Total Energy Measurement

INTRODUCTION
Metering of gas has traditionally been limited to volumetric measurement expressed in cubic meters / hour or cubic feet / hour. But what is of major importance to producers, distributors and consumers of natural gas, is the total energy delivered. This is becoming increasingly vital as Third Party Access to transmission and distribution bundles natural gas from various sources in an infinite combination of gas composition and quality. This shift from gas measurement to energy measurement demands high measurement accuracy, exact gas analysis and a comprehensive control system. INSTROMET offers a systems approach to this challenge with a combination of a highly accurate metering system, the ENCAL 2000 Energy Information System, a control centre based on the proven 793 Flow Computers and a sophisticated supervisory system. In the facility illustrated, a combination of two separate measurement principles, ultrasonic and turbine, delivers the ultimate in precision, stability and diagnostic comparison.

ULTRASONIC CUSTODY TRANSFER GAS METERS

The Q.Sonic is INSTROMETs top of the range ultrasonic gas flow meter. The combination of sophisticated transducers, digital electronics and the unique patented configuration of five individual paths (for diameters of 12 and above) results in an ultrasonic gas flow meter with unprecedented qualities and unequalled minimum downtime. When 100 % redundancy is required, the Q.Sonic can be equipped with an additional axial path with its own set of electronics to ensure reliable operation whatever the circumstances. The proven accuracy (better than 0.5 %) and insensitivity to installation conditions have resulted in approval of this meter for custody transfer, by among others, the Canadian, Dutch and German standards authorities. Ultrasonic metering has also received the green light in the USA with the recently published A.G.A. Report No. 9.

TURBINE GAS METERS

The INSTROMET turbine gas meter SM-RI-X is a precision measurement instrument which in combination with an integrated flow conditioner is designed for conditions requiring the highest accuracy, stability, repeatability and dependability over years of continuous service. These meters are available from 2 to 24 in size and suitable for all non-corrosive gases at pressure ranges from atmospheric to 100 bar (1,440 psi) and more.The measurement range (typically 1 : 20 to 1 : 60 depending on pressure) and accuracy (better than 0.5 %) can be confirmed through high pressure calibration tests conducted by internationally recognised standards authorities such as the Netherlands Measurement Institute (NMi). The integrated X4X (patented) flow conditioner eliminates the influence on the turbine of the most severe flow disturbances such as swirl. This unique device fully satisfies international standards such as ISO 9951 with only 2 diameters of upstream piping required. This permits the design of very compact installations without a significant effect on accuracy and reduces the uncertainty caused by installation effects.
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GAS CHROMATOGRAPHS

INSTROMETs gas chromatograph, the ENCAL 2000, is designed to measure the composition of natural gas. Using the gas composition the system calculates the heating value, (relative) density, compressibility and Wobbe index. Its unique high speed sampling system continuously delivers a fresh sample to the analyser which is the sensor of the Energy Information System. This transmission occurs in a fraction of the sampling period. Within 7 minutes a complete analysis is made and the data are transferred through an optical serial link to the Control Unit.

THE CONTROL UNIT

The Control Unit usually situated in the Operations Control Centre contains the Flow Computer cabinet with its flow computers, station controllers and all the necessary communications and IT equipment required for collection of data, analysis and diagnostics, and transparent transfer of information. Its most important elements are :

793 Digital Flow Computers :

Specifically designed and developed to complement the turbine meter, ultrasonic meter and gas chromatograph, they collect and process the data necessary for energy measurement. The pressures and temperatures are passed from the SMART transmitters using a HART protocol which under normal conditions lead to a maximum error of less than 0.1 %. This truly digital functioning also reduces sensitivity to electromagnetic interference to an absolute minimum. This data can be integrated with other relevant information such as actual flow measurement, compressibility calculations, and linearised algorithms for meter calibration curves. Powerful and flexible diagnostics are built in, both for measurement calculations and for its own operational monitoring.
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INSTROMET supervisory suite :

This sophisticated supervisory system can interface with up to 16 flow computers and two gas chroma-

tographs, and perform all supervisory functions relevant to the complete metering system. Besides summating total station flow it compares data from the individual flow computers, calculates the energy, controls valves, monitors alarms, performs diagnostics, presents all data to the operator, and generates extensive reports. Operating becomes easy using its graphic screen with mimics, trends, extensive alarms and events, help functions and single key actions. Communications with host computers, DCSsystems and pipeline control systems are available. Special functions also include for performance optimisation, such features as computerised calibration, time synchronisation to satellites, faxing and E-mailing of reports and archiving of measurements and reports. A choice of hardware is also possible from effective low cost units up to a fully redundant system with hot swappable disks for maximum availability.

INSTROMET has agents and representatives worldwide.

YOUR SALES OFFICE OR REPRESENTATIVE:

For your nearest sales office or representative please contact: INSTROMET INTERNATIONAL N.V. Rijkmakerlaan 9 - B-2910 Essen BELGIUM Tel: +32 3 670 0700 - Fax : +32 3 667 6940 E-mail: sales@instromet.be Web-page: http://www.instromet.com/

INSTROMET has a continuing program of product research and development. Technical specifications and construction may change due to improvements. This publication serves as general information only, and all specifications are subject to confirmation by INSTROMET.

Gas measurement and control equipment