Configuration of microcomputer-based instrumentation systems measuring mass consumption of fuel gas

The measurement of the mass consumption of fuel gas over a specified period of time is discussed. The various configurations of microcomputer-based instrumentation which may be used for this measurement are reviewed. Relationships expressing the overall measurement error as a function of the accuracies of the sensors used in each configuration are derived. On the basis of these relationships a method is developed for selecting the measurement configuration which presents the best cost-to-performance ratio. The use of this method is demonstrated by an example.