by wfcadmin wfcadmin

Optimizing Natural Gas Operations With Submetering, Data Collection, and Enclosures

Natural gas utilities and industrial facilities operate in demanding environments where accuracy, reliability, and safety are non-negotiable. From measurement and control at the wellhead to monitoring systems downstream, every component plays a role in maintaining performance and protecting assets.

At RELCON, we provide engineered solutions that help facilities measure, monitor, and safeguard their natural gas operations. With over 60 years of experience and partnerships with top manufacturers, we deliver turnkey systems designed to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and support long-term reliability.

Here’s how we support natural gas facilities:

Precision Submetering for Natural Gas

Accurate submetering is essential for utilities, industrial plants, and commercial facilities that need to track energy use and allocate costs. But more than that, it’s the foundation for reliable system management and compliance.

RELCON offers precision natural gas submetering solutions that provide real-time data on flow, pressure, and consumption. By using advanced ultrasonic, turbine, and rotary meters, along with volume correctors and communication assemblies, we help operators capture the exact information they need.

Our submetering solutions integrate seamlessly into facility systems, giving operators confidence in their measurements and enabling better decision-making.

Data Collection and Remote Monitoring

Manual data collection and delayed reporting leave room for errors, blind spots, and costly surprises. That’s why RELCON delivers automated data collection systems with real-time monitoring, alert handling, and analytics.

The benefits are clear:

  • Continuous monitoring reduces downtime by identifying issues before they escalate.
  • Smart alerts enable rapid response, improving safety and compliance.
  • Historical analytics support predictive maintenance and long-term planning.

With RELCON’s data collection services, utilities and industrial users move from reactive management to data-driven decision-making.

Enclosures That Protect Critical Instruments

Even the best instrumentation is only as reliable as its operating environment. Exposure to harsh weather, temperature extremes, or chemical vapors can compromise accuracy and shorten equipment life.

To prevent failures, RELCON engineers and supplies fiberglass composite shelters and climate-controlled enclosures that safeguard regulators, RTUs, gas quality analyzers, and communication equipment. These shelters are designed to withstand tough conditions, provide easy access for technicians, and ensure critical instruments deliver reliable performance year-round.

Enclosures aren’t just about protection, they’re an investment in operational continuity. By housing sensitive systems in controlled environments, our clients reduce downtime, improve measurement accuracy, and extend the lifespan of their equipment.

Why Partner With RELCON?

  • Vertical Integration – Unlike many providers, RELCON offers a totally vertical process. We don’t just sell products—we engineer, source, integrate, and support the complete system. This ensures smoother implementation, reduced vendor coordination, and consistent quality across every project.
  • Decades of Expertise – With over 100 years of combined team experience, we understand the challenges natural gas facilities face and how to solve them.
  • Turnkey Capabilities – From system design and integration to installation and ongoing support, we handle every step with accountability.
  • Trusted Solutions – We represent top manufacturers with proven technologies, approved for utility use and applied with expertise to real-world conditions.
  • Reliability and Service – Our family-owned values mean we stand behind every solution and maintain long-term relationships built on trust.

Final Thoughts

The natural gas industry depends on accuracy, reliability, and protection at every stage of operation. With RELCON’s expertise in submetering, data collection, and enclosures, you gain the tools and support needed to optimize performance, reduce risk, and protect your investment.

Ready to strengthen your natural gas operations? Contact RELCON today to discuss your facility’s needs or schedule a system assessment.

by wfcadmin wfcadmin

Top Questions About Heat Tracing Systems Answered

Whether you’re planning a new installation or maintaining an existing setup, heat tracing systems can raise a lot of questions. From cable types to energy efficiency, facility managers and engineers want systems they can rely on—especially when cold weather threatens operations.

At RELCON, we’ve supported industrial, commercial, and utility clients across the Midwest for over 60 years. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear to help you make informed decisions about your heat tracing system.

Q: What is a heat tracing system, and why do I need one?

A: A heat tracing system uses electrical cables to apply controlled heat to pipes, tanks, instruments, or other surfaces. The goal is to prevent freezing, maintain specific temperatures, or ensure smooth flow in process lines.

You need one if your facility includes:

  • Outdoor piping exposed to freezing temperatures
  • Process lines requiring temperature maintenance
  • Sensitive instruments or valves that could fail in the cold

Without heat tracing, facilities risk burst pipes, product loss, instrumentation failure, and unplanned shutdowns.

Q: What types of heat tracing cables are available?

A: The three most common cable types are:

  • Self-regulating cable – Adjusts output based on surface temperature. Energy-efficient and safe for overlapping.
  • Constant wattage cable – Delivers consistent power per foot. Good for uniform heating across long runs.
  • Mineral-insulated (MI) cable – Withstands high temperatures and harsh environments. Best for hazardous or critical areas.

Each type serves different purposes, and the right solution often involves a mix depending on the application and environment.

Q: How do I know which cable type is right for my application?

