Evaluation of Gas Metering Accuracy in Industrial Facilities in Port Harcourt

Accurate gas metering is fundamental to commercial gas transactions and operational efficiency in industrial settings. This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of gas metering systems installed at selected industrial facilities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with a focus on turbine meters and diaphragm meters used in manufacturing and power generation applications. The research employs an experimental design involving field calibration tests, meter factor analysis, and comparison with ultrasonic reference meters. Data were collected from five industrial sites including a cement plant, a textile facility, and two power generation plants. The study investigates the effect of gas pressure fluctuations, temperature variations, and flow profile distortions on metering accuracy. Common metering errors identified include under-registration caused by worn meter internals and over-registration resulting from gas flow pulsation. The research evaluates the compliance of the installed meters with ISO 17089 and AGA-7 standards for gas measurement. Findings are expected to demonstrate that a substantial proportion of the surveyed meters exhibit measurement errors exceeding the permissible one percent threshold, leading to significant revenue losses for gas suppliers. Recommendations include mandatory periodic recalibration programmes, adoption of condition-based maintenance strategies, and investment in advanced ultrasonic and Coriolis metering technologies. This study contributes to addressing the metering accuracy deficit in Nigeria's mid-stream gas sector. Keywords: gas metering, meter accuracy, industrial facilities, Port Harcourt, ultrasonic meter.