Profiles
T he E lster c u st o mer maga z ine 3 / 2 0 1 5
MR 50 PN 1 now with
low-pressure cut-off
GasLab Q2: the new art of
gas analysis
Instromet Americas footprints
innovation
Biomethane has arrived!
2 E ditorial
Elster Profiles 3/2015
Disaster recovery –
excellent crisis management
It was 19 August 2015. At 22:33, something happened which I had never dared
think about: my son sent me a video of a
warehouse on fire with the text “Sostmeier
is on fire”. The entire 60 x 80 m warehouse
had gone up in flames and you could
immediately see that nothing would be left.
After initially thinking about any people
who might potentially be in danger, my
thoughts turned to something else: Sostmeier is our central logistics partner for
the Elster GmbH plant in Lotte. Many of the
items delivered to our plant and a large
proportion of the goods to be delivered
are stored and made up into orders at this
logistics centre. I imagined that the factory
would have to come to a standstill for many
weeks or even months ahead. I didn’t get
any sleep that night.
The next morning, there was plenty of hectic
activity at the plant: stock levels were
checked, initial estimates were made
about the items which might have gone
up in flames and suppliers and customers
were contacted, informed and asked for
assistance or understanding – employees
even interrupted their holidays to help out.
After a few days, a clearer picture emerged
and production was able to continue in
the meantime – as far as possible. The
enormous joint efforts meant that production downtime was limited to just a few
days.
Once again, we learnt that unexpected
things can happen, even with intensive
preparation! Without the commitment
and motivation of everyone involved, all
of these plans – including the ‘disaster
recovery’ plans – can only be half as
effective.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
everyone who pulled together to get our
factory back on its feet again: the 300
emergency staff at the scene of the fire
and the Sostmeier employees who did a
stocktake and found new warehousing
space in no time at all; the other logistics
companies in the region who didn’t hesitate in helping out and our employees
who gave up their evening and holidays.
And last but not least, we would like to
thank our customers who, where affected,
responded with great understanding and
remained loyal to us.
I would like to wish you a relaxing (and
disaster-free!) end to the year and a
healthy and successful new year. We
look forward to continuing our excellent
working relationship with you.
Yours
Peter Hampel
Sales Director Metering International
+ + + News: Elster – Honeywell + + +
At the time of the Elster Profiles magazine going to press, the sale of Melrose plc to Honeywell International Inc.
has not been completed. We will, of course, keep you up to date on any developments that may occur.
Publisher
Elster GmbH
55252 Mainz-Kastel, Germany
www.elster-instromet.com
Editorial staff
Gudrun Biedermann, Elster Germany
Paul Webster, Elster Metering UK
K. C. Tan, Elster-Instromet Singapore
Asia:
Elster-Instromet Sdn. Bhd.
K. C. Tan
29 Tai Seng Avenue
#06-05A Natural Cool Lifestyle Hub
Singapore 534119
T +65 62477728
E [email protected]
Please write to
Europe/Africa/America/Australia:
Elster GmbH
Gudrun Biedermann
Steinern Strasse 19–21
55252 Mainz-Kastel, Germany
T +49 6134 6 05-2 18
E [email protected]
England:
Elster Metering Ltd.
Chris Dwyer
Tollgate Business Park
Beaconside, Stafford
Staffordshire ST16 3HS, England
T +44 1785 275306
E [email protected]
Authors
Addy Baksteen, Elster Belgium
Dr. Joachim Kastner, Elster Germany
Paul Ladage, Elster Germany
Hans-Peter Smid, Elster Belgium
Bernhard Thomas, Elster Germany
Helana Wang, Elster China
Jonathan Wells, Elster USA
Paul Webster, Elster UK
Articles signed by the author
reflect their personal opinion.
Customer magazine online:
www.elster-instromet.com
Page 4: © iStockphoto.com/straga
Page 5 and 6: © iStockphoto.com/kotoffei
Page 7: ©
iStockphoto.com/Zocha_K
© iStockphoto.com/lagereek
Page 8: © fotolia.com/tsach
Dr. Feix Translation Agency
Publishing dates:
Three editions for the year 2015
P r o d ucts 3
Elster Profiles 3/2015
A great success in the medium pressure range:
MR 50 PN 1 now with
low-pressure cut-off
Elster has extended the successful medium pressure regulator range
(MR) to include the MR 50 PN 1 with low-pressure cut-off. This means
Elster is now offering all the comfort of simplified reset for devices of
nominal size 50, a feature which has long been standard for devices
of nominal sizes 25/40.
