Natural gas measurement involves taking various physical properties of the gas such as its temperature, pressure, and volume, and then using these values to calculate the amount of gas that is present. This process is known as gas metering. There are a number of different methods that can be used for gas metering, including flow meters, orifice meters, and turbine meters.
In this guide, we will be going over what to look for when choosing a natural gas meter, what regulatory steps you may need to take to get set up, and discuss the installation and testing. Let’s begin!
Choosing a Natural Gas Meter
When choosing a gas meter, you need to consider the gas that will be measured, the flow rate, and the accuracy required. Flow meters are best for low flow rates, while orifice and turbine meters are better for high flow rates. Accuracy is important when measuring gas volumes, so you need to choose a meter that can provide the level of accuracy needed.
One should read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before installation. It is also important to check with the local authorities to make sure that the meter is installed in compliance with all applicable codes and regulations. Your city’s building and engineering departments are great places to start.
Calibrating the Meter
Once the meter is installed, it needs to be properly calibrated to ensure accurate measurements. Check the meter for proper operation by taking measurements of the gas flow rate and verifying that the readings are consistent.
Also, check to see that the meter is properly calibrated and is reading accurately. If there are any problems with the meter, contact the manufacturer or local authorities for assistance.
Types of Natural Gas Meters
Maintaining a gas meter in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions is extremely important, as it allows for accurate measurement of the amount of natural gas present. There are a number of different methods available for conducting gas metering, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Flow meters measure the volumetric flow rate of natural gas within a pipe or duct system. Volumetric flow rate is a measure of the amount of fluid that passes through a certain area in a given time period. It is usually expressed in terms of volume per unit of time, such as cubic feet per minute (cfm) or liters per second (L/s). A volumetric flow rate can be used to determine the gas flow rate in a pipeline.
Orifice meters measure the velocity created by a restriction in a pipe or duct system, which then creates a pressure differential from one side to the other which can be measured to calculate the flow rate. Turbine meters measure the rotation speed imposed by the fluid passing through them and use this data to calculate an accurate flow rate measurement.
When choosing a gas meter, it is important to consider all relevant factors that could affect the accuracy such as the type of gas being measured, flow rate, and accuracy requirements. Flow meters are best suited for low-flow applications while orifice and turbine meters are more appropriate for high-flow applications due to their higher accuracy requirements.
The level of accuracy required should also be taken into consideration when selecting a meter so that its performance meets your needs. Again, follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully during installation and maintenance so that any potential issues can be avoided or rectified quickly if needed.
Regular Inspection and Calibration
Furthermore, regular inspection and calibration should be conducted to ensure ongoing performance accuracy in addition to complying with local regulations regarding natural gas meter usage. See the instructions below on how to measure the gas flow rate.
To measure the gas flow rate, you will need a meter that is correctly calibrated and functioning properly. You will also need a way to measure the time it takes for a predetermined volume of gas to pass through the meter.
First, close off all valves on the pipeline system except for one. Turn on the valve and allow the system to come up to full pressure. Close off the valve and wait 10 minutes to allow any transient effects to dissipate.
Next, open the valve and start measuring the time it takes for 1 cubic foot (cf) of gas to pass through the meter. Record this time and then close off the valve. Repeat this process two more times and average out the three readings. This is your cfm reading for that particular valve.
Natural Gas Measurement Is Essential to Maintaining Its Energy Efficiency
We hope this look at the process of natural gas measurement has shed some light on what our oil and gas workers are doing every day out in the field, often at a much bigger and more crucial scale than home use. Their commitment to efficient energy use and conservation is to be commended! And if you’re working directly in the oil and gas industry and are looking for a more efficient means of handling operations, AOF Industries can help!
We are a team of highly skilled professionals who offer natural gas measurement services. We can help you perform monthly calibrations, meter repairs and installations as well as provide third-party witnessing for any installation or repair work that needs to be done on your meters!
