Household gas meters how to choose. How to choose a gas meter for an apartment?

Electricity and water meters have long and firmly entered our lives. Now is the time for household gas appliances. How to choose the right counter specifically for your home, how to calculate the throughput, which companies produce the best household? How to choose them and not be mistaken?

Is it necessary?

Now many argue about significant savings when installing meters. On the one hand, some say that installing metering devices in apartments where one stove is installed is not practical, since such a device will pay off in less than 5 years. On the other hand, the people who installed the meters talk about significant savings when paying for gas. This is a rather significant figure, about 25-50%, because you pay for the amount of actually consumed gas, which, for example, is extremely beneficial for those who move to the country in the summer. And for those who use flowing water heaters-columns for heating water or live in a private house where boilers are used for heating, it is worthwhile to quickly install a household gas flow meter. They will also help those who have more people registered in the apartment than they actually live. Savings in this case will be quite significant.

Varieties of counters

Now on the market there are four main types of gas meters: membrane, vortex, rotational and turbine. Membrane metering devices divide the flow into fractions and use various elements to summarize the flow. The obvious advantages of this type of meter include their low price, as well as a fairly high accuracy of readings. However, membrane counters cannot withstand constant and variable loads. Most of the currently installed household meters are of the membrane type. It is worth noting that currently gas meters are domestic, their technical characteristics have taken significant steps to simplify installation work, and this is primarily due to the reduction in overall dimensions. The rotary type of counters is resistant to overloads, durable, and also has a sufficiently large throughput with small dimensions and weight. Eight-shaped rotors are used as a converting element in it. True, such a device is made of expensive materials, requires a long adjustment of parts, of course, it is much more expensive than other types.

In turbine meters, the turbine wheel is driven by a gas stream, therefore, the number of revolutions is directly proportional to the volume of gas passed through. Recently, such meters have been equipped with modems for transmitting information to servers of gas metering services.

The vortex counter needs external power supply, therefore it is not quite convenient in everyday life. Such meters can be appreciated by industrial enterprises, since their main advantages include a large measurement range, especially at high pressure, and low sensitivity to pollution. Also, the main gradation of the meters can be considered their separation at the place of installation: domestic, industrial and municipal. Of course, it is very arbitrary.

Throughput

So, you have decided to purchase for your home How to choose the right device for you in accordance with your gas equipment? Let's look at the line of meters and its relationship with the labeling of the counter, depending on bandwidth. The gas meter installed on one device will be labeled G 1.6, that is, its throughput is up to 2.5 cubic meters of gas per hour. The G 2.5 meter lets up to four cubic meters of gas. The gas meter small-sized household G 4 is quite suitable for an apartment with a stove and a column, its throughput is up to six cubic meters. Etc. The counter with the number 6 in the marking will miss up to 10 cubic meters. meters, with the number 10 - up to 16 cubic meters. And finally, there is a meter for private homes with a large number of appliances - G 16, with a throughput of up to 25 cubic meters of gas.

note

When purchasing household gas meters, people's reviews must be taken into account. Users talk about errors in the operation of the equipment. They encounter them already at the stage of installation of metering devices or after a conversation with representatives of gas services. Before buying a meter, pay attention to the location of gas appliances and the entire pipeline, as manufacturers create meters with different directions of gas movement. Residents of private homes should consider purchasing a meter with a temperature corrector. A mechanism with a bimetallic compensator is installed in the design. At an ambient temperature different from the norm, it changes volumes and leads them to normal conditions. This, in turn, significantly reduces All these conditions will be met if the meter is installed on the street and is exposed to temperature effects.

Grand Counters

Perhaps, several successful models can be singled out as the main counters installed now. Grand household gas meters are available in a complete line - from household gas meters with a minimum flow rate to models with a flow rate of up to 25 cubic meters. meters with temperature correctors. One of the main advantages of the devices of this company can be considered the ability to install it both in horizontal and vertical position, which, of course, is convenient in most kitchens in our country. The service life of the device is about 12 years. The intertesting interval is also 12 years. A battery is installed in the meter’s case for the operation of the electronic display. To install this gas meter, it is not necessary to carry out welding work on gas pipelines, which will significantly reduce the cost of work. In addition to technical advantages, the manufacturer took care of the aesthetics of this device. Grand meters are available in three basic colors (white, orange and black). Responses of the owners of the device suggest that such household gas meters (electronic mechanisms) are extremely convenient in terms of placement and significantly save gas costs. At the same time, installation costs pay off within a fairly short time, of course, if you have at least two devices installed.

