Ultrasonic Smart Gas Meters

With the rapid development and widespread application of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, ultrasonic smart gas meters are gradually becoming the mainstream trend in the gas industry. The following are the key application trends of ultrasonic smart gas meters:

High Precision and Reliability:

Ultrasonic smart gas meters utilize ultrasonic measurement technology to provide extremely high measurement accuracy and stability. This allows them to maintain accurate readings in various complex gas source scenarios, reducing errors and enhancing user trust in the measurement results.

Intelligent Data Analysis:

Leveraging IoT technology, ultrasonic smart gas meters can collect and transmit usage data in real-time. This data not only helps users monitor and manage their gas usage but also provides gas companies with a wealth of data resources for in-depth urban data mining and analysis, optimizing gas distribution and management.

Remote Monitoring and Management:

By connecting to IoT platforms, ultrasonic smart gas meters enable remote monitoring and management functions. Gas companies can remotely read data, monitor device status, and promptly detect and address anomalies, improving service efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Enhanced Safety and Protection Measures:

Ultrasonic smart gas meters are equipped with various safety features, such as gas leak detection alarms, reverse flow alarms, and low battery alarms, enhancing gas usage safety. Additionally, their anti-corrosion design and robust construction improve the device's durability, ensuring stable operation in various environments.

User Interaction and Service Upgrades:

Through the application of smart gas meters, users can conveniently check their gas usage, set usage plans, and receive usage reminders and alarm notifications. This interaction not only enhances the user experience but also provides gas companies with opportunities to upgrade services, such as offering flexible billing and payment plans.

Environmental Friendliness and Energy Conservation:

The high-precision measurement and intelligent management of ultrasonic smart gas meters help reduce gas waste and improve energy utilization efficiency, supporting energy conservation and emission reduction goals. Additionally, intelligent management systems can better predict and control gas consumption, reducing unnecessary resource usage.

Ultrasonic smart gas meters demonstrate significant advantages in high-precision measurement, intelligent management, enhanced safety, and user interaction, representing the future direction of the gas industry. With continuous technological advancements and deeper application, ultrasonic smart gas meters will play an increasingly important role in gas metering and management.

Smart Gas Meter

AMI smart gas meter solutions
AMR smart gas meter solutions
Pre- & Post payment gas meter solutions

AMI smart gas meter solutions

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMl) solution is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers. More and more government agencies and utilities are turning toward advanced metering infrastructure (AMl) systems as part of larger "smart grid" initiatives. Cubic has provided a wide range of solutions including gas meter with wireless communication module GPRS/NBIOT, server and server management platform.

AMR smart gas meter solutions

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) is the technology of automatically collecting gas consumption, diagnostic, alarm, and parameter data from gas meters or energy metering devices (gas, electric) and transferring that data to a central database for billing, troubleshooting, and analyzing. This technology solution mainly saves utility providers the expense of periodic trips to each physical location to read a meter. Cubic comprehensive smart gas meter solutions could be equipped with diverse functions of the AMR technology.

Pre- & Post payment gas meter solutions

Pre- & Post payment gas meter solution provides a flexible metering system that supports both pre-payment and post-payment options. The pre-payment option, also known as "Pay as you go," allows customers to pay in advance for their gas usage, offering better budget control and convenience. The post-payment option enables customers to pay for their gas consumption after use, typically through a monthly bill. This dual functionality ensures that utility providers can cater to a wide range of customer preferences and billing needs. Cubic can provide both Pre- & Post payment smart gas meters.

Wireless Communication Technology

When using the wireless communication system for remote readout, the measuring devices independently send data protocols at defined intervals. For data protection, all Cubic protocols and data are encrypted according to the latest technological standards.

The recorded consumption data and associated meter parameters are then transferred to the data center of the gas company, where they are available for billing and energy monitoring. This system allows for convenient remote reading of energy meters, eliminating the need for appointments and on-site inspections. Additionally, the meter readout intervals become flexible.

Cubic gas meters support GPRS and NB-IoT, and we offer customized LoRaWAN solutions for our partners.

