MADE TO MEASURE: NEW METER FACILITY SUPPORTS SWITCH TO CLEAN FUEL SOURCES

The Challenge:

Helping meter manufacturers determine if existing gas meters and new technologies correctly measure hydrogen flow rates.

As part of the global drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is a pressing need to move towards clean energy sources, such as hydrogen.

Using hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas in the gas grid networks is a major contributor as we aim to move towards a net zero supply chain.

Manufacturers, gas network companies and governments are working closely to address several associated technical challenges, including accurate flow measurement – essential for customer billing and taxation purposes.

The Response:

TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory, the UK's Designated Institute for Flow Measurement – part of the UK's National Measurement System – is supporting the industry in addressing those challenges after establishing a new hydrogen flow measurement facility.

Manufacturers are now using the world-first resource for the testing and calibrating domestic gas meters for hydrogen service – both pure hydrogen and blends with natural gas – which now checks that their meters work as well for hydrogen as they do for natural gas. It is specifically helping them to determine if existing gas meters and new technologies under development are correctly measuring hydrogen flow rates.

It is helping manufacturers to determine if existing gas meters and new technologies under development are correctly measuring hydrogen flow rates.

The facility can also be used for flow testing of other components and render the ongoing type-testing and meter verification services required by the industry – in due course, meters will have to show compliance with OIML R-137 and CEN/TC 237 for MID approval with hydrogen.

In technical terms, the facility uses bottled gases fed through a manifold to supply gas mixtures to a test section at precisely controlled pressures and flow rates, which are measured using precision reference instruments calibrated to national standards. It operates over various flows, pressures and temperatures to reflect those experienced in service.

The Result:

Beyond ensuring that end users are billed correctly, and suppliers have economic certainty, the research and testing findings at the facility will provide the fundamental information to support a safe switch to clean fuel.

It allows for a complete assessment of meter performance across a range of hydrogen to natural gas compositions, from 0% to 100% hydrogen. The switch from natural gas to hydrogen may occur in a staged approach involving hydrogen/natural gas blends or as a direct switch to pure hydrogen.

The facility has provided an opportunity to grow and develop new talent within the organisation, including the addition of an apprenticeship student from East Kilbride Group Training Association working on the new hydrogen meter system.

It has also created opportunities for employees previously in the oil and gas industry, enabling them to apply their skills and expertise to design, build and work in the sector.

Unlike the oil and gas sector, the hydrogen industry is not linked to specific geographical areas. This means the Glasgow laboratory – a world-leading centre for flow metrology research and development – is more accessible for businesses outside North-East of Scotland.

Find out more:
Find out more: Flow Measurement | TÜV SÜD (tuvsud.com)

Contact:
Jim Holt, Head of Business Development, Jim.Holt@tuvsud.com