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Customer magazine online:www.elster-instromet.com
P r o f i l e s
Smart metering: precise and secure!• M2R 75: higher capacities and flexibility
• UniGuard diagnostic software
• The new Ferrari red gas cabinet – a hit in Antwerp
The Elster-Instromet customer magazine2/ 2009
2 E D I T O R I A L Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009
This Editorial has got nothing to do witheither relationships or rock bands. “KISS”stands for Keep It Simple and Straight forward – a useful guideline to rememberwhen addressing day-to-day challenges.
The “simple and straight forward” conceptcannot always be seen from the outside, it is often hidden in the inside principles of,for example, the modular programmingof the new Elster-Instromet flow computerFC1, which will be shown for the first timein public as part of the World Gas Exhibitionin Buenos Aires. On the other hand, some-times it is visible at first sight, as whenusing the plug & play mechanism toconnect a volume corrector to an Elster-Instromet turbine meter or rotary meterequipped with an Absolute ENCODER.Having plug & play functionalities in placeof a complex process of combining twodevices is such a convincing step forwardthat the Absolute ENCODER has almostbecome standard in some markets.
These two examples concern devicesalready available. They have been eithermodified to work with a simplified internalstructure, or extended in functionality sothat they can be more easily handled andare less subject to fault and error. The firststep in designing or inventing new devices,however, is often compiling the list ofrequirements or the specification. This iswhere the important decisions are madeas to whether a device will be complexand difficult to handle, or easy and straightforward. At such a stage of product development, identifying what is essential,
what is beneficial, and what is dispensableis a difficult task. It can often be easy notto question requested features, and yetother people will need to live with the consequences.
Among all the complexities in our industry,the KISS principle is particularly essentialfor smart metering. The dictionary defines“smart” as cute, stylish, clever or capable,but not as “complex” or “complicated”. If the specifications for smart meteringsystems require too many functions at thepoint of measurement, the stream of datawill grow tremendously and risk beingsubject to failing transmissions. Further-more, the multifunctional devices in allhouseholds – previously simply calledmeters – will have to carry additional elements such as buttons, displays withcomplicated menus, etc., which are sub-ject to misunderstandings, costly calls tothe helpline, fraud and, finally, failure.
The Elster-Instromet team will help you tokeep things simple and straight forward.After all, we have one main target in common: ultimately, we want the productswe supply to work properly.
With our very best wishes,
Peter HampelElster GmbH
Publisher:Elster GmbH55252 Mainz-Kastel, Germanywww.elster-instromet.com
Editorial staff: Gudrun Biedermann, Elster GermanyPaul Webster, Elster Instromet UKJack Cheng, Elster-Instromet SingaporeNick Williams, Elster Instromet UK
Please write to:Europe / Africa / America / Australia:Elster GmbHGudrun BiedermannSteinern Strasse 19–2155252 Mainz-Kastel, GermanyT +49 (6134) 6 05-2 18E [email protected]
Asia:Elster-Instromet Sdn. Bhd. (Singapore Branch)Jack Cheng160 Paya Lebar Road#04-01 Orion@Paya LebarSingapore 409022T +65 62477728E [email protected]
England: Elster Metering Ltd. Steve Case Tollgate Business Park Beaconside, Stafford Staffordshire ST16 3HS, England T +44 1785 275306 E [email protected]
Authors:Antony Cockshott, AustraliaDr. Harald Dornauf, GermanyPeter Hampel, GermanyJacob Freeke, The NetherlandsDusan Fridrich, SlovakiaPatrick Keiffer, GermanyPaul Ladage, GermanyCarsten Lorenz, GermanyBen Manson, AustraliaRadoslav Masár, SlovakiaWerner Mohr, GermanyRüdiger Pfeil, GermanyPaul Schamari, GermanyJosep M. Sauch, SpainWerner Smet, BelgiumPeter Vogt, Germany
Articles signed by the author reflect his/her personal opinion
Page 1, 2: ©iStockphoto.com/enot-poloskunPage 10: ©iStockphoto.com/Mac99Page 15: ©iStockphoto.com/seastones
Publishing dates: Three editions for the year 2009
K I S S
Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009 D I A L O G U E 3
By far one of the hottest topics of discussion in European utility companiestoday is the introduction of “smart” meters. The further the discussionsabout full-coverage roll-out go, and the more small and medium pilot projects are implemented, the clearer the consequences become. Besidesthe technical and logistic challenges are requirements for custody transferof metering data that should not be underestimated, and therefore tasksfor the Federal and regional data protection officers or authorities.
A brief reviewOn 7 April 2009, the Dutch parliamentrejected an initiative put forward by itsown Ministry of Economic Affairs, whichrequired the compulsory introduction of“smart” meters for all households. Con-sumers who rejected the installation wouldhave faced a hefty fine or even imprison-ment. Consumer protection organisationsexpressed their concerns, however, claiming that the security of the data to be transferred, and the possibility thatpersonal data could fall into the hands ofthird parties, would connote an infringementof the European Convention on HumanRights. The initiative for the compulsoryintroduction of “smart” meters has there-fore been rejected for the time being.
The present situationThe topic of data security in smart meteringhas come to the fore in other countriestoo, not least in the face of the currentscandals concerning data abuse. Utilitycompanies and consumer protectionorganisations and initiatives are challengedwith the task of ensuring personal dataprotection. The German Federal Associa-tion of the Energy and Water Industry(BDEW) has already compiled a draft for a data protection information publicationon the topic of smart metering.