Betar counters

The direct competitor of Grand can be called gas meters manufactured under the Betar brand. This device is also quite compact, small ones allow you to place it without violating the aesthetics of the room, and at the same time comply with all necessary standards. The meter is made of plastic, has a trapezoidal shape. Betar household gas meters operate in approximately the same temperature range as the Grandes. They also install the appropriate battery, but here the difference lies.   The first Betarov models were equipped with an element that after 5-6 years failed. In any case, it is with such reviews that you can come across on the Internet about the first models of metering devices of this company. Otherwise, with regard to the declared service life and the calibration interval, the Betarov indicators are in no way inferior to the parameters of the Grand meters. The obvious advantages of this meter can be attributed to its "immunity" to various electromagnetic effects.

Submission of application for installation of metering device

So, you decided to install household gas meters on your devices. How to choose an organization to avoid unnecessary problems? It is worth remembering about the dangerous properties of gas and in this case it is not worth saving. In this case, it is simpler and more convenient to contact a regional gas company. This will significantly save time and effort, since in most regions the operation will be completed on a turn-key basis. A specialist will conduct a survey about which particular device will be more profitable for you to establish, what bandwidth will be needed for your metering device, where and how it will be located.

Rules for installing a gas meter

When choosing a place to install the device should follow several basic rules. So, you can not install counters on devices that emit heat and moisture. The installation height above the floor should be at least 1.6 meters. The distance from the wall to the counter should be at least 5 centimeters. The room where the meter will be installed must have natural ventilation, and it should not be installed in a stagnant zone. Well, and, perhaps, one of the main points is the distance from the gas-using equipment to the meter. If the passport does not indicate this distance, then the general standard should be adopted. Its size is 0.8 meters.

Installation of a domestic gas meter

After the installation of the device is completed, the gas service employee will seal the meter and transfer all necessary documents to the controlling organization. It is also worth issuing a passport of the metering device to maintain guarantees. That, in fact, is all. The meter is installed, sealed, you have already begun to save. We hope that we were able to answer all your questions about which household gas meters exist, how to choose the one you need, how and by whom it should be installed.

If you have a gas stove, autonomous heating or a heating column installed in your apartment, then you just can not do without a gas meter. Of course, if you have only one gas stove, then you can pay for energy resources for energy consumption according to the average value that is determined by the Housing Office. But in any case, installing a gas meter is a significant savings for every person. Today, a wide selection of gas meters of domestic and foreign production, different in functionality and size, is on sale. If you are not a gasman, and then it will be difficult for you to choose the most optimal meter for the apartment. In this article we will try to answer the question in more detail - gas meter  in the apartment how to choose?

All presented gas meters for apartments are divided by type into:

Advantages:

• High accuracy of measurements;
• Ease of maintenance;
• The minimum service life is 20 years;
• Profitability.

disadvantages:

• Large dimensions;
• Fairly high cost.

Advantages:

• Compact dimensions;
• Ease of maintenance;
• Affordable cost.

disadvantages:

• Measurement error;
• The minimum service life is 10 years.

Based on the foregoing, qualified specialists advise choosing a membrane gas meter for the apartment. Such measuring instruments not only serve you much longer than the rotary type, but also differ in more accurate measurement and cost-effectiveness. Among the membrane meters on sale, it is worth highlighting the following manufacturers:

• Samgaz;
• "Novator";
• "Elster";
• "Metrix";
• other.

At a cost they are approximately at the same level, only the design, dimensions and warranty from the manufacturer may differ. When we decided on the type of measuring device and brand, let's consider such an important issue as the consumed volume of gas in the apartment. For this, it will be necessary to take into account all consumers, a column, a gas stove, a boiler. The maximum gas volume consumed by each device can be found in the technical data sheet for it. Then, using the following formula, we perform a calculation that will help you determine the maximum possible volume of gas consumed.

Vmax (total) \u003d ∑ Vmax (consumers), where

∑ Vmax (consumers) - the total maximum gas consumption of all consumers in the apartment (according to the passport data for gas appliances). These include: gas boiler, water heater, stove, etc.

Vmax (total) - the maximum gas consumption per apartment.

Based on the calculations, you can correctly select the type of gas meter.

Consider what the marking on the meter means, in other words, “marking” - the maximum allowable amount of gas that the control device can measure in 1 hour of operation.