The low-pressure cut-off LPCO has been
an integral part of the range of options
offered for gas pressure regulators for
many years now. The function of the
low-pressure cut-off has not changed
here. The principle is the same as for the
MR 25/MAF and M2R series: thanks to
gradual reset of the low-pressure cut-off,
an increase in the outlet pressure during
automatic reset is also reliably avoided on
the MR 50 PN 1:
• The LPCO closes the regulator when the
inlet pressure drops due to maintenance or damage to the distribution
network or when downstream flow
exceeds the maximum capacity.
• When the gas supply returns, the regulator opens automatically, but only if the
downstream side is closed.
• When any downstream valve is open
and downstream appliances have no
safety ignition (e.g. a cooker without
flame failure device), the regulator
remains closed.
This reduces the maintenance costs for
the network. It is no longer necessary to
manually reset regulators after interruption of the gas supply, saving time
and labour costs. Long journeys to
remote areas and long waiting times are
avoided. The automatic reset system has
become more and more popular in an
increasing number of markets simply
because of its huge cost-saving potential.
Thanks to comprehensive development
work, the high flow rate known from the
standard device has been successfully
maintained. A G160 meter can be fully
supplied as of an inlet pressure of less
than 300 mbar. A capacity of 28 m³/h is
available as of a pressure differential of
only 4 mbar.
The low-pressure cut-off is available in
combination with all known options of the
series:
• Standard overall length: 220 mm,
special overall length: 200 mm
• Standard version with safety diaphragm and in combination with an
integrated safety relief valve (RV) in
the F1 and G1 versions
Same function – same designation: there
is also an “M” in the type designation of
this device for the low-pressure cut-off
(see table).
Approval of the devices by the DVGW pursuant to DIN 33822 is available. Production is ready to begin and orders can be
taken with immediate effect. You can find
further technical data on the new device
variant in the data sheet in the Elster
Docuthek.
MR 50 M characteristics
Medium pressure MR 50 PN 1 type designation
Maximum inlet pressure: PS 1
Device
Version
Nominal size: DN 50
MR 50
Flange
Thread SD
MG GSG
MR 50
Flange
RV
MF1
Thread
RV
MG1 G1SG1
Inlet pressure range: 26 to
1000 mbar
Outlet pressure range:22 to
30 mbar
Measuring unitOPSO + LPCOOPSOOPSO/UPSO
SD
MF
SD: safety diaphragm, RV: safety relief valve, F: flange, G: thread
F
F1
SF
SF1
4 P
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Elster Profiles 3/2015
MR 50 M section model
Setpoint spring
Safety
diaphragm
Main diaphragm
Measuring
unit
With the expansion of the MD regulator
product range with integrated low-pressure cut-off, Elster now offers the comfort
of automatic reset, even for devices of
nominal size 50. The high flow rates
remain unchanged and allow supply of
large consumers such as residential and
office buildings, and social amenities. The
highly successful MR 50 PN 1 has been
upgraded with another important function
and thus made future-proof.
Paul Ladage
Secondary
diaphragm
Low-pressure
cut-off
SSV
orifice
Orifice
SSV
valve disc
Control
element
(valve disc)
Regulator
body
Test point
Universal SSV
Inlet pressure
Atmospheric pressure
Outlet pressure
[email protected]
GasLab Q2: fast and accurate gas quality analysis
The new art of gas analysis
Let’s start with a poem. A ray of infrared light rushes through a cloud
of gas molecules and is absorbed, leaving them trembling in their
excited state. This attenuation of light is recorded by a pyroelectric
detector which thus determines the concentration and distribution
of hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide molecules. A katharometer then
measures the heat energy conducted by the multi-molecular
gas mixture and thus records infraredinactive gas components such as
nitrogen. If these and other measured
physical parameters are thrown into
the mystical world of algorithms, we
will find what we are all looking for:
the truth (about the energy content
of gases).
What sounds like a poem is, in fact, a
description of the measurement technology
used in our real-time gas quality analyzers. Is Elster now producing works of art
then? Well, we all know that form should
follow function and this is exactly what
we have tried to express in our new gas
quality analyzer, the GasLab Q2. The silver
and dark blue anodized aluminium is a
colour combination often seen in other
high quality products.
