CNG Coriolis Mass Flow Meters

Why Are Coriolis Mass Flow Meters the Top Choice for High-Pressure CNG Dispenser Measurement?

Compressed natural gas (CNG), as a clean fuel, is increasingly being used in public transportation, taxis, and logistics vehicles. As the core equipment for trade settlement, the measurement accuracy of CNG dispensers directly affects the fair trade between supply and demand parties. In high-pressure and variable operating conditions of refueling scenarios, selecting the right Coriolis flowmeter is a prerequisite for ensuring fair measurement.

The difficulty of measuring high-pressure refueling is not unsolvable

CNG flow measurement

The working pressure of CNG refueling stations is usually as high as 25MPa to 35MPa, and compressed natural gas itself has high compressibility. Traditional volumetric flow meters are greatly affected by the gas compression coefficient, requiring simultaneous measurement of pressure and temperature and multiple compensations to obtain mass flow rate. This not only makes the system complex, but also introduces many error links.

What's even trickier is that the process of refueling vehicles is not constant pressure and current. The gas cylinder is gradually filled from low pressure to high pressure, and the flow rate and pressure are constantly changing. It is rare to see a flowmeter that can maintain stable measurement in such harsh variable operating conditions.

Working principle of Coriolis mass flowmeter

This principle determines a key characteristic of the Coriolis flowmeter - it does not require compensation calculations based on density, temperature, or pressure, and directly outputs mass flow rate. For media such as compressed natural gas(CNG) that are significantly affected by pressure, this characteristic is crucial.

High pressure flow meter: From 300 bars to 350 bar

High Pressure mass flow meter

The rated working pressure of high-pressure CNG dispensers is usually 200 bar, and the high-pressure standard of 35MPa (about 350 bar) is becoming a new trend in the industry.

The Coriolis flowmeter can withstand process pressures up to 350 bar, fully covering the needs of current and future high-pressure CNG refueling scenarios. The liquid receiving components are usually made of 1.4435 (316L) stainless steel material, which has good pressure resistance and corrosion resistance. In terms of medium temperature, it can adapt to the range of -50 °C to+125 °C, and can work stably even under extreme weather conditions.

Accuracy and repeatability: ensuring that every CNG refueling can withstand verification

For CNG dispensers used for trade handover, accuracy and repeatability is the core of measurement work. The mass flow measurement error of the Coriolis mass flowmeter can be controlled within ± 0.5%, and the range ratio can reach 100:1 or more, suitable for all scenario requirements from small flow to large flow.

In the practical application of CNG dispensers, the Coriolis flowmeter serves as the core component for metering, and its flow signal is used to control the switching of high, medium, and low pressure solenoid valves, ensuring a smooth and reliable refueling process. Meanwhile, its excellent repeatability (better than ± 0.1%) ensures the stable performance of the gas dispenser during periodic calibration.

Flow sensor has no moving parts : eliminates the hassle of maintenance

The Coriolis mass flowmeter does not have any flow blocking elements or movable components in the fluid channel. The benefits brought by this structural feature are very intuitive: there is no need to worry about wear, jamming, or sealing failure of moving parts, greatly reducing daily maintenance costs and downtime. Meanwhile, the design without flow blocking components also means extremely low pressure loss, which is particularly advantageous for high-pressure refueling systems.

Easy installation: No need for straight pipe sections

Many flow meters have strict installation requirements - a certain length of straight pipe section is needed before and after flow sensor to ensure fluid stability. Coriolis flow meters do not have this limitation, as they do not require straight inlet and outlet pipes and are easy to install. This advantage is particularly evident in situations where the internal space of the gas dispenser is limited, which can help equipment manufacturers simplify structural design and save valuable installation space.

Why is it time to pay attention to Coriolis flow meters now?

The number of CNG vehicles and refueling stations continues to grow, and the application scope of high-pressure refueling technology is also expanding. The trend of pressure upgrade from 200 bar (2900 psi) to 350 bar (around 5000 psi) and the shift from volumetric measurement to mass measurement have put forward higher requirements for the performance of flow meters.

The Coriolis mass flowmeter has become the preferred technical solution for measuring CNG dispensers due to its comprehensive advantages of direct mass measurement, high pressure adaptability, high precision, no moving parts, and easy installation. For manufacturers developing a new generation of high-pressure CNG dispensers or calibration devices, choosing a suitable flow partner is a crucial step in product competitiveness.

We are willing to provide you with:

• Suggestions for selecting Coriolis mass flow meters for CNG high-pressure refueling conditions

• Customized solution to meet the high pressure level requirement of 350 bar

• Technical parameter support that meets the requirements of the verification regulations

• Quick response quotation and technical communication

If you have any requirements for high-pressure CNG flow meters, please feel free to contact us at any time.