LNG is a relatively clean alternative to diesel or bunker oil, for example. However, a number of measurement challenges must be overcome before LNG can be deployed worldwide. VSL has laid the foundation for this, having built the world’s first LNG calibration and testing facility.
Measuring LNG
LNG stands for ‘liquefied/liquid natural gas’. It is a mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it can also contain some residual gases such as nitrogen, propane and ethane. LNG is playing an increasing role as a renewable energy source in the transition to a fully sustainable energy system. A relatively clean alternative to diesel or bunker oil, for example, it is used particularly in the transport sector. It is also a feedstock for chemicals and blue hydrogen, enabling them to be produced without any carbon footprint.
However, before LNG can be deployed worldwide, challenges regarding its precise and consistent measurement need to be overcome.
Our experts are happy to help.
Michael van Schaik
Senior Account Manager
Natural gas, and therefore LNG, liquefies at a temperature of -162°C. It is a major challenge to keep measuring equipment working correctly at such a low temperature. However, this is crucial. The fact is that a small measurement error can easily cost thousands of dollars, given the enormous volumes in which LNG is transported.
All over the world, floating terminals are used where ships are filled with LNG and emptied at their destination. When a ship docks and pumps the LNG to the facility, there can sometimes be icing on the gauges. This fluctuation in temperatures causes anomalous readings, as LNG meters are typically tested using water at room temperature.
VSL has a state-of-the-art liquefied natural gas calibration and test facility, the first in the world to actually test with LNG. The measurement standard that applies to this facility has greatly improved the precision and accuracy of LNG measurements. VSL’s responsible use of LNG is therefore a contribution to a sustainable society.
To eliminate any doubt about LNG measurement results, it is wise to actually use LNG during calibration. VSL’s LNG calibration and test facility calibrates mass and volume flow meters under cryogenic conditions using LNG as the calibration fluid. Using the master meter method during calibration, we can determine any output signal.
Currently the only one in the world, our LNG calibration facility is traceable to the Netherlands National Standard and has a low measurement (CMC) uncertainty. All VSL calibrations of flow meters, including LNG, are accepted around the world.
Besides calibrating flow meters, VSL has gained a great deal of practical knowledge and experience of calibration and testing under cryogenic conditions from this LNG facility. We are therefore frequently and actively involved in cryogenic projects and scientific investigations around the world.
