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Profiles 1/2010 The Elster-Instromet customer magazine Advanced... ... interface concept Smart Metering: electronic index for diaphragm gas meters · Customer experience: Smart Grid becomes reality · Data security in AMR systems: Safety first Customer magazine online: www.elster-instromet.com

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2 E d i t o r i a l Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 Changing a paradigm Normally, a paradigm change refers to a radical change in perspective in a particular scientific field. One big paradigm change, for example, was the abandonment of the view of the Earth as a flat disc, instigated by Aristotle. Paradigm changes occur as follows: to start with, there is always the visionary draft of an idea, followed by an implementation phase, during which the new has to assert itself as the "old" gradually becomes less common. In this manner the "old", with its limited possibilities, moves to the edge of the spectrum. The energy sector is currently roughly at this point with regard to the implementation of smart metering. This change is being governed by legal requirements. Admittedly, some care is required, because technical paradigm changes do not simply fall from the sky, but require time. Inordinate action has no place in discussions surrounding the roll-out of smart meters throughout Europe and with it the replacement of approx. 250 million electricity meters and about 100 million gas meters. What needs time more than anything else are the new technologies that will be used in the future in massive numbers, where we are working daily towards their standardization. Questions that are often put to our sales colleagues these days are: do you have gas meters, which communicate via M-Bus? Cable-based and wireless? The answer is given roughly as follows and to some extent it illustrates the dilemma: yes, our units can communicate via M-Bus. Cable-based and wireless! Which variant did you have in mind? At the moment, a wide range of M-Bus standard variants are in use, with the trend on the increase. Add to this the fact that hardly any piece of technology these days is more shortlived than wireless systems. Consequently, smart meters need to be as flexible as possible as regards their communication technology. We are all well aware that flexibility does not come cheap. The alternative: a cheap ticket to a dead-end. In this issue of Elster Profiles, you will find solutions that take these trends into consideration and will allow you to make future-proof investments. New technologies and new functionalities, combined with the million times tried and tested volumetric measuring principle of the diaphragm meter. It already involves a degree of entrepreneurial bravery to develop products under the current general conditions. If we look just at 2009 and 2010, Elster GmbH is bringing more products onto the market (relating to diaphragm meters) than in the last ten years put together. Undoubtedly these are investments in the future, but they are also a bit of a gamble. We hope that this issue will encourage you to invest as well and sharpen your eye for what is essential. We would like to give you an overview of our various activities ­ not just in terms of products ­ so that smart metering and ultimately the vision of smart grids may become a reality. One more thing: paradigms may change, but one thing remains certain: gas molecules prefer to be measured by Elster gas meters. Elster GmbH 55252 Mainz-Kastel, Germany www.elster-instromet.com Publisher: Editorial staff: Gudrun Biedermann, Elster Germany Paul Webster, Elster Instromet UK Jack Cheng, Elster-Instromet Singapore Nick Williams, Elster Instromet UK Please write to: Europe/Africa/America/Australia: Elster GmbH Gudrun Biedermann Steinern Strasse 19­21 55252 Mainz-Kastel, Germany T +49 (6134) 6 05-2 18 E gudrun.biedermann@elster.com Asia: Elster-Instromet Sdn. Bhd. (Singapore Branch) Jack Cheng 160 Paya Lebar Road #04-01 Orion@Paya Lebar Singapore 409022 T +65 62477728 E jcheng@elster-instromet.com.sg England: Elster Metering Ltd. Steve Case Tollgate Business Park Beaconside, Stafford Staffordshire ST16 3HS, England T +44 1785 275306 E steve.case@gb.elster.com Authors: Carsten Lorenz Head of AMR/AMM Systems & Projects Elster GmbH Hans Arp, Germany Heinrich Bertke, Germany Patrick Keiffer, Germany Ernst Kiel, EnergyICT Germany Paul Ladage, Germany Klaus Landwehr, Germany Carsten Lorenz, Germany Guido Temme, Germany Michael Tiede, Germany Michel van Wezel, the Netherlands Elinor Zhang, SEAGE Shanghai Articles signed by the author reflect his/her personal opinion. Page 1: ©iStockphoto.com/szefei Page 12: ©iStockphoto.com/amwu Page 19: ©iStockphoto.com/Richmatts Publishing dates: Three editions for the year 2010

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Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 P r o d u c t s 3 Advanced interface concept: Electronic index for diaphragm gas meters In the future we will be giving regular reports on the features, functions and also possibilities which our new electronic index offers. Changes to paradigms require time, as already mentioned in the Editorial. We have taken this statement to heart and even though the new index will not be ready for serial production until the third quarter of 2010, we would like to make you familiar with the unit in advance. Here, we will go into detail on important topics, such as conformity assessment, calibration, installation and servicing, and offer advanced training measures in this connection as part of our training programme. As you will see, the new index offers great possibilities for facing the requirements of the future. New possibilities create new challenges. These are without doubt, when compared with the conventional mechanical index, the new operating options using menu buttons and dealing with the new menu structures. As a result of recent events, we begin on this key issue with a contribution to the subject of communication. Thanks to an intelligent interface concept in the unit, you can face the future completely serenely ­ even despite controversial discussions about standardizing communication protocols. An interface is like a railway track. The trains that use them may change their shape, colour and features but the track width remains the same, even across borders. That's enough theory. Universal Metering Interface (UMI) ­ investment security thanks to intelligent interface concepts Thanks to modern search engines, it is easy to find the precise scientific definition for a term. The term interface is defined as follows: part of a system which is designed for communication. So, with this we would already have landed on the subject in question: communication. Without communication that is based on absolute and thereby reliable meter readings, there is no smart metering, and without communication, no smart grid. If we consider the complete value chain of a smart remote reading system, we would see communication as the Achilles' heel of the entire system. Too little experience with regard to long-term stability, uncertain performance in mass applications and open questions concerning battery life put a strain on the willingness to make decisions. With the development of a new and innovative electronic index for diaphragm meters, Elster GmbH has also implemented another interface concept which addresses uncertainties relating to communication. This interface concept is known as Universal

