Smart gas meters: how smart flow meters are arranged and work + installation features of 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 able to measure flow with high accuracy.

Moreover, in addition to accurate measurements, a new class of devices provides a complete transfer of accounting information without involving people - gas consumers. But how does such a counter work and is it possible to install it with your own hands?

These are the issues we will raise in our article - we will consider the device and the principle of operation of the new meters, we will talk about the rules of installation and preparation for operation. The material presented is supplemented by thematic photos and videos.

What is a smart meter?

Let's try to figure out together what a new smart gas meter is and how it works. So, the term “smart”, as applied to a new measuring device, should be considered simply as a functional of modern electronics based on a microprocessor.

Microprocessor (in fact, computer) control of various types of equipment is a phenomenon that has already become commonplace. Now, the turn came directly to gas metering devices, which until recently, for the most part, still remain mechanical. But if we combine smart control with the accounting function, we get a smart counter.

An example of a gas measuring device with a mechanical operating principle. Such devices do not fully meet the needs of the modern national economy.

If we implement the idea of ​​installing fully smart gas meters, we will get a major breakthrough in the field of gas consumption metering by the population. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with gas consumption standards.

In the case of the installation of smart metering devices, it is provided:

• high accuracy of measurements;
• high degree of reliability of devices;
• reliable protection against unauthorized access;
• universality of installation;
• automatic transfer of information.

The new intelligent device can really be considered “smart”, given the ability to perform gas volume measurements independent of pressure, conduct self-tests, remotely detect and record external influences.

Intelligent gas meter independently determines the characteristics household gasentering our apartments, keeps an archive of information on measurements and technical events.

The design of the device and the principle of operation

There are a number of smart gas meters developed by specialists from foreign countries, as well as domestic experts.

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 of domestic companies, approximately resembling smart gas metering designs:

• "Grand" - SPI G4 - G10;
• "Vector" - T G4;
• SGBET Sigma G1.6 –G10;
• "Omega" ETK GSM G1,6 - G4;
• SGBU G1.6 - G6;
• BK-G ETe G4, G6;

In fact, all of these devices are a prototype of old mechanical systems, simply supplemented by an electronic module. Accordingly, they do not provide the full functionality of a smart device.

Nevertheless, there are 2019 developments, which we will discuss in detail below.

Grand gas meter - an attempt to implement a smart device. As a result, the device turned out to be working, but not sufficiently meeting all the requirements of truly intelligent electronics

Imported measuring modules, for example, Metrix (Apator) products, in principle, meet the stated requirements for intellectual support.

However, according to domestic experts, Apator gas meters and other foreign companies do not correspond to gas volume measurements for standard conditions (T = +20 ° C, P = 101.3 kPa).

Option # 1 - Metrix Flowmeters

Perhaps, some new Apator products from the Metrix product range may already be an example of a smart gas meter imported from abroad.

In particular, two developments deserve attention: the intelligent UniSmart module and the GybridSmart hybrid system.

Appearance of an auxiliary module of the UniSmart class, designed to equip a conventional mechanical membrane gas metering device

The first UniSmart development is presented as an auxiliary module, which supplements an existing meter, 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 functions like a reed switch (pulse sensor). One revolution of the mechanical counter corresponds to one pulse of the sensor - this is how the UniSmart module reads data.

Under the transmission of read data to the server, the work of the radio channel is organized - the electronics built into the module. All the necessary parameters of the module are pre-programmed and stored in the "firmware" of the device (memory chip). It is permissible to change the firmware data if necessary, including remotely.

A more advanced device from the Smart series of metering devices, representing an almost complete assembly, including a measuring device equipped with digital intelligent functions

The second development is GybridSmart. The device, in fact, is an analogue of the first UniSmart device, with the only difference being that the whole two-in-one design is used in this embodiment. That is, a gas meter and a functional intelligent module make up a single assembly.

Option # 2 - microthermal smart meter

A new development of the Russian company Technomer (Arzamas) is a microthermal device designed to perform direct measurements of the passing volume of natural gas.

Smart Flowmeter Features

The device fully complies with standard conditions for measuring volume units (T = + 20 ° C, P = 101.3 kPa). Parameters are transferred to the remote server by the cellular communications system (GRPS).

The structure of a smart gas meter - a product manufactured by the Technomer company: 1 - electronics board; 2 - sensor with microthermal properties for measuring gas volume; 3 - instrument housing (aluminum); 4 - plastic cover

In the picture above, the structure structure of the microthermal meter from the series of smart devices.

As can be seen in the image, the main components of the device are:

• strong reliable case;
• built-in microthermal sensor;
• electronics module;
• control LCD display;
• protective cover (cover) of the electronic module and display.

The electronic board contains a microcontroller, the corresponding binding of electronic components and a connected digital display (control display). The electronics of the board provide both the measurement procedure and the procedure for generating / transmitting data (built-in telemetry module).

How does a microthermal meter work?

A microthermal sensor acts as a converting device for gas volumetric flow in the meter design. Specifically, in the development of the Technomer company, a sensor of the SGM6xxx series is used (a product of Swiss manufacturers).

It measures the passing medium with the calorimetric principle. Made by MEMS technology, which ensures high performance.

