Apparatus and method for minimizing pulsation-induced errors in differential pressure flow measuring devices

Apparatus for connecting an orifice meter or the like to a differential pressure detector, the orifice meter integral with a pressure signal includes one or more pressure transmitting ports, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) a first connecting means for joining the apparatus to the orifice meter by way of the pressure transmitting port for receiving the pressure signal from the orifice meter, said first connecting means having a constant cross section from the orifice meter, through the pressure transmitting port, and through the first connecting means,
• (b) a housing comprising
• (1) one or more inlet ports in operative association with said first connecting means for receiving the pressure signal from the orifice meter, said inlet ports having a constant cross section equal to the cross section of said first connecting means,
• (2) valve means associated with said inlet port for controlling the pressure signal from the orifice meter, said valve means having a passage of constant cross section equal to the cross section of said inlet port and said valve means comprises one or more upstream valves in operative association with and upstream of the orifice meter, and one or more downstream valves in operative association with and downstream of the orifice meter, wherein said upstream valve and said downstream valve comprise one or more ball valves with each ball valve having at least one passage of constant cross section for directing the differential pressure therethrough, wherein at least one ball valve comprises a bleeder passage for stabilizing rates of change of pressure sufficient for maintaining, calibrating and testing the differential pressure detector, and
• (3) one or more outlet ports in operative association with said valve means for receiving the pressure signal from the orifice meter, said outlet ports having a constant cross section equal to the cross section of said valve means, and
• (c) a second connecting means for joining said housing directly to the differential pressure detector employing said outlet port for receiving the pressure signal from the orifice meter, said second connecting means having a constant cross section equal to the cross section through said housing,
• said first connecting means, said housing, and said second connecting means configured for providing a contiguous, abutting relationship between the orifice meter and the differential pressure detector.