In this context, the so-called Big BrotherAwards have been distributed each yearsince 2000. This is a negative award forcompanies, organisations and individualsthreatening people’s private sphere, or
making personal data accessible to thirdparties. The German Big Brother Awardsaim to reveal improper use of technologyand information.
The effects of such data abuse are enor-mous. Ultimately, however, the protectionof personal data is not the only concern:there is also the vulnerability of criticalinfrastructure systems and thus of securityof supply. The Wall Street Journal, forexample, reports that US security expertshave established that the US power net-work is a target of cyber spies abroadtime and again. Computer specialistshave discovered corresponding softwarewith which parts of the US supply infra-structures can be put out of operation. This
vulnerable infrastructure is critical, wherebyany attack by peaceably-minded hackerssimply looking for a new challengeappears virtually harmless, especially in direct contrast to the possibilities andintentions of a terrorist organisation.
Security with a capital “S”The security and encryption of personaldata has to be a must when introducingsmart metering. Thus correspondingsecurity concepts must be incorporatedinto existing and new smart meteringsystems and take new processes intoaccount, such as the exchange of encryp-tion mechanisms between manufacturers
Diaphragm gas meters used in smart metering
Precise and secure!
4 D I A L O G U E Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009
and energy suppliers, for example. In termsof Elster gas meters, communication protocols will in future be transferredencrypted. Thus personal data and criticalcommands such as the closing and open-ing of a valve integrated in the meter, can neither be seen by third parties norintercepted or simulated. The communi-cation protocols will be transferred en-crypted in accordance with the AdvancedEncryption Standard (AES) 128 (AES en-cryption is permitted in the USA for statedocuments of the highest secrecy level).
In the future, the exchange of data be-tween meter and system will be encryptedwith a user key. To ensure that it will notbe possible for the user key to be illegally
“overheard”, future “smart” meters will beequipped with a so-called default key at the works. This default key is madeavailable to the utility company via a secured file transfer protocol connection,for example, and assist in the encryptionof the user key. This way secure datacommunication can be achieved.
The use of “smart” meters will make the introduction of the above processesfor ensuring data protection inevitable.Obviously, the usual ordering and logisticprocedures surrounding standard meterswill become more complex with the intro-duction of “smart” meters and carefulplanning and consultation between theutility companies and the manufacturersis required.
Of course this article should not stir up anyfears about cyber attacks and complicatedprocedures, but similarly we do not wantto act as though all the hurdles have beencleared. What is certain is that we at Elsterare taking this matter seriously, so that wecan competently support our customerswith the implementation of smart meter-ing – rest assured!
Carsten Lorenz [email protected]
Function monitoring of ultrasonic gas meters
Prevention is better than cure: UniGuarddiagnostic software
For reasons of operational safety, systemoperators can now carry out periodic function checks themselves without diffi-culty. Regular use of this software enablesany malfunctions to be detected beforethey develop into a real problem. Thelong-term stability of the ultrasonic gasmeter can also be monitored. With UniGuard, you can calculate physicalparameters such as the velocity of sound,density, calorific value, etc. in accordancewith the universally recognised standardsAGA 8/10 and ISO 6976.
The software is based on a self-explana-tory sequence comprising just sevensteps.
UniGuard is available free from Elster-Instromet and can be used for all gasmeters with Series II, IV or IV.a electronics.Simply register in the Docuthek to down-load the UniGuard software: www.docuthek.com (select: Elster-Instromet).
Peter Vogt [email protected]
UniGuard is a software tool that helps to easily check the operational reliability of the ultrasonic gas meters from Elster-Instromet. Thanks to the user-friendly interface, even a computer layman can carry out a complete diagnostic run of an ultrasonic gas meter in just a few minutes.
Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009 P R O D U C T S 5
Step 1: A preselection is made.
Step 2: The screenrequests various userentries in order to establish the connec-tion to the meter.
Step 3: During the subsequent data transmissionto the meter, a first brief overview of the meterperformance is shown. UniGuard then beginswith a two-minute recording of the diagnosticdata for an extensive calculation of the meterperformance.
Step 7: Here you can already see the corresponding detailedreports (graphic + numerical) to be saved or printed. Amongother things, the user can easily assess the meter performancethanks to the traffic light marking system used. Green meansthat the meter is functioning properly, yellow that the correspond-ing parameters should be monitored, and red that an exten-sive analysis of the diagnostic values concerned is required.
Step 6: UniGuard supplies a graphic performanceoverview from the data with the given limit values.
Step 5: The user can now enter the given process conditions.
Step 4: Here you can enter the current gas composition in order to compare the measuredvelocity of sound with the calculated one.
6 A P P L I C AT I O N S Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009
Balearic Gas Pipeline Project
Elster-Instromet selected as key supplierfor gas metering systems
All major vendors were bidding for the project, and we are proud tobe the ones to have got such a significant order. Elster-Instromet willprovide about 50 turbine gas meters, 14 flow computers and 4 gaschromatographs for the Balearic Gas Pipeline Project in Spain.
While the natural gas network in Spainhas been extended to cover the entireSpanish mainland during recent decades,the Balearic Islands were in the past supplied with town gas only. This wasproduced, at a reduced capacity, in a factory close to Palma de Mallorca, andlater replaced by an air-propane mixture,with the option that this could be substi-tuted with natural gas in the future.
The topic was toyed with over severalyears of discussion and political powergames until the Spanish government responded to the ecological pressure.They finally approved a project within their gas expansion schedule that wouldsupply the Balearic Islands with naturalgas from the mainland.
