API 4.6 Pulse Interpolation Third Edition Reaffirmed, October 2021

Manual of Petroleum
Measurement Standards
Chapter 4.6
Pulse Interpolation
THIRD EDITION, OCTOBER 2021
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Copyright American Petroleum Institute

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Copyright © 2021 American Petroleum Institute

ii

Foreword
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Can: As used in a standard, “can” denotes a statement of possibility or capability.
Normative annex: An annex considered a subset of the primary document, and with which compliance is required to
meet the intent of the standard.
Informative annex: An annex containing information of interest and relevant to the subject matter of the primary
document, but with which compliance is not required to meet the intent of the standard.
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iii
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Contents
Page
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
2 Normative References .................................................................................................................................. 1
3 ................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Double-Chronometry Pulse Interpolation ...................................................................................................... 2

4.1 General ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
4.2 Conditions of Use ......................................................................................................................................... 4
4.3 Flowmeter Operating Requirements ............................................................................................................. 4
5 Electronic Equipment Calculation Testing ..................................................................................................... 4

5.1 General ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
5.2 Functional Operations Test Requirements .................................................................................................... 5
5.3 ............................................................................................................................................. 5
6 ................................................................................................................. 6
Annex A (informative) Pulse Interpolation Calculations ............................................................................................. 7
................................................................ 12
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Figures
1 Diagrammatical Example of Pulse Interpolation .......................................................................................... 3

A.1 Double-Chronometry Timing Diagram ........................................................................................................ 10
A.2 .................................... 11
B.1 .................................................................................................................................... 13
B.2 ......................................................................................................................................... 14
v
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Introduction
To prove meters that have pulsed outputs, a minimum number of pulses has to be collected during the proving period,
can produce per unit quantity of throughput can limit design considerations.
were originally intended for use with small volume provers, they can also be applied to other proving devices. Pulse
interpolation, though a mathematical technique, relies on the underlying and contributing uncertainty of the prover
detector signal. Potential users are cautioned that use of the technique absent the requisite accuracy can produce
misleading results.
The pulse interpolation method known as double-chronometry, described in this chapter, is an established technique
in this publication.
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vii

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Pulse Interpolation
1 Scope
This chapter describes how the double-chronometry method of pulse interpolation, including system operating
requirements and equipment testing, is applied to meter proving.
2 Normative References
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For undated references, the latest edition of the reference document (including
any amendments) applies.
API MPMS Chapter 4.2, Displacement Provers
found in the API MPMS Chapter 1,
3.1
detector signal
volume of the prover.
3.2
double-chronometry (dual chronometry)
prover detector signals. This is accomplished by resolving these pulses into a whole number of pulses plus a
pulses.
3.3
A measure of the smallest increment of change in the pulses per unit of the quantity being measured.
3.4
frequency
The number of repetitions, or cycles, of a periodic signal (e.g., pulses, alternating voltage, or current) occurring
in a 1-second time period. The number of repetitions, or cycles, that occur in a 1-second period is expressed in
hertz.
3.5
meter pulse continuity
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3.6
nonrotating meter
Any metering device for which the meter pulse output is not derived from mechanical rotation as driven by the

