Measuring Landfill Gas

In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed rules that require producers of greenhouse gases(GHG) to monitor and measure those gases being generated by their processes. Instruments being used to monitor and record, need to be re-certified through a NIST certified calibration process that ensures that the measurements are accurate. Thermal Instrument Company recommends a factory re-calibration of these instruments every 18 months, or sooner, if directed by local laws.

Thermal Instrument Company (TIC) has been supplying thermal mass flow meters to help its clients maintain and meet this regulation. Thermal Instrument offers Loaner Meters, Factory Re-Calibrations, and On-Site Re-calibrations to help manage this process.

The process is explained below.

Loaner Meter Program: Steps to acquire a Loaner Flow Meter:

1. The operator visits our website and fills out an electronic form and clicks “Submit” at bottom of form to request a loaner meter. https://thermalinstrument.com/recalibration-loaner-form/

2. Our technician receives the request electronically, then calibrates a meter from our fleet of loaner meters, to the specifications on the received form.

3. The Loaner meter is then shipped to the customer address for immediate use in the customers monitoring system. Availability can vary depending on overall demand.

4. The Field location then removes their previously purchased TIC flow meter from their monitoring system, replaces it with the just arrived Loaner flow meter.

5. Send the original unit back to TIC for a full NIST certified factory re-calibration. Typical turn around from the time TIC receives the original meter and performs re-calibration can be up to two weeks.

6. Once calibration is completed, the original meter is returned to the field, with a new Calibration Certificate valid for 18 months.

7. Important - The Loaner Flow Meter is property of Thermal Instrument and must be returned to TIC, so the process can start over for the next client.

Important Notes:

• Thermal Instrument can only calibrate and issue loaner meters for Thermal Instrument Meters

• Plan accordingly, at certain times of year (holidays, year-end, etc.) the wait for a loaner meter or calibration services in general, may be longer due to demand.

• Loaner meters are issued on a first come, first served basis. There are approximately 60 loaner meters, in continuous circulation, between field locations and our facility at all times.

• The Loaner Meter arrives with a NIST Certified Calibration and Certificate for its temporary use at the site

The advantage to the Loaner Program is that there is practically no down time to the field and their compliance to the EPA GHG regulation stays in place throughout this process. Please contact Sales@thermalinstrument.com or dial 215-355-8400 Option 1 for Sales, for current pricing on this service.

On-Site Field Calibration Service

Another option that TIC offers for re-calibration services is the use of our Field Technician to travel on-site to perform calibrations. This option is best used when a site has multiple units at one location, or several sites that are located in close proximity to each other. To find out more about this service contact Kevin Johnson at Kevin@thermalinstrument.com or 215-355-8400 x 5212. Pricing for this service varies depending upon travel time and cost.

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 across the globe, and has an installed base in excess of 20,000 thermal mass flow measurement devices. TIC has provided flow measurement solutions for: Landfill Gas and Methane from Landfill and Wastewater sites; Natural Gas to boilers, furnaces, and in pipelines; Clean gases used in manufacturing processes; 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.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/

Installed Model 62-9/9500P Insertion Probe

Over the years our technicians have fielded numerous questions about meter performance and many of those solutions come back to some common installation mistakes. When it comes to Thermal Instrument Mass Flow Meters there are a couple things that you can check very easily when you experience a problem or suspect something is not 100% accurate with the measurement values. Here are a couple of suggestions from our technicians to common questions we receive.

Scenario: I know I have flow, but Flow Meter is not measuring anything.

Solution:

Check to make sure that the insertion probe flow meter is properly inserted into the line to the correct depth. With Thermal Instrument Model 62-9 insertion probes, the sensors are located on the bottom 3” section of the probe closest to the tip. Make sure that the tip of the probe is inserted to the proper depth depending upon the line size. Ideally you want that sensor right in the middle of the flow profile. Additionally, check all your connections and make sure that the meter is powered on and that the output cables are securely attached at the transmitter.

Scenario: As my flow rate increases, the meter seems to be consistently reading lower

Solution:

First, make sure that the sensors are facing into the flow stream. Thermal Instrument marks each Model 62-9 with a Flow Direction Arrow just underneath the transmitter condulet. Make sure that the arrow is facing in the same direction as the flow. Next, if you are running an application that is dirty or has particulates in the flow stream, check to make sure that the sensor area does not have a coating on the meter. Our meters are designed so that they can be removed from the line (please make sure you follow local safety regulations) and then simply wipe any buildup off of the probe that may have accumulated down at the bottom where the sensors are located.

For more information visit our FAQ page or feel free to contact us to speak with one of our technicians. Phone: 215-355-8400 then Option 3 on phone menu for Tech Support.

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.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/

In 2010 rules were set in place by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that require producers of Green House Gases (GHG) gases to monitor and measure the amounts that are being generated by their processes. Additionally, the instruments that are being used to monitor and record, need to be re-certified through a calibration process that insures that the measurements are true and correct. The Landfill industry falls into this category due to the gases that are created by the breakdown of the materials being placed into the landfills.

Thermal Instrument Company (TIC) has been supplying thermal mass flow meters to this industry for many years to help its clients maintain and meet this regulation. Thermal Instrument offers solutions to Landfill Operators in the form of Loaner Meters, Factory Re-Calibrations, and On-Site Re-calibrations when appropriate. The process is explained below.

