Smart gas meters: how smart flow meters are designed and work + features of installing new meters
Digital technologies open up new opportunities for obtaining accurate information on the consumption of electricity, water, gas, and other energy resources consumed by the population. And now, the market offers consumers smart gas meters that are capable of measuring consumption with high accuracy.
Moreover, in addition to accurate measurements, the new class of devices ensures full transmission of metering information without the involvement of people - gas consumers. But how does such a counter work and is it possible to install it yourself?
We will raise these questions in our article - we will look at the design and principle of operation of new meters, we will talk about installation rules and preparation for operation. We will supplement the presented material with thematic photos and videos.
The content of the article:
What is a smart flow meter?
Let's try to figure out together what a new smart gas meter is and how it works. Thus, the term “smart”, as applied to a new measuring device, should be considered simply as the functionality of modern electronics based on a microprocessor.
Microprocessor (essentially computer) control of various types of equipment is a phenomenon that has already become commonplace. Now, the turn has come directly to gas meters, which until recently, for the most part, still remain mechanical.But if you combine smart control with the metering function, you get a smart meter.
If we implement the idea of installing fully smart gas meters, we will get a serious breakthrough in the field of metering gas consumption by the population. We also recommend that you read gas consumption standards.
In the case of installing smart metering devices, the following is ensured:
- high measurement accuracy;
- high degree of device reliability;
- reliable protection against unauthorized access;
- installation versatility;
- automatic transmission of information.
The new smart device can truly be considered “smart”, given its ability to perform pressure-independent gas volume measurements, conduct self-diagnosis, and remotely detect and record external influences.
The smart gas meter independently determines the characteristics domestic gas, arriving at our apartments, maintains an archive of information on measurements and technical events.
Device design and operating principle
There are a number of developments of smart gas meters made by specialists from foreign countries, as well as domestic specialists.
However, judging by the information for the first quarter of 2019, domestic developers are not yet ready to bring devices to the commercial market that fully meet all the requirements of a smart device.
There are several devices from domestic companies that roughly resemble smart gas metering designs:
- “Grand” – SPI G4 – G10;
- “Vector” – T G4;
- SGBET “Sigma” G1.6 –G10;
- “Omega” ETC GSM G1.6 – G4;
- SGBU G1.6 - G6;
- BK-G ETe G4,G6;
In fact, all of these devices are prototypes of old mechanical systems, simply supplemented with an electronic module. Accordingly, they do not provide the full functionality of a smart device.
However, there are developments for 2019, which we will discuss in detail below.
Imported measuring modules, for example, products from Metrix (Apator), in principle meet the stated requirements for intelligent software.
However, according to domestic experts, gas meters from Apator and other foreign companies do not correspond to gas volume measurements for standard conditions (T = +20 °C, P = 101.3 kPa).
Option #1 - Metrix flow meters
An example of an imported smart gas meter, perhaps, can already be some new products from the Apator company from the Metrix product series.
In particular, two developments deserve attention: the UniSmart intelligent module and the HybridSmart hybrid system.
The first development of “UniSmart” is presented as an auxiliary module that complements an existing metering device, for example, the “UG” series. The module supports the protocol (WMB) of the EN13757-4 standard, which guarantees the ability to connect to equipment from other manufacturers.
The module is connected directly to the gas meter and functionally acts like a reed switch (pulse sensor).One revolution of the mechanical counter drum corresponds to one sensor pulse - this is how the “UniSmart” module reads data.
To transfer the read data to the server, the operation of a radio channel is organized - electronics built into the module. All necessary module operating parameters are pre-programmed and stored in the device’s “firmware” (memory chip). Firmware data can be changed if necessary, including remotely.
The second development is “HybridSmart”. The device, in fact, is an analogue of the first “UniSmart” device, with the only difference being that this version uses a one-piece “two-in-one” design. That is, the gas meter and the functional intelligent module form a single assembly.
Option #2 - microthermal smart meter
The new development of the Russian company Technomer (Arzamas) is a microthermal device designed to perform direct measurements of the flowing volume of natural gas.
Features of the smart flow meter device
The device fully complies with the standard conditions for measuring volume units (T= + 20 °C, P= 101.3 kPa). The parameters are transmitted to the remote server by the cellular communication system (GRPS).
The picture above shows the structure of a microthermal meter from a series of smart devices.
As can be seen in the image, the main components of the device are:
- durable, reliable body;
- built-in microthermal sensor;
- electronics module;
- LCD control display;
- protective casing (cover) of the electronic module and display.
The electronic board contains a microcontroller, corresponding electronic components and a connected digital display (control display). The board's electronics provide both the measurement procedure and the data generation/transfer procedure (built-in telemetry module).
How does a microthermal meter work?
The converting device for volumetric gas flow in the meter design is a microthermal sensor. Specifically, in the development of the Technomer company, a sensor of the SGM6xxx series (a product of Swiss manufacturers) is used.
It measures the passing medium using the calorimetric principle. Made using MEMS technology, which ensures high performance characteristics.