2
3.7
pulse period
The reciprocal of pulse frequency (i.e., a pulse frequency of 2 Hz is equal to a pulse period of 0.5 second).
3.8
pulse generator
An electronic device that can be programmed to output voltage pulses of a precise frequency or time period.
3.9
pulse interpolation
Any of the various techniques by which the meter pulses are counted between two events (such as detector
switch closures), whereby any remaining fraction of a pulse between the two events is calculated.
3.10
rotating meter
stream. For example, turbine and positive displacement meters are metering devices for which the output is
3.11
signal-to-noise ratio
The ratio of the magnitude of the electrical signal to that of the electrical noise.
4 Double-Chronometry Pulse Interpolation
4.1 General
Nm, generated during the proving run and measuring the time intervals, T1 and T2. T1 is the time interval between
T2
The pulse counters, or timers, are started and stopped by the signals from the prover detector or detectors. The
time intervals T1, corresponding to Nm pulses, and T2, corresponding to the interpolated number of pulses (N1),
are measured by an accurate clock. The interpolated pulse count is given as follows:
N1 = Nm (T2 T1)
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3
Figure 1—Diagrammatical Example of Pulse Interpolation
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4
The use of double-chronometry in meter proving requires that the discrimination of the time intervals T1 and
T2 be better than ±0.01 %. The time periods T1 and T2 shall therefore be at least 20,000 times greater than the
reference period Tc of the clock that is used to measure the time intervals. The clock frequency Fc has to be
high enough to ensure that both the T1 and T2 timers accumulate at least 20,000 clock pulses during the prove
uses clock frequencies in the megahertz range.
4.2 Conditions of Use
4.2.1 The interpolated number of pulses, N1, will not be a whole number. N1
in API MPMS Chapter 12.2[5].
4.2.2
substantially during the period between successive meter pulses, and each pulse represents the same volume
(refer to API MPMS
4.2.3 Because pulse interpolation equipment contains high-speed counters and timers, it is important that
equipment be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, thereby minimizing the
risk of counting spurious pulses caused by electrical interference occurring during the proving operation. Refer
to API MPMS Chapter 5.4[3], API MPMS Chapter 5.5[4], and other sections of API MPMS Chapter 4[1] for more
details.
4.3 Flowmeter Operating Requirements
following requirements:
MPMS Chapter
level. In this case, a revised calibration accuracy level should be evaluated or multiple runs with summation
techniques employed. See API MPMS Chapter 4.8[2].
MPMS Chapter 4.2, Annex E.
should be in accordance with API MPMS Chapter 4.2, Annex E.
interpolation system in terms of duty cycle, proportionality, and interpulse spacing. If necessary, the signal
5 Electronic Equipment Calculation Testing

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5.1 General
of the total system shall be performed periodically to ensure that the equipment is calculating correctly. This may
simply be a hand calculation verifying that the equipment correctly calculates the interpolated pulses per Section

5
5.2 Functional Operations Test Requirements
The system being used should provide diagnostic data displays or printed data reports that show the value of
all parameters and variables necessary to verify proper operation of the system by hand calculation. These
parameters and variables include, but are not limited to, timers T1 and T2
Nm, and the calculated interpolated pulses N1.
Using the diagnostic displays provided, the unit should be functionally tested by performing a sequence of prove
runs and analyzing the displayed or printed results (refer to Annex B).
the possibility of receipt of spurious pulses during the proving process.
is installed that provides an output signal of frequency F'm
0.001 % is installed that provides an output pulse signal separated by time period T'2, simulating the detector
switch signals. This signal is connected to the detector switch inputs of the pulse interpolation device.
that has the lowest number of pulses per unit volume to be proved with the equipment, at the highest proving
The pulse interpolation function is also more critical when there are fewer clock pulses collected between the
detector switches. Set the pulse period of the second generator to provide a volume time, T'2, equal to that which
1000 pulses per barrel) at a maximum of 3000 barrels per hour.
Volume time T'2 for 0.81225 barrels at 3000 barrels per hour:
= 3600 × 0.81225 / 3000
T'2 = 0.9747
Flowmeter frequency F'm
= 3000 × 1000 / 3600

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6
F'm = 833.33333 Hz.
N'1 F'm times the simulated

volume time T'2.
= 833.33333 (Hz) × 0.9747 (seconds)
N'1 = 812.2491
Verify the actual results displayed or printed by the pulse interpolation device under test, ensuring that they are
within ±0.01 % of the calculated value.
It is possible to select a simulation frequency F'm above whose pulse period is an exact multiple of time period T'2,
F'm, or the simulated detector switch period T'2 slightly to

