“It’s all about trust and reputation”
As one of the Platinum sponsors, Elster-Instromet recognises the importance of the Milestones in Metrology conference. We had an interesting talk with Mr Jacob Freeke, marketing director of Elster-Instromet: “Milestones in Metrology offers a platform where the gas flow metrology can be brought to a higher level based on contributions of various stakeholders from within the industry.”
According to Mr Freeke, the importance of legal metrology in the market of Elster-Instromet is all about trust and reputation. “The larger the amount of custody transfer of gas, the more crucial it is to have the measurement equipment certified by an independent notified institution with a traceable flow reference. Unbiased accuracy for a flow measurement as close as possible to the real value is what matters most for both the buyer and the seller of the gas.”
Improving legal metrology
The previous Milestones in Metrology conference – combined with the opening of the EuroLoop calibration facility - was a valuable event for Elster-Instromet. “In my view, the key driver of the conference is to improve legal metrology such as it will bring added value to the market. We want to stay closely in touch with the gas calibration expert community and share the latest technologies, challenge and discuss new concepts, listen to their needs and thoughts on how we can further contribute to bring gas metering technology and calibration to a higher level.”
Natural gas and future developments
Using natural gas is a growing market and gaining popularity as an alternative option for the future’s energy mix. Mr Freeke sees natural gas playing a larger role in the future as it has advantages over other fossil resources in availability, energy efficiency and the effect on the climate.
Mr Freeke continues: “In the future we envision a further shift from a certified 'stand-alone’ flow measurement (per product) to a certified 'total energy measurement concept’ (whole measurement system). A second development we see is the concept to monitor the initial measurement uncertainty of a gas metering station at the initial start-up/commissioning versus time induced uncertainty effects such as built-up, fouling, wear and tear, liquid carry over, etc.”
Elster-Instromet’s view on the programme
Elster-Instromet would like to see at Milestones in Metrology IV contributions from gas companies on their legal metrology needs for natural gas flow and quality measurement. Experience based on field cases can be exchanged in collaboration with the legal metrology specialists of the organizer. Field experience and lessons learned often carry significant value for the audience. “Furthermore, we would like to see technology updates, new products, traceability chain improvements, in situ verification methods, etc. from various manufacturers and metrology institutes.”
Start the discussion online
Mr Jacob Freeke joined the networking group of Milestones in Metrology on LinkedIn. “Networking has always been a key element in a business-to-business environment and social media are becoming a growing new interesting part of that. Building communities around dedicated topics create valuable platforms for knowledge sharing, discussions and thought leadership.” Start a discussion and post your comments online!
About Elster-Instromet
As part of the Elster Group, Elster-Instromet is a worldwide market leader in energy flow measurement and regulation throughout the whole gas value chain; from well head to burner tip. As an Original Equipment Manufacturer we also offer complete solutions containing ultrasonic flow meters, turbine flow meters, flow computers, energy measurement, gas chromatographs and supervisory equipment. Elster-Instromet is part of the Elster Group, which is one of the world's largest electricity, gas and water measurement and control providers. Elster has over 7,000 staff and operations in 38 countries, focused in North and South America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia.
