Inexpensive alternative for CNG fuel management, OEM in private fleet, high-pressure application saves time and money. Private fleet operators/ OEM looking for a simple, cost-effective alternative to expensive, commercial fueling stations in order to cut costs associated with fueling vehicles on-site with CNG (compressed natural gas) dispensers.
Results:
Time savings
• Higher throughput – even in compressed, high-pressure applications – Coriolis flow meter handles high pressures up to 5000psig.
Cost savings
• No longer is there a need to purchase expensive commercial fueling stations – this cost-effective solution is under $10K.
• Through improved internal accounting, bottom-line is increased.
• With higher accuracy and repeatability, fleet operators and drivers receive exact amount of fuel consumed for internal accounting.
Safe in hazardous areas
• PIUSI MC BOX control panel does not have Ex-approvals, but when installed in a safe area, has the ability to switch a solenoid valve ON/OFF for dispensing.
• Control panel can manage external level switch in case of low level input.
• Hazardous meter approved – the CNGmass has worldwide accepted Ex-approvals – fulfills EMC requirements according to IEC.
61000 and NAMUR
• CNGmass is NTEP approved for natural gases up to 5000psig.
Saves space
• Compact flow body with a smaller footprint allows the CNGmass to be easily built into fleet fueling station.
Simple installation
• Without taking inlet or outlet runs into account, with the Coriolis flow meter, this means minimal intrusions on piping.
• Easy implementation in given installations – flowmeter connected directly into the supply line of filling post with the controller a safe distance away and located in a safe area.
Multiple signal outputs
• Operates using two pulse/frequency outputs (Digital integration is possible via MODBUS RS485).
The Challenge:
• Traditionally, fleet fueling has not been measured – only the total consumption of natural gas was measured at the gas supply side. Since this is only for internal allocation, private fleet operators need a simple, cost-effective measurement solution to measure consumption.
• To receive tax rebates, private fleet operators need to be able to account for how much fuel is being consumed at any given time.
Solution:
• Endress+Hauser’s CNGmass Coriolis flowmeter.
• Pro Flow Dynamics fuel management engineered solution.
• PIUSI MC BOX multi-user control panel.
Solution details
By combining a Pro Flow Dynamics fuel management solution, which includes Endress+Hauser’s accurate coriolis mass flow measuring system, and a PIUSI MC BOX multi-user control panel, private fleet operators have a faster, cost effective alternative for natural gas allocation. To count and record the consumption of each vehicle and driver, Endress+Hauser’s CNGmass Coriolis flowmeter is installed in connection with the PIUSI MC BOX offered by Pro Flow Dynamics.
To measure consumption, a dual-fill post is installed. The PIUSI MC BOX enables the control of total fuel consumption. The PIUSI MC BOX calculates the consumption of each individual user (up to 120 users) by the means of i-button key or password, and through software installed in connection with the PIUSI MC BOX, data is populated and can be easily transferred to a PC for recording.
Endress+Hauser’s CNGmass 3/8” Coriolis flowmeter measures the consumption of natural gas dispensed at each fueling station by each vehicle.
How it works – Step-by-step:
1. Authorized users enter their pin code or their unique i-button user key into the small control box (PIUSI MC BOX) and a dispense will be initiated and then will be stored as soon as action is complete or until full.
2. MC BOX wired to a solenoid valve opens when a dispense is initiated at the key pad.
3. Panel manages directly switching ON and OFF to control the CNGmass meter – when depleted in ON position, the internal relay of MC BOX allows the valve to open for flow to enter, the mass meter sends a signal measuring the exact amount of flow being dispensed.
4. Through a time out process which can be set or adjusted – the relay will switch over and turn OFF solenoid valve once full. The MC BOX realizes this and stops flow from entering. Once valve is closed, the dispensed amount is saved in the MC BOX.
5. Using the red manager key, data is downloaded through i-button and transferred via USB-like manager key to be stored on a PC.
6. Via the installed software, data can be downloaded and stored to your server and the MC BOX is then wiped clean. Data such as date, time, pin code, truck number, driver name/user, amount of gallons, odometer reading, etc… is recorded and can be analyzed, printed, exported to Excel, Word and much more.
Pro Flow Dynamics, LLC is a supplier of leading fluid handling components, offering fluid handling and measurement solutions to its customers in the following industries: Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Agriculture, Construction, Aggregates, Water, Waste Water and more. They have been a Master Distributor of PIUSI products for more than 7 years. Through this partnership, Pro Flow Dynamics and PIUSI are able to provide solutions for transferring, dispensing, and measuring fuels, lubricants and liquids. PIUSI pumps, flow meters, dispensing instruments and accessories (filters, nozzles, etc.) are used and in demand at global level.
Endress+Hauser is recognized as a leading supplier of industrial measurement and automation equipment, providing services and solutions for industrial processes all over the world. They offer comprehensive process solutions for flow, level, pressure, analysis, temperature, recording and digital communications across a wide range of industries, optimizing processes in regards to economic efficiency, safety and environmental protection.