Short marking table of gas meters:

G-1,6 - corresponds to a flow rate of 1.6 - 2.5 m³ / h;

G-2.5 - corresponds to a flow rate of 2.5 - 4 m³ / h;

G-4 - corresponds to the flow rate at the level of 4 - 6 m³ / hour;

G-6 - corresponds to a flow rate of 6 - 10 m³ / h;

G-10 - corresponds to a flow rate of 10 - 16 m³ / h;

Important! The parameter Vmax (total) must be lower than the Vmax of the gas meter. In other words, the maximum allowable consumed amount of energy should not exceed the maximum allowable flow rate on the gas meter, according to its marking.

Now, we will put all this knowledge into practice so that you can easily and quickly choose the optimal gas meter for your apartment:

• if in the apartment only a gas stove with two or four rings is installed, it is best to choose a gas meter marked G-1,6;
• if you have a column installed along with the stove, then in this case it is most correct to install a meter marked G-2.5;
• for apartments with autonomous gas heating, which can also be used as a water heater (as implemented in double-circuit boilers), it is best to install meters with the marking G-4 or G-6.

Another important factor when choosing and buying a gas meter is the date it was manufactured. From these data will depend on the period of subsequent verification of the device, as well as the final period of its operation. All these parameters are indicated directly in the passport to the measuring device.

For information:

• the frequency of calibration of the membrane counter is 10 years;
• the frequency of verification of a rotary counter is 5 years;
• the frequency of verification of a modern electronic meter is 12 years.

Based on the foregoing, choose a gas meter with the most “fresh” date of manufacture.

Summary and video

Now you know which gas meter in the apartment how to choose, and what to look for before buying. Good luck

The choice of a gas meter primarily depends on the number of gas appliances that you use. The amount of gas that the meter can measure is determined by its nominal value. Marking G-1,6 means that the throughput of the gas meter is from 1.6 to 2.5 m3 of gas, respectively, marking G-2.5 - from 2.5 to 4 m3, G-4 - from 4 to 6 m3, G-6 - from 6 to 10 m3, G-10 - from 10 to 16 m3, G-16 - from 16 to 25 cubic meters and so on.

So, if you have only a two-burner gas stove, then the G-1.6 counter will be enough. A gas stove consumes about 1 m per hour. If you still have a geyser, then it is better to use a meter labeled G-2.5. If there are other gas appliances, then the gas consumption per hour must be indicated in the passport of any gas equipment. Thus, you can calculate what your total gas consumption is planned for and then select the gas meter of the necessary marking.

But in addition to the estimated throughput of the gas meter, it is necessary to take into account such parameters as:

• Gas flow direction in the meter
• Overall and mounting dimensions
• The presence of correction of temperature readings (thermal correction)

In the direction of the gas flow, the meters are left (gas goes to the left) and right (gas goes to the right). When choosing a meter, consider the relative position of the gas pipe and the devices that you intend to connect.

If you install a new gas meter instead of the old one or you already have a gas pipeline installed, you need to know the center distance (A) and thread diameter (F) of the connecting pipes. If the mismatch in the diameter of the thread can be easily compensated by the selection of adapters, then in the case of a mismatch in the center distance, you will have to transfer the gas pipe or, more likely, buy another meter.

It is also necessary to take into account the distance (E) from the axis of the connecting pipe to the back wall of the meter because the gas pipe runs at a certain distance from the wall and the meter may not fit in dimensions.

Overall dimensions of the counter

Meters with automatic temperature correction (thermal correction) are initially more expensive than similar meters without thermal correction, but in the future they will save on gas costs. The thing is that meters without thermal correction are designed to account for gas under normal conditions - with an ambient temperature of + 20 ° C and a pressure of 760 mm Hg. Art. If the gas is colder, for example, in winter, then its density increases, and in summer, on the contrary, decreases. An increase in gas density leads to the fact that the consumer receives more gas, and pays less on the meter. Therefore, for those who have a gas meter on the street, the temperature coefficient is used in the calculation. In the middle lane for the summer months it is 0.96 - 0.98, and in the winter it is about 1.15, and on average for the year it is about 1.1. The coefficient is applied monthly, without taking into account the actual temperature of the gas supplied. The volume of gas payable per month is calculated as the product of the gas volume by the meter for a given month and the corresponding temperature coefficient. To avoid disagreements when paying for gas, it is better to install a meter with a temperature corrector, which will automatically determine the gas flow rate in accordance with its actual temperature. This is especially true for those who consume increased volumes of gas, for example, for heating a cottage and heating water.

