In the liquefied gas transportation process, the lpg pipeline flowmeter plays a crucial role in controlling the quantity, ensuring fair trade and stable production. However, to make it accurately measure without "going off track", these knowledge points need to be understood!
For liquefied gas pipeline flowmeters (taking volumetric type as an example), measurement is achieved through fixed displacement chambers: the fluid drives the chamber components (such as rotors, scrapers) to rotate, and a fixed volume of liquefied gas is discharged each time it rotates once. The counter records the number of rotations and converts it into flow rate. This principle directly links the measurement accuracy to the sealing performance of the chamber and the wear of the components. If there is leakage in the chamber or wear of the components, the measurement will "deviate".
The temperature, pressure and gas-liquid state of liquefied gas are constantly changing. Flow meters must be "robust"! For example, high-quality flow meters (such as LPG - M50) rely on the design of differential pressure valves to ensure that the liquefied gas is in a liquid state during measurement, avoiding interference from gas-liquid mixture; at the same time, they can withstand temperature changes, pressure changes and viscosity changes. Even if the pipeline pressure rises from 10 bar to 26 bar (the maximum pressure capacity of LPG - M50 is 26 bar), with significant temperature differences between winter and summer, the measurement accuracy remains stable like an "old dog", which is capable of handling complex working conditions.
Don't wait until the meter fails before you regret it! Here are 3 points for daily maintenance:
Filter cleaning: Regularly remove and clean the internal filter (especially in gas stations where the amount of impurities is beyond imagination), impurities blocking the chamber = warning of "meter failure";
Calibration cycle: For high-frequency usage scenarios (gas stations), it is recommended to calibrate quarterly; for low-frequency scenarios (industrial kilns), calibrate every half a year. Lock in the "data credibility" with a third-party calibration report;
Sealing inspection: Check the pipe connections and sealing parts of the flowmeter housing. Once there is gas leakage, not only will the meter readings be inaccurate, but there will also be hidden safety hazards. Check monthly!
If you make the wrong choice, the maintenance will be so exhausting that you'll collapse! When choosing, consider the following 3 points:
Scene matching: For gas stations, prioritize those with continuous fine adjustment + high repeatability (such as LPG - M50, with a repeatability of ≤ 0.1%). They can withstand high-frequency transactions; for industrial kilns, choose those that are durable + low maintenance, with less downtime and less worry;
This small flow meter hides principles, working conditions, maintenance, and selection "chains" behind it. Only by understanding these can it "stand firm" in the liquefied gas pipeline without causing major problems such as measurement failures!