Block diagram of a microthermal sensor for measuring gas flow: 1 - working channel; 2 - heating element; 3 - silicon wafer (substrate); 4 - equalization channel; 5 - temperature sensors; 6 - gas flow

The sensor works as follows: in the path of the natural gas flow (working channel), a modular sensitive element is installed on the silicon substrate, consisting of a heater and a pair of temperature sensors. The passing gas stream is heated directly in the part where the temperature sensors are installed.

As a result, the limited gas flow has a slightly different temperature, due to which a temperature difference is formed. Theoretically, this is a rather complicated physical process, but the main thing is that it works, and very qualitatively, in terms of measurement accuracy.

Option # 3 - gas meter for a smart card

Using the product of the Actaris company as an example, consider another completely modern device, which is a diaphragm gas meter, supplemented by payment execution control.

A feature of this design is the presence of a shut-off valve in the device design, which automatically shuts off the gas supply, for example, at the time of an emergency.

However, this same structural element is successfully used to block in case of non-payment by the consumer for gas sampling.

Version of a household gas meter supplemented by a smart card reader. The built-in reading module acts as a gas blocker, both in the event of an accident, unauthorized access, or in case of late payment

Such a flowmeter has, as part of the design, a device for reading data from the card. This refers to the plastic smart card of the subscriber, which comes as an addition to the counter installed by the user.

Despite the fact that there is actually a mechanical gas consumption control system, thanks to the installation of a smart card reader module, the device was turned into a semi-automatic system.

It is enough for the user to insert a credit smart card into the corresponding slot. The device automatically reads the required information and withdraws funds in payment for the consumption of domestic gas.If the funds ran out and the user did not timely take care of replenishing the account, then the smart meter immediately cuts off the gas supply to a specific subscriber.

Energy meter smart meter

Smart flowmeters, like simple electronic ones, are completely autonomous - they do not require the use of additional mains power. The autonomy of the devices provides a pair of batteries - batteries.

In particular, the main energy element is the Li-SOC12 battery (lithium-thionyl chloride), while the Li-MnO battery is the backup battery.₂ (lithium manganese oxide).

The main energy source of a smart gas meter is a lithium thionyl chloride (Li-SOC12) battery cell. Provides ten-year performance of smart metering device

The main battery gives a voltage of 3.6 volts, is a removable and fully replaceable component. The second (backup) battery is rigidly mounted in the electronic circuit board, and therefore does not provide for interchangeability.

This 3-volt power supply is connected to the system at the time of replacement of the main battery, which ensures the safety of the technological parameters of the device.

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the main power supply is enough for the meter to work for up to 10 years. Therefore, battery replacement, as a rule, coincides with the instrument calibration procedure, which is usually carried out every 5-6 years. The backup battery, provided that there is no main battery, is guaranteed for 1 year.

Rules for installing new meters

Given the ambiguous operating conditions of the instruments, the corresponding gas meters, including “smart” designs, are presented with the appropriate placement standards in relation to other gas appliances and installation rules (requirements).

The installation procedure of the control device for the consumed volumes of domestic gas is traditionally accompanied by the implementation of the relevant norms and rules. For smart, modern meters, these rules are easily enforced.

In particular, for the device manufactured by Technomer, the requirements look as described below:

1. The device should be mounted inside closed utility rooms, in extreme cases - on the street under a specially equipped canopy. The meter must be reliably protected from direct sunlight and precipitation.
2. It is allowed to mount the device on pipelines laid both vertically and horizontally, it does not matter at what angle the installation is performed.
3. If installation is done on a horizontal or vertical pipe section, the direction of gas flow through the meter can be ignored. That is, the device can be placed in any position in the direction. However, the manufacturer recommends adhering to the direction according to the pointer on the meter body.
4. It is not permissible to install the meter at the lowest points of the gas pipe, since in this version of the installation there is a danger of condensation accumulating.
5. If the control samples show the presence of water in the domestic gas, the control meter must be mounted on a vertically located pipeline, choosing the flow direction from top to bottom.

When providing for the installation at a specific place of a new gas meter in apartments, it is necessary to protect the meter from possible shocks, vibrations, and other mechanical influences.

Also, in the case of flow meter transfer Do not forget about the approved transfer rules.

Smart gas flow meter from the SMT Smart G4 series of devices and post-installation “registration” points: 1 - attachment point of the seal of the verification organization; 2 - attachment point of the control seal of the organization supplying gas to the consumer; 3 - sealing point of the inlet fitting of the device

Installation requirements do not specify the specific value of the nominal diameter of the pipe, nor do they stipulate the rules for observing the alignment of the nozzles of the flowmeter and pipes. There are also no specific requirements for the degree of roundness of the pipes, the presence of ledges at the points of interface of the meter with the gas pipe.

Preparation for operation and start-up

According to the established rules, the post-installation preparation of a smart meter for start-up involves the procedure for checking the mounted assembly 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 - smooth openinggas stopcock 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 rules and sealing rules gas meters.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Novelty always somewhat scares potential users or consumers. Nevertheless, there is no escape from technological progress. In addition, technologies significantly advance the service component.

By installing a smart gas meter in your own apartment, a potential consumer relieves himself of the task of constantly monitoring data and transmitting information to the place of inquiry. It is easy to install and use, extremely picky to maintain.

What do you think about replacing old meters to new smart flowmeters? If you use such a smart metering device, share your experience with other visitors to our website, tell us about the advantages and disadvantages found during operation. Express your opinion, participate in discussions and discussions - the contact form is located below.