Portable Gas Meter Verification Using In-Situ Natural Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current verification systems for commercial and residential gas flow meters, which rely on air testing, fail to accurately measure natural gas flow due to the proximity and access limitations, resulting in inaccurate accuracy over time.
Innovation Solution
A portable verification system with a wheeled cart containing a calibrated ultrasonic meter, air blower, and flexible hoses, allowing in-situ testing of gas flow meters using natural gas, with power provided by an uninterruptable power supply and generator, and utilizing flow control valves for precise measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air testing is used to verify gas flow meters, then testing can be performed without natural gas flow, but the measurement accuracy for natural gas deteriorates because the system measures air properties instead of natural gas properties
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters (flow rate, pressure, temperature) to match actual natural gas service conditions. The test gas flow rate is varied between 10-100% of meter capacity, and the system compensates for environmental parameters to maintain measurement accuracy specific to natural gas properties rather than generic air testing
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized test gas interface and flow conditioning system acts as an intermediary between the test gas source and the meter under test. This intermediary ensures proper flow distribution, pressure regulation, and temperature control to create authentic natural gas flow conditions through the meter, eliminating the air-natural gas property mismatch
2Measurement precision
If meters are taken off line for testing, then measurement accuracy can be verified, but service interruption and loss of time occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary setup and calibration actions before connecting to the meter. Test gas lines are pre-positioned, flow meters are pre-calibrated, and the testing apparatus is pre-assembled on a mobile cart, enabling rapid connection and immediate testing without extended service interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, with quick-connect couplings that allow the meter to remain installed and potentially continue serving customers during testing. The mobile cart configuration enables the system to be dynamically positioned and connected without removing the meter from service
3Measurement precision
If testing is performed at fixed locations, then measurement consistency can be maintained, but adaptability to different field conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile test cart is designed as a universal platform that can test various types of gas meters (residential, commercial, industrial) across different locations. It incorporates standardized test procedures, multiple flow rate capabilities, and environmental compensation features that maintain measurement consistency whether testing in urban, rural, or remote field conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and efficient verification of gas flow meters in situ, correcting any discrepancies and maintaining meter accuracy by comparing field measurements with a calibrated reference meter.
Implementation Method 1
a calibrated ultrasonic (master) meter
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a portable verification system can move from one commercial building or residential home gas flow meter location to another and temporarily connect to the building's or home's natural gas piping. The portable verification system may be connected to the gas flow meter by a flexible hose having a lap joint flange at one end. Adaptor fittings can be used to provide additional versatility. When in an intended use, natural gas flows into the reference meter and then into the gas flow meter connected to the commercial building or residential home. Downtime is limited to the time required to complete a circuit between the gas flow meter and the portable verification system.