As we know, beauty is only skin deep, yet
if you look inside this beauty, you will find
that the interior parts of the analyzer are
perfectly synchronized, just like a Swiss
watch, making it precise enough to achieve
measurement accuracy of Class A pursuant to OIML R140.
However, being complex on the inside
does not mean that the analyzer is hard to
operate. The GasLab Q2 is pre-calibrated
in our factory making it a turnkey solution:
simply install, connect and start your
analysis.
The GasLab measurement principle has
existed at Elster since 2003. It provides
fast, accurate determination of the calorific
value, density, Wobbe index and other
natural gas parameters.
P r o d ucts 5
Elster Profiles 3/2015
6 P
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Elster Profiles 3/2015
GasLab Q2 – the new fast and
accurate online gas quality analyzer
With this issue of Profiles, we proudly
present the GasLab Q2, the new fast and
accurate online gas quality analyzer.
Compared to its predecessor, GasLab Q1,
it provides a wider range of measureable
gases, shorter response times, extended
signal and data interfaces, more varied
ambient conditions and an integrated
periphery.
The device is flameless, and it works fast
and continuously. The correlative measuring principle of the GasLab Q2 is based
on the determination of the infrared
absorption and the thermal conductivity of the sample gas.
The device is designed
for use in hazardous
areas. The housing
allows installation in
the open air (IP 64)
within a wide temperature range
(-25 to +55°C).
This enables
installation near
the pipeline to
ensure short
response times.
The programmable
automatic calibration
sequence requires methane only. Other utilities such
as carrier gas or instrument air
are not necessary for operation.
The integrated display shows the meas­
urement values and operating conditions
of the analyzer. The device can be operated
via a touch panel or by using a web browser.
The GasLab Q2 can be configured with
the enSuite software platform which is also
used for the new flow computers and
ultrasonic meters. The GasLab Q2 stands
out on account of the low capital investment and maintenance costs and its
user-friendly operation.
Conclusion
With the new GasLab Q2, Elster is following the trend of increased gas quality
variations by offering new and improved
measuring equipment. This device provides fast and accurate online gas analysis in an economical and elegant way.
The GasLab Q2 is both complex and
simple at the same time. Thanks to its outstanding design, excellent performance
and high-speed measurement, we feel it
represents the new art of measurement.
Joachim Kastner
Hans-Peter Smid
[email protected]
[email protected]
P r o d ucts 7
Elster Profiles 3/2015
Trends in gas quality and analysis
Natural gas is a vital component of the global energy supply.
It is one of the cleanest, safest and most useful energy sources.
The future potential of natural gas has increased dramatically
over the last few years due to the exploration of unconventional gas reserves such as shale gas.
With its technologies and existing infrastructure, the natural
gas industry can also make a valuable contribution to the
process of converting to renewable energy sources (energy
transition). In this context, natural gas provides security of
supplies and flexibility in order to cope with the volatility of
renewable energy types.
The power-to-gas concept enables converting surplus elec­
trical energy into hydrogen or methane, which can then be
injected into the existing gas grid. Furthermore, the natural
gas industry is also compatible with the regenerative primary
energy source biogas.
These trends, as well as new fossil and regenerative gas
sources, together with growing global gas trading, result in
wider diversity and stronger dynamics of gas quality. This, in
turn, means greater challenges in the field of energy billing
and in particular, in industrial gas utilization.
To cope with the challenges of dynamically changing gas
qualities, innovative measuring, control and regulating
equipment is needed to ensure quality and safety for gas
utilization processes and fiscal metering.
Natural gas analysis techniques are
mainly used in the gas industry for
energy billing, plant control and also
for gas conditioning. Established technologies include gas chromatography
as well as various sensor systems
based on a range of principles such
as infrared absorption, thermal conductivity, velocity of sound and other
measured variables. The Elster product portfolio of gas quality analyzers
is based on two technologies.
The gas chromatograph EnCal 3000
covers the range from standard energy
measurement of natural gas and bio-
gas to detailed extended gas analyses including determining
the content of hydrogen, oxygen, sulphur components and
odorants and hydrocarbon dew point monitoring. It is the
preferred technology for fiscal metering, because it provides
the most accurate and detailed gas analysis based on traceable standards. The drawbacks of this technology are the
need for carrier gas and the discontinuous measurement
procedure which means that it is only suitable to a limited
extent for fast measurement processes such as those needed in control engineering.