In the first project phase, the town ofDenia on the mainland and Ibiza Townwill be connected by a 20-inch submarinesupply pipeline. In the second stage, apipeline with the same nominal size willbe constructed connecting Ibiza with Mallorca. Both projects are currently inprogress and will finally comprise a totalpipeline length of 268 km to transport gas at very high pressures.
The final phase is currently still in the planning stage and will consist of a further16-inch submarine pipeline from Manacor,Mallorca, to Mao, Menorca.
Gas transport to the islands will be carriedout at 70 bar, gas distribution on theislands themselves at 16 bar. Each of thetransport and distribution stations will be equipped with two turbine meters byElster-Instromet.
In addition to the establishment of a gasdistribution network for industrial, com-
mercial and resi-dential applications,three power plants ofcombined cycle type will bebuilt for electricity generation: two plantswill be erected in Mallorca and one inIbiza. The owner of these power plants is Endesa Generación, a member of theE.ON Group.
Elster-Instromet will equip these threepower plants with complete meteringsystems: turbine gas meters of types SM-RI-X and TRZ2, flow computers FC2000and gas chromatographs EnCal 3000.
For submarine transport, compressorstations will increase the pressure of thegas to be transported. Two of these sta-tions will be built on the islands and oneon the mainland. The pipe itself will in factbe used for gas transport, but could alsobe used for gas storage if required. Thecomplete, unassembled metering systemswill be supplied by our branch in Spain,Elster-Instromet S.L., Barcelona.
Elster-Instromet – “We can do it!”
Josep M. Sauch [email protected]
Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009 A P P L I C AT I O N S 7
Retrospective connection of smaller gasstations and gas metering and controlsystems to the public mains supply – only for data communication purposes –is only rarely carried out for economic reasons. Either batteries or solar energyare therefore used in such stations. Whereas batteries need to be changedfrequently, solar modules carry the highrisk of vandalism or theft. Moreover, thesesystems must be designed to also deliver
sufficient energy during longer periods ofdays where there is little sun, and when it snows, in order to ensure data commu-nication at all times. As seen in practice,this is not always the case. Our Germancustomer (Hechingen public utilities)
has realised a concept and developed a solution in combination with Elster’scommunication modules that could set aprecedent.
The idea is simple. Where the infrastructuremakes it possible to do so, the streetlighting is “tapped” for a gas station’senergy supply (Fig. 1). But that only bringsus half way there, covering only the hours during the night. For this reason, a rechargeable battery and a charge controller are used as well. In the exam-ple illustrated, the 12/24 V DC version ofthe industrial modem EM260 (connectedto the volume corrector EK260) is poweredin this way (Fig. 2). In addition to this, a
In addition, all devices designed to beconnected to the 230 V network are alsoavailable in different versions so that youcan use them with DC supplies (Table 1),perhaps soon in one of your systems?
Rüdiger Pfeil [email protected]
freeze protector is installed that ensuresoperational safety in winter, when the outside temperature is below 0°C. Theelectrical installation is accommodated in a separate control cabinet (Fig. 3). Ifnecessary, the energy consumption couldalso additionally be recorded with anelectricity meter.
In comparison to solar power supply, thissolution guarantees the modems’ energysupply at all times, because the energyrequired during the night for data com-munication and for charging the batteriescan be calculated exactly, regardless ofwhether there is sun, rain or snow.
Street lighting as an alternative to solar energy
Come rain, shine or snow
The reading frequency of data loggers and volume correctors has continuously increased in recent years. Registration equipment fromsmall C&I stations is often read on a daily basis. The communicationdevices therefore require a permanent energy supply.
Fig. 1: Gas station in direct proximity to a street lamp
Fig. 2 and 3: Separate control cabinet with rechargeable battery, charge controller and freezeprotector for the energy supply of modem and volume corrector
Device Input voltage ATEX approval as associated equipment
DL210 9 – 24 VDC No
DL240 12/24 VDC Yes
EM260 12/24 VDC No
FE260 10 – 30 VDC Yes
Devices suitable for supply with a direct voltage source
8 P R O D U C T S Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009
All of Elster-Instromet’s turbine and rotarygas meters are now on offer pursuant tothe new MID Directive for measuringinstruments. However, existing nationaland international EC approvals will stillapply until the end of their approval period – some into 2016. The aim of this MID Directive is to harmonise the internal market of the European Union and to lift tradebarriers, promoting free move-ment of goods among the EUstates. For measuring instru-ments already in use, nationallaw still applies, e.g. concerningrecalibration periods.
Customers of rotary gas meters of the RVG or IRM series, in particular, can enjoy the significant advantage that,in accordance with MID, these meters can be ordered at the factory with ameasuring range of up to 1:160. Up untilnow, manufacturers could only offer ameasuring range of 1:20 under the pre-vious EC approval. The national approvalsand calibrations, which were requireduntil now, are no longer applicable.
Elster-Instromet will not change the prac-tical calibration procedure. As until now,we will, under the MID, also carry out allmeter calibrations on at least six testpoints, although the harmonised standardEN 12480 for rotary gas meters only requires three test points.
As most of the turbine gas meters areused in an operating range up to 16 bar,we recommend a high-pressure test at 8 bar in addition to the low-pressure testat the factory. In this way, the low-pressuretest covers the operating range of 0 to 4 bar while the subsequent range of 4 to16 bar is covered by the high-pressuretest. In order to guarantee maximummeasurement accuracy, the test value ofhigh-pressure calibration should, in prin-ciple, depend on the actual operatingpressure of the respective gas station.
