Natural Gas Regulating and Metering Stations
Natural Gas Regulating Metering Stations (RMS) are fundamental components that ensure the safe and efficient management of natural gas from the extraction and transportation points to the end users, regardless of whether they are industrial, commercial or residential customers. These stations are essential to maintain the correct gas pressure and ensure the efficient transfer of gas to end consumers.
BAT MEDIAS is a company with a long tradition, specialized since 1957 in the execution of natural gas transmission and distribution systems. We pride ourselves in the realization of complex regulating and metering stations, operating at high, medium or low pressure.
What are Regulating and Metering Stations?
The Natural Gas Regulation and Metering Stations can have various components – filters, filter-separators, gas heaters, regulators, meters, etc. which are chosen by the designer according to the conditions that are to be provided with these technological installations. having one line in operation and one in stand-by, and provide natural gas pressure reduction.
Depending on where the gas is taken for pressure reduction, i.e. from the National Natural Gas Transmission System or from various distribution pipelines, they may be generically called SRMP (regulating, metering and delivery stations), SRMS (regulating, sector metering stations), SR (regulating stations), etc. SRMP stations function as transfer points where natural gas is delivered from producers or transporters to distributors or end-users. This process includes not only the physical transfer of the gas, but also the proper monitoring and documentation of the quantities and quality of the gas delivered. SRMS, take the gas from the distribution systems and the gas is delivered to the end users. Main functions of gas metering stations:
✅ separation-filtering: natural gas may contain various liquid and solid impurities that must be removed in order not to damage the station’s component equipment. In general, a gravitational separation is achieved by increasing the gas flow section and decreasing the speed of liquid or solid particles, or centrifugal, or a combination of them, etc. and a filtration of fine solid particles (a few microns) by using suitable filter cartridges.
✅ pressure regulation: In order to be able to safely distribute natural gas to consumers, the gas pressure must be adjusted to safe levels in accordance with local distribution networks. The gas metering regulating stations are equipped with regulators that ensure that the pressure is reduced and maintained at set values.
✅ gas metering: accuracy in measuring the flow of natural gas is essential for the purpose of gas trading between the customer and the recipient. Where gas measurement is required, RMS stations are equipped with gas meters, the most common being turbine meters, with rotating pistons and ultrasonic meters equipped with flow correctors or flow computers, which record the flow of gas passing through the station, make a temperature, pressure correction according to metrological standards required by the legislation in force, always providing accurate data for billing purposes or simply for monitoring a technological consumption
Main components of Regulating Metering Stations
- Separation/Filtering Installation
It is designed to separate/filter out solid and liquid impurities from natural gas, which means that only clean gas reaches the distribution network or the end user. Filters or filter separators are essential to protect downstream equipment such as regulators, locks, meters, purge valves and to maintain gas quality.
- Heating System
During the process of pressure regulation, due to the decrease in pressure, a temperature drop occurs and the natural gas cools down significantly, reaching temperatures well below 0℃. This in conjunction with the moisture in the gas leads to the formation of cryohydrates (a kind of ice) and the regulators block or malfunction. The heating plant prevents cryohydrate formation by raising the gas temperature before it enters the regulator, thus ensuring continuous operation of the station. This stage can be achieved by indirect heating using electric heaters or heat exchanger with central heating plant, depending on the process requirements.
- Regulation and Safety Installation
The installation includes pressure regulators that adjust the gas pressure to safe levels and safety valves (safety devices) that prevent dangerous overpressure or underpressure. The pressure relief line shall consist of pressure regulators and/or interlocks at either overpressure or underpressure. In addition, for overpressure cases, safety relief valves are also used, which open and vent the gas, controlled, at a certain pressure value above the regulated pressure. These components are essential to protect system integrity and prevent accidents.
- Metering Installation
Equipped with high precision gas meters, this installation monitors and records the natural gas flow rate. The commercial measurement stage can include any type of flow meter (depending on the project requirements, in compliance with the provisions of the “Regulation for the measurement of gas quantities traded in Romania”) and can be completed with a gas chromatograph, dew point analyzer and flow computer/corder. The data collected are essential for the commercial trading of the quantities of gas transported.