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4 P r o d u c t s Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 Metering Interface (UMI), and has been developed by Cambridge Consultants, a high-profile British development company. The aim is to establish UMI as a standard interface. In the meantime, leading companies in the communications sector and the appliance industry have already announced that they will be developing and implementing communication modules in accordance with the open UMI specifications. Members already include AMiHO, AND Technology Research, Cambridge Consultants, CODEL, DIGI, Elster, INSYS, Plogg Wireless Energy Management, Remote Energy Monitoring, Renesas, Simple Solutions UK, SiTel and Telegesis. Moreover, UMI has the flexibility to retrofit new communication technologies at a later date. This may be the case, for example, when standardization activities have been concluded and a mutual agreement has been reached on the communication data objects, such as cumulative volume, time and historical values, can be converted into the required objects pursuant to industrial standards such as DLMS/ COSEM, ANSI, M-Bus or ZigBee Smart Energy. With regard to the development of the new electronic index, strict separation of metrology and communication had the highest priority. Changes to the metrology relevant part of the firmware of a meter during operation are not permitted and would involve a new approval. With UMI, however, changes or a subsequent installation or replacement of communication modules can be made without this influencing the metrological features. Communication and communication protocols are short-lived and will change. This makes the ability to react quickly and update the firmware and hardware all the more important. This also allows for security considerations, which require a firmware or hardware update, e.g., following a hacker attack on network components. The UMI specification is already available and defines the interface completely on a mechanical, electrical and even on a protocol level. Elster rounds off the product portfolio for meters with innovative index technologies with the introduction of the electronic index for diaphragm gas meters and the UMI interface. Elster's Absolute ENCODER index already uses an interface concept that offers the greatest flexibility for current as well as for future communication technologies. The communication modules of the already well-placed Absolute ENCODER, in terms of market success, also offer the possibility of using UMI technology in the future. Other developments from Elster, such as in the field of data loggers and volume correctors, will also take the UMI interface concept into consideration. If you would like to find out more about the Universal Metering Interface (UMI), you can either go to www.CambridgeConsultants.com/umi or simply talk directly to us. Carsten Lorenz carsten.lorenz@elster.com UMI and the UMI logo are trademarks of Cambridge Consultants Limited. The UMI interface concept is by no means limited to use with gas meters, in fact, quite the reverse. A great advantage is the uniform form of the UMI communication modules. They may be universally implemented in measuring instruments for electricity, gas, water and heat meters, as well as in data concentrators, in-home displays and other units. The uniform form also opens up the market for alternative communication technology suppliers, accelerates development, increases product quality by mass production and reduces costs relating to the end product. A certifying body shall ensure that units satisfy the requirements of the UMI standard. standard to be used. This will lower the risk of bad investments and the roll-out of smart metering can begin much earlier, irrespective of the communication standard. UMI communication modules can be designed for long-distance (GPRS, SMS), short-distance wireless (ZigBee, Wireless M-Bus, Z-Wave, Wavenis, Bluetooth, WiFi), cable-based (M-Bus, KNX) and PLC communication. In the UMI module, relevant

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Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 s ta n d a r d s 5 Standardizing smart metering: Fact or fiction? Each of us longs for freedom with all our hearts, but with certain rules to guide us and give us planning security for our actions. This particularly applies for a new and complex topic like "smart metering". Standards offer security for action, quality and investment. The European Commission sees them as an additional means to implement the generally applicable requirements of the Directives according to the state of the latest technology. But how can this happen when the latest technology and the legal provisions are still not clearly defined? This is precisely the case with smart metering. As a rule, standards follow technology and its tested effectiveness. In this instance, however, a lot is still in motion. And the lack of experience means that this question cannot be answered conclusively yet. In the rest of this article, we will give a description of only the most important ongoing standardization activities and give a cautious view of how they could progress. Once the Directive 2006/32/EC on energy end-use efficiency and energy services had been issued, each of the member states had to ensure national implementation. Some countries like Germany have adopted the generally applicable requirements in the Energy Industry Act almost literally (§21b and §40). Other countries, like Italy, issued noticeably more concrete regulations, and others again, like England, demanded more precise specifications from the European Commission. Understandable doubts were cast as to whether each country would issue its own regulations and standards and that free movement of goods in Europe would be hindered as a result. With this, the aim of the recently introduced Measuring Instruments Directive 2004/22/EC (MID) for ensuring a common market without barriers to trade would fail. Fig. 1: Smart metering, European standardization structure Mandate M 441/EN CEN/CENELEC/ETSI Smart Meter Co-ordination Group (SMCG) Ad-hoc group Communication Ad-hoc group Involved Organisations e.g. Additional · Facogaz Functionalities · Marcogaz · Eurogaz · ESMIG CEN TC 294 CEN TC 237 WG5 · Eurelectric CLC TC 13 ... · AQUA ... ... · WELMEC · KNX · TC chairmen ·... On the suggestion of the affected sectors, the European Commission has recognized this danger and has given Mandate M441 to three European standards organizations: CEN, CENELEC and ETSI. The purpose of the mandate is to provide a description of the necessary communication standards, as well as any sensible additional functions for the whole field of smart metering. The European standards that are already available should be identified and any

