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  • VNER Intelligent Steam Metering System for District Heating Networks
    VNER Intelligent Steam Metering System for District Heating Networks

    Why Steam Metering Matters in Modern Heating Systems

    As industrial parks and urban heating networks continue to expand, steam distribution systems are becoming increasingly complex. A single boiler station may supply steam to dozens or even hundreds of independent users. Without accurate metering and proper control, operators often face several operational challenges:

    • Unclear or delayed steam consumption billing
    • Unauthorized energy usage
    • High manual inspection workload
    • Difficulty balancing network load

    These issues not only reduce operational efficiency but also create financial risks for heating operators.

    To address these challenges, VNER developed an Intelligent Steam Flow Metering & Control System, designed specifically for modern steam heating networks. The system integrates precision vortex flow measurement, automated control, and digital energy management into a unified solution.

    Key Features of the Intelligent Steam Metering System

    Accurate Steam Measurement

    At the core of the system is a high-precision vortex steam flow meter, capable of delivering reliable flow measurement under demanding industrial conditions.

    Combined with temperature and pressure compensation, the system ensures accurate steam energy calculation, which is essential for transparent billing.


    Prepaid Steam Consumption Management


    One of the most valuable features of the system is prepaid energy management.

    Operators can configure prepaid accounts for each steam user. The system automatically:

    • Tracks the remaining balance
    • Sends low-balance warnings
    • Stops steam supply when credit reaches zero
    • Restores supply after recharge

    This model significantly improves cash flow stability and billing efficiency.


    Anti-Tampering Protection

    To ensure fair energy distribution, the system includes an anti-tampering security mechanism.

    If unauthorized access to the instrument enclosure or control cabinet is detected:

    • The steam valve automatically closes
    • The steam supply is stopped immediately.
    • The system remains locked until authorized reset.

    This prevents unauthorized energy consumption and protects revenue integrity.

    Peak and Off-Peak Tariff Management


    Steam demand often varies significantly throughout the day. The system allows operators to configure timebased pricing structures, enabling:

    • Peak and off-peak billing
    • Dynamic consumption calculation
    • Load balancing across the steam network

    This supports more efficient energy utilization.

    Reliable Operation with Dual Power Backup

    Heating infrastructure must remain operational even during power disturbances.

    The system therefore includes dual power supply with automatic UPS switching:

    • Normal operation under AC power
    • Automatic switch to backup power during outages
    • Continuous metering and valve control

    This design ensures reliable performance in critical heating applications.

    Typical Applications

    The intelligent steam metering solution can be deployed across a wide range of steam distribution environments.

    District Heating Networks
    In municipal heating systems supplying multiple users, the solution enables:

    • Independent user metering
    • Secure prepaid billing
    • Real-time consumption monitoring

    Operators gain full visibility into network performance.

    Industrial Steam Distribution
    Many factories distribute steam internally across different production units. The system enables:

    • Department-level steam consumption monitoring
    • Transparent internal energy allocation
    • Improved cost management

    Common industries include:

    • Petrochemical processing
    • Food and beverage production
    • Textile manufacturing
    • Pharmaceutical plants


    Multi-Tenant Industrial Parks

    Industrial parks hosting multiple tenants often require independent energy accounting.

    The VNER solution provides:

    • Individual tenant metering
    • Contract-based billing enforcement
    • Remote monitoring and control

    This creates a fair and transparent energy management environment.

    How the System Works


    The system operates under a “Prepaid Before Consumption” management model.

    The typical workflow is simple and highly automated:

    1. The user deposits steam usage credit.
    2. The management system converts credit into available steam consumption.
    3. The control valve opens automatically and steam supply begins.
    4. The system continuously monitors consumption and remaining balance.
    5. When the balance reaches zero, the valve closes automatically.
    This closed-loop process integrates measurement, billing, and control into a single intelligent platform.


