Flow measurement for natural gas distribution

Panametrics’ products demonstrated reliable and accurate measurements

Problem
A municipal gas distribution network company needed to measure the flow of natural gas at multiple locations on various pipes. Accurate measurements need to be taken for two reasons. First, to evaluate whether the company will be able to meet gas demands over the winter months and secondly, for the company to plan for future expansion.

Knowing the flow rate of gas at various locations helps the company prevent costly outages and provides valuable information when planning to lay new pipe for expansion.

Currently, flow is monitored throughout the network at a small number of the pressure reducing stations (mostly main stations and where large demands are required) by turbine and differential pressure meters.

Besides the obvious draw-backs of these types of meters (pressure drop, costly maintenance and intrusive installation), the customer needed to take measurements in other locations throughout the pipe network.

Solution
Digital Flow CTF878 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter with C-RL transducers installed on various pipe using a CFT clamping fixture. See each location for transducer details.