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6 P r o d u c t s Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 Fig. 2: General responsibilities for the standardization of communication Gas Meter CEN/TC 237 Water Meter CEN/TC 92 Heat Meter CEN/TC 176 Power Systems Mgmt & Associated Info Exchange CLC/SR 57 Power Quality CLC/TC 210 Building Automation CEN/TC 247 Non-Electricity Comms Meters Capability Electricity Meters Home Automation cEn tc 294 clc tc 13 Comms system for meters and remote reading of meters Equipment for electrical energy measurement and load control Home Area Network / Local Area Network Home & Building Electronical Systems (HBES) clc tc 205 smart Metering system M2M Remote Gateway Ets M/441 standardisation area Central Communication System Authorized Parties ­ Data Exchange remaining loopholes should be indicated. For this, the organization shown in Fig. 1 has been created. Delegation of responsibility for the communication standards is illustrated in Fig. 2. Elster is represented in the ad-hoc group "Additional Functionalities" as well as in CEN/TC237 WG 5 (gas meters) and in CEN/TC294. The work of the ad-hoc groups is available as a final draft from the Smart Metering Co-ordination Group (SMCG) and should officially be submitted to the European Commission in the second quarter of 2010. An important statement in this is that all billing-relevant data is subject to metrological control (as is already the case in Germany). The "communication report" and the "working programme" are therefore regulated in a binding manner, whereas the remaining standardization activities will not become mandatory until the final report is released in late 2011. In Germany, thanks to the inter-divisional work by manufacturers in the "Open Metering System" (OMS) working committee, excellent work has been done in preparing for the standardization of M-Bus smart meters. This is now working its way via the CEN/TC294 into a European standard. This means that M-Bus is the first detailed standardized communication technology for smart meters. CEN/TC237 WG5 has taken on the task for the standardization of additional gas meter functions. Essential points are the functions of electronic indexes and the valve integrated in the meter for instance. Various different perspectives across Europe are creating difficulties. The draft should be ready for publication by late 2010. In Germany, the DVGW working committee, entitled "The future of residential gas metering", and the German Federal Network Agency (BNA) are working out how gas meters should satisfy the requirements of the Energy Services Directive. There are currently drafts, but also still a lot of grey areas. Outlook The precise requirements for smart meters remain unclear in most countries. A final statement from the German Federal Network Agency is expected in the second quarter of 2010 at the earliest, which will certainly give several solution approaches. Besides data protection, data security is also an important topic. M-Bus offers a good basis for Germany and the Netherlands. For other countries, other standards will be compiled. A great deal of discussion about the requirements for a shut-off valve in the gas meter is still needed. In this difficult and uncertain field, standards cannot control everything from the word go. The initial version will therefore be imperfect and will be further developed step by step. Under these conditions, the modular product concept, which is offered by both the Absolute ENCODER and the new electronic index, is the right approach. Heinrich Bertke heinrich.bertke@elster.com

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Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 P r o d u c t s 7 Data security in AMR systems: Safety first! On 15 February, the Telegraph published an article entitled "Smart meters in homes could be hacked". At least, that was the conclusion reached by an advisor to the British government. In many countries, data security in smart metering systems has now become a question of national security in the course of introducing smart metering. In this article, links and solution approaches for data protection in these systems will be discussed. A possible smart metering infrastructure is shown in Fig. 1. In this system, it is important to protect the features of confidentiality, integrity and availability, in order to ensure security. The qualities that distinguish a secure system are detailed below. And specific measures need to be implemented in order to achieve these qualities. Fig. 1: Smart metering infrastructure Fernkommunikation Data processing Service tools Local network Smart meter Confidentiality This is the first feature of security. Confidentiality means that information is never conveyed to unauthorized third parties. Everyone expects, for example, that their e-mails are not read by unauthorized persons. These three features are taken into account in a smart metering system with encryption, authentication and authorization measures. Encryption Using an algorithm, encryption transforms the information that is to be protected into a format that third parties cannot read. A current algorithm that may often be found is AES-128. The AES algorithm, for example, is approved in the USA for official documents of the highest secrecy level. with a private and a public code respectively for each agent recommend themselves here. This has the advantage that the private code (which must be kept secret) only needs to be saved in once place. For authorization purposes, appropriate roles need to be defined, for which particular rights are then granted. To give an example, a service engineer performing a battery change on site must activate the authorization for his role on the meter using suitable codes. The same applies for carrying out a firmware update on the installed communication module. In this way, the possibility of a saboteur gaining access and manipulating the meter readings is avoided. It is becoming apparent that purchasing of a smart meter is not the only thing to do. When introducing smart metering, the whole system must always be checked with respect to the security aspects. The meter and the supply industries in particular must work together to reach a high level of security that is geared towards national demands. Guido Temme guido.temme@elster.com Integrity This is the second feature of security. Integrity means that the information is never modified in an unauthorized way. A meter with a shut-down facility must therefore be able to ensure that it is switched off only when a switch-off command is given by an authorized party. Authentication Authentication ensures that agents that want access to the smart metering system are in fact who they are supposed to be. Availability This is the third feature of security. Availability means that a smart metering system always responds to enquiries and commands from authorized parties. A typical hacking scenario is the so-called "denial of service". Here, a system is blocked with so many enquiries that it is no longer able to respond in the required time and, as a result, information needed for network control, for example, is no longer available. Authorization Authorization defines what an agent is allowed to do, once they have been authenticated. Mobile phone networks or online banking systems can be seen as analogies for the smart metering system. Here, it is standard practice to set up socalled "end-toend security". This means that only both agents involved know about codes used and the communication link between them is only used for transferring data. So-called asymmetrical procedures

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8 P r o d u c t s Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 Doubts lead to action ­ smart metering: More than just a smart meter? Politics has set the target: significantly improved energy efficiency and thereby reduced CO2 emissions by 2020. The general conditions for this are laid out in the German Energy Industry Act. These mean great freedom of action but thereby of course also uncertainties. Time and again, talks with energy supply companies show that great freedom of action leads to considerable doubt. The result is minimum solutions which are limited to the installation of an electronic meter in the place of a mechanical meter, even though the technology is available for a comprehensive solution. Politicians from across Europe have set themselves the target that 80% of meters at metering points within the EU should be "smart" by 2020, so that users may handle their energy consumption with greater awareness. Surveys in Europe have shown that, on average, 85% of consumers think this is a good idea. This now begs the question, what does a smart meter, or rather what does smart metrology involve? of procuring a large number of meters, approx. 45 million for the electricity sector alone, at reasonable cost. This action may also be explained by the fact that the political target specifies that the consumer must not be encumbered with additional costs compared with the current range of products and services. The standardization discussion has come up with "electronic residential meters" or meters conformant to the Directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy services (for electricity and gas), which are distinguished by a digital display and the possibility of saving historical data such as the previous day, or the weekly, monthly and yearly cumulative totals. The user can call up this data and note it on site. The question that now presents itself asks whether this really demonstrates the expected progress, compared with the mechanical meters in use today, particularly as the measuring principle is not up for debate. Data such as consumption in kWh or m3 is not informative unless it is compared against reference values and thus converted into information. Presupposing the use of residential meters with electronic index, this means that consumers would have to compile their own statistics in order to receive reliable information for themselves. In addition, they must also acquire reference data from similar or identical consumer environments, in order to make decisions. That means that it is Smart meters and the intended aim Both users and manufacturers of meters have tried in various working committees and consortia to define a standard meter for the aforementioned task. This is a sensible approach, given the requirement Fig. 1: Business case components Geographical information system Connection confirmation Proof of shut-down Forecasting Demand management Load forecast Simulation technology Supply quality System utilization Standardization service and sales Demand management Load forecast Simulation Fault management Failure signal Failure statistics tariffing regulations Tariff structure Tariff assessment Special tariffs readout Readout Intermediate reading TOU billing Planning Load planning Cut-back planning Failure planning regulation management Infrastructure CO2 management tech. field staff (mobile workforce) Proof of servicing Proof of function Payment Turnover increase Simple switch-off invoicing Prepayment Time-related prices Monthly invoice Processing status Order completion Operating/system status system monitoring System safety Load protection Select. load management system management System design Non-current assets Maintenance planning new business sectors Home monitoring Device control Load analysis New turnover Efficiency Source: Capgemini Consulting

