Cubic Natural Gas Sensing and Control Solutions

In recent years, as urbanization and industrialization accelerate, natural gas has taken on an increasingly important role in energy structures. However, the widespread adoption of natural gas also lies multiple challenges including hidden safety risks, low management efficiency, and growing pressure to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. On one hand, safety incidents such as gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning continue to occur, posing threats to life and property. On the other, traditional gas metering methods are struggling to meet the accuracy, operational efficiency, and data management requirements of smart city development. Meanwhile, under the guidance of the low carbon emission goals, the energy efficiency and environmental performance of end-use gas appliances have become essential.

In response to these challenges, Cubic, a leading manufacturer of gas sensors and gas analyzers, leveraged decades of expertise in sensing and control technologies and strong R&D capability, to develop comprehensive solutions that span across three critical dimensions of natural gas applications:

l   Gas Safety Monitoring Solutions: Enabling comprehensive monitoring of combustible and toxic gases in residential, commercial and industrial settings, ensuring safe and reliable gas usage.

l   Smart Metering Solutions: Offering a complete product line from core ultrasonic gas meter modules to fully integrated ultrasonic gas meters.

l   Auto Combustion Control Solutions: Providing high-efficiency, low-carbon auto combustion control systems for boilers, maximizing fuel utilization while reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Based on these solutions, Cubic forms an integrated approach to building a safe, smart, and low-carbon solutions for natural gas sector.

1. Gas Safety Monitoring Solutions

Safety is the first and most fundamental requirement for natural gas application. A single leak, if undetected, can lead to catastrophic consequences of explosions, poisoning, or even large-scale industrial accidents. For households, incomplete combustion remains a leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning worldwide, while in industrial environments, the presence of toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide or ammonia poses additional hazards.

To address these risks, Cubic offers a comprehensive portfolio of sensing technologies, ranging from methane detection to electrochemical CO and toxic gas sensors, ensuring all-round protection in both residential and industrial settings.

l   Residential Gas Safety Monitoring

In residential settings, the role of gas monitoring is primarily centered on protecting families from accidental leaks. Homes are typically equipped with natural gas pipelines, LPG cylinders, or other fuel sources for daily energy needs. Despite the convenience, these systems are prone to failures—aging pipelines can corrode, connections can loosen, and appliances such as stoves, heaters, and boilers can malfunction. In poorly ventilated spaces, even minor leaks may quickly reach dangerous concentrations.

Cubic leveraged its mature sensing technologies that enable fast and accurate gas detection, tailored for residential safety. By utilizing TDLAS and NDIR technologies, Cubic self-developed NDIR four-channel CH4 sensor, delivers high sensitivity, rapid response, and excellent resistance to acetic acid and ethanol, making them well-suited for detecting methane leaks in household appliances. Meanwhile，Cubic CO sensor, based on electrochemical technology, ensures reliable detection of low concentrations of carbon monoxide caused by incomplete combustion or poor ventilation. Additionally, Cubic OEM CO detector and CH4 detector, built on advanced sensor platforms, combine fast response and stable performance, making them ideal for integration into smart alarms or home safety networks.

Cubic residential safety monitoring solutions are designed with accessibility and ease of use in mind. Compact detectors installed in kitchens, basements, or near gas appliances can provide continuous surveillance. When concentrations exceed safe thresholds, the device issues alarms both audible and visible, to alert occupants to evacuate or shut off gas supply.

l   Industrial Gas Safety Monitoring

Industrial environments present a more complex landscape for gas monitoring, both in terms of scale and diversity of hazards. In high-risk industrial environments such as oil and gas extraction, coal mining, LNG transportation, and urban underground gas networks, methane leaks pose serious threats to personnel safety and equipment integrity. To address the challenge, Cubic has developed methane safety monitoring solution based on TDLAS and NDIR technologies for different industrial application scenarios.

Cubic TDLAS-based methane sensing solution, is designed for fixed-point online monitoring. Leveraging tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy, Cubic TDLAS methane sensor provides high selectivity, accuracy, and resistance to interference, maintaining stable measurements even in complex background gases and high-humidity conditions. Deployed at critical nodes such as pipelines, regulator and metering stations, valve pits, storage facilities, and LNG terminals, these sensors enable real-time concentration monitoring, rapid leak detection, and trend analysis.

