-5/8

1/8

400 lbs.
ANSI

600 lbs.
ANSI

900 lbs.
ANSI

1500 lbs.
ANSI

For all
Pressure Ratings
125 to 2500 lbs. ANSI

2500 lbs.
ANSI

4-1/8

4-3/8

4-3/8

4-3/8

5-5/8

5-5/8

5-3/4

1/8

2-1/2

4-7/8

5-1/8

5-1/8

5-1/8

6-1/2

6-1/2

6-5/8

1/8

1-1/4

5-3/8

5-7/8

5-7/8

5-7/8

6-5/8

6-7/8

7-3/4

1/8

1-1/4

6-7/8

7-1/8

7-5/8

8-1/8

8-1/4

9-1/4

1/8

1-1/4

7-3/4

8-1/2

8-3/8

9-1/2

9-3/4

10

11

1/8

1-1/2

8-3/4

9-7/8

9-3/4

10-1/2

11-3/8

11-1/8

12-1/2

1/8

1-1/2

11

12-1/8

12

12-5/8

14-1/8

13-7/8

15-1/4

1/8

1-1/2

10

13-3/8

14-1/4

14-1/8

15-3/4

17-1/8

17-/18

18-3/4

1/4

1-1/2

12

16-1/8

16-5/8

16-1/2

18

19-5/8

20-1/2

21-5/8

1/4

1-1/2

14

17-3/4

19-1/8

19

19-3/8

20-1/2

22-3/4

n/a

1/4

1-1/2

16

20-1/4

21-1/4

21-1/8

22-1/4

22-5/8

25-1/4

n/a

3/8

1-1/2

18

21-1/2

23-3/8

23-1/4

24

25

27-5/8

n/a

3/8

1-1/2

20

23-3/4

25-5/8

25-3/8

26-3/4

27-3/8

29-5/8

n/a

3/8

1-1/2

22

26

27-3/4

27-1/2

28-7/8

n/a

n/a

n/a

3/8

1-1/2

24

28-1/8

30-3/8

30-1/8

31

32-7/8

35-1/2

n/a

3/8

1-1/2

30

34-5/8

37-3/8

37-1/4

38-1/8

n/a

n/a

n/a

1/2

1-1/2

36

41-1/8

43-7/8

43-7/8

44-3/8

n/a

n/a

n/a

1/2

1-1/2

All dimensions in inches.

Gas Prover Orifice Plates

Orifice Bore Profiles

Gas prover orifice plates are designed specifically for use with
the NuFlo Gas Prover System. The system comprises a 2-inch
NPT NuFlo prover body and a prover plate. The 316 stainless
steel plate is similar to the 1/4-in. Type 500 orifice plate, but
has a 2-in. diameter to fit inside the prover. Bore size selections
are based on anticipated flow rates. The prover body is
constructed of carbon steel and features both a 1/4-in. FNPT
and a 1/2-in. FNPT pressure port.

Square Edge (Standard) Bore

The principle of operation relies on the velocity of the gas

flowing through the orifice reaching the speed of sound.
Given that the prover vents to atmosphere, supersonic velocity
occurs when the upstream pressure is greater than 10 psig.
Once this velocity is obtained, the actual flowing volume
passing through the bore cannot increase and is said to be
choked. By measuring the upstream pressure and knowing
the upstream temperature and reference density of the gas,
the flowing density, mass flow and volume can be computed.

For the common square edge concentric bore orifice, the bore
and bevel is the standard method of limiting the plate edge
thickness. Unless otherwise specified, plates will be beveled to
the current accepted AGA standards.

MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS

Quadrant Edge Bore

min 1/8" thick

The quadrant edge bore is an orifice with the inlet edge

rounded. Instead of beveling, the plate is counterbored
to the desired edge thickness. The radius of the
quartercircle bore is a function of the orifice-to-pipe
ratio (d/D). Thickness at the throat is equal to the radius.
This bore is specifically designed for viscous fluids such
as heavy crudes, syrups, and slurries with Reynolds
Numbers below 100,000.

45

R
D

R =d

0.734
1

c =1.5 d but less than D

0.638

Eccentric Bore

Eccentrically bored orifice plates are plates with the

orifice off-center, or eccentric, as opposed to concentric.
The bore of the eccentric orifice normally is inscribed
in a circle which is 98% of the pipe diameter, so that
solids or slurries may pass through. Eccentric orifice
plates are used in many industries including heavy and
light chemicals, steel, paper, nuclear and petrochemicals.