The sensor system GasLab Q1 was introduced in 2003. It is
based on infrared absorption and thermal conductivity meas­
urement in combination with a correlative algorithm. Sensor
systems do not usually provide a detailed gas component
analysis, however they enable fast and continuous online
measurement of the key gas parameters such as calorific
value, density, Wobbe index, etc. Therefore, sensor systems
are ideally suited for gas conditioning and industrial gas utilization processes.
In recent years, sensor system gas analyzers have found use
in more and more applications, mainly in process measurement. Fiscal metering is still dominated by gas chromatographs
and this is expected to remain the case in years to come.
However, there is also growing interest in sensor systems in
this field, due to the lower investment and operating costs.
8 P
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Elster Profiles 3/2015
Biomethane has arrived!
Biomethane – the Beaujolais
Nouveau among natural gases
If I said “French” and asked you to fill in a noun, then I would
expect you to say, “revolution” or “cheese”. I am sure, however,
that many of us would also say “wine”.
Of course! Wine is undoubtedly one of
the most famous products from France
and on the list of main export products,
beverages are definitely in the top ten.
And despite competition from many
other countries, France will always be
an important producer of this wonder­­­ful liquid.
And without being a wine ‘connoisseur’,
I do know the difference between a good
Bordeaux and a Beaujolais Nouveau.
Apart from the different type of grape
used for production, a major difference is
that for the Beaujolais, a very short time
elapses between the harvesting of the
grapes and the bottling and consumption
of the wine, whereas we all know that a
Bordeaux is generally aged for years
before it is consumed and normally only
gets better with time.
Young and fresh, renewable at
its best
Funnily enough, you could say the same
about natural gas and biomethane. Natural gas forms over thousands of years and
“ages” deep underground until man
extracts it to ‘consume’ it.
The CO2 that was safely stuck in the
ground where it can do no harm to the
environment will be released into the
atmosphere once the gas is combusted
in industrial processes, gas burners at
home or power plants. Biomethane, on
the other hand, is formed within weeks.
Biomass is placed in a digester where
anaerobic bacteria produce CH4 and CO2.
This CO2 that is released into the atmosphere when biomethane is combusted
is ‘carbon neutral’ because the biomass
used to produce it has first subtracted the
CO2 from the atmosphere. So being just a
few weeks old, you could say biomethane
is the Beaujolais Nouveau among natural
gases!
GRT’s first grid injection
Although biomethane injection is not a
new thing in France, it is still in the early
stages. At the end of 2015, it is expected
that 18 injection sites will be up and running. Two of these will be in the high pressure grid (GRT and TIGF), while all the others (but one) will be connected to the GRdF
distribution grid.
The Chagny site injects biomethane produced from household waste processed
by the waste treatment company SMET 71.
The gas is transported by GRT and a roof
tile company called ‘Terreal’ which is located downstream has agreed to replace
one third of the gas it requires to produce
the roof tiles with the green biomethane.
This represents a total of 30 GWh! The
remaining gas is consumed by the residents of Chagny.
Elster and biogas
The grid injection system is a vital part in
the whole supply chain. It provides the
access to the grid and is essential for fiscal
metering as well as for safety in the grid.
The gas has to comply with certain quality
parameters before it may enter the grid.
P r o ducts 9
Elster Profiles 3/2015
GRT’s first biomethane injection system in
Chagny (Beaujolais region)
(± 300 nm3 per hour). This may seem
unexceptional compared to sites in
Germany and the UK, however it is more
than worth celebrating, and we would like
to make a suggestion to our colleagues
and customers in France – no toasting
with champagne this time, but of course…
with Beaujolais Nouveau, the biomethane
among wines. Cheers! To the health of the
environment and mankind!
Addy Baksteen
H2S content, calorific value, the ‘smell’ of
the gas – all these things must comply
with the requirements as set by GRT. Like
a real ‘connoisseur’, two EnCal 3000 gas
chromatographs continuously test and
‘smell’ the gas and decide if it is fit for
consumption or not. If not, the gas will
be recycled and access to the gas grid
will be denied.
