Vena contracta taps offer the greatest differential pressure for any given flow rate, but
require precise calculations to properly locate the downstream tap position. Radius taps are an
approximation of vena contracta taps for large pipe sizes (one-half pipe diameter downstream for
the low-pressure tap location). An unfortunate characteristic of both these taps is the requirement
of drilling through the pipe wall. Not only does this weaken the pipe, but the practical necessity of
drilling the tap holes in the installed location rather than in a controlled manufacturing environment
means there is considerable room for installation error14.
Corner taps must be used on small pipe diameters where the vena contracta is so close to the
downstream face of the orifice plate that a downstream flange tap would sense pressure in the highly
turbulent region (too far downstream). Corner taps obviously require special (i.e. expensive) flange
fittings, which is why they tend to be used only when necessary.
Care should be taken to avoid measuring downstream pressure in the highly turbulent region
following the vena contracta. This is why the pipe tap (also known as full-flow tap) standard calls
for a downstream tap location eight pipe diameters away from the orifice: to give the flow stream
room to stabilize for more consistent pressure readings15.
Wherever the taps are located, it is vitally important that the tap holes be completely flush
with the inside wall of the pipe or flange. Even the smallest recess or burr left from drilling will
cause measurement errors, which is why tap holes are best drilled in a controlled manufacturing
environment rather that at the installation site where the task will likely be performed by nonexperts.