Complementing fixed leakages monitoring, Cubic miniature NDIR methane sensing solution addresses the needs of frontline personnel and mobile inspection scenarios. Based on non-dispersive infrared technology, Cubic miniature NDIR methane sensor with compact, low-power consumption deliver fast response times and accurate detection, making them ideal for battery-powered handheld or wearable devices. During inspections, maintenance, or entry into confined spaces, personnel can receive real-time methane concentration readings and immediate alarms if thresholds are exceeded, ensuring timely risk mitigation.

2. Smart Metering Solutions

Accurate gas measurement is essential for natural gas trade, as it underpins settlement and compliance with national regulations. To ensure reliability, Cubic pioneers ultrasonic technology in gas metering across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

l   Ultrasonic Gas Flow Sensor Module Solution for Residential and Commercial Gas Meters

Leveraging mature ultrasonic technology, Cubic developed residential ultrasonic gas meter module series USM-MN/MP-G1.6/G2.5/G4 and USM-MN/MP-L-G1.6/G2.5/G4 modules, and commercial residential ultrasonic gas meter module series USM-G10/G16/G25/G40.

Cubic residential ultrasonic gas meter module series, USM-MN/MP-G1.6/G2.5/G4 and USM-MN/MP-L-G1.6/G2.5/G4 modules, adopt a specially designed flow channel that enhances measurement accuracy and anti-contamination performance. They support measurement of air, various natural gases, natural gas blended with up to 23% H2, and LPG, with integrated temperature compensation as standard and optional pressure compensation.  Aligned with OIML R137 and EN14236 Class 1.5 standards, it supports large-scale production for residential gas metering applications.

Cubic commercial gas meter modules USM-G10/G16/G25/G40 series are designed based on ultrasonic technology to achieve reliable and accurate flow measurement in commercial gas metering environments, with wide-range models available for G10 and G16 applications and high-capacity models supporting flow rates extending up to G40. The ultrasonic measurement structure provides strong anti-contamination capability, allowing the modules to pass MID contamination tests without the need for an additional dust filter. Integrated temperature and pressure sensors enable synchronous output of operating-condition and standard-condition data. The modules are designed for a long lifespan of over 15 years and also feature low power consumption to support long-term battery operation, no mechanical wear, and maintenance-free performance. Compliant with MID and ATEX certification requirements, Cubic commercial ultrasonic gas meter module series ensures suitability for regulated commercial gas metering environments.

l   Ultrasonic Gas Meter Solutions for Residential, Commercial and Industrial Application

Cubic residential gas meters G1.6/G2.5/G4/G6 use TOF (Time of Flight) ultrasonic technology with class 1 accuracy. Built-in temperature and pressure compensation, along with intelligent algorithms, ensure precise measurement for air, 100% CH4, H1, and various natural gases across full temperature ranges. Compact and lightweight, these meters are easy to install and comply with OIML R137 and EN14236 standards. Meanwhile, the residential gas meter can be linked with Cubic gas leak detector. When a leakage is detected, the gas meter will automatically shut off its built-in valve to cut off the gas supply, effectively preventing further leakage and reducing potential risks such as fire or explosion.

For commercial applications, Cubic offers gas meters ranging from G10 to G65, covering flow rates from 0.06 to 100 m³/h. These meters feature advanced ultrasonic sensing technology that ensures high accuracy even at low flow rates, supported by built-in temperature and pressure sensors for standardized measurement. Compliant with MID EN12405-1:2021 Class 1.5, N14236, OIML R137, and ATEX Zone 1, they meet international certification standards and deliver reliable performance in demanding industrial environments. Designed for durability, the meters resist contamination and corrosion, minimize pressure loss, and are immune to magnetic interference. Optional wireless connectivity (GPRS/NB-IoT) enables seamless integration with data platforms for remote monitoring and management of gas usage, improving operational efficiency and reducing labor costs.