    Benefits for Steam Network Operators

    Compared with traditional metering approaches, the intelligent system delivers several operational advantages:

    • Accurate and transparent steam billing
    • Reduced revenue loss from unpaid consumption
    • Lower manual maintenance workload
    • Improved operational automation
    • Higher reliability and system security

    By integrating precision steam measurement with digital control, the solution transforms traditional steam supply into a modern energy management system.


    Moving Toward Smarter Steam Networks

    As industrial energy systems continue to evolve, digital monitoring and intelligent metering are becoming essential components of modern steam infrastructure.

    The VNER Intelligent Steam Metering System enables heating operators to build more reliable, efficient, and financially sustainable steam distribution networks.

  • Success Story — Refining & Chemicals | Sinopec ZRCC | DN700 Acid Gas Measurement
    Success Story — Refining & Chemicals | Sinopec ZRCC | DN700 Acid Gas Measurement

    Industry: Refining & Chemicals

    Customer: Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company

    Application: Large‑diameter acid gas measurement (DN700, low‑pressure)

    Challenge

    • Imported ultrasonic meter limited by low‑pressure, large‑bore acid gas conditions
    • Wide flow variation; need real‑time mass and density for operations
    • Lower pressure loss and simplified maintenance desired

    Solution

    • Customized SA80T Vortex Precession (DN700) for low‑pressure acid gas
    • Owner‑collaborative pilot; on‑site calibration and structural optimization
    • Outputs: 4-20 mA / Pulse / RS485 (Modbus RTU); density & mass flow enabled

    Results

    • Worldʼs first DN700 SA80T successfully delivered
    • Wide turndown covers large flow swings; real‑time mass/density
    • Accuracy ±0.5%; quick response; no periodic recalibration
    • ~40% lower pressure loss vs. traditional devices; improved unit efficiency
    • Parallel with imported ultrasonic for 2 years, performance verified and praised

    Remarks

    • Demonstrates feasibility of vortex precession at extra‑large diameters under low‑pressure acidic gas

    Products Used: SA80T Swirl Flowmeter 

  • Success Story — Polysilicon | Xinjiang Daqo | Hydrogen in Reduction Furnaces
    Success Story — Polysilicon | Xinjiang Daqo | Hydrogen in Reduction Furnaces

    Industry: Polysilicon

    Customer: Xinjiang Daqo New Energy

    Application:Hydrogen measurement in reduction furnaces (periodic operation)

    Challenge

    • Low‑density hydrogen → weak signal at low Reynolds numbers
    • Extreme range from min to max flow; must support interlock control
    • Require high stability and repeatability in dynamic cycles

    Solution

    • Enhanced SA80T Vortex Precession with low‑Re signal acquisition & filtering
    • Cycle‑aware calibration envelope tailored on site

    Results

    • Reliable detection of weak hydrogen signals at low Re
    • Superior repeatability & stability, outperformed mass flow meters in comparison tests
    • 1‑year parallel validation with existing meters; adoption scaled across lines

    Remarks

    • Set a benchmark for hydrogen lines in polysilicon reduction processes

    Products Used: SA80T Swirl Flowmeter

  • Success Story — City Gas / Utilities | Xinjiang Gas Group | Pressure Regulation Station
    Success Story — City Gas / Utilities | Xinjiang Gas Group | Pressure Regulation Station

    Industry: City Gas / Utilities

    Customer: Xinjiang Gas Group

    Application:Process control & metering at a pressure regulation station

    Challenge

    • Extreme seasonal variation: winter vs. summer flows differ drastically
    • Need one instrument to cover full range without switching meters

    Solution

    • Enhanced SA80T with custom calibration to widen effective turndown and maintain accuracy

    Results

    • Achieved 100:1 turndown in field operation
    • Single meter replaced dual‑meter winter/summer setup
    • Year‑round accuracy; simplified maintenance; operational efficiency improved; strong client feedback

    Remarks

    • Eliminated seasonal changeover risk and reduced OPEX

    Products Used:SA80T Swirl Flowmeter 

  • Success Story — Polysilicon | GCL | Full Process Chain (H₂ & Chlorosilane)
    Success Story — Polysilicon | GCL | Full Process Chain (H₂ & Chlorosilane)

