Originally the gas flow computer was a mechanical (1920s technology) or later

a pneumatic or hydraulic computing module (1940s technology used to the early

1990s but still available from a number of suppliers), subsequently superseded in
most applications by an electronic module, as the primary elements switched
from transmitting the measured variables from pneumatic or hydraulic pressure
signals to electric current as explosion-proof (1960s technology to present)) and
then intrinsically safe (1970s to present) transmitters (with low-power transistor
circuitry) became available, that simply provided a dedicated gas flow computer
function. Today "gas flow computers" as such have become uncommon, since
gas flow computing is a subfunction of a data acquisition and control program
implemented with programmable logic controller (PLCs) and remote terminal
unit (RTUs); with the rise of smart transmitters in the early 1980s, these functions
have also been incorporated within the field transmitters themselves.
The "gas flow computer" senses a mixed "dry" gas stream flow rate plus gas
temperature and pressure. The most common method of measuring gas flow is
via differential pressure across an orifice plate inserted into a flow metering pipe.
The basic concept is simple enough but the devil is in the detail.
As the differential pressure is not directly proportional to the gas flow rate, a flow
computer algorithm is required to convert the differential pressure reading into a
flow rate (may include square root extraction to linearize the input). Since gas is
compressible and affected by temperature, the gas temperature and pressure
must also be monitored and compared to a specified standard temperature and
pressure within the algorithm. This is referred to as volumetric
flow measurement.
Next we need to calculate mass flow AGA3 based upon the specific gravity of the
gas. Since a natural gas stream contains a mix of various hydrocarbon gases of
different specific gravities, mole percentages must be determined via a gas
sample analysis. Note also that the mixed gas stream will also contain some inert

gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Therefore the gas flow computer
also requires the entry of mole percentages for each gas component.
Based on accurate mass flow calculations it becomes possible, based upon the
energy content of each gas component, to calculate energy flow, i.e., API 14.5
(GPA 2172) since each gas component contains different energy content. These
values in joules (or calories or Btus) are typically built into the gas flow computer
algorithm. Therefore energy flow metering is our ultimate goal since this is where
the true value is for the client. Also these mineral reserves are taxed based upon
energy content. The inert gases such as nitrogen have no value. (Some inert
gases actually have negative value, most notably carbon dioxide and hydrogen
sulphide, as they require extra equipment to remove from the natural gas, and
costs are incurred in their disposal.)
Other input parameters include contract hour as well as location latitude and
altitude above sea level, isentropic exponent and type of materials used in the
metering device to optimize the accuracy of calculations. In summary the gas
flow computer requires approximately 30 initial input parameters in conjunction
with "near realtime" gas flow, pressure and temperature sensing.
In addition to providing volumetric, mass and energy flow data, the gas flow
computer also provides date and time, instantaneous, hourly and daily data. The
gas flow computer typically stores date/time stamped volume records in RAM for
up to 35 days in order to provide sufficient time for a host system to retrieve the
records as well as to allow time for human intervention if this retrieval fails to
occur. The flow computer generally tracks modifications to flow parameters (e.g.
orifice plate size or gas analysis data) in an "Audit Trail" that identifies the
modified parameter, the time and date of the value change, the old and new
values, and may identify the person making the change. The data log format and
contents vary slightly by flow computer manufacturer, with all manufacturers
designing to a specification outlined by the American Petroleum Institute.[1]

Flow metering accuracy is easily compromised if there are liquids in the gas
stream. Therefore methods are implemented to remove liquids from the gas
stream before measurement. However a newer V-Cone technology (the inverse
of orifice plate technology) is being used to more accurately meter gas that
contains some liquids.