METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE ACCURACY OF NATURAL GAS MEASUREMENT

The issue of reliable and accurate natural gas metering is critically important in the context of the ongoing transformations in the gas transmission and distribution systems of our country. These transformations are associated with a decrease in gas transportation volumes, industrial decline, a shift of consumers to alternative energy sources, and other structural changes in the energy sector. This issue is especially relevant for industrial enterprises and gas distribution stations (GDS), where significant fluctuations in gas flow are observed. In particular, the equipment of gas distribution stations often operates outside the optimal range of traditional flow measurement instruments. Therefore, conventional gas metering units (based on a single flow measurement instrument operating under standard conditions) do not always provide the required range and accuracy of measurement across the entire flow spectrum. This leads to economic losses for both gas suppliers and consumers. In this context, the implementation of multiple measurement lines with different measurement ranges and an automatic range-switching system becomes highly relevant. The authors propose the structural configuration of an automated natural gas metering system, substantiate the requirements for its structural components, and develop a control algorithm for automatic switching between the measurements ranges of the system’s lines. The implementation of automated systems with the proposed architecture at industrial facilities and gas distribution stations with variable consumption patterns will significantly expand the measurement range and ensure high measurement accuracy. This will be achieved through optimal use of each line’s flowmeter and will contribute to reducing imbalances in the gas transmission and distribution systems, as well as improving the overall efficiency of natural gas usage.