Products used in the Natural Gas industry

Q: Why is odorization dosing critical?

It ensures gas leaks are detectable, improving safety and meeting regulatory requirements.

Q: What makes Alicat IS devices ideal for hazardous areas?

They are ATEX/IECEx Zone0 certified, offering fast, precise control with multi-gas capability.

Q: How do Alicat controllers improve blending accuracy?

They provide rapid response and digital integration for dynamic calorific control.

Q: What role do Jordan Valve regulators play?

They maintain stable pressure without external power, reducing complexity and cost.

Q: How can leak-check verification improve safety?

It detects leaks early, preventing hazardous incidents and downtime.

Q: Do these instruments integrate with SCADA systems?

Yes, Alicat and others offer analog and digital outputs (Modbus, RS-485) for easy integration.

Instruments used in the Natural Gas industry

Natural gas operations in the UK and Ireland require precision instrumentation to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance in hazardous environments. From odorization dosing and calorific blending to custody transfer and emissions sampling, every process demands reliable control and accurate measurement. Intrinsically safe devices are essential for Zone0 applications, while advanced regulators and Coriolis meters support pipeline integrity and billing accuracy.

This page highlights key applications and the technologies that make natural gas systems safer and more efficient.

Typical applications

Odorization Dosing

Odorization ensures natural gas is detectable for safety. Dosing mercaptan or odorant requires precise flow control under varying line pressures. Hazardous area compliance is critical because odorant injection points are often in Zone0 environments. Instruments must handle corrosive chemicals and maintain dosing accuracy to prevent over- or under-odorization, which can lead to safety risks or regulatory non-compliance.

Relevant products:

Alicat ISMCS Intrinsically Safe Anti-Corrosive MFC - This controller is designed for odorant dosing in hazardous areas, featuring corrosion-resistant materials and fast response for stable injection.
Key benefits:
- ATEX/IECEx Zone0 certified for hazardous areas
- 316L stainless steel and FFKM seals for mercaptan compatibility
- Multi-gas capability for flexible dosing
- Fast response (<30 ms) for stable odorant injection

Calorific Blending / Wobbe Index Control

Blending gases to maintain calorific value ensures consistent energy delivery. This process requires precise multi-gas control and fast response to maintain Wobbe Index targets. Hazardous area compliance is essential for blending stations located in classified zones.

Relevant products:

Alicat ISMC Intrinsically Safe Mass Flow Controller - Provides rapid, accurate control for multi-gas blending with Zone0 certification.
Key benefits:
- ATEX/IECEx Zone0 compliance
- 98 preloaded gases + custom mix capability
- Digital and analog outputs for PLC integration
- Fast control response for dynamic blending

Boiler & Burner Fuel Gas Control

Fuel gas supply to boilers and burners must remain stable during load changes. Pressure and flow fluctuations can cause combustion inefficiency and increased emissions. High-pressure capability and hazardous area compliance are critical.

Relevant products:

Alicat ISMCQ Intrinsically Safe High-Pressure MFC - Handles pressures up to 22 bar for safe, accurate fuel gas control.
Key benefits:
- Zone0 certified for hazardous areas
- High-pressure service up to 22 bar
- <30 ms response for stable combustion
- Multi-gas capability for fuel flexibility

Analyzer / CEMS Sample-Line Pressure Control

Continuous emissions monitoring systems require stable sample-line pressure for accurate analyzer readings. Pressure fluctuations can compromise compliance data and audit results.

Relevant products:

Alicat ISPC Intrinsically Safe Pressure Controller - Provides fast closed-loop pressure control for sample lines.
Key benefits:
- Zone0 certified
- Pressure control up to 100 bar
- Digital + analog communication for automation
- Multi-parameter outputs for QA records

Dual-Valve Sample Extraction & Stream Switching

Gas chromatograph and CEMS systems often need automated stream switching and purge control. Dual-valve architecture simplifies extraction and venting in hazardous areas.

Relevant products:

Alicat ISPCD Intrinsically Safe Dual-Valve Pressure Controller -
Key benefits:
- Zone0 compliance
- Dual-valve design for purge and sample control
- Fast response improves audit readiness
- PLC integration via Modbus/RS-485

Leak-Check & Purge Verification

Leak testing and purge verification are critical for safety during maintenance and commissioning. Instruments must measure low differential pressures accurately without disturbing system integrity.