As end customers, we expect maximummeasurement accuracy from both taximeters and wine glasses – after all, we all only want to pay for what we haveactually ’consumed’ ...
Do you have any specific questions? Wewould be happy to answer them.
Patrick Keiffer [email protected]
What do a gas volume meter, a taxi meter and a modern wine glasshave in common? These products and many more are subject to thelegal metrology regulations and must be appropriately tested, approvedand identified in accordance with the European MID 2004/22/EC. MIDstands for “Measuring Instruments Directive” and its identification isidentically structured for all products and therefore seen increasinglyoften in everyday life.
Turbine and rotary gas meters with extended approval
MID – so new and yet so common
One more of the turbine gas meters’ specialfeatures has to get a mention. Based on a calibration in accordance with MID, themanufacturer may in the future only indi-cate the operating pressure on the meter’smain plate that is covered by the tests carried out. The conventional low-pressuretest with air allows only an operatingrange of 0 to 4 bar to be specified – anypressures given beyond this require anadditional high-pressure test.
Here, only an operating range of 50 to 200%of the actual test value at high pressuremay be certified on the index plate. If a turbine gas meter is high-pressure tested,e.g. at 10 bar, a range from 5 to 20 barmay be certified on the meter plate, pro-vided that the design pressure of themeter housing of e.g. PN 16 is not exceeded.
Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009 P R O D U C T S 9
News about the Elsterultrasonic gas meter
Ultrasonic transducer Rb-Ti
Volume correction module (PTZ module)
For non-custody transfer applications, we also offer a new volume correctionmodule for CheckSonic and Q.Sonic ultrasonic gas meters.
In addition to the inputs for pressure andtemperature transmitters, the module also includes a display unit and severaloutputs. The PTZ module can be usedtogether with the Series III and Series IVsignal processing units (SPU).
The technical details of the module areshown in the table on page 14.
Pressure transmitter
Q.Sonic ultrasonic gas meter with display/PTZ module
4 to 20 mA, passive or active
4 to 20 mA, passive or active
4 to 20 mA, active or loop
4 to 20 mA, active or loop
High frequency pulse
Low frequency pulse
Status /alarm
Temperature transmitter
New transducer Rb-Ti
Old transducer Rb5
The successor for the transducer Rb5used for nearly 10 years is now availablein the form of the newly developed ultra-sonic transducer Rb-Ti. The wetted parts ofthe Rb-Ti are made of titanium and fea-ture both an extended pressure and tem-perature range and a potentially higher
insensitivity to soiling compared to its predecessor.
As neither the dimensions nor the installa-tion type have changed, the new trans-ducers can be directly used in place of theold ones.
The new ultrasonic transducers havebeen incorporated into the production ofultrasonic gas meters with immediateeffect.
Specification:• Frequency 200 kHz• Tmax 120°C• pmax 150 bar (retractable under pressure)
> 400 bar (non-retractable)• Interchangeable with Rb5 transducer
Two-part design: The wetted part is made oftitanium, the connection block of brass.
10 P R O D U C T S Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009
Function Internal volume correction with live inputs for pressure and temperature (for non-fiscalmetering only!)
InputsRS-232 serial port Internal connection to the flow meter board (ProDSP)
2 x analogue inputs 4 to 20 mA, passive or active (24 V DC), two-wire, 16 bit resolution, scalable rangeTemperature input: -50 to +200°C (-58 to +390°F)Pressure input: 0 to 25,000 kPa (0 to 3625 psi-a)
Outputs2 x analogue outputs Active or loop powered, 4 to 20 mA, two-wire,
16 bit resolution, scalable range
HF output (high frequency) Opto-coupler, 0 – 5000 Hz, Imax = 30 mA
LF output (low frequency) Opto-coupler, 1 pulse per 0.1 m3/1 m3/10 m3/ … 100,000 m3
alternatively imperial units, Imax = 30 mA
Status/alarm Opto-coupler, Imax = 30 mA
Display + keypad LED, backlit, 4 lines x 20 characters, 4 keysDisplay and keypad are used for PTZ board set-up.In normal operation, the main values are displayed alternately.
Calculation methods (Z) • Off, volume correction disabled• AGA 8 gross method 2• SGERG-88
Ambient temperature range -20°C to +60°C
We will continue to keep you posted on the topic of ultrasonic gas measurement.
Jürgen Wolff [email protected]
Q.Sonic-plus and flow computer FC1
New Elster products make their debut at the NSFM Workshop
At the 27th North Sea Flow Measurement Workshop, Elster-Instrometwill show two new products to the public for the first time. These willbe the new Q.Sonic flow meter and the new flow computer, which will be shown during this event being held in Bergen, Norway, from20 – 23 October 2009.
The forty-man R&D team of Elster-Instromet’sinternational Ultrasonic Division workedhard to develop a next generation Q.Soniccalled ‘Q.Sonic-plus’. “We’re excited,” saysMartin Bragg, Group Division Director andHead of Research and Development, “tobe showing this meter for the first timeafter two-and-a-half years of developmentthat includes newly filed patents and ournew ‘MeasCon Technology’ trademark
Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009 E V E N T S 11
that is our chosen platform for the end-user interface. MeasCon Technology™ is the software platform upon which wewill build a whole new customer interfaceexperience that aims to simplify the con-tinuous on-line validation of a meter. Byincluding an established Real-Time Oper-ating System (RTOS) that is optimised for embedded applications that place apremium on maximum reliability, securityand testability, the Q.Sonic-plus sharessoftware with the avionics industry thatoffers the highest level assurance. TheEvaluation Assurance Level (EAL) for thissoftware is set at 6+, High Robustness, on a scale of 1 to 7, which is why it is usedin both military and commercial aircraftsystems. We believe that the EAL of ourchosen operating system is vital to ourcustomers’ applications and to the in-dustry as a whole.
