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『High-Accuracy Flow Meter for LNG Bunkering and Marine Applications: Selection Manual』Related information(clamp on meter|electromagnetic meter|venturi meterrotameter|orifice meter|ultrasonic flow meter|mass flow meter|coriolis mass flow meter|coriolis flow meter|magnetic flow meter|magmeter flow meter|magflow flow meter|mag meter flow meter|electromagnetic flow meter|vortex flow meter|turbine flow meter|thermal mass flow meter|thermal flow meter|rotameter flow meter)
High-Accuracy Flow Meter for LNG Bunkering and Marine Applications: Selection Manual
Quick Answer: Use a Coriolis mass flow meter for LNG bunkering and marine fuel transfer. It measures mass directly at -196 °C and delivers 0.1 to 0.2 percent of rate accuracy. Silver Automation Instruments supplies ATEX and IECEx certified Coriolis meters with 4-20 mA HART, pulse, and Modbus outputs. Send your pressure in bar, temperature in °C, pipe size in DN, and flow range for a quote.
LNG bunkering is different from diesel transfer. A small vapor pocket or a quick pressure drop can change the measurement. Most engineers do not see this on paper. We have seen it on customer sites in Vietnam, Singapore, and Qatar. The meter must stay full of liquid, handle cryogenic temperatures, and give a signal that both the ship crew and the terminal operator accept.
Coriolis Mass Flow Meter for LNG Transfer
Coriolis mass flow meters are the common reference for LNG bunkering. They measure mass directly. There is no need to correct for density like a turbine meter requires. The meter gives mass flow, density, and temperature from one device. That helps with bunker delivery notes and with detecting gas pockets in the line.
A Coriolis meter with 316L stainless steel wetted parts can run at -196 °C. Some sensor designs use Hastelloy for fast cooling conditions. Typical accuracy for LNG transfer is 0.1 to 0.2 percent of rate. Repeatability is 0.05 percent or better. This level is accepted for many custody transfer setups in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Key Specifications for LNG Bunkering Flow Meters
Compare these points when you talk to flow meter suppliers. Process temperature range from -196 °C to +80 °C. Pressure rating from PN16 up to PN100 or ANSI 150 to ANSI 600. Line sizes from DN15 to DN300. Output signals should include 4-20 mA HART, pulse, and Modbus RTU. Hazardous area certification is often ATEX Zone 1 or IECEx Ex d or Ex ia.
Accuracy should be stated as percent of rate, not percent of full scale. A meter that says 0.5 percent of full scale can be poor at low flow. LNG bunkering flow rates change a lot during start, topping up, and disconnect. A percent of rate specification is safer for bunker delivery notes.
Silver Automation Instruments supplies Coriolis mass flow meters with 4-20 mA HART, pulse output, and ATEX Zone 1 approval. We also provide factory calibration reports. If a port authority or bunker surveyor needs a certificate, ask for it when you send the quote request.
Selecting the Right Size and Model
Size depends on flow range, not just pipe size. For a small LNG trial line or a pilot system, DN15 or DN25 may match. For a bunker barge doing 50 to 100 tonnes per hour, DN80 or DN100 is common. For a receiving terminal at 200 tonnes per hour, DN150 or DN200 may be needed.
Here is a real example. Last year a customer in Indonesia used a DN80 Coriolis meter on a bunker barge. The transfer rate was between 20 and 80 tonnes per hour. The meter pressure drop stayed below 0.5 bar. The customer paired the meter with a PT100 temperature sensor and a pressure transmitter. This is a typical setup for small scale LNG distribution.
When you send an inquiry, include the minimum and maximum flow rate in kg/h or t/h. Also include the pipe size in DN, the flange standard, and the operating pressure. Do not send onl
Installation and Calibration Notes for LNG Service
Install the meter so the sensor stays full of liquid during zero flow. Vertical upward flow is often preferred for LNG bunkering. Avoid long horizontal dead legs. Insulate the meter body and use a proper cool down procedure. A fast cool down can create thermal stress and gas pockets.
Zero calibration should be done at operating temperature if possible. This sounds simple but many sites skip it. A zero set at ambient temperature can shift when the meter reaches -160 °C. We recommend a zero check after the line is cold and stable.
Purge with nitrogen before and after transfer. This protects the meter from moisture and thermal shock. LNG vapor can condense water if the line is opened. Keep the meter dry when it is not in service.
Marine Applications Beyond Bunkering
The same Coriolis meter works in other LNG marine systems. Fuel gas supply to dual fuel engines, cargo transfer on small scale LNG carriers, and truck to ship bunkering use similar requirements. The main difference is line size and flow range. We also supply flow meters for LNG receiving terminals and satellite storage in the Philippines, Malaysia, Brazil, and Mozambique.
For water and wastewater plants, we offer electromagnetic flow meters. For gas and steam, we offer vortex flow meters. For diesel and heavy oil, we offer oval gear flow meters. But for LNG, the Coriolis mass flow meter remains the direct fit.
Why Buy from Silver Automation Instruments
Silver Automation Instruments is an industrial flow meter manufacturer and supplier. We work with end users and distributors in Southeast Asia, Australia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. We give you a specific model recommendation, not a general brochure.
Send us your pressure in bar, temperature in °C, pipe size in DN, and flow range. Also include the hazardous area certificate you need and the output signal. We reply with a price and a delivery time. Contact details are below.
Tel: +86-135-1213-1526
WhatsApp: 86-135-12131526
WeChat: +86 13512131526
FAQ
What flow meter is best for LNG bunkering?
A Coriolis mass flow meter is the best fit for most LNG bunkering systems. It measures mass flow directly and handles cryogenic temperatures down to -196 °C.
Can an electromagnetic flow meter measure LNG?
No. Electromagnetic flow meters require a conductive liquid. LNG is non-conductive. A magnetic flow meter will not produce a stable signal in LNG service.
What accuracy is required for LNG custody transfer?
Many port authorities and bunker surveyors accept 0.2 to 0.5 percent of rate. A Coriolis meter from Silver Instruments offers 0.1 to 0.2 percent, which gives margin for the final settlement.
Do you supply ATEX Zone 1 LNG flow meters?
Yes. We supply Coriolis mass flow meters with ATEX Zone 1 and IECEx certification. Tell us your gas group and temperature class. We will match the certificate.
What information do you need for a fast quote?
We need your operating pressure in bar, temperature in °C, pipe size in DN, flow range in kg/h or t/h, and your required approval. Send these details on WhatsApp or by phone.