ensure that the interpolated pulses will include a fractional part of a pulse.
encompass the prover device’s range of prover volume times, T2 Fm. The
volume time, T2 Fm, that the pulse interpolation electronics is designed to accept.
overall accuracy of the proving operations within the pulse-signal-frequency range tested.
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Annex A
(informative)
Pulse Interpolation Calculations
A.1 General
The double-chronometry method of pulse interpolation is described in Section 5. Figure A.1 is a diagram of the
electrical signals required for the technique. The technique provides the numerical data required to resolve a
following three electrical counters (CTR): CTR-Nm CTR-T1 to count the time
CTR-T2 to count the time between detector signals,
displaced volume to fewer than 10,000 to achieve a discrimination uncertainty of 0.02 % (±0.01 % of the average)
for a proof run.
The required time/pulse discrimination guidelines are presented in Section 5 and should be used in conjunction
with a prover designed in accordance with the sizing parameters described in API MPMS Chapter 4.2.
data and are not necessarily representative of all available pulse interpolation methods.
A.2 Examples
The following data are given1 :
Fc = clock frequency used to measure the time intervals, in hertz > (20,000/Nl) Fm.
Fm
Nm CTR-Nm).
NI T2/T1) Nm.
T1 N) in seconds = 2.43914 (CTR-T1).
T2
seconds = 2.43917 (CTR-T2).
If the required pulse interpolation discrimination uncertainty is better than ±0.01 %, then:
10,000 > (20,000/200 pulses)(520 hertz)
> (100)(520)
> 52,000
1
These examples are for illustration purposes only. They are not to be considered exclusive or exhaustive in nature. API
makes no warranties, express or implied for reliance on or any omissions from the information contained in this document.
7
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8
NOTE The period of the clock is the reciprocal of the frequency, T = 0.00001 second. The discrimination of the clock is
0.00001
/ 2.43914, or 0.0004 %. The requirement for the value of Fc and the discrimination requirement in Chapter 4.6, Section 5.3.2
To calculate the interpolated pulses:
N1 = (2.43917 / 2.43914)(200)
= (1.00001)(200)
= 200.002
Using equipment as shown in Figure A.2, the following data applies:
Simulated data:
F’m = pulse frequency of generator number one simulating meter pulses, in hertz = 233.000.
T’2 = pulse period of generator number two simulating detector signals, in seconds = 1.666667.
Observed data at prover computer being tested:
Nm
T1 Nm = 166,523.
T2 = number of clock pulses accumulated during simulated prove volume = 166,666.

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Note that both timers T1 and T2 accumulated > 20,000 clock pulses, satisfying the discrimination requirement
detailed in 4.1.
Comparison of results:
N'1
= F'm x T'2
= 233 x 1.666667
= 388.33341
N1 = calculated interpolated pulses based on prover computer observations:
= Nm (T2/T1)
= 388 x 166666/166523
= 388.33319
N'1 and N1 is better than ±0.01 %, so:
(N'1 – N1)/N'1 < 0.0001
(388.33341 – 388.33319) / 388.33341 = 0.0000005

9
The test device results agree with calculated results based on traceable pulse generator data within 0.00005 %.
NOTE Full discrimination was used in these examples; however, results may be rounded in accordance with API MPMS
Chapter 12.2[5].
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10
Figure A.1—Double-Chronometry Timing Diagram
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11
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Annex B
(normative)
The pulse interpolation test assembly requires a stable high-speed, free running clock that is divided down by a
test. It will then simulate the detector switches Ds1 and Ds2 at programmable and highly repeatable intervals,
numbers generated (but not a higher accuracy). Clock speeds of 1 MHz or greater are required. The requirement
of a stable high-speed, free running clock virtually eliminates the use of digitally synthesized frequencies. The
user shall avoid using input frequencies that may saturate the input of the receiving device(s).
Before the simulation is started, the following parameters need to be set:
1) The divider ratio “Dr” is a programmable value. The frequency of the high-speed clock divided by “Dr” gives
the meter pulse frequency.
2) The number of whole meter pulses to be collected.
Tests should be conducted at both the minimum and the maximum input frequency of the device under test.
A prove simulation cycle can be initiated by a digital output from the device under test, or from a push button on
the simulator.
B.2 Clocks and Counters

