1. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 4.1.9 Sizing and Selecting Vapor Meters for Gas Distribution Systems Vapor meters are used to measure and record the quantity of propane withdrawn from the customer container. Both the company and the customer are dependent upon its accuracy, which can only be assured by proper installation and maintenance. If the meter is slow (passes more gas than it registers), the company will lose revenue. If the meter is fast, the customer will be charged for more than he uses. In either case, the customer or the company will lose money. Accurate measurement is important both to the company and to the customer.

2. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 4.1.9 Sizing and Selecting Vapor Meters for Gas Distribution Systems In this module you will learn to: (1)Identify types of vapor meters (2)Determine proper vapor meter size (3)Select propane vapor meter accessories and options (4)Identify examples of meter and regulator sets

3. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Identify Examples of Meter and Regulator Sets Figure 1. Gas Meter Set

4. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Identify Examples of Meter and Regulator Sets CFH x 2500 Btu/CF = Btu/hour Example: 80 CFH x 2500 Btu/CF = 200,000 Btu/hr The three types of vapor meters used in the gas industry are: 1.turbine meters 2.rotary meters 3.diaphragm meters Diaphragm meters are the most common type of meter used to measure propane vapor. The propane capacity ratings of diaphragm meters range from as little as 80 cubic feet per hour (CFH) to more than 6,000 CFH. To convert from cubic feet per hour for propane to Btus per hour use the following formula:

5. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Identify Examples of Meter and Regulator Sets In order to convert a diaphragm meter’s natural gas rating to a propane capacity rating, use the following formula with the capacity conversion factor (Fg) for propane: Converting a Diaphragm Meter Rating for Natural Gas to Propane Rating Natural Gas CFH x Fg = Propane CFH Example: 210 CFH x 0.63 = 132 CFH (Fg for propane is 0.63, the specific gravity of natural gas divided by the specific gravity of propane.)

6. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 3 Determining Proper Vapor Meter Size Half-Pound Systems — To determine meter capacity when sizing a vapor meter the following characteristics of the system must be considered: Operating Pressure Maximum Allowable Pressure Drop When sizing vapor meters for half-pound systems, select the meter according to its capacity at ½ inch water column pressure drop. Total Appliance Demand Select a meter with a propane capacity as close to, but greater than, the total demand of the vapor distribution system’s existing and any anticipated future gas appliances. Temperature Compensation Because vapor volume varies with temperature, vapor meters selected for measuring customer gas consumption must be equipped with temperature compensators.

7. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 4 Determining Proper Vapor Meter Size Two PSI Systems — Be sure the meter is temperature compensated and specified for use in 2-PSI propane systems.

8. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 4 Selecting Propane Vapor Meter Accessories Meter Indexes — Because a vapor meter measures the volume of gas used by the equipment in a distribution system, a meter index must be read. Built-in mechanical gearing that automatically converts gas volume to liquid volume is provided in some meters which read in gallons, pounds, or liters of propane liquid. Also, meters that read in units of heat value are internally converted to read in the desired units. The proving dials of these indexes read in cubic feet or cubic meters. There are three basic types of indexes used in propane meters.

9. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 5 Selecting Propane Vapor Meter Accessories Direct Indexes — COURTESY OF AMERICAN METER DIV Figure 2. Direct Index

10. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 5 Selecting Propane Vapor Meter Accessories Circular Indexes — COURTESY OF ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL Figure 3. Circular Index

11. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 5 Selecting Propane Vapor Meter Accessories Observation Indexes — Meters with observation indexes should not be installed in the distribution systems. COURTESY OF AMERICAN METER DIV., SINGER CORP. Figure 4. Observation Index

12. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 6 Selecting Propane Vapor Meter Accessories Figure 5. Side-Opening Meter with Circular Reading Index Figure 6. Side-Opening Meter with Direct Reading (or Digital) Index

13. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 6 Selecting Propane Vapor Meter Accessories Remote Volume Pulsers and Automated Meter Reading Equipment — Vapor meters in pipeline systems and meters that are installed in locations that are difficult to access on a routine basis are sometimes equipped with remote index volume pulsers. Remote reading equipment can be hand-held receivers, vehicle receivers and data records, or telemetry systems that can be accessed by telephone modems or wireless modems.

14. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 7 Selecting Propane Vapor Meter Accessories Meter Connection Parts Meter Bars Figure 7. Meter Bar Assembly Level and plumb installation is required for accurate meter operation; a meter bar or meter mounting bracket should be selected to ensure the meter is properly supported and level in each direction.

15. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 7 Selecting Propane Vapor Meter Accessories Meter Connection Parts Meter Identification Tags— When a number of meters are placed in the same location, federal and state regulators require that each meter shall be tagged or marked to indicate the customer served by it and such identification shall be preserved and maintained by the owner of the premises served.

16. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 8 Selecting Propane Vapor Meter Accessories Meter Connection Parts Figure 8. Sample Vapor Meter Selection Worksheet

17. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 8 Selecting Propane Vapor Meter Accessories Meter Connection Parts Figure 9. (Utility-Style) Meter-Regulator Installation

18. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 9 Examples of Meter and Regulator Sets Outside Meter Set

19. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 10 Examples of Meter and Regulator Sets Inside Meter Set NOTES: 1.Regulator must be vented to the outside. 2.Check local codes to verify if installation is permitted. 3.At any point were piping contacts or passes through concrete or masonry grout, the piping should be protected.

20. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 11 Examples of Meter and Regulator Sets Multiple Domestic Manifold Set — See Installation Notes

21. 4.1.9 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 13 & 14 Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module… Complete the Review on page 13. See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on page 14.