Energy measurement device for flowing gas using microminiature gas chromatograph

Abstract

A system for determining the energy and volume delivered by a flowing natural gas carried within a pipeline based on BTU content analysis of the natural gas using a micro-miniature gas chromatograph. By monitoring key parameters of the flowing natural gas, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and BTU content, the system accurately determines the total energy and total volume delivered by the flowing natural gas over a programmable duration of time. Micro-miniature fabrication of the gas chromatograph imparts important advantages to the system , including small size, modular design, low power consumption, fast BTU analysis times, and low consumption of consumable carrier and reference gases. Low power consumption permits operation of the system using low-capacity supplies such as solar or battery, while minuscule consumption of consumable gases permits the use of 100 ml or less cartridges for the carrier and reference gases, making the integration of the consumable gas cartridges into the system enclosure practical. A further advantage of the micro-miniature gas chromatograph as used in the system is its modular design, allowing convenient disposal and replacement. The foregoing attributes combine to provide an energy monitoring system that, due to its small size, low operating power, and low consumption of consumable gases, is ideally suited for unattended operation for extended periods of time.