As with all new things, a learning curve is
inevitable. The years of experience Elster has
brought to the table from similar projects
completed in the UK and Germany has
been valuable and we are convinced that
the injection of biomethane into GRT’s network will be a great success.
Pré au Loup Energies
(30/07) St Josse
CVO
Lille-Séquedin
TVME Symevad
Hénin Beaumont
[email protected]
Biogaz Pévèle
Wannehain
Méthavalor
Morsbach
O' Terres Energie
Ussy-sur-Marne
Létang Biogaz
Sourdun
Sydeme agricole
Sarreguemines
Champs fleuri
Liffré
(Réseau GDS)
Biovalsan Strasbourg
BioEnergie de la Brie
Chaumes-en-Brie
Les Longs Champs
(05/08) Andelnans
Agribiométhane
Mortagne-sur-Sèvre
Bio'Seine
Méry-sur-Seine
Sioule Biogaz
St Pourçain sur Sioule
Raise your glasses and toast the
2.6 million nm3
The amount of gas injected is by far
the biggest on a single site in France:
2.6 million nm3 of biomethane per year
(TIGF) Biovilleneuvois
Villeneuve-sur-Lot
Panais Energie
Thennelières
(GRTgaz) Ecocéa
Chagny
10 P
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Elster Profiles 3/2015
New options for Q.Sonic plus :
Instromet Americas footprints innovation
with Series VI retrofit
Leading technology with innovative solutions for ultrasonic flow metering,
Instromet Americas has successfully completed North America’s first retrofit
of advanced technological components developing its Q.Sonic plus Series VI
retrofit kit for Energy Transfer, located in Pearland, Texas, USA.
Energy Transfer, a Texas-based company
that specializes in products and services
for natural gas pipelines, natural gas
liquids, refined products and crude oil
pipelines, recently asked Elster Instromet
Americas for a solution to their dated and
aged ultrasonic meter .
With the Series VI electronics, the meter
will now function on Elster’s SonicExplorer
software. The SonicExplorer is Elster
Instromet’s newest PC software that
combines an easy-to-use solution set
up with extended diagnostic functions.
SonicExplorer also allows the calculation
of physical properties, e.g. velocity of
sound, density, and superior calorific
value.
The solution as suggested by Instromet
was to take their Q.Sonic plus Series VI kit
and retrofit its components for functionality
within Energy Transfer’s existing Elster
Q.Sonic 5-path ultrasonic flow meter. This
retrofit would be the first of its kind, but if
successful, could prove to footprint the
Q.Sonic plus design and its components as
the world’s most agile ultrasonic meter.
Meter with new hardware and CPU
New field terminal board
The retrofit would also provide Energy
Transfer with an innovative solution while
eliminating the need for extensive commissioning and installation, with each
aspect engineered by Elster.
Of course, there was some drawback given that the existing meter
was 18 years old, the pipe contained no flow conditioner, and
transducers had to be replaced,
but in the end the meter was
successfully retrofitted.
In addition, when there is doubt about
the performance and health of a UFM;
the ‘Customer Service Package’ feature
of SonicExplorer can be used to collect
the most important data of the UFM.
SonicExplorer will then put all diagnostic
information into a ‘.zip’ file, ready to be
distributed to Elster technicians for de­­
tailed inspection of the UFM. This avoids
any downtimes in your operation.
The success of the retrofit highlights
Instromet’s continuous passion and ability
to provide advanced customizable components and complete system offerings
for its customers and their applications
around the world. The smart metering
concept of the Q.Sonic plus and its components, along with SonicExplorer proves
that no other company can deliver products, systems and solutions for the
natural gas industry across the
global gas market like Elster.
Jonathan Wells
[email protected]
P r o d ucts 11
Elster Profiles 3/2015
Update for popular regulator:
Spring forward
Unlike some other products, the basic design of a gas pressure regulator can
remain the same for many years. Change comes as a gradual evolution often
prompted by external factors. One such factor is a recent update of the longrunning and well-respected Elster Jeavons J48 low pressure regulator.
The model has been in production since
the early 1970s, but over the years nearly
every component has changed in some
way. In the latest enhancement, prompted
by the need to comply with the more
exacting requirements of an updated
European Standard EN 88, the loading
springs were reviewed and refined.