There is a counter synchronized with the low-speed (divided down count) clock for the whole number of pulses
requested and two counters synchronized with the high-speed (master) clock. The two high-speed counters are
meter pulse (10,000 in the example) and Ds2.
Upon receiving the launch signal, the launch delay timer will start, and when the predetermined launch delay
has expired, the simulator will wait until the next leading edge of the low-speed meter pulses, designated pulse
“-1” in the example drawing (Figure B.1). When the leading edge is detected, the Ds1 timer will start to count the
high-speed master clock pulse.
12
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13
In the example drawing (Figure B.1), the divider ratio (Dr) is set to 10,000 and the Ds1 count has been set to
7000. After seven of the high-speed clocks have been counted, detector switch Ds1 will be generated. This would
mean that Ds1 is generated 3/10th of a meter pulse meter pulse “0”.
A low-speed counter then counts the whole number of meter pulses, and when the desired whole number is
reached (1000 in the example), the Ds2 high-speed counter is triggered. In the example drawing (Figure B.1),
is triggered, 6/10ths of a meter pulse after the 1000th meter pulse.
In this example (Figure B.1), the clock speed is 10,000 times that of the meter pulse frequency. Assuming a meter
1000.900 pulses.
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14
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Bibliography
[1] API MPMS Chapter 4 (All sections), Proving Systems
[2] API MPMS Chapter 4.8,

Volumetric Correction Factors
15
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Manual of Petroleum

THIRD EDITION, OCTOBER 2021

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Copyright © 2021 American Petroleum Institute

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Can: As used in a standard, “can” denotes a statement of possibility or capability.

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

2 Normative References .................................................................................................................................. 1

4 Double-Chronometry Pulse Interpolation ...................................................................................................... 2

5 Electronic Equipment Calculation Testing ..................................................................................................... 4

Annex A (informative) Pulse Interpolation Calculations ............................................................................................. 7

1 Diagrammatical Example of Pulse Interpolation .......................................................................................... 3

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

API MPMS Chapter 4.2, Displacement Provers

found in the API MPMS Chapter 1,

volume of the prover.

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

4 Double-Chronometry Pulse Interpolation

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Figure 1—Diagrammatical Example of Pulse Interpolation

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

uses clock frequencies in the megahertz range.

4.2 Conditions of Use

4.3 Flowmeter Operating Requirements

MPMS Chapter 4.2, Annex E.

should be in accordance with API MPMS Chapter 4.2, Annex E.

5 Electronic Equipment Calculation Testing

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

5.2 Functional Operations Test Requirements

the possibility of receipt of spurious pulses during the proving process.

is installed that provides an output signal of frequency F'm

1000 pulses per barrel) at a maximum of 3000 barrels per hour.

= 3600 × 0.81225 / 3000

Flowmeter frequency F'm

= 3000 × 1000 / 3600

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

F'm = 833.33333 Hz.

N'1 F'm times the simulated

= 833.33333 (Hz) × 0.9747 (seconds)

F'm, or the simulated detector switch period T'2 slightly to

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Pulse Interpolation Calculations

T1 N) in seconds = 2.43914 (CTR-T1).

10,000 > (20,000/200 pulses)(520 hertz)

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

To calculate the interpolated pulses:

Using equipment as shown in Figure A.2, the following data applies:

Observed data at prover computer being tested:

T2 = number of clock pulses accumulated during simulated prove volume = 166,666.

N1 = calculated interpolated pulses based on prover computer observations:

N'1 and N1 is better than ±0.01 %, so:

(N'1 – N1)/N'1 < 0.0001

(388.33341 – 388.33319) / 388.33341 = 0.0000005

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Figure A.1—Double-Chronometry Timing Diagram

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Copyright American Petroleum Institute

Before the simulation is started, the following parameters need to be set: