Natural Gas Flow Measurement
Reliable vortex flow measurement for natural gas systems, with no moving parts and measurement technology designed for compressible fluids.
Measuring Natural Gas With Vortex Technology
Natural gas is a compressible fluid, so selecting suitable measurement technology requires careful consideration of the process conditions and the information the system needs to provide. Cadillac® vortex meters offer a dependable method of measuring gas flow across industrial and commercial applications.
How a Vortex Meter Measures Flow
A vortex meter places a fixed obstruction, known as a shedder bar, within the flow stream. As natural gas passes the obstruction, vortices form alternately on either side of it.
The frequency of these vortices has a linear relationship with flow velocity. The meter detects this frequency and uses it to determine the volumetric flow rate through the meter body.
A Practical Choice for Gas Service
Vortex technology is particularly suitable for compressible fluids such as natural gas. Its straightforward measuring principle provides a stable solution without introducing mechanical components that must rotate or travel through the flow stream.
Application note: Meter selection should be based on the natural gas composition, expected flow range, operating pressure, temperature, pipe size and installation conditions.
A Reliable Approach to Natural Gas Flow Measurement
Vortex meters combine a proven fluid-measurement principle with a mechanically simple design. This makes the technology well suited to natural gas applications where consistent measurement and dependable operation are important.
No Moving Parts
Flow is measured by detecting vortices created by a fixed shedder bar. There are no rotating or travelling measurement components within the gas stream.
Linear Flow Relationship
Within the meter’s operating range, vortex-shedding frequency has a linear relationship with flow velocity, allowing the meter to determine volumetric flow.
Piezoelectric Detection
Cadillac® CV-P and CV-HS meters use piezoelectric sensing technology to detect the pressure fluctuations associated with vortex formation.
Multiple Process Uses
Vortex meters can support flow measurement within chemical, petrochemical, power-generation and other process-industry environments.
Natural Gas Is Compressible
Gas density changes with pressure and temperature. The required flow value—such as actual volumetric flow, standard volumetric flow or mass flow—must therefore be established before selecting and configuring the measurement system.
Cadillac® Vortex Meters for Natural Gas
Cadillac Meter offers CV-P and CV-HS vortex meters for natural gas flow measurement. Both use piezoelectric sensing technology, but the sensors are positioned differently within their respective meter designs.
Choosing between the two designs: The appropriate meter should be selected according to the application’s flow range, gas conditions, required measurement output, pipe configuration and installation environment. Cadillac Meter can review these requirements during product selection.
Plan Around the Complete Process
Reliable natural gas measurement depends on more than choosing a meter with the same nominal size as the pipeline. The gas properties, operating envelope, required flow value and surrounding pipework must be considered together.
Reviewing these conditions before purchase helps establish the appropriate meter configuration and identifies any installation requirements that must be incorporated into the piping design.
Gas Composition
Identify the gas being measured and provide the relevant composition or property information needed for correct meter selection.
Flow Range
Use the expected minimum, normal and maximum flow conditions rather than selecting from pipe diameter alone.
Pressure and Temperature
Define the minimum, normal and maximum operating pressure and temperature because changes in these conditions affect gas density.
Required Flow Output
Confirm whether the application requires actual volumetric flow, standardised volumetric flow or mass flow information.
Pipework and Flow Profile
Identify nearby elbows, tees, valves, reducers and other disturbances that could distort the flow profile entering the meter.
Learn More About Flow Measurement
Explore additional guidance covering pipework, volumetric flow technologies and the relationship between meter accuracy and operating range.
Need Help Selecting a Natural Gas Flow Meter?
Share your gas composition, pipe size, expected flow range, operating pressure, temperature and required measurement output. Cadillac Meter can review the application and help identify an appropriate vortex meter configuration.
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