(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new—and sound—way to accurately measure the rate at which gas flows in and out of a vessel. The technique, which uses acoustic waves to determine the average temperature of the gas and microwaves to ascertain the volume of the vessel, can measure gas flows and leaks from large containers particularly well.

The method could enable workers to more accurately calibrate gas flow meters used in natural gas pipelines. The monetary value of natural gas in U.S. pipelines exceeded $90 billion in 2016, so the accuracy of these measurements is a key concern for both consumers and providers of natural gas.

Schematic depicts sound-wave transmitter and receiver (microphone) placed at opposite ends of a gas-filled chamber. Credit: S. Kelley/NIST

“We believe that the acoustic technique, once perfected, could be adopted as a new standard at NIST, and potentially around the world,” says NIST researcher Jodie Pope.

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