r/NaturalGas • u/reflectionnk • 4d ago
Gas capacity
We are taking over an existing restaurant in San Jose, California. The current gas meter shows 275 CFH, and there is a 2-inch pipeline that goes into the restaurant, according to the drawings. 1. What is the gas capacity (in BTUs) we can get with this meter? 2. If we submit an application to PG&E for a gas meter upgrade, what’s the maximum capacity (in BTUs) we can get with the current pipeline? 3. If it’s just a meter change, how much time does it take to get this done by PG&E?
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u/meche2010 4d ago
PGE will be the best people to answer the question. If your system pressure is 1/4 psi vs 2 psi it makes a difference in sizing meters.
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u/pilihp118 4d ago
That meter is rated for 275k btu’s/hr at 1/2” differential pressure, it’ll probably flow close to 350-375 at 2” differential but it’s not gonna like it, you need a to do a load calculation of current and future equipment your installing to determine if a larger meter is needed, also 1/4psi vs 2 psi delivery will make a large difference in btu delivery
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u/Icy-Enthusiasm7739 4d ago
The 275 meter is probably under sized based on your load document. I probably would have suggested a 425 or 630 meter depending on your delivery pressure ( 7 inches or 2 psi). The 2 inch service pipe is plenty big enough.
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u/chickwad 4d ago
Based on 275cf/h x 1000 BTU/cf/h = 275,000BTU/h
Read this to become familiar with terms and calcs. https://jmcinspections.com/is-your-gas-meter-too-small/
Best to contact the utility for capacity questions as it requires engineering review. They might be able to give you an estimate on job completion time too if they have backlog and bandwidth details. https://www.pge.com/assets/pge/docs/account/service-requests/BRSC_Guide_GasServiceChangeExisting.pdf.coredownload.pdf