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Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 P r o d u c t s 9 Fig. 2: Supply chain Measuring device for any medium LAN/WAN communication GPRS PLC Concentrator Ethernet ComServerJ CRM Data readout system Meter data management system IT infrastructure Wireless/cable M-Bus Wireless/cable M-Bus GPRS Wireless Concentrator Ethernet ComServerJ Billing systems GPRS Wireless/cable M-Bus Ethernet ComServerJ RS485 MUC Wireless/cable GPRS Ethernet ComServerJ Scada system EIServer Call centre not the meter that is smart; the intelligence continues to lie with the consumer and their readiness to compile the relevant information for decision-making through a time-consuming data collection process. That the consumer no longer should nor wishes to pay for this is more than understa ndable. When using an electronic residential meter that does not communicate with a meter data management system that converts data into information, the aim of providing consumption transparency for the customer and bring about awareness and a willingness to improve energy efficiency will fail. driving and their consumption Moreover, using this measurement data, the vehicle settings can be automatically verified and in some cases changed on modern vehicles. The speedometer and the rev counter provide the basic data, smart metrology generates the relevant information for the driver, without them needing to spend time collecting data themselves. This must also be the aim for smart metrology for the energy and water industries. Doubts in the business case According to current statements from policy-makers in the energy industry, the calculation for the investment in smart metrology and the resulting costs almost always leads to a negative business case. This of course raises doubts, which usually rules out a positive follow-up action ­ namely preparing the conditions for smart metrology. If the business case is restricted to metrology operation and the corresponding current service, this assessment is absolutely right. But the business case encompasses a range of components (see Fig. 1), whose positive cost benefit can be settled not just in the metrology sphere. Let us take the monthly downpayments as an example: how much is the energy supply company willing to pay for making a consumption overview available to the customer every month, which shows the customer whether their prepayments are Smart meters vs. smart metrology If one looks at how a vehicle is equipped today, compared with fifty or hundred years ago, we can see that drivers now receive a huge amount of data as standard, data which is made available to them as information ­ current and historical consumption average, distance to empty tank, rpm, the next service, etc. The current speed is also displayed, as was the case a hundred or fifty years ago. This is a compulsory piece of data and if it is not made available, a vehicle is not allowed on public roads. However, the additional data just mentioned contributes to the fact that the majority of today's drivers use this data to optimize their way of sufficient for the period concerned? How much does it cost the company when they are in dispute with their customers about balancing payments? Using a system with a central data recording and evaluation component can bring about huge saving potential and commercial possibilities for the supply company in particular, like simplifying procedures when customers move house or new tariff models, etc. How much is the company prepared to pay the metrology operators (meter operators and service providers)? And how much more is the customer prepared to pay for improved information as a basis for personal energy management? Investigations in the USA have also established positive effects for the network operator, such as a reduction in capital costs by up to 15%. A metrology operator may also partake of this. The business case for infrastructure investments ­ this of course includes smart metering ­ is certainly always complex and therefore harder to establish than for pure rationalization investments. A carefully considered and target-oriented approach is needed. What then often emerges from doubts are future-oriented ideas with new business sectors and services which deliver added value to all the parties involved in the long term.

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10 P r o d u c t s Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 Reliable partner for successful action Elster has been supporting metrology in the energy and water industries for over one hundred years. Elster's enduring success is due, among other things, to the fact that it has adapted to technical necessities and changes in metrology at the right moment and has supplied its customers with modern, high-quality solutions. This is also true for the greatest change in metrology, the introduction of remote meter reading for the mass market. For this, Elster has significantly extended its product portfolio with the integration of EnergyICT, one of the world market leaders in the field of meter data communication and meter data management. Using future-oriented meter technology in the gas, electricity and water sectors with integrated or external data communication, with the highly scalable meter data management system EIServer (Energy Information Server) and with project consultants with international experience in the field of smart metering, Elster now serves the entire supply chain from the meter at the metering point up to the transmission of plausible data to market partners from a single source (Fig. 2). Elster offers this not just as a ready-to install total system solution to its customers, but also in the form of a business process service. The entire IT periphery of the solution is operated by Elster. Depending on the design, with its subsidiary, EnergyICT, Elster not only operates the smart metering system, but also initiates and monitors the processes from the meter data readout through the plausibility check, up to data transmission. Worldwide operating companies are already using EnergyICT's expertise today and let them operate theirdata and business processes. Set us a challenge. We would also be happy to talk to you personally in more detail. Ernst Kiel e.kiel@energyict.com EnergyICT, a member company of the Elster Group Extended product descriptions for diaphragm gas meters: Law and order! The gas industry has nothing to do with the "Wild West", but the demand for law and order is no different. For the new index versions for diaphragm meters, there is an additional naming convention to distinguish them from the previous versions. Not only do our products conform with standards and laws, but also need to be clearly described and characterized as a result of the increasing product variety. New index variants, like the Absolute ENCODER or the electronic index currently being developed, need clear designation so that the products may be correctly identified. Only in this way can straightforward order processing and traceability be guaranteed. There are good reasons for keeping the tried-and-tested diaphragm meter technology (which is based on the volumetric measuring principle) such as long service life and high measurement stability. A BK-G4 will therefore continue to be designated with BK-G4. Now additional letters will be added to this, in order to differentiate between the index variants and for options such as temperature conversion and/or an integrated valve. Index M = mechanical index A = Absolute ENCODER E = electronic index C = CHEKKER Curve-controlled Diaphragm gas meter Meter size Temperature conversion (optional) T = mechanical TC Products on the gas market need a clear sense of order The implementation of the extended designation will take place in April 2010 and will affect all diaphragm gas meters. The illustration shows how you can identify the index plate design. We would also be happy to talk to you about your individual case, so please contact us. Hans Arp hans.arp@elster.com