As we develop the product, we will en-hance the meter by adding an innovativeand patented path configuration takingthe MeasCon Technology to new heights.We’re thrilled to be attending this 27th
NSFMW and exhibiting, for the first time,our new generation electronics with an
enhanced path configuration and newtransducer technology.” As a pioneer inthe field of ultrasonic flow meters andmanufacturer for over 20 years we knowwhat it takes to develop a product thatcan be relied upon when metering reallymatters. To date, Elster-Instromet suppliedmore than 4000 ultrasonic flow metersworldwide. “We’ve built upon the strengthsof the first generation Q.Sonic, but haveenhanced it with a number of major de-velopments in response to our customers’requirements,” Martin concludes.
Additionally the new flow computer, called‘FC1’, will be shown to public. “The develop-ment team of the Electronics Division hassuccessfully developed a product thatbrings the best of two worlds together,”Jörg Kern, Director of the Electronics Division, explains. “It combines the full flexibility of the FC2000 applied for theupstream and transmission market withthe specific needs and standards of thegas-net F1 flow computer used in the
is particularly true in the field of hydro-carbon flow measurement, where themeasurements we make have a higheconomic importance.
The North Sea Flow Measurement Workshop is the key world event wherespecialist engineers, involved in all aspectsof oil and gas production, meet to reviewflow measurement methods, techniquesand advances. Meeting alternately inScotland and Norway this annual eventsuccessfully bridges the gap betweenacademic flow measurement conferencesand scientific seminars. The objective ofthe conference is to maintain its positionas the world venue for presentations anddiscussions of the state of the art tech-nologies related to oil and gas measure-ment. The workshop also focuses on thepractical applications of this technology.
Jacob Freeke [email protected]
downstream distribution market.” Thetechnical concept sets innovative stan-dards as a basis for flexible customer- oriented solutions. A modular systemdesign for both hardware and software,combined with a modern full graphictouch screen display, makes the FC1 a forward-looking, next generation flowcomputer. In a dynamic world it is impor-tant to stay ahead of developments intechnology, regulation and practice. This
12 P R O D U C T S Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009
Elster-Instromet has already been workingfor quite some years as a preferred andstrategic supplier for Eandis for the con-struction and engineering of distributionand customer cabinets for natural gas.These cabinets are single- or double-linedsystems for natural gas volumes from 650 to 6,500 m3/h. The gas is deliveredthrough an underground pipeline systemat a pressure between 5 and 15 bar.
The birth of the “Ferrari” gas cabinetIn 2007-2008, Elster-Instromet received anorder to build a special kind of gas cabinet:a Ferrari red cabinet. Reason enough toget in contact with Mr. Karel Bontemps,Project Supervisor for EANDIS, the largestmid-pressure gas network operator inFlanders. Mr. Bontemps is responsible forcoordination and deals with project part-ners and public authorities involved inlarge infrastructure projects.
The project in question arose within thescope of an urban renewal project in thenorth of Antwerp, where an entirely newrecreation zone was to be developed. Theonly problem was that the gas cabinethad always been there, but the architectwas not so keen on the “boring building”in the middle of his project. Since Flandersis one of the highest populated regionsper square kilometre in the world, therewere not many options for an alternativelocation. That was how the idea cameabout to create something special thatwould fit in with the “trendy” look of the city quarter.
area, and is in noway in conflict withthe environment.
Even after threemonths, the cabinetstill looks new. Eandis noticed withpleasure that nograffiti or damagehave been reportedto date. The peopleare proud of “their”piece of artwork inthe neighbourhood,and quite rightly so.Mr. Bontemps in-formed me that thesocial surveillanceis relatively highand that this has
certainly contributed to the success.
Future projectsThe city of Antwerp is developing at arapid rate and many large infrastructureworks will be undergone in the near future(the renewal of Schelde quays, a newquarter for +/- 3,000 inhabitants, a newcentral traffic hub in the city centre, “LangeWapper” bridge over the river Schelde,etc.). Perhaps the new standard for cityintegrated gas cabinets has been set?Elster-Instromet is sure they will in the futurereceive more such demands to take partin this kind of city renewal project, and isready to do so. We are at any rate proudto have played a small part in this muchtalked of project.
Werner Smet [email protected]
Eandis fits steel and city life perfectly
The new Ferrari red gas cabinet is a hit in Antwerp
Everybody is familiar with the graffiti covered gas cabinets in alu-minium or brick housing somewhere in their neighbourhood. Thesecabinets are part of a large network and are essential for supplyingnatural gas at the required volumes and pressure to companies andhouseholds for cooking, heating, washing, etc. Although everybodylikes the comfort of having access to natural gas, no one likes to havesuch a cabinet nearby for reasons of aesthetics, noise, and so on.
This was, of course, easier said than done.All parties concerned had to be convincedof the concept.
First, the Eandis Technology Departmenthad to consider the technical feasibility of the project. Safety was another majorissue. The accessibility of the station incase of an incident was also very im-portant. In short: many consequences toconsider and much studying to be donebefore the project could be realised.