For the regulator sizes ¾" to 2", the old
selection of 5 – 6 springs per size has
now grown to 7 – 8 springs. Some have
remained unchanged, some have been
redesigned to improve performance within
a given outlet pressure range and others
have been withdrawn and replaced by
three springs of narrower range but giving
improved outlet pressure control.
Resulting from the extensive testing involved
in the review, the regulator capacity tables
on the data sheets have been updated
to reflect the improved performance that
these new springs offer. For the first time,
the tables give maximum capacity figures
covering the full range of inlet and outlet
pressure combinations.
As with all loading springs fitted to Elster
Jeavons regulators, the springs are easily
identifiable with a unique colour code.
Details of the new springs and their performance can be found on the J48 data
sheets available on the Docuthek system
found at www.docuthek.com.
Paul Webster
[email protected]
As the year comes to an end, let us take a moment to reflect …
We would like to thank all our customers and business partners for the trust they
have placed in us in 2015. We value this close, cooperative partnership and look
forward to continuing our excellent working relationship in the coming year.
Until then, we wish you and your family a happy, relaxing festive
season and a peaceful New Year.
Best wishes from Gudrun Biedermann (Editor-in-Chief)
and the Elster Gas team
12 events
Elster Profiles 3/2015
GAS CHINA 2015:
Elster is still the super star of the show
Gas China, the largest gas exhibition in the Asia Pacific region, has been
running since 1994. It is expanding continually due to the rapid growth of
China’s natural gas industry. This platform offers the best opportunities for
gas equipment suppliers to show their latest products and technologies as
well as exchange information and experience with local customers. This gas
event was held once again from 28 to 30 October 2015, this time in the
beautiful city of Zhengzhou.
One of the world’s leading providers in the
natural gas metering & solutions industry,
Elster has become a fixture at this annual
exhibition since it first entered the Chinese
market in 2000. This year, Elster greeted
visitors at the entrance of the exhibition
with its most professionally decorated
stand. As before, we were the super star
of the event.
sionals from Germany and the UK as well
as local distributors and partners came to
support us and to welcome customers
from all over the country and abroad.
The theme of Elster’s stand was energysaving and environmental protection. A
full range of products was on show from
C&I products to IMS, which include low,
medium and high pressure regulators,
BK series diaphragm meters, turbine and
rotary meters, EK280 volume conversion
devices, ultrasonic meter combinations
with the latest flow computer FC1 and the
EnCal 3000 analyzer. The highlights of the
whole exhibition were our ultrasonic gas
flow meter Q.Sonic plus, which attracted
many visitors with its beautiful shape and
fashionable design, and the diaphragm
meter themis plus, which was well received
at its first public show in China.
As a special surprise this year, we invited
two singers from Germany to perform at
our stand on the first day. It was a great
addition to the event. More than 1000
registered customers visited our stand,
watched the performance and showed
great interest in our exhibits. Elster profes-
Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to all
visitors and our own staff and distributors
for their great contribution in making his
event so successful and would like to
thank them for their valuable support over
the years! It might have been the last time
we were able to participate in this event
under the name of Elster because of the
transfer of ownership at the beginning of
next year. We believe that the future will
be brilliant and even more successful. The
next Gas China Exhibition will be held next
September in Beijing. We look forward to
seeing you there again!
Helena Wang
[email protected]
events 13
Elster Profiles 3/2015
ROS-GAZ-EXPO in Saint Petersburg:
The new volume conversion device EK290 –
a highlight of the Russian gas market
The requirements for environmental protection and therefore the
demands on measuring equipment are rising continuously. That is also
the case on the Russian gas market. Currently, there is a demand in
Russia for a new K value algorithm to be used for measuring wet gas
(flare gas) in the mineral oil industry.
Elster has been developing and producing
special volume conversion devices for
the Russian gas market since the nineties.
The current EK270 continues the series of
devices specifically for this market which
was started by the EK88.
When the demand for a new K value
algorithm came to light, Elster decided
The new product, the EK290, was unveiled
to a wide public in October 2015 at the
ROS-GAZ-EXPO in Saint Petersburg.
was collected in detailed discussions with
potential customers, supply companies
and system manufacturers.