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Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 d i a l o G u E 11 EWE Oldenburg: The Smart Grid becomes reality EWE AG, with its head office in Oldenburg, is one of the largest energy suppliers in Germany. EWE NETZ GmbH is a member company of the EWE Group, a 100% subsidiary of EWE AG. EWE NETZ operates an extensive electricity and natural gas network in the Ems-Weser-Elbe region, as well as widespread natural gas networks in Brandenburg, Rügen and North Western Pomerania. EWE did not start preparing itself for the Smart Grid challenge just yesterday. Alongside a widely ramified communication network for controlling and monitoring the energy networks, the EWE Group's range of services also covers landline telephone networks, Internet access, IT services, radio networks and fixed line data connections using an appropriate proprietary network infrastructure. an Internet portal and a display, meter data from the electricity and natural gas meter are transferred via an Internet connection to a host computer. It is therefore an important part of the measuring and information infrastructure. EWE is currently testing this innovation in 400 households, in order to optimally adjust the technology to customer requirements and in order to develop a marketable product. the Oldenburgers the envy of many, as they support a low-cost and efficient installation. Where possible, gas meters are connected to the communication module of the electricity meter via a cable-based M-Bus interface. As part of the EWE pilot projects, diaphragm gas meters from Elster with Absolute ENCODER technology are being used. The advantages are obvious: no batteries in the metrology-relevant part of the meter, absolute meter readings, simple installation without additional costs involved in parameter setting and an index, whose service life corresponds to that of the meter. Furthermore, the interface design of the Absolute ENCODER index offers complete flexibility for installation. Different communication modules are at any time interchangeable, e.g. to set up a wireless link at a point where it is not possible to have cable connection to the electricity meter. A further and reassuring factor is that the ENCODER concept is already reliably being used in many projects across Europe. The project team: Holger Gerdes, Holger Waden and Derk Thiems For its pioneering work in the field of intelligent electricity and natural gas meters, in November 2009 the energy supplier from Oldenburg was rewarded by the Deutsche Umwelthilfe (German environmental aid association). With the so-called EWE BOX, where customers can observe their power and gas consumption in real time using In parallel with this, additional pilot projects involving electricity and gas meters are also being carried out, with 3000 electricity and gas smart meters being installed. When selecting the communication technology to be used, the installation situation at the customer's premises plays a large role and must be taken into consideration in the design of the business model. A number of EWE customers have a so-called meter niche, where electricity and gas meters are installed directly next to one another. Such circumstances make To make the Smart Grid vision a reality involves costs and investments, but also innovation and progress. The fruits of these investments will in the future allow every consumer to make their contribution to protecting the environment and smooth out the path for intensive use of renewable energy, as is also a political aim in Germany. Elster GmbH looks forward to being a reliable partner for EWE also for future innovative product solutions. Carsten Lorenz Michael Tiede carsten.lorenz@elster.com michael.tiede@elster.com

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12 P r o d u c t s Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 Flexible and smart-ready! A gas meter for every occasion The chameleon has the particular skill of being able to change its outward appearance. However, this "colour change" is not designed primarily as a means of camouflage, but above all to help it to communicate with its fellows. The new Absolute ENCODER AE2 from Elster is also adaptable and communicative. The new Absolute ENCODER can at any time be equipped with different communication modules and can thus be retrofitted for automated data transfer. We therefore designate a diaphragm meter with an Absolute ENCODER as "smart-ready". Communication can take place, for example, according to the Open Metering System specification (see p. 13). For this solution, the communication module ACM M-BUS WIRE is provided. ACM M-BUS WIRE Diaphragm meter BK-G4 with Absolute ENCODER The communication modules described below are designed for easy and safe installation and reliable operation, and support the long service life of diaphragm gas meters of at least 20 years. The first choice communication solution is cable-based integration in an M-BUS system. A cable still provides the most reliable basis for data transfer and batteryfree operation ensures minimum operating costs. However, cable-based installation at the consumer's premises is not always possible or economical. So, in order to enable a uniform M-BUS structure, the ACM WAVE SYSTEM can also alternatively be used. This system comprising a transmitter and a receiver creates a "wireless bridge" between the gas meter and the higher-level M-BUS unit (e.g. electricity meter or MUC). If the range is insufficient, due to local influences, the wireless link can be extended with so-called repeaters. ACM WAVE TRANSMITTER Optional ACM WAVE REPEATER ACM WAVE RECEIVER

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Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 P r o d u c t s 13 If a wireless solution is preferred for data transfer, Elster offers the communication module ACM M-BUS RF. Wireless transmission takes place, for example, via wireless M-BUS according to the Open Metering System specification. Flexible and ready for communication With his demonstrable colour-changing, the chameleon also expresses its readiness for courtship, using its adaptability to signal its readiness to communicate or to mate. When a communication standard is changed, the Absolute ENCODER AE2 also needs a new "partner". The AE2 interface can also be used for "foreign" communication modules. In this way, it is possible to fit or retrofit a gas meter with Absolute ENCODER with a new communication module even after installation, without impairing the calibration validity. If the Absolute ENCODER is integrated in a data management system, and the consumption data is made available to the end customer in an Internet portal, the consumer is placed in a position where they can understand and control their gas consumption themselves. This concept satisfies the requirements of the EU Directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy services, as well as §21b of the German Energy Industry Act. open Metering system The Open Metering System (OMS) is an inter-divisional, inter-manufacturer, inter-operable open system specification that is valid across Europe. The OMS specification has been submitted to the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) as draft European standard TC294. The OMS specification is available on the internet at www.openmetering.org. In this way, the Absolute ENCODER AE2 is brilliantly suited to fully-fledged smart metering and presents a comparatively efficient and ecological solution for recording and transferring consumption data. Further information about the highlyinteresting, communicative chameleon can be found for example at www.en.wikipedia. org. Everything about Absolute ENCODERS and associated communication modules can be found at www.elster-instromet.com. We would also be happy to talk to you personally. I am looking forward to our communication. Hans Arp hans.arp@elster.com ACM M-BUS RF For connecting units with SCR interfaces such as data loggers or external radio modules, the communication module ACM SCR+ WIRE will be able to be used in the future. + ACM SCR+ WIRE The absolute EncodEr is an index for diaphragm gas meters, which records and displays gas consumption in exactly the same way as a mechanical roller index. The position of the digit rollers is scanned opto-electronically and the absolute mete r reading is transmitted via an interface and standardized communication protocols. The operating energy for the diaphragm meter is derived from the gas pressure. Electrical power is required only for reading the Absolute ENCODER, which is made available by the M-BUS master in the case of cable-based data transfer. The M-BUS master is integrated in an electricity meter or in a data concentrator (e.g. MUC). For this application, no batteries are required.

