ASME PTC 19.13-1961 PDF

Full title and description

ASME PTC 19.13-1961 — Part 13: Measurement of Rotary Speed (Instruments and Apparatus). This Performance Test Code provided procedures, instrument guidance, and acceptance criteria for measuring rotary speed of rotating machinery used in performance testing (pumps, turbines, compressors and similar equipment).

Abstract

This 1961 PTC described recommended methods and instrumentation for determining rotational speed during performance tests, including types of speed-sensing devices, signal conditioning, mounting and installation practices, calibration and verification procedures, and expected measurement accuracy and uncertainty for typical test applications. The PTC was written to support consistent, repeatable speed measurements in ASME performance testing.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / Inactive (was not an ANSI-approved PTC in its final disposition).
• Publication date: 1961 (listed as May 3, 1961 in catalog entries).
• Publisher: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
• ICS / categories: Measurement instruments and apparatus; performance test procedures; power-plant equipment testing (ASME PTC 19 series).
• Edition / version: Original 1961 edition (PTC 19.13-1961).
• Number of pages: Approximately 19 pages (catalog listings).

Scope

PTC 19.13-1961 covered the measurement of rotary speed for the purpose of performance testing: the standard addressed selection and use of tachometers, stroboscopes, magnetic pickups, and similar devices; installation and mounting considerations for speed pickup; signal processing and readout methods; recommended calibration and verification techniques; and guidance on reporting speed measurements and associated uncertainty. The guidance was intended to be used with other ASME PTCs when speed is a controlling or recorded parameter in acceptance and performance tests.

Key topics and requirements

• Overview of speed-measurement methods (mechanical, optical, magnetic, electronic pickups).
• Instrument selection criteria based on speed range, resolution and environmental conditions.
• Mounting, alignment, and coupling practices to avoid measurement error and vibration influence.
• Signal conditioning, filtering and readout requirements for stable, repeatable measurements.
• Calibration, traceability and verification intervals — recommendations for laboratory calibration and on-site checks.
• Recommended accuracy/uncertainty levels for typical performance tests (historical examples reference achievable accuracies — e.g., instruments capable of about ±0.9% at moderate speeds in pump test practice).
• Reporting format for measured speed, test conditions, corrections and uncertainty statements.

Typical use and users

Intended users included performance-test engineers, test laboratories, power-plant test staff, rotating-equipment manufacturers, instrumentation engineers, and third‑party test agencies. The PTC was used where accurate, repeatable rotational speed measurements were required to compute performance parameters (power, flow relationships, efficiency, vibration assessments, etc.).

Related standards

PTC 19.13 formed part of the ASME PTC 19 family (Measurement, Instruments and Apparatus). Related documents include PTC 19.1 (Test uncertainty), PTC 19.2 (Pressure measurement), PTC 19.3 (temperature/thermowells), PTC 19.7 (shaft power), PTC 19.22 (data acquisition), and other PTC 19 parts that address measurement techniques used in performance testing. Note that many PTC 19 parts have been updated or superseded; PTC 19.13 itself is no longer active.

Keywords

rotary speed, tachometer, stroboscope, magnetic pickup, instrument calibration, performance test code, ASME PTC 19, measurement uncertainty, rotating machinery, test instrumentation

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASME PTC 19.13-1961 is (was) Part 13 of the ASME Performance Test Codes covering measurement of rotary speed (instruments and apparatus) for performance testing of rotating machinery.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It provided methods, instrument guidance, mounting and calibration recommendations, signal and readout considerations, and reporting practices for measuring rotational speed in performance tests.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Test and instrumentation engineers, test laboratories, plant performance staff, manufacturers and third‑party testers needing standardized procedures for speed measurement during acceptance or performance tests.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: PTC 19.13-1961 is listed as withdrawn/inactive (it was not an ANSI-approved code in its final disposition). Its topics have generally been absorbed into later measurement and instrumentation guidance within the PTC 19 series or addressed by newer measurement standards and industry practice. Users should consult current PTC 19 documents and ASME publications for up-to-date measurement requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 13 of ASME PTC 19 (the Instruments and Apparatus / Measurement series). The PTC 19 family contains multiple parts covering pressure, temperature, flow, power, data acquisition and other measurement subjects used in performance testing.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: rotary speed, tachometer, stroboscope, magnetic pickup, calibration, measurement uncertainty, ASME PTC 19.