Industrial gas measurement faces challenges from fluctuating temperature, pressure, and dust. Cubic’s industrial ultrasonic meters integrate internal sensors and comply with NX-19 mod standards for precise, standardized readings. Features include wireless communication for remote monitoring, diagnostic alarms, and a robust stainless-steel body with titanium alloy transducers for corrosion resistance and long-term stability. The ultrasonic, no-moving-parts design ensures minimal wear, high noise immunity, and nearly maintenance-free operation.

3.  Auto Combustion Control Solutions

As energy efficiency and carbon reduction gain global focus, condensing boilers are the preferred heating solution due to their high efficiency and low emissions.

Cubic leverages its in-house R&D and manufacturing capabilities to deliver intelligent combustion control systems. By integrating gas sensors with core self-developed boiler components including heat exchangers, gas valves, blowers and controllers, Cubic auto-combustion systems improve energy efficiency, stability, and environmental performance. Unlike conventional systems relying solely on flame ion current, Cubic combines flame ion detection technology, gas composition & calorific value measurement technology, and ultrasonic flow metering technology, which allows dynamic air-fuel control, adapts to variable loads and gas quality, and maintains optimal combustion efficiency.

Cubic’s auto combustion control portfolio, comprising the C210, C220, C320, and C230 Series, offers comprehensive solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern condensing boilers. The C210 Auto-Combustion System integrates a condensing heat exchanger, gas valve, blower, and intelligent controller to achieve precise ±1°C temperature control, up to 108% thermal efficiency, ultra-low NOx and CO emissions (<30 mg/kWh), and an 8:1 modulation ratio, ensuring stable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly operation. Building on C210, the C220 introduces integrated air and gas flow sensors for real-time air-fuel ratio monitoring and automatic adaptation to gas type, pressure, flue configuration, and altitude—requiring no manual tuning. The C320 further enhances combustion precision with a stepper motor-controlled gas valve, delivering more dynamic and responsive regulation of gas flow under varying conditions.

At the top of the range, the C230 combines all C220 features with a high-precision calorific value sensor, enabling intelligent adjustment to the energy content of fuels including 0–30% hydrogen blends. Constructed from 304 stainless steel and supporting multi-boiler parallel control, condensate recovery, and full compatibility with hydrogen and LPG, the C230 provides a durable, future-ready platform for low-carbon, high-efficiency heating. Altogether, Cubic’s intelligent combustion systems not only improve operational performance and reliability but also serve as a key technological foundation for hydrogen transition (H2-ready), carbon emission labeling, and building carbon footprint assessment, ensuring strong adaptability to future energy and policy transformations.

Cubic auto-combustion systems not only enhance performance but also support hydrogen readiness, carbon labeling, and future building carbon assessments. With fully in-house sensors and deep component integration, Cubic provides complete, reliable, and adaptable solutions and empowers manufacturers to achieve high-efficiency, low-emission, and intelligent heating solutions for a cleaner, smarter future.

Partnering for a Safer, Smarter, and Low-Carbon Future

The future of natural gas lies in combining safety, intelligence, and sustainability. As the world transitions toward a low-carbon economy, natural gas will continue to play a vital role, but only if it is managed safely, measured accurately, and burned efficiently.

As a leading manufacturer of gas sensors and gas analyzers, Cubic possesses strong in-house capabilities across the entire development chain, with all key sensor technologies independently developed and manufactured. Building on years of technical expertise, Cubic was recognized as Chinese national-level technical center, and has established a series of advanced laboratories for product performance testing and a postdoctoral research workstation, which serve as important platforms for continuous innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration, further strengthening Cubic’s ability to validate new technologies, accelerate product iteration, and ensure reliability from prototype to mass production.

Cubic three-dimensional solution portfolio, including gas safety monitoring, smart metering solutions, and low carbon thermal engineering solution, provides holistic methods to these challenges. Cubic is committed to supporting its customers through innovation, customization, and long-term collaboration. With continued investment in R&D and a steadfast focus on global sustainability goals, Cubic is helping to accelerate the natural gas applications with the mindset of safe, smart, and low-carbon future.