- Odorizer System
For olfactory detection of possible gas leaks, an odorant is added to the natural gas, e.g. ethyl mercaptan. This process ensures that gas leaks can be detected by users and maintenance personnel, the odor is disturbing and persistent enough to be easily detected.
- Detection and Protection Systems
These include fire and gas detectors as well as anti-theft alarms, thus ensuring a high level of safety for the station and the environment.
- Leak collection tank and safe evacuation of gases from the installation
The fluid reservoir is usually double-walled and is installed in order to control the pick-up of separated impurities.
For safe evacuation in an emergency or for servicing the mechanical installation, the gases are directed in a controlled manner to an exhaust stack or, in the absence of an exhaust stack, to specially provided connections in the plant.
Each component of the RMS stations is designed and sized according to the customer’s specific requirements, complying with applicable and current design standards and codes.
Technical features and advantages of BAT Mediaș Regulating and Metering Stations
Regulating and Metering Stations are designed and built to ensure a high level of safety, accuracy and efficiency in the collection and distribution of natural gas. These stations are equipped with advanced technology and high quality components, tailored to meet the specific requirements of each customer and to operate under a variety of operating conditions. The equipment used is reliable, easy to maintain, tested to ensure optimum performance in the most unfavorable operating conditions and designed to withstand temperatures down to -29°C.
Moreover, BAT Mediaș stands out for:
✅ Expertise and Tradition
With more than seven decades of experience in the field of natural gas, BAT Mediaș has extensive expertise in the design and construction of extremely complex systems for gas transportation and distribution.
The company has a long tradition in collaboration with renowned companies in the energy industry.
✅ Customized Solutions
BAT Mediaș offers customized solutions for each customer. Thus, each RMS station is customized to the specific needs of the project. Each new work is managed by the BAT Mediaș team, offering a complete and integrated service.
✅ Quality & Compliance
All equipment and components used are of high quality and comply with national and international standards and local regulatory requirements.
BAT Mediaș has authorizations and certifications issued by the relevant regulatory agencies/authorities, thus complying with all applicable rules and regulations in force.
✅ Safety and Reliability
The RMS stations designed and built by BAT Mediaș are equipped with multiple safety and monitoring systems, ensuring reliable operation and accident prevention.
The company uses state-of-the-art technologies and high-performance equipment to guarantee the optimal functioning of the stations in various operating conditions.
✅ Maintenance and Support
BAT Mediaș provides maintenance and technical support services for RMS stations, thus ensuring a long lifetime and continuous operation of the equipment.
The company has qualified and authorized personnel for quick and efficient interventions, thus minimizing the time of interruption in gas delivery and ensuring the continuity of services.
With these advanced technical features and the advantages offered, BAT Mediaș positions itself as a reliable leader in the natural gas industry, contributing to the development and modernization of the national and regional energy infrastructure.
Regulating Metering Stations – Applications and Field of Use
Regulating and Metering Stations mean:
✅ increased safety through continuous process monitoring and the use of appropriate safety systems
✅ high energy efficiency, as optimal regulation of pressure and flow reduces energy consumption and
✅ reliability, because the systems are designed to operate without interruption, ensuring a constant flow of gas.
RMS stations are used in a variety of fields, such as industrial, where they provide a continuous and reliable supply of natural gas for industrial processes, residential, where a safe and efficient distribution to private homes is achieved, but also in commercial, for gas supply to commercial buildings and institutions.
The Regulation and Metering Stations (RMS) manufactured by BAT Mediaș are the ideal solution for any company that wants to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of natural gas. Thanks to its long-standing experience and tradition in the gas industry, BAT Mediaș offers quality equipment and comprehensive services tailored to the specific needs of each project.
Contact us to discuss how we can improve your company’s or your customers’ natural gas infrastructure! Whether you need a new RMS station or the maintenance and modernization of an existing station, or simply consultancy in this field, we are here to provide you with the best technical solution!