Technology	Advantages	Disadvantages
GPRS	Mature global network coverage Supports moderate-speed data transfer Utilizes existing GSM networks Widely used across various industries	High power consumption High data transmission latency Higher costs Limited applicable scenarios
NB-IoT	Low power consumption, long battery life Wide coverage Supports a large number of devices Low network deployment and maintenance costs	Slower data transfer speeds Relatively high latency Initial network coverage not as extensive as GPRS
LoRaWAN	Ultra-low power consumption, very long battery life Wide coverage, suitable for long-distance communication Low cost Supports large-scale device connectivity	Low data transmission rates Requires dedicated gateways and infrastructure Susceptible to interference, relatively lower security
M-BUS	Specifically designed for metering systems High reliability, suitable for data transmission Supports bidirectional communication Easy integration with existing systems	Requires wired connection, complex deployment Limited coverage Potentially higher costs Higher power consumption

Technology

Advantages

Disadvantages

GPRS

Mature global network coverage

Supports moderate-speed data transfer

Utilizes existing GSM networks

Widely used across various industries

High power consumption

High data transmission latency

Higher costs

Limited applicable scenarios

NB-IoT

Low power consumption, long battery life

Wide coverage

Supports a large number of devices

Low network deployment and maintenance costs

Slower data transfer speeds

Relatively high latency

Initial network coverage not as extensive as GPRS

LoRaWAN

Ultra-low power consumption, very long battery life

Wide coverage, suitable for long-distance communication

Low cost

Supports large-scale device connectivity

Low data transmission rates

Requires dedicated gateways and infrastructure

Susceptible to interference, relatively lower security

M-BUS

Specifically designed for metering systems

High reliability, suitable for data transmission

Supports bidirectional communication

Easy integration with existing systems

Requires wired connection, complex deployment

Limited coverage

Potentially higher costs

Higher power consumption

Ultrasonic Gas Meter Module and Smart Gas Meters for Residential Application

With more than 10 years of experience in ultrasonic gas flow sensor technology, Cubic could offer solutions from the "Sensor Core" -gas meter module to complete smart gas meters.

V-Shape Design

V-shape design,with anti-contamination feature, increase ultrasonic path lengths through multiple reflections within the flow channel, obtaining high meaqsurement accuracy.

Long-time Accuracy

No moving parts and no mechanical wear ensure no accuracy degrade over long-term usage. no magnetic field effects.

Good Gas Sources Adaptability

Various real-gas test and intelligent software algorithm mensure compatibility with different gas sources.

Maintenance-free

No moving parts, long lifetime.
No need for factory repairs, convenient maintenance.

Low Power Consumption

Both hardware and software patent design ensure low power consumption, ensuring more than 10 years battery lifespan.

Low Pressure Loss

Absence of obstructing objects.
Stable gas flow within flow path.

Commercial Smart Gas Meters

Commercial gas meters are used in various industries to accurately measure the volume of gas consumed. These meters are widely used in industrial plants and manufacturing facilities, large commercial buildings, such as office complexes and shopping centers, hospitals and educational institutions, restaurants and hotels, utilities and energy service providers for billing and energy management. The accurate measurement of gas usage is vital for managing costs, optimizing energy consumption, and maintaining safety standards in commercial operations.

Cubic could offer complete ultrasonic gas meters for commercial applications covering G6, G10, G16, G25, G40 to G65 types.

Stable and Accurate Measurement

No magnetic induction elements.
No moving parts and mechanical wear.
Temperature & Pressure Compensation

Real-time temperature and pressure corrections, effectively improving supply-demand imbalance.
High Sensitivity

Instantaneous flow monitoring and real-time alarm of illegal operation to deal with various technical gas theft methods.
Built-in Shut-off Valve

Safe gas usage and controllable billing.
Strong Expandability

Fully electronic structure, easily expandable for additional functions, such as remote charging, valve control, alarms, etc.
Data Security & Encryption

Utilize Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to encrypt transmitted data, preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.
Data Transmission

Supporting multiple communication protocols (such as GPRS, NB-IoT) to seamlessly integrate with existing energy management systems, allowing remote reading and monitoring.
Durability and Reliability

Unique hardware design to resist H2S corrosion.
Special data upload algorithm to minimize battery drain from meaningless multi-network searching in weak signal areas.

