The gas meter measures the volume or mass of gas passed through the pipe. High-quality devices work more reliably, have a longer operating time than the service life of an inexpensive gas meter. Gas consumption is more often measured in cubic meters, less often units of mass are used, for example, tons or kilograms.
Varieties and features of gas meters
The device withstands pressure inside the line up to 50 kPa, is closed by a housing that protects against contamination. When choosing, take into account the number of meters in the building, study the technical passport.
Types of counters are used:
- flow meters record the amount of substance passing through the pipe for a certain time and show cubic meters per hour (m³ / h);
- Quantum meters have lower measurement accuracy and are installed in internal utility or technological lines, but are not suitable for use in commercial pipelines.
The device is mounted inside the building or outside, taking into account the temperature regime of operation. The street meter must have a permit for operation from -40 to + 40 ° C. Outdoor models are combined with a thermocorrector, without which outdoor operation is not permitted.
According to bandwidth
The conductivity index characterizes the consumption range at which the measurement error specified by the manufacturer is not exceeded. The device is characterized by a certain value and is selected from the standard range: 1; 1.6; 2.5; four; 6. The minimum consumption is taken according to the width of the counter range, which is most often determined by the ratio Q min / Q max. The sensitivity of the device indicates the smallest amount of gas at which the device operates, the readings are measured, and the measurement error differs from the standard limit.
Accounting nodes are divided according to the highest throughput:
- household appliances let through 1 - 6 m³ / h, are used for apartments, offices, private housing construction;
- household - 10 - 40 m³ / h, installed in boiler rooms and small technological structures;
- industrial - more than 40 m³ / h, mounted in industrial complexes.
The choice of throughput depends on the number of connected points in the gas network. A device with an indicator of up to 6 m³ / h is used if there are three gas installations, and in the presence of four points, a meter with a conductivity of up to 10 m³ / h is installed.
By the principle of action
The electronic device is easy to set up, has a small size, and operates silently. The meter is highly accurate; it is checked once every 10 years. The line provides models for everyday life and production. The disadvantage is the high cost of the metering unit.
A rotary metering unit is much cheaper than an electronic counterpart and has a compact size, but such a device has much more disadvantages:
- if the case is damaged, there is a leak;
- the check is done every 2 years;
- short service time;
- inaccurate readings;
- noise during operation.
The membrane analogue has a long service life of a gas meter in an apartment (up to 30 years) and successfully works with poor quality gas.A check is recommended once every 15 years. The metering unit box is durable and can withstand high-temperature impact. The cost is acceptable for a wide range of users. Lack of significant dimensions and noise during operation.
Terms of use
Before opening the valve, make sure that there is no characteristic odor. A leak is detected at the joints of the pipeline and taps of gas points using a special device or a soap solution.
Fundamental rules:
- when turned on, the incoming valve is first turned off, then the match is lit and then the burner valve is opened;
- during operation, the transoms open, the removal of combustion products is ensured;
- if the exhaust gases are discharged into the chimney, holes are made in the lower part of the door leaf of the room for a fresh air supply stream.
When a smell appears, they urgently call the emergency service and take people out of the building, do not use electrical switches, prevent sparks and open fires, and organize ventilation. It is not allowed to use gas installations for preschoolers and those who do not know how to do this.
Check interval
The term is the period of time during which the manufacturer makes a guarantee of error-free operation. Usually the interval is indicated in the range of 8 - 12 years and is recorded in the technical passport. If the check is not carried out on time or there is no new seal, the node scores are considered implausible and do not apply to billing.
If it is established that the meter is unsuitable for subsequent operation, an act on the impossibility of further use is drawn up for the unit and the owner is informed about this. The frequency of verification depends on the specific model. After notifying the company about the due date for verification, a specialist comes. After the test work, a conclusion is issued.
Life time
The inspection interval and the expiration date of the gas meter are different concepts. The calibration interval is prescribed in the technical documentation, and the service life is counted from the date of manufacture. Guidelines for determining the service life are given in the document PR 50.2.006 - 1994 “GSI. Rules for verification of measuring instruments ". Measuring devices checked by the state metrological control are tested by the relevant authorities during release or repair.
In the apartment
The meter is mounted in its original position after a positive inspection report. Otherwise, the owner receives a defective act and purchases a new device, as well as pays for its installation for further registration of gas consumption.