    Industry: Polysilicon

    Customer: GCL

    Application:Hydrogenation, rectification, reduction, tail‑gas recovery

    Challenge

    • Very wide turndown from ultra‑low to high flows
    • Aggressive media: hydrogen and chlorosilane (SiH₃Cl) with condensation and fouling risks

    Solution

    • Enhanced SA80T with anti‑corrosion internal treatments and anti‑clog structural optimizations
    • Multi‑media calibration windows; handling for condensation scenarios

    Results

    • Wear & clog resistance: sustained fault‑free running in aggressive media
    • Precision + interlock: hydrogen ±0.5%; chlorosilane ±0.3% stable measurement
    • ~15% annual throughput increase attributed to stable metering and process optimization

    Remarks

    • Applicable reference for corrosive, condensation‑prone polysilicon units

    Products Used:SA80T Swirl Flowmeter 

  • Success Story — Refining & Chemicals | Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical | Revamp Key Points
    Success Story — Refining & Chemicals | Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical | Revamp Key Points

    Industry: Refining & Chemicals

    Customer: Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical

    Application:Key metering points during refinery structural adjustment 

    Challenge

    • Legacy international vortex meter had insufficient turndown, leaving low‑flow blind spots

    Solution

    • Replaced with SA80T Vortex Precession at critical points; seamless DCS integration

    Results

    • 50:1 turndown achieved on site
    • ~20% improvement in measurement accuracy and process control

    Remarks

    • Retrofit accomplished with minimal disruption; standard outputs simplified commissioning

    Products Used:SA80T Swirl Flowmeter

  • National Oil and Gas Large Flow Metering Station Chengdu Verification Branch
    National Oil and Gas Large Flow Metering Station Chengdu Verification Branch
    Large Flowrate Calibration Station (China)

    Instrument: Swirl (Vortex Precession Flowmeter)
    Model / Specification: SA80TED12A080E12G91H.TP / DN80
    Manufacturer: Jiangsu VNER Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.

    Applicable Standard: JJG 1121-2015 – Vortex Flowmeter
    Calibration Medium: Natural Gas
    Calibration Date: 22 Feb 2019

    Accuracy Class: Class 1.0
    Flow Range (Operating): 41.39 – 387.52 m³/h
    Original K-Factor: 3893.00 (m⁻³)
    K-Factor After Calibration: 3898.93 (m⁻³)
    Maximum Indication Error: ±0.48 %
    Repeatability: 0.08 %

    Calibration Conditions:
    • Gas Temperature: 11.07 °C;
    • Gas Pressure: 2894.80 kPa;
    • Ambient Temperature: 10.5 °C;
    • Ambient Humidity: 56.4 %RH;
    • Atmospheric Pressure: 96.25 kPa
  • Oman — Polysilicon Gas Lines
    Oman — Polysilicon Gas Lines
    Country/Region: Oman, Middle East


    Medium: Hydrogen / Process Gases
    Industry: Polysilicon

    Overview:
    For polysilicon production units, the client required stable and accurate gas flow measurement across multiple process lines handling hydrogen and specialty process gases. Wide turndown capability, measurement stability, and long-term reliability under continuous operation were critical.

    Solution:
    VNER deployed swirl flowmeters across key process gas lines to deliver reliable measurement over a wide flow range.
    The solution ensures stable performance under fluctuating operating conditions while supporting consistent process control throughout polysilicon production units.

    Product:
    • SA80T Series Swirl Flowmeters (196 Units)
    Key Value:
    • Wide turndown ratio for varying process gas demand
    • Stable measurement of hydrogen and process gases
    • Reliable long-term operation in polysilicon environments
    • Supports precise process monitoring and control
    • Robust design for continuous industrial service

  • Middle East — Water Tanker Fleet
    Middle East — Water Tanker Fleet
    Country/Region: Oman, Middle East


    Medium: Potable / Utility Water
    Industry: Water Distribution / Fleet Operations

    Overview:
    The operator required reliable flow measurement for water tanker unloading operations, with on-site receipt printing to ensure transparent delivery records and accurate volume tracking. Ease of operation, durability, and mobile deployment suitability were key considerations.