Tap angle
180

90

D
d

Segmental Bore

Segmentally bored orifice plates are provided for

measurement where solids are entrained in a gas or
liquid flow stream. The circular portion of the bore is
inscribed within a circle which is normally 98% of the
pipe diameter. The segmental opening may be placed
either at the top or bottom of the pipe. Industries using
these bores include sewage treatment, steel, chemical,
water conditioning, paper and petrochemical.

Tap angle
180

90

D
d

Special Restriction Orifice Bores

Thick Restriction Bore

Conical Reverse Bevel Restriction Bore

small D

D > 2"

Some restriction applications are designed with the assumption

that the fluids will reach sonic velocity through the bore of the
restriction (critical flow). It is more predictable to achieve sonic
velocity through the bore of a thick plate and a thick plate can
withstand the mechanical wear associated with sonic velocity.

The conical orifice is a measurement orifice installed in the

flow line with the bevel facing upstream. It is applied in low
Reynolds Number applications. Due to reduced machining,
this style is more economical than the quadrant bore typically
used for measurement of viscous fluids, and is sufficiently
accurate for most restriction applications.

Multi-Stage Restriction Assembly

A multi-plate restriction assembly reduces the flowing pressure in stages as a means of reducing noise pollution or improving
the durability of the restriction element. Flow is kept subsonic and non-cavitating at each stage by adding stages. Each assembly
is custom-engineered by Cameron for specific operating parameters. Most assemblies are welded with non-removable plates.
These assemblies are commonly used in blowdown applications in which gases are vented to atmospheric pressure with minimal
emitted sound.

4D
D
d

Ring Joint Orifice Plate Holders

Cameron offers three types of NuFlo ring joint orifice plate
holders that fit between ring joint flanges.

Other sizes, materials, ANSI and special flange ratings are

available on special order.

Type 580 and Type 590 plate holders use a standard Type 500
plate, which allows for economical replacement to renew or
change the bore size. The orifice plate is not included with the
plate holder and must be ordered separately.

When ordering, please specify:

1. Type number
2. Line size
3. API ring number or ANSI flange pressure rating
4. Material
5. Quantity
6. Orifice bore type (for Type 560 only)
7. Plate OD (inches) if not as listed below (for Type 560 only)
8. Plate thickness (inches) if not as listed below
(for Type 560 only)

The Type 560 plate holder is a rugged one-piece design that

includes an integral plate.
In conformance with ASME B16.2, all three types of plate
holders feature an oval gasket ring. Octagonal rings are
available on request. Standard materials are carbon steel and
316 stainless steel; however, NuFlo plate holders can be
manufactured from nearly any alloy.
Orifice Plate Alloys Available
304
316
316 L
317
321
347

410
416
Duplex
A516-7N
Monel
K-Monel

Hastelloy B, C
Inco 600
Inco 625
Stellite Overlay
Titanium
Tanalum

Other materials available on request.

Type 560 plate holders are available in all sizes and ring
numbers. Please note that 2-in. through 8 in. sizes have 1/4 in.
thick plates as standard; therefore, 1/8 in. should be added to
the Approx. Gap dimensions given in the table on page 7
for accurate measurement.
Type 580 plate holders sizes 1 1/2 in. and up are available in all
API ring numbers.
Type 590 plate holders are available in 2-in. size and up in all
ring numbers except 2-in. R-23 and 2 1/2-in. R-26.

Line
Size

Plate O.D.
A

Plate Thickness
B

12

12.593

1/4

14

14.000

1/4

16

16.000

3/8

18

18.000

3/8

20

20.000

3/8

24

24.000

3/8

26

26.000

3/8

30

30.000

1/2

All dimensions in inches. These dimensions

are specific to large-diameter Type 500 plates
used with Type 580 and 590 plate holders.
For smaller-diameter plate dimensions, see
the Type 500 Dimensions table on page 3.

MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS

2''

2''

2''

1/8''

1/8''

1-1/4''

1-1/4''
B

1/8''