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14 d i a l o G u E Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 Wien Energie Gasnetz: Smart metering in historical surroundings Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis, was a prominent Austrian doctor, depth psychologist and religious critic. You will now of course ask, quite rightly, what does Freud have to do with smart metering? Admittedly very little, except for the fact that one of Europe's largest smart metering projects in the gas sector happens to be being implemented close to where Freud used to live ­ at Berggasse 19 in Vienna. The project is being carried out by Wien Energie Gasnetz, with the aim of testing technologies, adjusting to the conditions and becoming familiar with the purely practical features. The necessity for such a large pilot project is due not least to the third EU internal energy market package. According to this, by 2020 at least 80% of consumers should be equipped with smart meters, on the basis of economic efficiency assessments. In Austria, the necessary negotiations for this, between the electricity and gas sectors and the regulating body Energie-Control GmbH, were initiated in summer 2009. It is essential that central problems are clarified concerning the required functions, financing and the time scale for introducing the systems. Wien Energie GmbH is the largest Austrian energy service provider and counts among one of the largest companies in Austria. In several of its projects it addresses the subject of smart metering. Already today, Wien Energie Fernwärme boasts a remote reading system for more than 10% of its meters. A smart metering project is now also underway for Wien Energie Stromnetz GmbH. The Wien Energie Gasnetz project involves approx. 7,700 end points that are to be read out remotely. Metering technology and smart index technology from Elster and wireless technology from Diehl/Hydrometer are being used. Wien Energie Gasnetz has opted for the standardized wireless M-Bus technology. With this, a radio communication protocol is sent every eight seconds (M-Bus EN 13757-4 ­ on overall completion, a system pursuant to the standard TC 294 should be used) and enables both "drive by" and "fixed network" installations. The aim in this phase is to obtain information about the wireless performance in relation to the existing building structure. The art in complex projects of this nature lies in being able to simplify as much as possible the functions of the network periphery, the end units, the logistic processes and the applications, and to reduce them to the essentials. In this case, uni-directional communication is preferred, as this has the advantage that the contents of the radio communication protocols can be reduced and the technology of the meter and/or the index is straightforward. If this approach is taken to heart during the planning stage and only the really necessary functions are implemented, this will have a positive effect on the quality of the wireless links as well as the battery life of the units involved. Wien Energie Gasnetz operates around 690,000 gas meters of different sizes in its networks. The great and irrefutable advantage of using diaphragm meters is their robustness, long-term stability and service life. Many gas meters have only just been installed or at most have gone through only their first calibration period. For this reason, the concept also allows for existing diaphragm meters to be retrofitted with the Absolute ENCODER index. The ENCODER indexes are delivered by Elster completely programmed and are exchanged with the standard mechanical index at the Wien Energie Gasnetz testing facility. Now approx. 25,000 additional meters should be fitted with smart index technology in order to be upgraded for remote data transfer. In total, Wien Energie is pursuing the aim of developing a system that takes into consideration the demands for all energy grids and meter systems, and that also enables synergies with regard to information technology and data management systems. It is essential that a system is established which guarantees investment security that will last decades thanks to open standards. Even in Austria there is currently no binding agreement as to how the requirements of the EU Directive 2006/32/EC on energy end-use efficiency should be implemented with regard to smart metering or which standards will prevail. One thing, however, can be said with certainty: current discussions within the European energy industry on concepts for the roll-out of smart meters are just as controversial as discussions surrounding Sigmund Freud's theories and methods continue to be even today. But discussion alone does not make you any smarter ­ only those who begin dealing with smart metering technology early on and test this within their own ambient conditions can ultimately come to the right system decision. Both Wien Energie Gasnetz and Elster are ready to face this challenge. Carsten Lorenz carsten.lorenz@elster.com

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Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 E v E n t s 15 Elster and EnergyICT at E-World 2010 in Essen: Be smart ­ it's all about the right communication! This year, the E-World trade fair took place from 9 to 11 February 2010 in the trade fair centre in Essen. In three exhibition halls everything surrounding the topic of "Smart Metering & Smart Grid" was placed in the foreground. Many well-known energy supply companies and manufacturers were represented here. Naturally, Elster GmbH and its new subsidiary EnergyICT were also present. They made a joint trade fair appearance here for the first time. Both companies presented the complete supply chain for the field of "Smart Metering & Smart Grid". Beginning with the consumption meters, it comprises both network peripherals, such as communication modules and data concentrators, and the complete meter data management (MDM) systems, as well as service & support. A variety of topics and open questions could be explored in many interesting discussions with customers. One thing The modern stand concept was well received It's all about the right communication! Great interest in the Elster solutions became very clear: due to the lack of legal provisions, there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the roll-out of smart metering. And there are still a large number of unanswered technical questions (energy end-use efficiency and energy services). The current situation has also created a range of difficulties in that some suppliers only supply electricity or gas and therefore must reach agreement with other network operators. Thanks to the collaboration with our new colleagues from EnergyICT, we were able to present trade fair visitors with possible end-to-end solutions. In the field of MDMS data management, Elster will shortly be offering a hosting solution. With this, customers have the opportunity to hire appropriate capacities on a server to use as part of a pilot project, so that they may be convinced of the functions and operation. In this respect, Elster is really stepping up to its customers, in order to promote the topic of "Smart Metering & Smart Grid" on the German market and to accelerate the somewhat hesitant implementation of the EU Directives. Effective pilot projects will also make it possible to improve and continue to develop the systems. The current year will certainly be an exciting one for all concerned and will bring a whole host of new things to learn for all of us. We regard this as a challenge which means that we will have to work together to solve the problems that the situation will create. Klaus Landwehr klaus.landwehr@elster.com

