A new residential tower in Tbilisi or Batumi may have hundreds of gas connections. Reading those meters by hand, chasing access to apartments and dealing with estimated bills is costly for the distribution company and frustrating for residents. Smart and remote-read gas meters solve this: readings arrive automatically, leaks and tampering trigger alerts, and some meters can shut off gas remotely. This guide explains the options for developers, MEP designers and gas network operators. The gas network operator's technical conditions always take priority over the general notes below.
Types of gas meter
| Type | Principle | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Diaphragm meter (G1.6–G25) | Measuring chambers with flexible diaphragms; standard EN 1359 | Apartments, houses, small commercial |
| Diaphragm meter with pulse/encoder output | Mechanical meter + module for remote reading | Retrofitting existing meters |
| Smart ultrasonic or thermal-mass meter | Electronic measurement, no moving parts, often with a built-in valve | New smart-metering programmes |
| Rotary / turbine meter (G16–G1000+) | Industrial measurement with volume corrector | Boiler houses, industry, district stations |
Sizing by G-rating
The G-number shows the nominal flow in m³/h:
- G1.6–G2.5 – a gas cooker or one small appliance.
- G4 – the typical apartment with a combi boiler and cooker.
- G6 – a large apartment or house with a higher-output boiler.
- G10–G25 – small commercial, restaurants, multiple boilers.
Size from the total connected load and the diversity factor. Don't oversize "to be safe": an oversized meter measures low flows badly.
Remote-reading options
| Technology | Pros | Things to check |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse output + external logger | Cheap, works with existing meters | Separate device, needs wiring |
| GSM/LTE / NB-IoT built-in | Direct to the utility's server, no local infrastructure | Signal in basements and meter rooms |
| LoRaWAN | Long range, long battery life | Needs a gateway network |
| Wireless M-Bus | Common in Europe, low power | Drive-by or fixed receivers |
Basement meter rooms in tall buildings often have weak mobile signal. Test coverage before you choose the technology, or plan external antennas.
Smart features worth specifying
- Built-in shut-off valve: remote disconnection, plus automatic shut-off on abnormal flow or tampering.
- Tamper and magnetic-interference alarms.
- Battery life of 10+ years and data logging for when the network is down.
- Temperature compensation for accurate billing all year round.
Installation notes for developers
- Plan meter locations early: stair-core meter cabinets or façade cabinets, ventilated and accessible.
- Coordinate with the gas operator on approved meter models and the communication standard before ordering.
- Run the PE gas pipe buried to the building and steel risers above ground, with the correct transitions and isolation valves.
What to write in the BOQ
*"Smart diaphragm gas meter G4, EN 1359 / MID approved, with integrated NB-IoT (or operator-approved) communication module, built-in shut-off valve, tamper alarm, 10-year battery; installed in ventilated meter cabinet with upstream isolation valve; model subject to gas operator approval."*
Quick selector
- Apartment block, new build → G4 smart meters with built-in valve and NB-IoT/LoRa, in stair-core cabinets.
- Upgrade of existing meters → pulse-output modules + data concentrators.
- Commercial kitchen → G10–G16 diaphragm or rotary meter with remote logger.
GON's offer
GON supplies gas meters and remote gas-metering systems, together with PE gas pipes and fittings for distribution networks. Our gas experience includes SOCAR gasification projects and the rehabilitation of medium-pressure pipelines in Argveta and Kanda.
Related products: Gas infrastructure · Fittings · Steel pipe fittings
Further reading: PE gas pipe for medium-pressure rehabilitation
Get a project quote
Send the apartment count and the operator's technical conditions to sales@gon.ge, or call +995 595 818 800.
GON supplies drainage, water, gas and road-infrastructure products to contractors, utilities and IFI-funded programmes across Georgia.