ISO 4053-1-1977 PDF

Full title and description

Measurement of gas flow in conduits — Tracer methods — Part 1: General. This International Standard gives general principles and definitions for using tracer techniques to measure gas flow in closed conduits where a tracer can be injected and effectively mixed with the flowing gas.

Abstract

Applies to flow measurement in conduits into which a tracer can be injected so that effective single‑phase mixing with the gas flowing in the pipe is achieved. The standard addresses general conditions, definitions, and considerations applicable to tracer methods for gas flow measurement; the fluid may be a mixture of gases provided the thermodynamic state and flow conditions are well defined.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (Edition 1, 1977).
• Publication date: 1977 (published September 1977 / listed 31 August 1977 in some national catalogues).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: Flow measurement in closed conduits — ICS 17.120.10 (flow in closed conduits / tracer methods).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1977).
• Number of pages: 10 pages.

Scope

Establishes the general principles, terminology and fundamental requirements for applying tracer techniques to measure the flow of gases in closed conduits. It is intended for sections of pipe where injection of a tracer and its detection allow quantification of flow rate under well‑defined thermodynamic and flow conditions, and serves as the introductory part of a series describing specific tracer methods and procedures.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and general terminology for tracer methods in gas flow measurement.
• Requirements for tracer injection and achievement of effective mixing in single‑phase gas flow.
• Considerations for selection of measuring sections, detection positions and minimizing longitudinal dispersion.
• Principles that underpin specific techniques (e.g., constant‑rate injection and transit‑time approaches) described in other parts of the series.
• General requirements for instruments, detection, timing and data interpretation applicable across tracer methods.

Typical use and users

Used by flow‑measurement engineers, pipeline and gas network operators, metrology laboratories, research organizations and consultants working on gas metering where conventional meters are unsuitable or where tracer techniques are needed for verification, calibration or diagnostic measurements.

Related standards

This part is one element of the ISO 4053 tracer methods series (other parts address specific techniques such as radioactive tracer transit‑time methods). Several parts of the original ISO 4053 series have been withdrawn; modern guidance on radioactive tracer methods is available in ISO 24460:2023 (Measurement of fluid flow rate in closed conduits — Radioactive tracer methods).

Keywords

gas flow, tracer methods, closed conduits, flow measurement, transit time, constant‑rate injection, radioactive tracer, mixing, metering.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 4053-1:1977 is the first part (General) of an ISO series describing tracer methods for measuring gas flow in closed conduits; it defines principles, terminology and general requirements for tracer‑based flow measurement.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers general principles for injecting tracers into gas flows, achieving effective mixing, selecting measuring sections and detectors, and the fundamental considerations that underpin specific tracer techniques described in other parts of the series.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Flow metrologists, gas‑pipeline operators, laboratory personnel, consultants and researchers who need tracer‑based methods for calibration, validation or special flow measurements in conduits where conventional flowmeters are impractical.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 4053-1:1977 has been withdrawn. Some specific tracer methods from the historical ISO 4053 series have later been updated or replaced by more recent standards (for example, radioactive tracer methods are addressed in ISO 24460:2023). Users should consult current ISO publications or national adoption bodies for the applicable, up‑to‑date standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is the general/introductory part of the ISO 4053 series on tracer methods for flow measurement; other parts of the series addressed specific techniques (e.g., transit‑time and constant‑rate injection methods). Many of those parts have also been withdrawn or superseded.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Gas flow, tracer methods, closed conduits, flow metering, radioactive tracer, transit time, injection, mixing, flow measurement standards.