Calibration facilities and test results for gas network hydrogen and hydrogen enriched natural gas flow meters

Abstract

The transition to a decarbonized gas network requires the adaptation of existing infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen and hydrogen-enriched natural gas. This study presents the development of calibration facilities at NEL, VSL, and DNV for evaluating the performance of flow meters under hydrogen conditions. Nine flow meters were tested, covering applications from household consumption to distribution networks. Results demonstrated that rotary displacement meters and diaphragm meters are typically suitable for hydrogen and hydrogen-enriched natural gas domestic and commercial consumers use. Tests results for an orifice meter confirmed that a discharge coefficient calibrated with nitrogen can be reliably used for hydrogen by matching Reynolds numbers. Thermal mass flow meters, when not configured for the specific test gas, exhibited significant errors emphasizing the necessity of gas-specific calibration and configuration. Turbine meters showed predictable error trends influenced by Reynolds number and bearing friction, with natural gas calibration providing reliable hydrogen and hydrogen-enriched natural gas performance in the Reynolds domain. It was confirmed that ultrasonic meter performance varies by manufacturers, with some meter models requiring a correction for gas composition bias when used in hydrogen enriched natural gas applications. These findings provide critical experimental data to guide future hydrogen metering standards and infrastructure adaptations, supporting the European Union's goal of integrating hydrogen into the gas network.