Relevant products:

Alicat ISMW Intrinsically Safe Low ΔP Mass Flow Meter - Ideal for sensitive leak detection in hazardous zones.
Key benefits:
- Zone0 certified
- Low pressure drop for accurate leak checks
- Multi-variable outputs (flow, pressure, temperature)
- Rugged IP66 enclosure

Line Measurement in Hazardous Areas

Measuring flow in high-pressure natural gas lines within Zone0 requires robust, intrinsically safe devices that deliver accurate data for process control and compliance.

Relevant products:

Alicat ISMQ Intrinsically Safe High-Pressure Mass Flow Meter - Handles up to 5000 SLPM with multi-variable outputs.
Key benefits:
- Zone0 certified
- High-pressure capability
- IP66 enclosure for harsh environments
- Real-time digital feedback

Regulator Pilot Control

Pilot lines on dome-loaded regulators require stable sensing and control to maintain downstream pressure. Intrinsically safe transducers ensure compliance and reliability.

Relevant products:

Alicat ISP Intrinsically Safe Pressure Transducer: Provides accurate pilot sensing for regulator control.
Key benefits:
- Zone0 compliance
- Fast response for stable pressure
- Analog + digital outputs
- Compact design for easy integration

BTU Correction Gas Mixing

Injecting nitrogen or air for BTU correction requires low ΔP control to avoid disturbing pipeline pressure. Intrinsically safe controllers ensure safe operation in hazardous zones.

Relevant products:

Alicat ISMCW Intrinsically Safe Low ΔP MFC - Whisper-series controller minimizes pressure disturbance during injection.
Key benefits:
- Zone0 certified
- Low ΔP design for pipeline stability
- Multi-gas capability
- Fast response for dynamic correction

Pipeline Pressure Reduction

Reducing pipeline pressure safely and reliably is essential for distribution networks. Self-operated regulators provide simple, robust control without external power.

Relevant products:

Jordan Valve Mark 60 Self-Operated Pressure Regulator - Sliding-gate design ensures stable downstream pressure.
Key benefits:
- No external power required
- Low noise operation
- Quick response to load changes
- Rugged construction for long life

Back-Pressure Control in Distribution

Maintaining upstream pressure in odorant skids and blending systems prevents process disruptions. Back-pressure regulators ensure stability under varying demand.

Relevant products:

Jordan Valve Mark 50 Back-Pressure Regulator - Provides fast response and minimal droop for upstream control.
Key benefits:
- Self-operated design
- Sliding-gate trim for accuracy
- Compact and durable
- Easy maintenance

Custody-Grade Mass Flow

Custody transfer of LNG, LPG, and odorants requires high-accuracy mass flow measurement for billing and compliance. Coriolis technology delivers unmatched precision.

Relevant products:

Rheonik RHM 20 Coriolis Flow Meter - Handles viscous liquids and provides custody-grade accuracy.
Key benefits:
- Exceptional accuracy (±0.15%)
- ATEX-certified for hazardous areas
- Robust design for high-pressure service
- Rugged construction for long life

Application Selection Guide

Application	Recommended Technologies	Why It Helps
Odorization Dosing	Alicat ISMCS	Corrosion-resistant, Zone0 dosing control
Calorific Blending	Alicat ISMC	Multi-gas blending with fast response
Boiler Fuel Gas Control	Alicat ISMCQ	High-pressure, stable combustion control
Analyzer Sample-Line Control	Alicat ISPC	Closed-loop pressure control for CEMS
Dual-Valve Sample Extraction	Alicat ISPCD	Automates purge and sample switching
Leak-Check & Purge Verification	Alicat ISMW	Sensitive low ΔP flow measurement
Line Measurement	Alicat ISMQ	High-pressure flow metering in Zone0
Regulator Pilot Control	Alicat ISP	Stable pilot sensing for dome-loaded regulators
BTU Correction Mixing	Alicat ISMCW	Low ΔP injection for calorific correction
Pipeline Pressure Reduction	Jordan Valve Mark 60	Reliable self-operated pressure control
Back-Pressure Control	Jordan Valve Mark 50	Maintains upstream pressure stability
Custody-Grade Mass Flow	Rheonik RHM 20	High-accuracy mass flow for billing