For decades, Thermal Instrument Company, based in Trevose, Pennsylvania, has been at the forefront of industrial gas measurement solutions. What started in 1959 in Fred Curran’s basement has grown into a trusted, family- and veteran-run small business that designs, manufactures, and calibrates high-quality mass flow meters right here in the USA. Our equipment has been used in industries ranging from power generation to plastics manufacturing, but one area where our expertise is making a significant environmental and economic impact is in the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) sector.
From Flares to Fuel: A Changing Approach to Landfill Gas
Historically, many landfill sites managed the gases produced from decomposing waste, primarily methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), by capturing the mixture and burning it off at flares. This reduced harmful emissions, but it also left valuable energy literally going up in smoke.
As technology and environmental initiatives advanced, a shift began. Instead of destroying the gas, landfill operators now clean and refine it to isolate pure methane. This scrubbing process removes CO₂, particulates, condensation, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other contaminants. What remains is pipeline-quality renewable natural gas, a clean, marketable energy source that can be injected into the national gas grid, used to power equipment onsite, or both.
RNG production not only provides a valuable commodity but also generates carbon credits, offering landfill owners an additional revenue stream while reducing environmental impact.
RNG Beyond Landfills
While landfills remain a key source of RNG, the process is now being applied to other methane-rich sources, including:
Abandoned coal mines capturing methane emissions
Food processing facilities reclaiming gas from waste byproducts
Wastewater treatment plants converting digester gas into usable fuel
These operations all share the same challenge: accurately and reliably measuring gases before, during, and after processing. That’s where Thermal Instrument’s mass flow meters excel.
Where Thermal Instrument Fits In
Our thermal mass flow meters are already in use at numerous RNG facilities across the country, helping operators optimize performance and meet regulatory requirements. Here’s how we help at every stage:
Measuring Raw Gas Before Processing
Before the scrubbing process begins, our meters can be calibrated to very specific gas mixtures, ensuring accuracy even with challenging compositions. This is critical for baseline measurements, system design, and compliance documentation.
Monitoring Finished RNG
Once the methane is cleaned and pressurized, it must meet strict quality and flow standards before entering a pipeline or fueling onsite equipment. Our meters deliver precise, repeatable readings that help operators verify production output, track performance, and ensure contractual obligations are met.
Measuring CO₂ and Other Byproducts
In RNG production, waste streams still matter. By accurately measuring CO₂ and other off-gases, operators can improve process efficiency, confirm environmental compliance, and document emissions reductions for carbon credit verification.
Built for Harsh Conditions
RNG environments are tough; corrosive gases, moisture, and particulates can challenge standard equipment. That’s why Thermal Instrument Company’s flow meters are designed for durability:
Special alloy construction withstands aggressive chemical exposure.
Backup sensors built into each unit extend operational life and maximize return on investment.
Proven performance in industries that demand rugged reliability, from oil refineries to wastewater treatment.
Staying Accurate for the Long Haul
Flow measurement accuracy can drift over time, but downtime is costly. That’s why we offer a comprehensive recalibration program to keep meters in peak condition:
Factory recalibration for complete verification and adjustments
Loaner meters available to keep operations running while your unit is serviced
Field service calibration under appropriate site conditions to minimize disruption
This commitment to long-term accuracy ensures RNG facilities can maintain compliance, maximize efficiency, and avoid costly production interruptions.
Why RNG Producers Choose Thermal Instrument
The success of RNG projects depends on precision, reliability, and responsiveness, all qualities we’ve built our business on for over 60 years. Our local manufacturing model means we control every step of the process, working with suppliers within a 50-mile radius to ensure quality, rapid customization, and on-time delivery. When RNG operators call, we respond quickly, because downtime isn’t an option.
Whether it’s measuring raw landfill gas, monitoring purified methane headed for a natural gas pipeline, or quantifying CO₂ for emissions reporting, Thermal Instrument’s mass flow meters give RNG producers the accuracy, durability, and peace of mind they need to operate successfully in a growing renewable energy market.
If you’re an RNG facility operator, landfill gas manager, or part of a wastewater or food processing operation looking to maximize the value of your gas streams, contact Thermal Instrument Company today. Our experts will help you choose the proper flow meter for your application and keep your system running smoothly for years to come.
Thermal Instrument Company
217 Sterner Mill Road
Trevose, PA 19053
www.ThermalInstrument.com
P: 215-355-8400 | F: 215-355-1789
About Thermal Instrument Company
Thermal Instrument Company (TIC), established in 1959, headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, provides leading edge instrumentation solutions for measuring the mass flow rate of liquids and gases. TIC has been providing flow measurement solutions for more than 60 years to a variety of industries throughout the globe, and has an installed base in excess of 20,000 thermal mass flow measurement devices. TIC has provided flow measurement solutions for: natural gas to boilers, furnaces, and in pipelines; clean gases used in manufacturing processes; methane and landfill gas from wastewater and landfill sites; water for cooling and pharmaceutical applications; and numerous other liquids and gasses used in environmental and industrial processes. TIC offers a full line of thermal mass flow meters and flow switches available in either an unobstructed path in-line model, or as an insertion probe model. For more information about Thermal Instrument Company’s flow measurement solutions, please visit our website or contact one of our sales representatives.
