In this guide, you will find four things which you should keep in mind as you select a gas flow meter technology for uses in a natural gas pipeline or industrial processes. Between the new and traditional meter alternatives, picking the right flow technology is the initial step to achieving precise measurement of gas flow. However, most people over look this consideration since it requires research and they end up selecting flow meters that offer unsatisfactory results. What is vital in choosing the correct meter technology is ensuring merits outweighs its disadvantages since no meter is perfect. Below are four tips you should consider before picking the appropriate technology.
1.Gas flowmeter purpose or application
Why do you require the
gas flow meter?
Do you want to know the amount of fuel gas? Are you using it for commercial, industrial or residential purposes? Do you need to monitor gas flow in the industrial process? You should check if you have to measure for the custody transfer because not every flow meter is approved to measure gas for custody transfer uses or for measuring gas in the ownership transferal. You should also comprehend the cost of the meter, maintenance, and installation.
2.The type of gas to monitor or measure
You should also consider the kind of gas that you need. Do you want it single or mixed? Is there any composition variation? Ascertain whether you want a dirty or clean gas. Is the gas pipeline, processed, fuel, digester or flare? Check the flow range operation of your gas and its accuracy necessity. All meters are designed for a unique flow range. Some of these
meters have a better rangeability implying they can effectively handle variations in the flow ranges. You should determine what is more important to you, is it the accuracy, repeatability or application?
3.The position of the gas flow meter
Where will you install the gas meter? Ensure the installation place of the gas meter is free from the interference from environmental conditions like heat, electricity or cold. Also, the preferred location has to be coherent with the government regulations. Moreover, check the size of the pipe, the duct materials and if there are environmental conditions that may impact your pipeline and ultimately the meter.
4. Short term and long term meter needs
Check whether you need a gas flow totalizer which will maintain the running of the gas which has passed over a specified time. Consider whether you require a signal output. Additionally, you have to comprehend the meter calibration needs. All gas flow measurement sensors should be calibrated in the factory. However, some of the meters need to be frequently calibrated and therefore have to be removed and taken to the gas flow meter manufacturer or a NIST accredited calibration institution. Some other meters provide calibration features which allow you to check whether the meter is in calibration. You also should check if the meter will enable upgrades. With the presence of PLCs, SCADA systems or advanced electronics, manufacturers provide upgrades to make sure your meter works efficiently, optimally and accurately.
5. Do you need gas mass flow or volume flow?
For gas volumetric flow measurement, we often refer to gas turbine flow meter, vortex flow meter, DP flow meter and so on, while for mass flow meter measurement, we often use coriolis flow meter or thermal mass flow meter.
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