# Presentation: 163356

## VTM Test Equipment

- Vehicle-Tank Meters
- NIST Short Course

## Objectives

- identify and describe the use of test equipment used in VTM LMD testing
- describe the set-up, operation, and maintenance of VTM field standard prover
- describe the steps in drawing an official test draft

## Test Equipment

- safety gear
- fire extinguisher
- prover grounding cable
- first aid kit
- special gear such as goggles, gloves, etc.
- stop watch
- 5-gallon metal bucket
- NIST Handbook 44 & other applicable codes
- EPOs, worksheets, checklists, report forms
- security seals, inspection stickers/tags
- field standard prover appropriate for application

## Field Standard Prover

- design to approximate normal use
- specifications in NIST Handbook 105-3
- typically low carbon or stainless steel
- interior coated to resist corrosion
- capacity to accommodate quantity delivered by system in one minute at maximum discharge
- not less than 50 gallons

## Figure 4-1:VTM Field Standard Prover

- VTM-Test Equipment-NIST-08/01-Rev1

## Field Standard Prover

- calibrated “to deliver” specific quantity
- contains slightly more than its nominal capacity
- even after draining, a film will cling to sides
- requires specified drain time between drafts
- drain time marked on prover at calibration

- product
- clings to
- sides

## Figure 4-2:Gauge Plate

- upper gauge indicates quantities above and below nominal capacity
- wet-bottom provers also equipped with lower gauge for zeroing prover at start
- gauges secured with security seals

- VTM-Test Equipment-NIST-08/01-Rev1

## Field Standard Prover

- most trailer-mounted
- grounding means
- leveling means and indicators
- raise prover so trailer wheels are off ground
- some equipped with vapor recovery
- anti-swirl device to reduce air in product
- thermometer wells for monitoring product temperature

## Figure 4-4:Typical Prover Connection for Power-Operated Systems

- VTM-Test Equipment-NIST-08/01-Rev1

## Setting Up the Prover--

- _Remember_: _Safety First!!!_
- position the prover:
- away from source of ignition
- near power source
- connect and verify pump operation _before_ pumping product
- location should enable you to see meter, register, & prover indications as you operate the prover valves
- out of main traffic flow
- position fire extinguishers within easy reach	_Do Not Leave Them in the Prover!!_

## Setting Up the Prover (cont.)

- position caution signs and safety cones
- ground the prover to a suitable ground
- check fittings for adapters required _before proceeding_
- inspect temperature wells for dirt and debris
- clean & fill
- check security seals on prover
- chock prover trailer or vehicle
- check again with product in the prover
- level prover, raising tires of trailer off ground
- use level indicators

## Setting Up the Prover (cont.)

- require operator to stand by during test since they are most familiar with their equipment
- if inspector operates or makes connections themselves, they may be held responsible for any resulting damage/contamination
- “connect” inlet and return lines
- check prover valves to be sure they are open/closed as appropriate
- verify correct tank compartment valve is open
- note and record totalizer

## Wetting the Prover

- VTM provers are CALIBRATED TO DELIVER
- contain slightly _more_ than their rated capacity when full
- have clingage on sides
- impractical to remove clingage between test drafts
- wet prover at start of testing
- wetting process is not repeated between tests unless prover sits for extended period between tests

## Wetting the Prover

- 1) With prover return line closed, _have operator_ activate and engage the system pump
- 2) Open the VTM’s delivery hose at prover inlet
- 3) Deliver product until product level in prover reaches nominal capacity line on prover gauge
- watch gauge carefully when nearing quantity to avoid overflow

## Wetting the Prover (cont.)

- 5) _Have the operator_ disengage the system pump
- 6) With prover full of liquid:
- check level of prover
- raise bed so vehicle wheels are not resting on ground
- check chocks on trailer or prover to prevent shifting
- 7) Verify prover return line is secure
- 8) Start prover return pump and return product

## Wetting the Prover (cont.)

- 9) Monitor sight gauge in prover return line
- 10) When product flow is no longer a continuous stream, start stopwatch
- 11) After 30-second drain, close prover return valve and turn off prover pump
- 30-second drain period duplicates drain process during prover calibration

## Running a Test Draft

- process is similar to wetting the prover except...
- monitor flow rate closely
- start timing at 10 gallons
- make sure you are operating within rated minimum and maximum flow rates of device
- when liquid appears in upper neck gauge of prover:
- try to stop *meter register* on whole increment
- convenient (but not necessary) to stop meter indication at quantity equal to prover capacity
- before returning product, read prover to determine meter error

## Reading the Prover

- upper gauge plate indicates quantities above and below nominal capacity
- when liquid is at “zero” mark, prover will deliver its nominal capacity
- graduations indicate quantities above and below nominal capacity
- errors above zero mark read as “plus” errors
- errors below zero mark read as “minus” errors

## Reading the Prover

- if product foams, allow to settle before reading
- position yourself so that top of liquid is at eye level
- capillary action of glass tube creates “meniscus”
- concave surface of liquid
- read prover at _bottom_ of meniscus

## Figure 4-8:Reading the Prover Gauge

- VTM-Test Equipment-NIST-08/01-Rev1

## Prover Maintenance -- General

- note & report immediately to your supervisor:
- any damage which has occurred to prover
- abnormal performance, especially leaks
- repairs to be made only by qualified personnel
- have prover recalibrated if necessary following repairs
- should have a regular reinspection/recalibration program for your prover

## Prover Maintenance...(cont.)

- cover thermometer well
- NEVER leave thermometer in well while transporting prover
- clean & store thermometers carefully
- check & clean strainer in liquid return line regularly
- follow mfg’s instructions for lubricating pump, return valves

## Summary - VTM Test Equipment

- I) Basic Equipment
- II) VTM Field Standard Prover
- precision test instrument
- III) Reading the Prover Gauge
- read bottom of meniscus
- IV) Setting Up the Prover
- includes wetting, leveling, zeroing prover

## V) Wetting the Prover
calibrated to deliver

VII) Running Test Drafts

VII) Prover Maintenance
report any damage immediately
regular recalibration
steps following use

- calibrated to deliver
- VII) Running Test Drafts
- VII) Prover Maintenance
- report any damage immediately
- regular recalibration
- steps following use

- Summary - VTM Test Equipment