Meanwhile, the cabinet has now beenoperating for three months. With greatsuccess. All parties involved in the project,not least the residents, are extremelypleased with the result. The design goesremarkably well with the completely new
Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009 E V E N T S 13
First held in 1994, GAS CHINA is, in its 15th
year, now well established and recognised.A wide range of gas and heating industrymanufacturers presented their productsand services. For visitors, GAS CHINA isalways a good opportunity to learn aboutor compare new premium and standardproducts, discuss distribution techniquesand maintenance services as well asinternational standards and regulations in the various countries.
Elster-Instromet had around 500 registeredvisitors come to its stand (Fig. 1), whereregulators, turbine and rotary meters aswell as the modern technology of ultrasonicgas meters were displayed. Friendly colleagues (Fig. 2) welcomed the visitors,
guided them to the experts for detailedconsultation or distributed the speciallyprepared documentation for the event.Two especially interesting measurement
highlights were presented, which attractedalmost all of the guests: the compactultrasonic gas meter Q.Sonic-4 with itssuperior performance (Fig. 3), and theworld’s first bi-directional turbine gasmeter for custody transfer. On the regula-tors’ side the flexible M2R attracted theusers of this kind of product. The exhibiteddevices emphasise Elster-Instromet’s position as market and technology leaderin the field of gas measurement and control.
For more detailed and up-to-date infor-mation on this part of the world, visit thenext GAS CHINA Exhibition. GAS CHINA2010 takes place in Beijing in June 2010. A date for your diary?
Dr. Harald Dornauf [email protected]
Elster-Instromet measuring products draw the crowds
GAS CHINA 2009 Exhibition
This year the GAS CHINA Exhibition for gas and heating products washeld in Xi’an. The city is the capital of the Shaanxi province in centralChina, well known worldwide for its world cultural heritage, the armyof some 6000 life-size terracotta warriors. Yet Xi’an is not only one ofthe most important cities in the world for historic reasons: it is alsonowadays the most industrialised and developed city in northwesternChina, and is ranked among the 10 largest cities in the nation.
Fig. 1: Elster-Instromet stand at GAS CHINA – open and inviting with interesting products
Fig. 2: Friendly and technically experienced colleagues at the reception desk
Fig. 3: Considerable interest in ultrasonic andbi-directional turbine gas meters
14 A P P L I C AT I O N S Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009
M2R 75
New configuration offers higher capacities and flexibility
The M2R medium pressure two-stage regulator has become a standardfeature for metering applications within the Australian market. The M2Rregulators are sold for applications where inlet pressures vary from 50to 515 kPa. Standard outlet pressures are 2.75, 5, 35 kPa with flow ratesup to 75 m3/h.
The M2R configuration sold to date provideda flow capacity of 40 m3/h, typically installedon the AL425 Elster-American Meter diaphragm meter. More recently, we havebeen supplying the M2R to meet higherflow capacities of 75 m3/h, typically in-stalled on AL1000 Elster-American Meterdiaphragm meters (see picture). Otheradvantages of the M2R design include thevisible indication of when the OPSO hastripped, installation compactness due to a 90 degree orientation, and its suitabilityfor outdoor use. The design is weatherproof and the orientation of the vent onthe top casing can be adjusted so as toensure that no water is trapped. For out-door applications, a small plastic plug isinserted in the vent to prevent wateringress.
Landis+Gyr (former Ampy-Email Metering)have been supplying single-stage ElsterAmerican meter regulators since the1970s, and two-stage regulators into theAustralian market for the last 5 years. The M2R regulator provides a very stableoutlet pressure when the inlet pressurevaries widely, and complements ourrange of regulators and services.
The Landis+Gyr Industrial Gas ServiceCentre at Laverton Victoria is the sitewhere all regulators are configured accord-ing to varying customer requirements and distributed throughout Australia andNew Zealand. The centre is supervised by Mr. Noel Critch (Superintendent of In-dustrial Products) and service managedby Mr. Max Prado (Leading Hand IndustrialGas). A large range of regulators andspare parts is stocked at the IndustrialGas Service Centre, enabling prompt service and delivery to our customers.
For detailled information please [email protected]
Antony Cockshott / Ben Manson
Noel Critch and Max Prado are testing the M2R 75/AL 1000 installation
Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009 S E R V I C E 15
With over 30 participants from 22 countriesspanning 4 continents, we came togetherto study Elster’s products in detail, step bystep. Under the guidance of the develop-ment engineers and product managers,we tested products ourselves, learnedhow devices work and which opportuni-ties they offer. Future-oriented themeswere discussed collectively.
On the first day, we started with the theo-retical side of things at the Informationand Training Centre. We talked about theselected products, in particular the newdevice specifications.
Over the next few days, we split up intosmaller working groups to take an in-depth look into the matter. Installation and commissioning as well as the areas
Middle Rhine Valley, which is a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, will certainly remain inour memories. A few very sporty partici-pants also made the most of the opportunityof taking part in the J. P. Morgan ChaseCorporate Challenge in Frankfurt on theMain.
The enjoyable and exciting days flew by.We can now already promise you thatthere will be another rewarding trainingevent with many new highlights next year.
Paul Schamari [email protected]
of application of the product were tested.It quickly became apparent that workingin small groups was the right approach inorder to use time effectively during thetraining course. We were able to cover theentire product range: gas pressure regu-lators, mechanical measuring technology,turbine and rotary gas meters, volumecorrector EK 220, the gas-net models, flow computer 2000 and ultrasonic gasmeasurement.
Other subject areas were the couplingsfrom the Perfection product range and the
product innovations in the field of smartmetering.