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16 G r o u P Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 Teamwork for smart metering: Not walls, but windmills There is an old saying: "when the wind of change blows, there are those who build walls and those who build windmills." In the energy sector in Europe, the winds of change are blowing with a wind strength of about gale force 10. Naturally, it is the manufacturers who are most affected by this change. The days when the order books would be opened up and only the number of meters required would be entered are coming to an end. With the introduction of smart metering, a new and organized form of sales activities, consultancy, support and service is now needed. From a purely technical perspective, measuring instruments are no longer autonomous, but are merely part of a system. It is no longer enough just to know how a meter works and what its error limits are. Communication is the key topic ­ inter-divisional knowledge and interrelations are required here. The Elster Group read these signs early on and created an organization which coordinates activities across the electricity, gas, water and heating divisions. In addition to this, the portfolio is rounded off thanks to strategic acquisitions, EnergyICT for example. The core competencies and tradition of the Elster Group as a manufacturer of meters for gas, water and electricity are now supplemented with progressive communication solutions. In this way, we can offer our customers complete solutions from the meter right through to the meter data management system (MDMS). Together with Elster Integrated Solutions (EIS) we have put together a committed team of engineers and technicians in the Electricity, Gas, Water, Heating and EnergyICT business units, a team which will support our customers to face the challenge that lies before them. So that you can get an image of the specialist team, we would like to take the opportunity here of introducing ourselves as your direct contacts. Your usual contacts will not change, as they undergo ongoing training and will continue to provide you with comprehensive information about new possibilities. Over the next few years, one by one smart meters and network components will make their way into every private home. The new units will first of all be installed as part of small projects, and then as part of larger ones, accompanied by performance and quality tests. Our specialists will accompany and support you throughout the concept and project phase, the bidding process and the project implementation. In this connection, we would like to introduce you to a few colleagues, who are ready to be on hand with advice and help for the forthcoming projects. Thanks to the continuous dialogue with colleagues from Elster Integrated Solutions, Elster is in a position to coordinate even large, complex, inter-divisional projects within the Elster Group and to offer our customers specific, individual solutions. And as for the saying mentioned at the beginning, of one thing you can be sure: our windmills can turn even in winds of gale force 10. You can reach us by telephone on +49 (0)541 1214-129. Carsten Lorenz carsten.lorenz@elster.com Dipl.-Ing. Carsten Lorenz Head of AMR/AMM Systems & Projects New challenges, new possibilities. We have the expertise to be able to offer you detailed advice ­ and not just about the measuring instrument itself. From the idea through the preliminary trials right through to installation, commissioning and ongoing operation. For interdivisional projects you will be accompanied by project teams made up of competent colleagues from the individual divisions as well as from EIS. Dipl.-Ing. Rainer Sesterheim Application & Systems Engineering Team Leader When it comes to handling, installing and operating our new system components, there will be times when you will break into new territory. With an experienced team of engineers and technicians, we are there to support you. We would like to invite you to take advantage of our seminars and our support (hotline). We are also happy to help you with installation and commissioning on site. Tel.: +49 (0)6134 605-123, e-mail: support@elster.com Dipl.-Ing. Hans Arp Diaphragm Meter Product Specialist We are happy to discuss the new and varied possibilities available with our new technologies and communication solutions with you in person. Set us a challenge. Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Landwehr AMR/AMM Systems & Projects Project Manager The completion of smart metering projects is a complex matter. With our experience drawn from international projects, we are a reliable partner for you during the project phase and beyond. Dipl.-Ing. Luis Goncalves, Director Key Account Management, Elster Integrated Solutions Smart metering presents utility companies and suppliers with new challenges. We have prepared ourselves for this, so that we can be a competent partner for our customers. Take advantage of our experience from various smart metering projects, including international projects, and turnkey solutions for gas, electricity, water and heating. You can count on us.

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Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 a P P l i c at i o n s 17 TurbinScope® goes online: Diagnosis of turbine gas meters via the Internet! In parallel with Elster-Instromet's registering the brand of the TurbinScope diagnostic tool, the company also managed to successfully linking the hardware to the Internet. This saves servicing costs and shortens the data transfer chain between the gas station and the Elster-Instromet Competence Centre for meter diagnostics. After initial experience with the TurbinScope in practice, operator friendliness of this diagnostic servicing package for ElsterInstromet turbine gas meters has now been fundamentally enhanced. The modem hardware recently implemented now allows the diagnostic tool to be operated and configured remotely. Transfer of the retrieved data is performed via an Internet link. This upgrade now allows our specialists in Silvolde (the Netherlands) direct access to the system during ongoing operation and permits them to evaluate the meter data sent continuously on an almost realtime basis. The basic requirement for valuable and informative meter or station diagnostics is still the recording of as large a bandwidth of the permitted meter capacity as possible during TurbinScope application. Ideally, this involves subjecting the system to a Qmin to Qmax cycle in order to allow recording of a complete frequency pattern of the meter during measurement (Fig. 1). In addition, the system should allow a spindown of the meter from approx. 50% Qmax through to complete standstill of the turbine wheel (Fig. 2), since this supplies important information on the working condition of the bearings of the turbine gas meter and a forecast of the measurement error at Qmin. Elster-Instromet still differentiates between a low-cost basic analysis A and a convenience analysis B, subject to extra charge, which may also include valuable information on the system, besides recording the working condition of the meter. If, looking back, we consider the TurbinScope applications including the results obtained from them over several Fig. 1 Qmax Flow rate 5% Qmax 1 sec. Qmin time Qmax Fig. 2 0.5 Qmax Shutting down of metering run time Elster-Instromet mainly offers the TurbinScope service for individual single projects, of course if necessary also on a fast-track basis with delivery of the hardware by courier. Equally, this service is conceivable for large-scale projects, e.g. for qualitative recording of the working condition of an existing meter pool of Elster-Instromet turbine gas meters. For this purpose, we are able to offer customers time-limited rental of our TurbinScope. In this case, the customer, of course, decides when, where and how frequently he wishes to diagnose the gas meters. We would be more than willing to discuss with you your individual concerns and ideas so that we may find an optimum solution. Both data evaluation and the corresponding analysis report are managed centrally by our TurbinScope specialists at the Competence Centre in Silvolde. Here, many results and a great deal of experience have been gathered over the past years. This enables a valuable, reliable statement on the working condition of our Elster-Instromet turbine gas meters and, thanks to the Internet, now very fast indeed. Good diagnostics means safe prognostics. You can't offer more service than this! Michel van Wezel michel.vanwezel@elster.com Patrick Keiffer patrick.keiffer@elster.com years, the extra charge for the convenience analysis B has proven very profitable for most customers. Basic analysis A: · Detection of possible deformations of the turbine wheel blades · Detection of possible turbine wheel imbalance · Estimation of the measurement error at Qmin Convenience analysis B: · All error analyses of the basic analysis A · Detection of mechanical bearing damage · Detection of system-related installation effects such as pulsating flow · Determining of the actual flow rate (NMi-recognized)* * Very important in the case of intermittent operation of the system.