Industrial Smart Gas Flow Meters

Industrial gas meters are designed to handle the demands of industrial environments, which typically involve high gas volumes and pressures, and are used in various industries to measure and manage gas consumption accurately. They play a critical role in ensuring efficient energy use and cost management.

Because of the high volume passing through the flow meter, even very small measurement errors could result in substantial economic loss. And challenging ambient measurement conditions place great demands on flow meters. Accuracy and reliability are of the utmost importance to industrial gas flow meters.

High Reliability

Multipath design detects multiple flow profile, eliminating turbulence and asymmetric gas flow impact. The flow meter can operate reasonably well even with failure in one path.

Highly Durable

Titanium alloy transducer employed possesses corrosion resistance.

No Wear & Tear

Ultrasonic measurement technology operates without mechanically moving parts making it largely resistant to contamination and wear.

Easy Clean

Detachable transducer design for easy periodic maintenance and cleaning.

Easy Maintenance and Diagnostics

Built-in diagnostic features for easy maintenance and troubleshooting.
Provides alerts for abnormal conditions such as leaks or pressure drops.

Energy Management Integration

Compatible with energy management systems for comprehensive monitoring and analysis.
Supports trend analysis and reporting to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs.

Gas Safety Solutions

Cubic gas safety solution provides precise detection for various gas usage scenarios 24/7. In the event of a gas leak, the gas meter and gas alarm will promptly capture the leakage information, triggering the alarm and automatically shutting off the gas valve.

Timely send gas leakage information to self-developed apps and synchronize it to the gas company's server.

Gas company can immediately dispatch personnel to conduct on-site investigations and rectifications, ensuring gas safety, when abnormal information is received.

Alarm Scenarios

When a household gas alarm detects gas leakage exceeding the standard, it will sound an alarm signal, and connect to the solenoid valve to quickly close the valve, ensuring gas safety.

1 Gas Leakage
When the ultrasonic gas meter detects gas usage exceeding the user's maximum load, it automatically closes the valve and reports to the gas company

2 Abnormal High Flow Cut-off and Alarm
When the ultrasonic gas meter detects prolonged gas usage, it automatically closes the valve and reports to the gas company promptly.

3 Extended Continuous Gas Usage
Cut-off with Alarm
When the ultrasonic gas meter detects a minor gas leakage, it automatically closes the valve and reports to the gas company promptly.

4 Microflow Cut-off with Alarm
When the ultrasonic gas meter detects reverse installation, it automatically closes the valve and reports to the gas company promptly.

5 Reverse Installation Cut-off with Alarm
When the ultrasonic gas meter detects meter tampering, it automatically closes the valve and reports to the gas company promptly.

6 Illegal Meter Tampering Alarm Cut-off

Functions Highlight

To address the challenges of complex gas source scenarios, Cubic has implemented various unique software and hardware designs, enhancing the durability and reliability of the gas meters. This ensures accurate measurement, compliance with gas usage regulations, and user safety.

Anti-contamination

V-shape sensor module design.
Dust-proof cover for sensor module.
Software algorithm optimization to ensure automatic adjustment of signal strength under dirty gas source.

Anti-Corrosion

Using the potting glue with a version optimized for H2S anti-corrosion to better protect the PCB and cables.
Route all wires on the back of the PCB to increase the coverage area.