The training course brought about animportant exchange of cross-countryexperiences. It also had to be enjoyable,of course, and after a hard day’s trainingand working, we spent some greatmoments together. One of the highlightswas, for example, our boat trip along theRhine from Bingen to Loreleyfelsen (TheRock of Loreley) on a beautiful summerevening. The unique scenery of hills andcastles amidst the sloping vineyards in the
“Fit for the future” was the motto of this year’s International TechnicalTraining Course. The Elster representatives and product specialists,who convened in Mainz-Kastel from 1 – 18 June, had prepared anextensive programme.
International Technical Training Course 2009
Fit for the future
16 S E R V I C E Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009
“Reliable information is essential for company success”, statedChristopher Columbus more than 500 years ago. Now more than ever we are living in a communication and information society, inwhich variety makes structured form increasingly important. Thismeans that we also consider information for our customers an important commodity.
Specific information makes all the difference
Docuthek, the information platform for technical documentation
In order to fulfil this requirement, we haveset up an online document library called“Docuthek”, where we have stored techni-cal and customer-relevant information.The advantages of this new informationmedium can be briefly summarised: it isfast, up to date, and all data comes froma single source. The Elster Docuthek is a platform for a variety of different docu-ments such as data sheets, operatinginstructions, approvals, declarations ofconformity and, in the future, CAD draw-ings or animation videos as well. TheDocuthek offers detailed informationabout the document, for example:documentation topic, number of pages,key words and order numbers for prints.
How to access this info centre(Docuthek)?Simply using the internet:www.docuthek.com. After selecting theElster-Instromet link (Fig. 1), a menu pagewith different selection options is opened.
Please note that there are two levels ofaccess:1. As a guest: Here you can download
basic information on our products.2. As a registered user: This option
enables you to receive more informationsuch as photos, CAD drawings, etc.(Fig. 2 and 4).
Fig. 1: Access to the homepage
Fig. 2: Access andsearch options
Fig. 3: Desired documents
Fig. 4: Login as a registered user
Search options Access to the registration page
Document typeand languageoptions
Desired document
Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009 E V E N T S 17
As a registered user, your settings aresaved, e.g. document types, language,date of last visit, and you also receive a listof the most recent documents in overviewform. You can also use it to request theinformation subscription. Registration iscompleted with a password sent auto-matically by the system by e-mail in a few minutes. Any data abuse is excluded.
Once in the Docuthek, you can access the desired information either by 1. using“simple search” or 2. using “extendedsearch”. If you find that there are toomany documents displayed, simply limitthe list by selecting a language or docu-ment type (Fig. 2).
Enter a search term or select a term fromthe “Navigation” box. A list with PDF docu-ments from the topic area you selectedappears in the screen mask. You can nowopen the desired document by clicking on the PDF symbol (Fig. 3).
The information subscription is a news-letter that the user can set up themselves.You will receive an e-mail at the beginningof each month listing all the new docu-ments of interest to you or for which youhave registered. This enables you to decidewhich folders and subfolders should beincluded in the information subscription.You can also decide which documenttypes and languages are relevant for you.
The user can use the subscription con-figuration to view an overview of theirinformation subscription, change it orunsubscribe at any time.
The Docuthek has already been used successfully for over ten years in the areasof process and heating heat at ElsterKromschröder and has best proved itsworth with this clientele.
If you have any further questions aboutthe Docuthek, please contact Mr. WalterLechert: [email protected] or tel.:+49 (0)6134 605-417.
We wish you much success in workingwith the Elster Docuthek, especially as“The most successful man in life is theman who has the best information.” (Benjamin Disraeli (1804-81), British politician and writer)
Werner Mohr
Buenos Aires plays host to the gas sector
It all starts at the beginning of October – that’s when the World GasConference opens its gates in Buenos Aires, along with the WorldGas Exhibition. Elster-Instromet will be on show from 6 – 9 Octoberwith the most comprehensive range of services from the gas meas-uring and control sectors, and will even be represented by our localmanufacturer Elster-AMCo de Súdamerica.
The World Gas Conference is the mostillustrious event of the year, togetherwith “Metering Europe”. The exhibitswill, of course, show the entire range of
The Elster-Instromet team is looking forward to meeting visitors from all overthe world. You can find us at stand E48 inLa Rural. Come and enjoy our hospitalityand take some time out to discover our world of technology – Welcome toArgentina!
Peter Hampel [email protected]
the portfolio, but the selected highlightsare at both ends of the range: on theone hand, there is, of course, the highlytopical subject of “Smart Metering”, for which we will be showcasing aninter-divisional solution for gas, waterand electricity. The other highlight is theinnovations in the field of gas transport:Elster-Instromet will be presenting thenew ultrasonic gas meter and the newflow computer FC1 to the public for thefirst time.
18 G R O U P Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009
Long before the Slovak Republic became a member of the EU in 2004,Elster had already invested in Stará Turá with an eye to the future. Gas meter production has a long tradition in Stará Turá as gas metershave been manufactured at this site since 1952. From its creationPremagas has been a member of the Elster Group since Elster alreadyheld 25% of the shares in this newly founded company. Elster s.r.o.was established in 1992 with the name Premagas s.r.o., one of thesubsidiaries of the Chirana Stará Turá Group. In 2002 Premagas s.r.o. then became a 100% subsidiary of the Elster Group.
Until then, Elster s.r.o. had manufacturedgas meters on the basis of the company’sown development work, primarily turbinegas meters, quantometers and diaphragmgas meters. Since the company was thenheavily dependent on exports to Easterncountries, the financial crisis at the timehad a massive impact on its markets.Elster s.r.o. nevertheless managed tocome out of this crisis even stronger as aresult of the Elster Group restructuring itsproduction and its entire product range.Since 1997 gas meter production has gradually been changed to Elster productsso that now Elster s.r.o. exclusively manu-factures products which have been de-veloped within the Elster Group.