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18 P r o d u c t s Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 Software support for AFV sizing: An intelligent sizing tool for the Axial Flow Valve In order to get the most out of our Axial Flow Valve, it requires an intelligent sizing tool. Our highest priority is to equip our customers with the necessary expertise to be able to optimally use the AFV. The current product based on this strategy is the sizing tool now available to the public. This tool can be operated intuitively and allows the user to fully configure an AFV installation. Starting from the design prerequisites, such as gas type and gas temperature, maximum and minimum inlet and outlet pressures and maximum flow capacity, the tool guides the user through the AFV sizing process to complete configuration. With the "Stage Type" selection, the system type is determined, i.e. whether the calculation should be based on a "Single Stage" pressure reduction or on an active/monitor configuration (when the "Monitor" option is selected). In order to set up an active/ monitor configuration, it is most sensible to start by basically sizing a single stage configuration and then converting this into an active/monitor setup using the completely filled out spreadsheet. To illustrate this better, an icon for the selected configuration is displayed next to the selection field. With the help of the sizing tool, all the relevant parameters can be calculated and configured: · Calculating a single stage regulator · Calculating an active/monitor configuration · Inlet and outlet pipe flow velocity · Sizing the AFV · Determining the entire configuration including manifold (inspirator/restrictor) configuration and pilot configuration · Sleeve selection · Noise calculation · Noise reduction with external silencer calculation

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Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 P r o d u c t s 19 The real sizing is an iteration, with which according to the design conditions the valve size of the AFV may be optimized manually, taking into account the partial open capacity. If boundaries are exceeded, the relevant values or selection fields are marked in red with attributed comments. An auxiliary field that can be freely positioned is superimposed on every selection field, which briefly and concisely provides important tips on the respective entry. The manifold block to be used (either the inspirator or the restrictor) can be determined during configuration. The selection is included in the calculation and is taken into consideration when calculating the partial open capacity of the sleeve. The positive effects of this can be seen in particular for slight pressure differentials, for which use of the inspirator block is usually preferred. For pilot configuration, the relevant pilot combinations and the associated adjusting springs are suggested with reference to the outlet pressure and the inlet pressure differential. In addition to the sizing tool, the file includes an instruction manual, information on the control accuracy and selection support for the manifold block type and the general station setup. The sizing tool is based on Microsoft Excel. Further processing of the sizing results is therefore very easy. At the simple click of a button ("Copy Data to Clipboard"), a sizing result can be completely copied to the clipboard, so that it may be pasted onto a separate sheet. Configuration variations can thus easily be placed next to one another, so that the optimum one may be found. Alternatively, a screenshot of the sizing sheet can be printed directly and used for documentation purposes. In the end, the sizing sheet contains all the necessary configuration details and can be used directly for sending us an enquiry. A further advantage of embedding the data in MS Excel is that formulae can also be used in the input cells to be able to convert units directly. Another possibility is linking several spreadsheets, in order to calculate multistage systems. One stage may thus be completely sized in one sheet, and the interstage pressure is linked to a second sheet as an inlet condition. By varying the interstage pressure, the optimum operating point can be found for the respective control stage. Even more possibilities are certainly conceivable! In this way, we can provide our customers with an extremely flexible and versatile tool. We are pleased to be able to offer this new service. If you are interested, please contact Elster GmbH, Mainz-Kastel, or one of your local contacts. Paul Ladage paul.ladage@elster.com Series: Introducing you to a company with tradition and future ­ Elster SEAGE ­ the advancement of Shanghai Elster AMCO Gas Equipment Co. Ltd. SEAGE represents Elster-Instromet in Shanghai, the most progressive and international metropolis in China. Its core business focuses on industrial gas meters. Founded in the year 2000, this young and active company is already celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. During this time, in close collaboration with the Elster Group, SEAGE has turned itself into a key player in the industrial gas metering industry. Technology and products SEAGE is equipped with 2 state-of-the-art test rigs: the ITF2500 for meter sizes of up to DN300 & 2500 m3/h, and a pressure test rig for volume correctors with automatic pressure adjustment of up to 80 bar.

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20 G r o u P Elster-Instromet Profiles 1/2010 They assemble turbine gas meters TRZ2, quantometers, rotary gas meters RVG and volume correctors from the EK200 range for the Chinese market. Each of these units is then subjected to metrological testing on the corresponding test rigs. This year, they expect to add even more products to their existing range. The team SEAGE has 26 employees, who are divided among the production, service, technical support, logistics, order processing, administration and financial departments. The company operates in line with ISO 9001 specifications and is continually improving its processes. Gas meter assembly The SEAGE team Gas meter test room Services Their services include consultancy and customer train-ing, as well as installation and commissioning of all Elster products. Here, repairs are carried out on gas meters, volume correctors and flow computers. In addition to this, the company is an active member of standardization bodies in China, in order to define industrial standards. The aim The aim of the company is to combine the manufacture of high-quality products at a high technical level with good service. With this in mind, they are constantly looking for opportunities to employ new technologies to enhance their product range and improve the services offered to customers in China. Elinor Zhang elinor@shanghaielster-amco.com.cn