    Solution:
    VNER provided electromagnetic flowmeters with remote-mounted configuration and integrated totalizer with printer.
    The system enables accurate volumetric measurement during unloading and instant receipt generation, supporting transparent transactions and efficient fleet water distribution management.

    Products:
    • VE801 EMF with integrated totalizer & printer (150 Sets)
    Key Value:
    • Accurate volumetric measurement for tanker unloading

    • Integrated totalizer and on-site receipt printing

    • Remote-mounted design for flexible vehicle installation

    • Durable and reliable for daily fleet operations

    • Improves delivery transparency and operational efficiency

  • Malaysia — Molten Sulfur
    Malaysia — Molten Sulfur
    Country/Region: Malaysia, Southeast Asia


    Medium: Molten Sulfur (Heated)
    Industry: Chemicals / Sulfur Recovery

    Overview:
    The client required reliable mass flow measurement of molten sulfur under high-temperature, heat-traced process conditions. Continuous operation, measurement stability, and prevention of medium solidification within the meter were critical for safe and efficient sulfur handling.

    Solution:
    VNER supplied a heat-jacketed Coriolis mass flow meter with fully insulated installation and remote-mounted transmitter.
    The integrated heating jacket maintains consistent process temperature to prevent sulfur solidification, while the remote electronics ensure long-term stability in high-temperature environments.

    Product:
    • AC006 High Temperature Micro-Bend Coriolis (with heat jacket)

    Key Value:

    • Direct high-accuracy mass flow measurement for molten sulfur

    • Integrated heat jacket to maintain stable process temperature

    • Reliable operation in high-temperature chemical environments

    • Remote transmitter design for enhanced electronics protection

    • Improved process control and operational safety

  •  Serbia — Gas (T&P Compensation)
    Serbia — Gas (T&P Compensation)
    Country/Region: Serbia, Europe

    Medium: Gas
    Industry: Gas distribution / utilities

    Overview:
    For gas regulation and distribution lines, the client required high-accuracy measurement with real-time temperature and pressure compensation, integrated into the existing SCADA system to ensure reliable standardized volume (Sm³) monitoring and billing accuracy.

    Solution:
    VNER deployed swirl and vortex flow meters with integrated T&P compensation to deliver stable, precise gas measurement under fluctuating operating conditions.

    The system provides direct standardized volume output and seamless SCADA connectivity for continuous monitoring and data transparency.

    Product:
    • SA80T Swirl with T&P compensation

    • MA80T Vortex with T&P compensation

    Key Value:
    • Accurate standard volume measurement with real-time T&P compensation

    • Stable performance on regulation and distribution lines

    • SCADA-ready with reliable long-term operation

    • Enhanced billing accuracy and operational visibility

  • Russia — Paper & Pulp
    Russia — Paper & Pulp
    Country/Region: Russia


    Medium: Abrasive Pulp Slurry
    Industry: Pulp & Paper

    Overview:
    The mill required stable and accurate flow measurement of abrasive pulp slurry across process lines with high solids content and continuous operation. Severe liner wear, signal noise, and measurement drift were key challenges under demanding slurry conditions.

    Solution:
    VNER supplied slurry-specific electromagnetic flowmeters engineered for abrasive service.
    The system combines a wear-resistant PU liner with anti-noise electrodes and mixed-frequency excitation technology to ensure stable signal performance, minimize noise interference, and maintain long-term measurement reliability in high-solids pulp applications.

    Product:
    • VE11H Electromagnetic Flowmeter (abrasive & slurry specification)
    Key Value:
    • Engineered for abrasive pulp and high-solids slurry service
    • Wear-resistant PU liner for extended service life
    • Anti-noise electrode design for stable signal output
    • Mixed-frequency excitation for improved measurement stability
    • Reliable long-term operation in demanding pulp & paper processes