For those who have a meter in the apartment, the use of a thermal corrector is also relevant and allows saving. Indeed, in fact, the temperature in the kitchen is higher than + 20 ° C, especially when the gas stove is on, so the gas density is lower than normal. Consequently, the temperature corrector will “slow down” the counter.

The gas meter is a special meter. The cost of gas is constantly growing, so the need arises to organize an accurate accounting of the consumption of gas resources. A gas meter is capable of measuring the volume of gas that has passed through it. Actually, the device performs two main functions - takes into account the flow of the gas mixture and is a stimulant for compliance with savings. Having such a device, the consumer automatically begins to look for methods of saving. But one condition must be taken into account - the choice of the counter should be performed according to certain rules.

Make your choice

There are plenty of types of gas metering devices - membrane, rotary, turbine and others. For everyday use, a membrane model is recommended. But this does not mean at all that it is necessary to acquire it without taking into account a number of features. Before choosing a gas meter, it is worth considering the qualitative characteristics determined by price indicators.

Do not dwell on cheap models - they, which are quite likely, during operation will bring you many problems, and they can serve for a short time. You will have to check such a device often enough, and the accuracy of the readings will always be doubtful. The choice of a domestic gas meter should be based on a number of conditions:

• in the period between two checks the device must function stably;
• pressure losses should be minimized as much as possible;
• the meter must be resistant to damage from open flame;
• the installation of the device must take into account protection against exposure to unauthorized persons;
• choose a counter with the longest working life (usually from 20 years or more);
• meter should have compact dimensions and resistance to pollution.

Going to purchase a gas meter, you should clarify the number of gas appliances in the apartment. Their number will affect the bandwidth of your future counter. You can check the information for the estimated consumption in the documentation for the gas equipment available in your home. Having counted all the indicators for gas consumption in one hour, you will be able to easily choose for yourself a meter for the required marking.

When making a purchase, you should clarify one more condition - which side the gas will go through your meter. Based on this, the model of the meter for the apartment should be selected with the right and left directions of gas flow.

Installation Rules

Installing a gas appliance is not easy. The first step is to contact your local gas organization, because only there you can be given all the qualified advice, clarify all the conditions and details of the installation. In case you have not purchased the meter yourself, they will be able to offer it to you in the gas organization. But remember that such a purchase will cost you a little more. Therefore, it is recommended to attempt an independent purchase, this will help you save your money.

The meter that was purchased outside the gas organization will need to be checked, but it is not free.

But the installation of the device will still require the participation of experienced craftsmen who have the appropriate permission to carry out gas work, because they must be performed in compliance with some features. Installation should be performed away from the stove, sink and other sources of heat and moisture. At the same time, the place for installing the meter should not be “dull”. It is better to put the meter in a well-ventilated area. The choice of installation location for the gas meter to gas appliances should be determined in accordance with the recommendations of the factories producing your gas equipment. If such information is not indicated in the passports, use the generally accepted minimum installation dimensions:

• from any device running on gas - at least 80 cm;
• from powerful gas stoves, digesters, stoves - at least 100 cm.

If the meter is installed outdoors, protection should be provided against the influence of natural factors and unauthorized persons on the device. Usually in this situation, the device is installed in a metal box that can be locked.

Cost of work and safety measures

Prices for work depend on a number of conditions. Firstly, from the features of the installed device. Secondly, from the placement of pipes and household gas appliances.

When operating gas appliances, it is necessary to remember one basic rule. In case of any malfunctions, immediately call experienced professionals authorized to carry out such work.

Video

More information about the types of gas meters and their characteristics in the video:

For owners of apartments and private houses, saving gas is becoming as relevant a problem as saving heat, electricity and water. In order to ensure that consumers can correctly keep track of the consumption of natural gas with payment only for the amount that was actually consumed, they should consider the issue of acquiring a domestic gas meter.

The modern market offers a large number of different models of gas meters, but not everyone will be suitable. In this article we will tell you how to choose a gas meter for your home.

What are the gas meters

The most popular models of household gas meters are divided into the following types:

Membrane type gas meter

The membrane device (another name for diaphragm type), based on the principle of operation, has a separation of the measured flow into parts of a small volume, followed by their measurement and summation.