Loaner Meter Program

To acquire a Loaner Meter, the operator simply visits our website and fills out an electronic form and clicks “Submit” at bottom of form to request a loaner meter.

https://thermalinstrument.com/recalibration-loaner-form/

Our technician receives the request electronically, then calibrates a meter from our fleet of loaner meters, to the specifications on the received form. The meter is then shipped to the address for immediate use in the customers monitoring system. This process could take up to 2 weeks depending on schedule and overall demand. Please plan accordingly, as at certain times of year (holidays, year-end, etc.) the wait may be longer due to high request volume. We issue loaners on a first come, first served basis. There are approximately 50 loaner meters, in continuous circulation, between field sites and our facility at all times. The Loaner Meter arrives with a NIST Certified Calibration and Certificate for its temporary use at the site.

The Field location then removes their previously purchased TIC flow meter from their monitoring system, replaces it with the just arrived Loaner flow meter. The original unit is sent back to TIC for a full NIST certified factory re-calibration. Typical turn around from the time TIC receives the original meter and performs re-calibration can be up to two weeks. Once completed, the original meter is returned to the field, with a new Calibration Certificate valid for 18 months. The loaner meter is then returned to TIC by the field, so the process can start over for the next client.

The advantage to the Loaner Program is that there is practically no down time to the field and their compliance to the EPA GHG regulation stays in place throughout this process. Please contact Sales@thermalinstrument.com or dial 215-355-8400 Option 1 for Sales, for current pricing on this service.

On-Site Field Calibration Service

Another option that TIC offers for re-calibration services is the use of our Field Technician to travel on-site to perform calibrations. This option is best used when a site has multiple units at one location, or several sites that are located in close proximity to each other. To find out more about this service contact us at Office@thermalinstrument.com or at (215)-355-8400. Pricing for this service varies depending upon travel time and cost.

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.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/

In 2010 rules were set in place by the EPA that require producers of GHG gases to monitor and measure the amounts that are being generated by their processes. Additionally, the instruments that are being used to monitor and record, need to be re-certified through a calibration process that insures that the measurements are true and correct. The Landfill industry falls into this category due to the gases that are created by the breakdown of the materials being placed into the landfills.

Thermal Instrument Company (TIC) has been supplying thermal mass flow meters to this industry for many years to help its clients maintain and meet this regulation. Thermal Instrument offers solutions to Landfill Operators in the form of Loaner Meters, Factory Re-Calibrations, and On-Site Re-calibrations when appropriate. The process is explained below.

Loaner Meter Program

To acquire a Loaner Meter, the operator simply visits our website and fills out an electronic form and clicks “Submit” at bottom of form to request a loaner meter.

https://thermalinstrument.com/recalibration-loaner-form/

Our technician receives the request electronically, then calibrates a meter from our fleet of loaner meters, to the specifications on the received form. The meter is then shipped to the address for immediate use in the customers monitoring system. This process could take up to 2 weeks depending on schedule and overall demand. Please plan accordingly, as at certain times of year (holidays, year-end, etc.) the wait may be longer due to high request volume. We issue loaners on a first come, first served basis. There are approximately 50 loaner meters, in continuous circulation, between field sites and our facility at all times. The Loaner Meter arrives with a NIST Certified Calibration and Certificate for its temporary use at the site.

The Field location then removes their previously purchased TIC flow meter from their monitoring system, replaces it with the just arrived Loaner flow meter. The original unit is sent back to TIC for a full NIST certified factory re-calibration. Typical turn around from the time TIC receives the original meter and performs re-calibration can be up to two weeks. Once completed, the original meter is returned to the field, with a new Calibration Certificate valid for 18 months. The loaner meter is then returned to TIC by the field, so the process can start over for the next client.

The advantage to the Loaner Program is that there is practically no down time to the field and their compliance to the EPA GHG regulation stays in place throughout this process. Please contact Sales@thermalinstrument.com or dial 215-355-8400 Option 1 for Sales, for current pricing on this service.

On-Site Field Calibration Service

Another option that TIC offers for re-calibration services is the use of our Field Technician to travel on-site to perform calibrations. This option is best used when a site has multiple units at one location, or several sites that are located in close proximity to each other. To find out more about this service contact us at Office@thermalinstrument.com or at (215)-355-8400. Pricing for this service varies depending upon travel time and cost.

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.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/

Installed Model 62-9/9500P Insertion Probe

Over the years our technicians have fielded numerous questions about meter performance and many of those solutions come back to some common installation mistakes. When it comes to Thermal Instrument Mass Flow Meters there are a couple things that you can check very easily when you experience a problem or suspect something is not 100% accurate with the measurement values. Here are a couple of suggestions from our technicians to common questions we receive.

Scenario: I know I have flow, but Flow Meter is not measuring anything.

Solution:

Check to make sure that the insertion probe flow meter is properly inserted into the line to the correct depth. With Thermal Instrument Model 62-9 insertion probes, the sensors are located on the bottom 3” section of the probe closest to the tip. Make sure that the tip of the probe is inserted to the proper depth depending upon the line size. Ideally you want that sensor right in the middle of the flow profile. Additionally, check all your connections and make sure that the meter is powered on and that the output cables are securely attached at the transmitter.

Scenario: As my flow rate increases, the meter seems to be consistently reading lower

Solution:

First, make sure that the sensors are facing into the flow stream. Thermal Instrument marks each Model 62-9 with a Flow Direction Arrow just underneath the transmitter condulet. Make sure that the arrow is facing in the same direction as the flow. Next, if you are running an application that is dirty or has particulates in the flow stream, check to make sure that the sensor area does not have a coating on the meter. Our meters are designed so that they can be removed from the line (please make sure you follow local safety regulations) and then simply wipe any buildup off of the probe that may have accumulated down at the bottom where the sensors are located.

For more information visit our FAQ page or feel free to contact us to speak with one of our technicians. Phone: 215-355-8400 then Option 3 on phone menu for Tech Support.

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.

https://www.thermalinstrument.com/