The general metering unit in the multi-apartment sector can be changed by representatives of the municipal formation, if it is installed in the basement of the house. The relevant services are responsible for the process; the procedure is free for residents.
Replacing the meter in the apartment begins with the owner's appeal to the gas service to call the installer and adjust the timing of the device replacement. If the corresponding model is not on sale, Gorgaz employees will select a new unit taking into account the required characteristics.
In a private house
Sometimes homeowners refuse to voluntarily install a gas meter. The gas distribution company can carry out the installation by compulsory procedure, while the consent of the owner is not required. The owner of the house is obliged to let the gasman through to install the device, and if he resists, he will be fined. Further evasion will be considered in court, which will oblige to provide access to the workplace.
The site of the installation is selected by the owner on the advice of specialists. The meter is mounted inside the house or on an external wall so that precipitation and sun do not fall on it.
The owner of a private building provides access to specialists for regular inspection and maintenance. Refusal of such a visit is followed by an administrative fine in the amount of 10-20 thousand rubles.
Gas meter replacement procedure
The homeowner is responsible for the correctness of the gas metering readings and the operability of the device. The subscriber pays for the inspection and delivery of the unit to the test site. A reduction in the cost of the procedure is provided if the verification is carried out at home by a specialist of the company without removing the device. In this case, you do not need to pay for the removal, installation and sealing of the meter.
Replacing the meter in 2020 is carried out in the following sequence:
- In the territorial service organization, the owner draws up the text of the application and submits the required documents.
- The subscriber orders an installation project from the gas supply company.
- Specialists go to the site to assess the situation, inspect the eyeliner.
- The owner purchases a gas metering unit of a certain brand, pays for the project and the removal of the old device.
- After the installation of a new device, the subscriber signs an act of work performed.
- The registration device is being sealed.
The replacement should not last more than a month, according to Government Ordinance No. 354 of 2011 and the Rules for the Provision of Utilities. When contacting the gas department, the subscriber must submit a passport to draw up contractual documents for the provision of services for changing the flow meter. With him, the owner has a technical passport of the old device with a fixed installation date and a description of the results of previous checks.
The landlord submits the legal documents for the housing or the rental agreement if the tenant is in charge of the replacement. The application is written in free form or the company provides a printed form.
The counter is broken
Breakdown for electronic devices is expressed in the absence of a digital image on the monitor or separate fragments appear. For all varieties, a failure is characterized by a stop of the node and the appearance of a slight leak in the connection area. A specialist is called in to fix the breakage.
If the master detects a violation of the seal, an act of violation is written. The subscriber pays for the previous six months at rates that often exceed actual consumption. At such rates, expenses are paid for in apartments where there are no meters.
If a flow meter malfunction is detected during a routine check, and the seal remains intact, the subscriber also pays according to the standard for the last 6 months due to the concealment of the faulty device. Suppliers send a recalculation within a month after discovery.
Counter expired
The user is responsible for the violation of the inspection deadlines, and the gas industry specialists periodically check the condition of the in-house pipeline. The delay in the verification time leads to a subsequent recalculation for the previous six months in accordance with the current regulations. At the same time, there are no additional penalties for non-compliance with the interval.
Who is the replacement
Gas fuel consumption registration devices are installed exclusively by specialists. Installation by own forces and by workers without proper training is strictly prohibited. Replacement is carried out at the end of the expiration date or as a result of negative results of the device check.
Sometimes the subscriber does not carry out a scheduled check, because believes that it is better to replace the meter with a new one. The replacement schedule is maintained and the participation of a specialized gas service is required. The owner is charged at the rate only for the period of replacing the flow meter with timely contact to the utility company in the event of a malfunction.The replacement time is the period from the day of notification to the next day after the sealing of the new device.
At whose expense it is established
The replacement cost is determined depending on the features of the installation and is calculated on an individual basis. The price is influenced by the complexity of the work, their type and model of the flow meter. The cost of replacement in a private building and an apartment is different.
Some categories of people may not pay for the replacement of gas flow meters:
- veterans of the Great Patriotic War;
- families classified as large;
- needy and low-income citizens who can document their status.
In other cases, dismantling and installation of expired and non-working devices is paid by the subscriber, the price of a new gas meter is added to the amount.