Advantages of membrane type meters

Such metering devices are quite economical and easy to maintain. Moreover, they allow you to take readings with a sufficient degree of accuracy. The deadline for using membrane-type meters is 20 years.

Disadvantages of membrane type meters

The main disadvantages of such gas meters is the high cost of such devices, as well as the large overall dimensions.

Gas meter with rotary mechanism

Rotary devices, unlike membrane meters, are more compact and have an affordable cost. Such counters have two rotating rotors in the metering mechanism.

Benefits of Rotary Meters

The small compact size of the device and its reasonable cost are the main advantages of rotary gas meters.

Disadvantages of rotary type meters

In comparison with membrane metering devices, rotary gas meters have a shorter life (up to 10 years), as well as a large error in reading.

Turbine type gas meter

Such metering devices are most widely used in the field of commercial metering of natural gas (range from 5 to 25,000 m³ / h). Their work is based on the method of indirect measurements. So, the rotation speed in the mechanism of the measuring turbine wheel is proportional to the volume of gas flow. The measuring range of such devices is 1:10; 1:20.

The principle of the mechanism: the gas stream, when it enters the meter, drives a turbine, which starts to rotate at a speed proportional to the pressure of the incoming gas.

Advantages of turbine gas meters

The main advantages of such metering devices are: high measurement accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. As a rule, such meters are installed on gas pipelines, which are laid to the newly built apartments.

Disadvantages of turbine gas meters

To ensure the correct operation of such metering devices, their work must be uninterrupted (in continuous mode).

Gas meter capacity

Natural gas meters vary in face value as well as throughput.

In order to understand how to choose a gas meter that is optimal for existing gas equipment, you should consider the line of gas meters and the dependence of the marking on the throughput of the devices.

• G1.6 allows gas to flow up to 2.5 m³ / h;
• G2.5 passes gas up to 4.0 m³ / h;
• G4 allows gas to flow up to 6.0 m³ / h and is suitable for an apartment that is equipped with a gas stove and column;
• G6 passes gas up to 10 m³ / h;
• G10 allows gas to flow up to 16 m³ / h;
• G16 allows gas to flow up to 25 m³ / h and is suitable for installation in private homes equipped with a large number of gas appliances.

There are several rules, adhering to which you can correctly choose a gas meter for your home. The main such rules experts include:

1. Do not try to save on buying. Your meter should be of high quality, and not cheap, because after buying a device of dubious quality, after a while you will encounter problems such as measurement errors, a short calibration interval, as well as other breakdowns of a mechanical nature;
2. For domestic use, it will be sufficient to install a membrane gas meter, which has established itself as sufficiently reliable. At the same time, gas pressure losses should be minimal, and the meter itself is equipped with protection against unauthorized interventions. A high-quality membrane (diaphragm) gas meter can last up to 20 years.
3. When choosing a metering device, it is necessary to take into account its throughput. If only a gas stove for 2 burners is installed in your home, then installing a gas meter G1.6 is sufficient, and if there is also a gas column, it is better to use a gas meter G2.5, which allows gas to flow up to 4.0 m³ / h. If your apartment is additionally equipped with a gas heating boiler, then the consumption of such a device (usually indicated in the product passport) must be taken into account when choosing a meter.

The characteristics that the gas meter you have chosen must have are as follows:

• fire safety;
• pressure loss should be minimized;
• meter should work stably in the calibration interval;
• there must be protection against outside interference;
• operational life should be high (up to 20 years or more).

In addition, a reliable and convenient meter should have compact overall dimensions and be insensitive to pollution.

• During the purchase of the gas meter, it should be clarified which side the gas will go through the meter. Depending on this, a gas meter model is selected for an apartment with a left or right direction of gas flow;
• It should be borne in mind that a meter that was not purchased by a gas organization will require verification, which is paid;
• It is absolutely necessary to install a mesh filter, which will protect the gas flow meter from getting inside the metal particles from the gas pipeline and other contaminants;
• The installation of a metering device for natural gas consumption should be carried out exclusively by specialists of a certified organization.

Separately, it should be noted that each model of a gas meter has its own installation features. To install the meter, you need to choose a trusted company, because for the subsequent obtaining permission to use a gas flow meter, you will need to strictly observe many conditions. Only a qualified specialist can make the installation correctly, which will not cause subsequent complications when commissioning the device.

In conclusion, I would like to note that, when choosing a gas meter, you need to take the purchase with all responsibility and be guided by the recommendations that are outlined in this article.