In 2004 water meters were then also in-cluded in the product range with pressureregulators joining them in 2007 and therange being supplemented with diaphragmand industrial gas meters in 2008.
In 2005 a new production hall was erectedwhere gas and water meters are nowmanufactured along with other products.With a massive floor area which currentlyextends to 8,500 m2, the company is now fully concentrated on the efficientproduction of the very latest equipment. Elster s.r.o. is currently divided into fiveproduction segments which cover the following product groups:• Residential diaphragm gas meters up to
size BK G6• Industrial gas meters: rotary gas meters
RVG and IRM3 as well as industrial dia-phragm gas meters BK G40/G65/G100
• Residential pressure regulators: TypesJ42 and J77
• Industrial water meters: Types H4000and C4000
• Residential water meters: Types MO-A,MO-C, HT3 and HT6
Naturally the new products are also manu-factured using new, modern machiningtechnologies: CNC mills and lathes areused for the actual production processwhile computer-controlled special-purposemachines and equipment are used forassembly. Central data logging with automatic adjustment of the flow rates for
gas from 16 l/h to 4000 m3/h and forwater meters from 15 l/h to 2000 m3/hare standard features for the metrology of gas and water flow rates. New formingtechnologies with green surface treatment(so-called anti-friction coating) are used in the production of housings for gasmeters.
The equipment used by the QA depart-ments has improved accordingly withmodern measuring instruments extendingup to 3-D measuring equipment and, ofcourse, the company now also holds cer-tification under ISO 9001:2008.
Series: Introducing you to a company with tradition and future – Elster
Investing for the future – Elster s.r.o. Stará Turá,Slovak Republic
The new building of Elster s.r.o.
Assembly lines for measuring units V1, V2
Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009 G R O U P 19
With its switch to SAP systems the com-pany has also been brought right up todate in terms of its business informationsystem. The level of process control andequipment has enabled the company tobecome a metrological testing body fortesting water meters and gas metersaccording to EU and MID standards. Theacknowledgement of the tests for selectedmeasuring instruments by metrologicalinstitutions such as PTB in Germany andNMi in the Netherlands has also beenachieved by means of consistent moder-nisation.
Testing line for BK gas meters Deep drawing line with modern anti-friction coating technology
Computerised testing line for C&Iwater meters
Modern sonic nozzle test rig for rotaryand industrial diaphragm gas meters
Today Elster s.r.o. has a workforce of over620 people, making it one of the largestmanufacturers of gas meters, water metersand regulators in Central and EasternEurope. The new, modern production facilities and technologies have not onlyput Stará Turá on the map but have alsounderlined the spirit adopted by the ElsterGroup for the future – having top tech-nology available on every continent in theworld extending to the research stationsin the Arctic.
Radoslav Masár [email protected] Fridrich [email protected]
20 S TA N D A R D S Elster-Instromet Profiles 2/2009
Name plate gas pressure regulators – MR, M2R, HR series
Did you know…
Since the publication of EN 334 and EN 14382 different designationshave found their way into the standard specifications for gas pressureregulators and safety devices.
These terms from the European StandardsEN 334 (Gas pressure regulators), EN 14382(Safety shut-off devices) and the PressureEquipment Directive have also found theirway into many other European Standardsas well as National Standards and Codesof Practice within the European memberstates.
Some of the terms defined in these Stan-dards can of course once again be foundon our name plates for the MR, M2R andHR series. So, to refresh your memory,here is a list of the name plate descripti-ons and a comparison of the old and newterms:
New Old DescriptionPS maximum allowable pressure
Qmax maximum capacity in m3/h (referred to natural gas)
pds (pas) set point of outlet pressure in mbar
pu inlet pressure in mbar
pu min (pe min) minimum allowable inlet pressure in mbar
pu max (pe max) maximum allowable inlet pressure in mbar
AC (RG) Accuracy Class (generally +/- 10% of pds)
SG Lock up pressure class (generally + 20/30% of pds)
Wh set range of outlet pressure pds
V-Ø Sitz-Ø Valve diameter
pso over pressure set point of SSV (generally in mbar)
psu under pressure set point of SSV (generally in mbar)
pSBV set point of relief valve (generally in mbar)
AG Accuracy Group of SSV (e.g. +/- 10% of pso or psu)
Pos. Einbaul. installation position (H/V)
Reg. Registration number of approval certificate
S.N. Fabr.-Nr. Serial Number
Bj. year of manufacture
Natural Gas
The existing initials RG for “RegulatingGroup” have just been changed to AC forthe conventional European “Accuracy Class”.Instead of pa, po, p2 for outlet pressure,today pd is used for “pressure downstream”and pe, pi, p1 for inlet pressure have be-come pu for “pressure upstream”.
In the course of internationalisation variousterms, such as the valve seat diameterand the installation position, amongothers, will likewise be changed in thefuture on the name plates – natural gas(NG) is internationally recognised as standing for natural gas. The mediumspecification is the reference value for the flow capacity.
The serial number (S.N.) in the top left section of the name plate can also befound directly above this in the form of a barcode. The barcode may be used to register the units. Opposite this, in thetop right section of the name plate anownership I.D. for the utility company canby applied, comprising barcode, clearnumber and name. A code can cover upto 14 digits on the name plate. For longerbarcodes, we use an additional label.
Paul Ladage [email protected]