1-1/4''
B
Orifice Plate
Hold-Down
Screws

Spring
Clip

Snap
Ring
A
Type 560
Integral Plate Seal

A
Type 590
with Hold-Down Screws

Type 580
with Snap-Ring Clip

300 - 600 lbs. ANSI

900 lbs. ANSI

1500 lbs. ANSI

2500 lbs. ANSI

Line
Size

API
Ring #

Approx.
Gap*

API
Ring #

Approx.
Gap*

API
Ring #

Approx.
Gap*

API
Ring #

Approx.
Gap*

1/2

R-11

29/32

4-1/4

19/32

R-12

4-1/4

19/32

R-12

4-1/4

19/32

R-13

4-1/4

19/32

3/4

R-13

4-1/4

19/32

R-14

4-1/4

19/32

R-14

4-1/4

19/32

R-16

4-1/4

19/32

R-16

4-1/4

19/32

R-16

4-1/4

19/32

R-16

4-1/4

19/32

R-18

4-1/4

19/32

1-1/2

R-20

4-1/4

19/32

R-20

4-1/4

19/32

R-20

4-1/4

19/32

R-23

1-1/16

5-1/4

1/2

R-23

1-1/16

4-1/4

19/32

R-24

1-1/16

5-1/4

5/8

R-24

1-1/16

5-1/4

1/2

R-26

1-1/16

5-1/4

1/2

2-1/2

R-26

1-1/16

5-1/4

19/32

R-27

1-1/16

5-1/4

5/8

R-27

1-1/16

5-1/4

1/2

R-28

1-13/16

5-1/4

9/16

R-31

1-1/16

5-1/4

19/32

R-31

1-1/16

5-1/4

17/32

R-35

1-1/16

5-1/4

1/2

R-32

1-3/16

6-1/4

9/16

3-1/2

R-34

1-1/16

4-1/4

19/32

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

R-37

1-1/16

5-1/4

19/32

R-37

1-1/16

5-1/4

17/32

R-39

1-1/16

5-1/4

1/2

R-38

1-5/16

6-1/4

19/32

R-41

1-1/16

6-1/4

19/32

R-41

1-1/16

6-1/4

17/32

R-44

1-1/16

6-1/4

1/2

R-42

1-7/16

7-1/4

19/32

R-45

1-1/16

6-1/4

19/32

R-45

1-1/16

6-1/4

17/32

R-46

1-3/16

6-1/4

9/16

R-47

1-7/16

7-1/4

19/32

8-1/4

5/8

R-49

1-1/16

6-1/4

19/32

R-49

1-1/16

6-1/4

17/32

R-50 1-35/16

6-1/4

9/32

R-51

1-9/16

10

R-53

1-3/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-53

1-3/16

7-1/4

21/32

R-54

1-7/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-55

12

R-57

1-3/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-57

1-3/16

7-1/4

21/32

R-58 1-11/16

8-1/4

3/4

R-60

2-1/8

9-1/4

7/8

14

R-61

1-3/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-62

1-7/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-63

1-7/8

8-1/4

25/32

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

16

R-65

1-5/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-66

1-9/16

7-1/4

27/32

R-67

2-1/8

9-1/4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

18

R-69

1-5/16

7-1/4

23/32

R-70 1-11/16 7-1/4

3/4

R-71

2-1/8

9-1/4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

20

R-73

1-3/8

7-1/4

23/32

R-74

1-9/16

7-1/4

3/4

R-75

2-1/8

10-1/4

7/8

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

24

R-77

1-7/16

7-1/4

13/16

R-78

1-7/8

9-1/4

25/32

R-79

2-5/16

11-1/4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

8-1/4 1-1/16

All dimensions in inches.

* Approximate distance between flanges.

MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS

Orifice Holding Blocks

Orifice holding blocks are used between standard flanges and
are ideal in retrofit applications or when exotic wetted materials
are used. When exotic or non-metallic materials are used, the
cost of orifice flanges with the desired pressure rating can be
expensive and difficult to obtain. Orifice blocks provide an
effective and economical solution. They are available in line
sizes from 1-in. to 12-in., and in ANSI classes as low as
150. Flange taps are standard in all sizes. The tap hole inside
diameter (ID) varies with line size.

1/8'' Orifice Plate Type 520

1''

1/2'' NPT

1''

When ordering, please specify nominal line size, line ID,

gasket thickness, and material desired.

Single and Dual Orifice Chamber Fittings

Orifice fittings provide an alternative to holding an orifice
plate between flanges. They allow for easier and faster
inspection or replacement of the orifice plate. Measurement
accuracy is assured by centering the orifice plate in the pipe
bore. A dual chamber fitting allows the plate to be changed
without depressurizing the flow line or interrupting the flow.
Fittings are available for line sizes ranging from 2 inches
through 6 inches. See NuFlo Single and Dual Orifice Fitting
Models 4055 and 4042 and Clif Mock Model 5030 Orifice
Fitting technical data sheets and related accessory data sheets
for details.

1-7/8''

Raised face or flat

face, weldneck,
threaded or
slip-on flange
(provided by customer)

Orifice holding
blocks
4-1/8''
face to face

MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
HOUSTON
HEAD OFFICE

2 81 . 582. 9500

NORTH
AMERICA

1. 800. 65 4 . 3 7 6 0
ms-us @ c-a-m.com

ASIA
PACIFIC

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