A: It depends on several factors, including:

  • Temperature requirements
  • Pipe length and diameter
  • Environmental exposure (e.g., moisture, chemicals, mechanical impact)
  • Whether the application is indoors, outdoors, or in a hazardous location

An experienced heat trace partner can walk you through a selection process that takes into account both technical specs and real-world conditions.

Q: Do I need a control system, or can I just power the cables directly?

A: Technically, you can power some heat trace cables directly, but we don’t recommend it—especially for commercial or industrial setups. A properly designed control system will:

  • Maintain consistent temperatures
  • Improve energy efficiency
  • Extend cable lifespan
  • Alert you to faults or failures

Control options range from simple thermostats to smart, networked panels with remote monitoring. It’s worth the investment if you’re looking for long-term performance and peace of mind.

Q: How energy-efficient are heat tracing systems?

A: Modern systems—especially those using self-regulating cable and advanced controls—are very efficient. They apply only the heat that’s needed and can scale output based on environmental conditions.

Efficiency also depends on insulation quality, system design, and regular maintenance. A poorly insulated pipe or a damaged cable can waste energy quickly. That’s why audits and periodic checks are key.

Q: How often should heat tracing systems be inspected?

A: We recommend inspecting your heat trace system at least once a year, ideally in the fall—before freezing temperatures set in.

A standard inspection includes:

  • Visual checks for damage or wear
  • Continuity and insulation resistance testing
  • Control panel and thermostat verification
  • Labeling and documentation updates

At RELCON, we offer comprehensive system audits and troubleshooting to help catch issues before they become costly failures.

Q: What does installation typically involve?

A: Installation depends on the size and complexity of the system, but generally includes:

  • Cable routing and attachment (along pipes, tanks, or instruments)
  • Insulation and weatherproofing
  • Control panel setup
  • System testing and commissioning

We provide turnkey installations, which means we handle everything—from design and material sourcing to final startup—so you don’t have to coordinate multiple vendors.

Q: Can I retrofit heat tracing on existing infrastructure?

A: Absolutely. Many of the systems we install are retrofits. Whether you’re upgrading outdated cable or adding freeze protection to an older facility, most structures can be adapted with heat tracing—though it may require creative routing or insulation modifications.

Q: What industries benefit most from heat tracing?

A: While almost any facility with exposed piping can benefit, we commonly serve:

  • Power generation
  • Food and beverage
  • Petrochemical and refining
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Water and wastewater
  • Natural gas utilities
  • Cold storage and distribution
  • Commerical & Industrial Facilities
  • Facility Utilities
    • HVAC
    • Plumbing
    • Fire Prevention

If your process involves fluids, gases, or instrumentation exposed to the elements, heat tracing is likely a smart investment.

Final Thoughts

Heat tracing systems can seem complex—but with the right guidance, they don’t have to be. Whether you’re designing from scratch, updating a legacy system, or troubleshooting a specific issue, our team is here to help you make confident, informed decisions.

Have a question that didn’t make the list? Reach out to our team or schedule a consultation. We’d be happy to talk through your project and help you find the best solution.

by wfcadmin wfcadmin

Get Platinum-Level Honeywell Process Solutions Experts on Your Side

Our certified team is now even more prepared to help you.

Relcon is pleased to announce that we have been awarded Platinum-level status as a Channel Partner for Honeywell HPS. 

Only 10% of Honeywell Channel Partners globally achieve Platinum Distributor status in a given year based on delivering top performance and broad capabilities of our Honeywell gas product portfolio.

We proudly supply our customers many of the exciting technologies from Honeywell HPS, including brands such as Mercury Instruments, Elster / American Meter Company, and Elster / Instromet. This certification designates Relcon as experts on the implementation of technologies across all of these product lines, and we are ready to rise to the challenge of being your go-to resource for gas measurement, gas quality, and pressure control needs.

Why Honeywell Process Solutions?

In addition to being one of the most trusted names in industrial solutions, we admire Honeywell Process Solutions for their commitment to safe, innovative technology, as well as their expansive collection of training and resources surrounding the technologies they distribute. Relcon is honored to be a conduit for sharing that information with you, and we can give you insight on how HPS products can assist & improve your gas system operations.  

Honeywell Process Solutions in Action

“With the help of Relcon’s experienced staff and value-added service we were able to deploy the field equipment necessary to monitor the status of our natural gas system.  The project had a very tight window to deploy. Relcon’s ability to preconfigure and functionally test all the equipment before shipping helped us ensure a fast ramp up and smooth installation by our field techs.” 

-Midwest Utility Customer   

Improve your operational efficiency with Relcon.

For over 55 years, we have developed relationships with our valued customers that have grown us into a world-class, value-added solutions provider. Clients across several industries see meaningful and impactful improvement when working with Relcon. This includes clients working in industrial, commercial, and natural gas settings. Reach out to see why our clients consider Relcon a vital part of their operations.