The sensor operates as follows: in the path of natural gas flow (working channel), a modular sensing element consisting of a heater and a pair of temperature sensors is installed on a silicon substrate. The passing gas flow is heated directly in the part where the temperature sensors are installed.
As a result, the restricted gas flow has a slightly different temperature, which creates a temperature difference.Theoretically, this is a rather complex physical process, but the main thing is that it works, and very efficiently, in terms of measurement accuracy.
Option #3 - gas meter for a smart card
Using the example of the Actaris product, we will consider another completely modern device, which is a diaphragm gas meter, supplemented with payment control.
A special feature of this design is the presence of a shut-off valve in the design of the device, which automatically shuts off the gas supply, for example, in the event of an emergency.
However, the same design element is successfully used for blocking in case of non-payment by the consumer for gas sampling.
Such a flow meter includes a device for reading data from a card. This refers to the subscriber's plastic smart card, which comes as an addition to the meter installed by the user.
Despite the fact that there is actually a mechanical gas consumption monitoring system, thanks to the installation of a smart card reading module, the device was turned into a semi-automatic system.
The user just needs to insert the credit smart card into the appropriate slot. The device automatically reads the required information and withdraws funds to pay for household gas consumption. If the funds run out and the user does not take care of replenishing the account in a timely manner, the smart meter immediately cuts off the gas supply to a specific subscriber.
Energy replenishment of a smart meter
Smart flow meters, like simple electronic ones, are completely autonomous - they do not require the use of additional mains power. The autonomy of the devices is ensured by a pair of batteries - batteries.
In particular, the main energy element is a Li-SOC12 battery (lithium-thionyl chloride), while the backup is a Li-MnO battery2 (lithium manganese oxide).
The main battery produces 3.6 volts and is a removable and fully replaceable component. The second (backup) battery is rigidly mounted into the electronic board, and therefore does not provide for interchangeability.
This 3-volt power source is connected to the system when the main battery is replaced, which ensures the safety of the technological parameters of the device.
According to the manufacturer's specifications, the main power source is sufficient to operate the meter for up to 10 years. Therefore, replacing the battery, as a rule, coincides with the instrument verification procedure, which is usually carried out every 5-6 years. The functionality of the backup battery, in the absence of the main battery, is guaranteed for 1 year.
Rules for installing new meters
Taking into account the ambiguous operating conditions of devices, gas meters, including “smart” designs, are subject to appropriate accommodation standards in relation to other gas appliances and installation rules (requirements).
In particular, for a device manufactured by Technomer, the requirements are as described below:
- The device should be installed inside closed utility rooms, or, in extreme cases, outdoors under a specially equipped canopy. The meter must be reliably protected from exposure to direct solar radiation and precipitation.
- It is possible to mount the device on pipelines laid both vertically and horizontally, and it does not matter at what angle the installation is performed.
- If installation is done on a section of a horizontal or vertical pipe, the direction of gas flow through the meter may not be taken into account. That is, the device can be placed in any position in the direction. However, the manufacturer recommends following the direction indicated on the meter body.
- It is unacceptable to install the meter at the lowest points of the gas pipe, since this installation option creates a danger of condensate accumulation.
- If control samples show the presence of water in household gas, the control meter must be mounted on a vertically located pipeline, choosing the flow direction from top to bottom.
When planning to install a new gas meter in apartments at a specific location, the meter should be protected from possible shocks, vibrations, and other mechanical influences.
Also, in case flow meter transfer We must not forget about the approved transfer rules.
The installation requirements do not stipulate a specific value for the nominal diameter of the pipe, nor do they stipulate the rules for maintaining the alignment of the flowmeter nozzles and pipes. There are also no specific requirements for the degree of roundness of pipes or the presence of ledges at the points where the meter meets the gas pipe.
Preparation for operation and start-up
According to established rules, post-installation preparation of a smart meter for launch involves performing a procedure for checking the mounted unit for leaks.
For this, standard means are used - at home, soap foam, professionally - gas leak sensors.
After checking, the device is put into operation. Recommended starting method - soft opening gas shut-off valve on the line where the meter is installed.
It is necessary to ensure that the working area of the smart meter is filled without a sharp increase in pressure, so as not to damage the sensitive components of the system with a pneumatic shock.
We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the standards and sealing rules gas meters.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Novelty is always somewhat frightening to potential users or consumers. However, there is no escape from technological progress. In addition, technology significantly promotes the service component.
By installing a smart gas meter in his own apartment, a potential consumer relieves himself of the task of constantly monitoring data and transmitting information at the point of request. It is easy to install and use, and is extremely easy to maintain.
What do you think about replacing old meters for new smart flow meters? If you use such a smart metering device, share your experience with other visitors to our site, tell us about the advantages and disadvantages discovered during operation. Express your opinion, participate in discussions and debates - the contact form is located below.
They will force you to install it, I will install it. I have never had problems with payment. I transmit readings via the Internet, and payment is withdrawn from my bank account