The team from Mainz-Kastel was delighted
to provide support for its colleagues from
Elster Gaselectronica with their very professional presentation of the device on an
imposing exhibition stand. Initial feedback
The new volume conversion device with
all its functions specifically for this market
is due to go into production shortly. The
approvals for the Russian market have
already been issued. Production will start
at the end of 2015 so that the first devices
can be delivered at the start of 2016.
The success story of the EK series on the
Russian market, which started with the
EK88, is certainly continuing in a promising vein with the EK290.
Bernhard Thomas
to develop a new volume conversion
device for the Russian gas market.
The properties for the new volume conversion device were defined by close cooperation between the responsible colleagues
at Elster Gaselectronica in Arzamas (Russia)
and the Development department in
Mainz-Kastel. The focus was also on other
market demands such as the use of the
volume conversion device for dual-stream
systems and extended functions for system
monitoring (additional pressure and
temperature measurements).
[email protected]
14 events
Elster Profiles 3/2015
Series: Products in figures
36 years of EnCal gas chromatographs
The first EnCal developed was the EnCal 200-1, which was
launched in 1979. We are now at version 3000 and we will
develop even more series in the future.
We have done some research and
have come up with some interesting
figures which have nothing to do with
technical data sheets.
2500 devices
We have sold more than
globally since 1979.
The first EnCal gas chromatograph developed by Elster, the EnCal 200-1, was
launched in 1979. A great deal has happened since then. The most recent
device, the EnCal 3000, now includes MEMS technology and has an astonishing
repeatability of 0.005% RSD as regards the calorific value.
3 sites
around the
We have manufactured EnCal gas chromatographs at
world: in the US, at Silvolde (Netherlands) and currently in Mainz-Kastel (Germany).
45 countries
,
We have supplied EnCal gas chromatographs to
including countries that nobody would ever guess would be buying them, such
as Uruguay and Gabon.
The EnCal 3000 analysis cycle time now is
older analyzer took as long as 12 minutes.
3 minutes, whereas the
62% of delivered EnCal gas chromatographs are used for standard
calorific value measurement of natural gas.
8 ml/min
of helium as carrier gas,
The EnCal 3000 uses just
in other words one bottle would last you 2 years, i.e. 4 times lower
consumption than most gas chromatographs.
3.5 million
euro could be saved If you take into account the price
of the helium, the labour and transport of all these helium bottles.
2 million
helium balloons could be filled
Approximately
with the amount of helium saved over the years by our EnCals.
Imagine how many birthday parties you could have with that.
36 years of EnCal gas chromatographs from Elster – a genuine success
story. We thank you for your trust in Elster.
Hans-Peter Smid
[email protected]
events 15
Elster Profiles 3/2015
Just in case: from person to person
Elster Employee Day in support of the
German Bone Marrow Donor Centre (DKMS)
At the Elster Employee Day, Elster staff supported the German Bone
Marrow Donor Centre (DKMS). Many employees took this opportunity
to have their bone marrow type identified for the DKMS donor register
and volunteered as potential stem cell donors to help patients with
blood cancer. The Elster company covered the full costs involved –
50 euros per bone marrow typing procedure.
One person develops blood cancer every
16 minutes in Germany, including many
children and young people. Without medical treatment, this illness results in death.
A stem cell transplant is the only chance
for many patients. Since only max. 30%
of patients find a suitable stem cell donor
within their family, the majority are dependent on donations from strangers. The
DKMS registers potential candidates and
helps find a suitable donor for every
patient, where possible.
The typing campaign formed the focal
point of the Elster Employee Day in order
to bring more hope to those affected – just
in case. As a result, the company party
was a chance both to celebrate being a
‘Great Place to Work’ and to pull together
for a good cause. Everyone had a chance
to register as a donor following prior information from the German Bone Marrow
Donor Centre, who were also present. The
idea and the chance to learn about this
issue and undergo the typing process
was well received by staff members and
their relatives alike.
Overall, this was a very successful party
for all ages – and there was certainly
plenty of motivation to actively prepare for
every eventuality.
Luigi Genna
Fun from the gas world
Thank you very much for the imaginative photos on the
topic of gas! All those who send in contributions will
receive a small gift as a thank you. Please send any
amusing discoveries to: [email protected].
Gas meter installation and variety of models in Italy (discovered by Nikolai Krasomil and Luigi Genna)
Elster GmbH
Steinern Strasse 19–21
55252 Mainz-Kastel, Germany
www.elster-instromet.com