Ultrasonic Technology

Cubic has dedicated R&D on ultrasonic technology since 2008 and has made innovations in the fields of ultrasonic gas flow sensor module core technologies with patents from both hardware and software aspects, including the breakthroughs on generic technologies of ultrasonic transducers, time measurement chips, time difference auto-calculation methods and simultaneous sensing of flow-and-content. In response to the special requirements of ultra-wide range ratio, wide temperature range, anti-contamination ability, and pulsating airflow measurement required by domestic and commercial gas meters, Cubic has also developed ultrasonic gas meters with smart algorithms for gas density measurement and realized accurate measurement in different gases. Besides, Cubic has designed an V-shape ultrasonic gas chamber channel through computational fluid dynamics simulation to further improve anti-contamination performance and reduce industrialized costs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of ultrasonic gas meters.

Ultrasonic Transducer Technology

Ultrasonic Transducer Technology

In order to further improve the performance of the ultrasonic gas meter module and reduce the cost, Cubic determined the optimal detector material and structure size through finite element simulation analysis of the diameter and thickness of different piezoelectric ceramics and substrates, and so on.
The corresponding process plan is set to realize the independent production of high-sensitivity ultrasonic transducers for gas meter application.
Ultrasonic Gas Flow Sensor

Ultrasonic Gas Flow Sensor

Cubic ultrasonic gas meter measures the velocity of sonic waves downstream and up-stream.The time of flight (TOF) is related to the gas composition of the fuel gas and the TOF difference between downstream and upstream is related to gas medium speed, so the gas type and also the gas flow rate can be calculated through the advanced algorithm.
Why Ultrasonic for Smart Gas Meter

Why Ultrasonic for Smart Gas Meter

Thanks to full electronic design with no moving parts, ultrasonic gas meter technology has no issue of mechanical wear which leads to degradation of accuracy and has the advantage of anti-contamination.
Therefore, long-term stability and accuracy can be guaranteed for ultrasonic gas meter solutions and there is no need for periodical maintenance.

Features	Ultrasonic Gas Meter	Diaphragm Gas Meter	Thermal Mass Gas Meter
High Accuracy
No Mechanical Wear
No Magnetic Field Effect
No Periodical Maintenance
Anti-contamination
Small Size

Features	Ultrasonic Gas Meter	Diaphragm Gas Meter	Comments
Accuracy	High	High	Thermal flow sensor's accuracy is affected by gas composition change.
Adaptability to different gas sources	Good	Poor	Thermal flow sensor's accuracy is affected by gas composition change. Thermal flow sensor can not accurately measure LPG.
High flow rate measurement	Good	Limited	In thermal mass measurement, mass velocity and heat transfer are nonlinear relationships. Thermal mass technology provides poor sensitivity at high flow rate. Ultrasonic has a relatively wider turn-down ratio for complex application scenarios.
Temperature Compensation	Easy	Complex	Thermal sensor realize measurement based on temperature difference thus susceptible to temperature and humidity change.
Lifetime	Long	Medium	Thermal principle sensor's lifetime will be affected in extreme environments such as high humidity, high temperature, and high pressure which will lead to corrosion risk. Ultrasonic principle sensor has no consuming parts thus long lifetime up to 15 years.
Pollution Resistance	Good	Poor	Dust or other small particles in the gas flow can accumulate on the sensor elements over time, which will reduce sensor's ability to transfer heat to the gas flow, reducing the thermal mass sensor's accuracy. Other particles that affect heat transfer will also affect the measurement accuracy.

About Cubic

Found in 2003, Cubic is a gas sensor company with a comprehensive gas sensor technology platform for measurement from gas composition to gas flow. Cubic has core gas sensor technologies based on NDIR, UVDOAS, NDUV, lasers scattering, Laser Raman and Ultrasonic.In 2008, Cubic had developed the ultrasonic oxygen sensor and flow sensor for oxygen concentrators and ventilators.In 2010, Cubic began to carry out a forward layout in the field of ultrasonic gas meters. Significant breakthroughs in ultrasonic signal processing ensure Cubic to be an industry-leading ultrasonic metering expert. Besides, supply chain integration advantage drives Cubic to be a one-stop supplier for smart gas meters, isolation ball valves, commercial gas regulators, software management systems, etc.In 2022, the newly built industrial park with an area around 48000m² and the production lines for ultrasonic gas meter business will be put into production in Jiashan, which is about 60km driving from the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.