Precision Metering and Pressure Control with Gas Turbine Flow Meter in Urban Gas Pressure Regulation Skids

A leading urban gas operator needed to achieve high-precision metering of medium-pressure gas (operating pressure 0.8 MPa) at the outlet of pressure regulation skids in its high-pressure distribution network. This was essential for regional gas supply balance and trade settlement. The original orifice plate flow meters suffered from a narrow turndown ratio (only 1:10) and significant pressure loss (>5 kPa), leading to metering errors of ±2.5% during peak gas consumption periods. Additionally, frequent maintenance disrupted continuous gas supply.

Core Challenges

• Wide Turndown Ratio Requirement: The instantaneous gas flow fluctuated significantly (10-600 m³/h), requiring a flow meter turndown ratio of ≥1:30.

• High Differential Pressure Tolerance: The pressure at the skid outlet varied frequently (0.5-1.0 MPa), necessitating a flow meter with a pressure rating of ≥PN16.

• Real-Time Data Transmission: Flow data needed to be uploaded to the SCADA system every minute with a communication delay of <1 second.

• Outdoor Reliability: Installed in an open-air environment on the ground, the meter needed to withstand outdoor conditions such as sun exposure, rain, and temperature fluctuations, with a protection rating of IP65.

Solution

The Sure Instrument LWQ-T3 Gas Turbine Flow Meter was selected and customized to meet the requirements of the pressure regulation skid:

• Wide Turndown Ratio Metering:
  DN100 size with a standard flow range of 20-400 m³/h, extended to 10-650 m³/h. The turndown ratio reached 1:65.
  ±1.0% accuracy with built-in temperature and pressure compensation module for automatic correction of gas volumetric conditions.

• High Differential Pressure Structural Reinforcement:
  SS304 housing with DIN PN16 flanges, capable of withstanding 1.6 MPa pressure and passing a 200,000-cycle pressure shock test.
  Aluminum alloy rotor dynamically balanced to withstand gas flow pulsations.

• Intelligent Integration:
  Modbus RS485 communication for real-time data upload of instantaneous flow, cumulative gas volume, temperature, and pressure to the SCADA system.
  Dual output of 4-20mA and pulse signal to ensure data integrity.

• Adaptation to Harsh Environments:
  Exd II CT6 Gb explosion-proof certification to meet outdoor explosion-proof requirements.
  IP65 protection with an epoxy coating on the cast aluminum housing to withstand outdoor conditions such as sun exposure, rain, and temperature differences.

Implementation Results

Product Specification Adaptation Verification

See the detail: Custom Gas Flow Meter Manufacturer, Lpg Gas Flow Meter | SURE

Client Feedback

"The turndown ratio and low-maintenance characteristics of the SureMeter gas turbine flow meter perfectly match the complex conditions of the pressure regulation skid. The data stability even outperforms imported brands!"

— Manager of Distribution Department, Urban Gas Company

This case demonstrates how high-performance gas turbine flow meters can address metering challenges in wide-range and high-differential pressure scenarios for urban gas pressure regulation skids. It provides a reliable data foundation for smart gas network construction.